1971-1972 SS
For 1971 and 1972 the single SS option, RPO Z15, was more of a handling and dress-up option than a performance option. Chevrolet documentation shows the SS option could be ordered with any Malibu sport coupe, convertible, or El Camino with any optional engine with any optional transmission. This paved the way for both the L65 350cid 2-bbl engine and L48 350cid 4-bbl engine as well as the LS3 and LS5 Mark IV engine could be ordered with the SS Equipment option. Unlike previous years, SS optioned Chevelle engines did not receive any bright work on the air cleaner assembly nor rocker arm covers, not even the 402 or 454.
Bear in mind, however, both 350cid engines and the LS3 engine could also be ordered without having to order the SS option. Only the LS5 engine mandated the SS option. So documenting a true SS350 or SS402 requires more than a 'matching number' engine (where the partial VIN is stamped on the engine block) or even the warranty card Protect-O-Plate showing the Chevelle's VIN and engine code. Any valid documentation for one of these three would require paperwork showing the Chevelle's VIN AND the Z15 SS option such as a legitimate window sticker, car shipper, dealer invoice from GM, or a legitimate build sheet. For the SS optioned Chevelle with a matching numbers 454 engine in 1971, along with any other paperwork showing the engine option would be valid.
All SS optioned Malibus now came standard with power front disc brakes, F41 suspensions (except El Caminos), a domed hood with hood pins, and F60x15 tires and 15-inch SS wheels. The ZL2 Cowl Induction hood was still an option but only with the LS3 and LS5 engines, neither 350 engine could order the ZL2 Cowl Induction hood option.
All 1971/1972 SS optioned Chevelles were equipped with the 3-round gauge pod instrument panels, black steering columns and black SS steering wheels. The 1971/1972 Malibus could order a Sport Steering Wheel under RPO NK4.
The 1971 and 1972 standard SS steering wheel had the letters "SS" centered on the center horizontal horn bar. The early (prior to about January 1, 1972) dash did not have the seat belt warning lamp to the left of the cigarette lighter. The 1971 SS dash knobs have international symbols for lights, lighter, and radio, non SS dash knobs to not. For 1972 all Chevelles have knobs with international symbols. Early 1972 dashes (SS or not) did not have a seat belt warning lamp, some have the lamp face but no illumination lamp.
The NK4 sport steering wheel shown here on a 1972 SS dash with U14 Special Instrumentation. The Special Instrumentation was optional with any Malibu sport coupe, convertible, or El Camino. The base SS dash will have the same 3-round pod dash but will only have the fuel gauge and speedometer. The NK4 sport steering wheel DOD NOT have the letters 'SS" when ordered with the SS option.
As in previous years (1966 and later), V8 Malibu sport coupes, convertibles, and El Caminos could also order RPO U14 Special Instrumentation. This example is a 1971 Malibu sport coupe. Note the various knobs do not have the international symbols indicating it is NOT an SS optioned Malibu. This Malibu also ordered the NK4 sport steering wheel.
The 1972 model year saw a change in the way Chevrolet coded their
VIN; the specific engine type was part of the VIN itself by a letter
in the fifth character position.
D - 250cid i6 engine
F - 307 V8 engine
H - 350cid 2-bbl L65 engine
J - 350cid 4-bbl L48 engine
U - 402cid 4-bbl LS3 engine
W - 454cid 4-bbl LS5 engine
The same SS rules applied for 1972, any optional engine with any optional transmission could be ordered with the SS option. For 1972 at least the original engine could be determined by the letter code in the VIN and matching partial VIN on the engine block. But, like 1971 both 350cid engines and the LS3 engine could be ordered with or without the SS option and only the 454 engine required the SS option.
Although the GM VIN format changed for 1972, Fisher Body continued to use the same format for the style number they have been using since 1965. Meaning a V8 Malibu sport coupe will have a VIN of 1D37x (where 'x' is the engine size/type) but the Fisher Body style number remains 13637.
The 1971 and 1972 SS optioned Chevelle wheels were a new, 5-spoke "Trans Am" style borrowed from the Camaro with one major difference. The valve stem hole on the Chevelle is oval shaped (left image) where the Camaro is round (right image).
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1970 Chevelle SS396/SS454 Build Sheet Decode Program 1964-1972 Ship Manuals & Parts Catalog 1953-1972 Chevrolet Production Numbers |
