Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My 1971 Monte Carlo has the original LS3 engine as
documented by my warranty Protect-O-Plate card. Does that mean it's
a Monte Carlo SS?
A: Sadly, no. All 1970 and 1971 Monte
Carlos ordered with RPO Z20 have the LS5 454 engine.
Q: Didn't all SS optioned Monte Carlos have gauges and a tachometer?
A: No. The Instrument Panel Gauges, or Special Instrumentation, sold
under RPO U14 was always an option regardless of year. The gauge
pods for fuel, speedometer, and clock were standard equipment but water, amp, and tachometer were extra.
Only the Monte Carlo had the burl wood overlay appliqué and
all have the round pod dash layout.
1970 Monte Carlo standard dash
1970 Monte Carlo with RPO U14 Special Instrumentation
Fact: Some early 1970 SS optioned Monte Carlos with RPO U14 were equipped with a 5000 RPM redline tachometer with the LS5 engine. These were most likely slated for engineering testing. I have one build sheet from Baltimore dated 10-23 with tachometer broadcast code of 938 and one build sheet from Van Nuys dated 09-16 with the same tachometer broadcast code. All later SS optioned 1970 Monte Carlos with RPO U14 are coded for the more 'correct' 985 tachometer with the redline at 5500 RPM.
Q: My 1972 Monte Carlo has the original LS5 engine as
documented by my warranty Protect-O-Plate card. Does that mean it's
a Monte Carlo SS?
A: Sadly, no. The Monte Carlo SS
option (RPO Z20) was dropped for the 1972 model year. Instead, a
"Custom" option that included items such as:
D35 - Left-Hand
Remote Control Sport Mirror
B85 - Belt Molding
C01 - Sail
Panel Emblem
P02 - 15x7 Custom Spoke Wheel Covers
NK2 - Custom
Steering Wheel
ZJ9 - Auxiliary Lighting (ashtray, floor, mirror,
luggage, and underhood)
ZK1 - Body Insulation Package
Sport
Suspension with front and rear stabilizers
G70x15 Tires
Special Acoustical Package
All of these convenience items
were coded with RPO Z03 on build sheets but GM has no known figures
of how many were sold.
