Trivia
The "other" 400 engine
The Turbo-Jet 400 engine (actually 402 a cubic inch Mark IV) made its way into the vernacular in 1970. Also introduced in 1970 was the 400 cubic inch Turbo-Fire small-block engine. The Turbo-Fire 400 (RPO LF6) was only available in full size Chevrolets and the Monte Carlo and was never available in the "normal" Chevelle lineup. Although both engines were typically referred to as a "400," the Turbo-Jet actually displaced 402 cubic inches and the Turbo-Fire displaced 400 cubic inches. Needless to say this caused some confusion at the time as many people didn't understand the Turbo-Jet (all Mark IV big-block engines) and the Turbo-Fire (all small-block engines) so many publications referred to them as a 400-4 and a 400-2 for the Turbo-Jet and Turbo-Fire engines respectively since the Turbo-Jet 400 came with a 4-barrel carburetor and the Turbo-Fire 400 came with a 2-barrel carburetor. The LF6 Turbo-Fire 400 was only available in the Monte Carlo in 1970; for 1971 and 1972 the LS3 Turbo-Jet 400 was the only "400" engine available throughout the remainder Chevelle series.
To SS or not to SS?
Monte Carlo only offered an SS454 option (RPO Z20) in 1970 and 1971. In 1970 there were 3,823 Monte Carlos so ordered and 1971 saw that drop to 1,919. The Monte Carlo SS was dropped for 1972 in favor of RPO Z03 Custom Equipment.
For 1970 the Monte Carlo SS option was only available when Turbo-Hydra-Matic transmission and HD battery was ordered. The option included the 360 hp LS5 454 cid engine, Superlift automatic level control rear shocks, dual exhaust, G70x15/B white stripe tires, 15x7 wheels and 454 emblems on body sill molding. The option carried a MSRP of $420.25 for 1970.
1970 SS454 emblem on rocker molding
Superlift automatic level control air pump assembly.
The Monte Carlo SS454 for 1971 included RPO ZJ7 rally wheels and blacked out rear panel with SS emblems. Basically unchanged from the 1970 Monte Carlo SS454 options and requirements with the exception of the rally wheels. The option carried a MSRP of $484.50 for 1971.
1971 Monte Carlo SS454 rear panel with SS emblem.
1972 RPO Z03 Custom
This option included a group of convenience and appearance options grouped together under one RPO code. Sadly no records are known to exist of how many RPO Z03 options were sold but the option is noted on build sheets and it is known the cost was $224.35 per the Monte Carlo "Options And Accessories When Installed by Chevrolet" price sheet dated December 1, 1971.
This option included:
* D35 Left-hand remote control sport mirror
* B85 Belt molding
* C01 Sail panel emblem
* G70x15 blackwall
tires
* NK2 Steering wheel with "Chevrolet" script or the
4-spoke sport wheel when tilt column was ordered
* P02 custom 15x7-inch
custom wheel covers
* ZJ9 Auxiliary lighting group
* ZK1 Body
insulation
* Special acoustic package
* Sport suspension with
thicker sway bars and boxed rear lower control arms
Z03 Monte Carlo Custom option on 1972 build sheet
CUSTOM emblem on roofline
