the total number of Z15 options sold (8,773), you can see there were 4,298 LS5-powered Malibus and actually fewer LS5 Malibus than LS6 Malibus in 1970. The number of LS5 engines sold in Malibus does not include the 3,823 LS5 engines sold with the Monte Carlo SS option; those are separate.
The cowl-induction hood, RPO ZL2, is one of the very few options one could only order with one of the two SS options. While the RPO LS3 402-ci Mark IV big-block was available in all non-SS Malibus in 1970, the ZL2 hood package was exclusive to an SS-optioned Malibu; no LS3-powered 1970 Malibu could order the ZL2 hood package. It is believed the 4.10:1 gear ratio was only available with the LS6 engine option as well because no other engine package has been found with a documented 4.10:1 gear set to date.
Any exterior paint color and any interior color were available with any Chevelle within restrictions imposed by Chevrolet, such as a green interior could not be in a red or blue Chevelle. Since both SS options could only be ordered with a Malibu sport coupe, convertible, or El Camino, any interior seat/material available for a non-SS-optioned Malibu was also possible with the two SS options. No special colors or interiors were reserved for the two SS options.
RPO D88 stripes were optional on non-SS-optioned Malibu sport coupes, convertibles, and El Caminos as well as optional on both SS options when the ZL2 option was not ordered. D88 stripes were part of the RPO ZL2 package, along with hood pins, but could be deleted on request. In this case, the term “stripe delete” would be appropriate, and the stripe deletion required approval from the F&SO office. On an SS-optioned Malibu without the ZL2 option, stripe delete is no more appropriate than radio delete, positraction delete, etc. If someone did not order an option, it cannot be considered a “delete” item.
Aside from the engine size, the two SS options (RPO Z25 and RPO Z15) were pretty much the same as far as standard equipment went. Both came standard with front power disc brakes and F41 suspension, except El Caminos. While the Z25 SS396 option could be ordered with the wide-ratio Muncie M20, close-ratio Muncie M21 4-speed transmission, or the M40 Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission, the Z15 SS454 option required either the heavy-duty close-ratio M22 4-speed transmission or a heavy-duty M40 Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission. The Z15 did come with a stronger rear end than its Z25 counterpart.
Both SS options came standard with a black dash carrier assembly, black steering column, and black steering wheel with a centered SS emblem. A Cushion Rim steering wheel was optional under RPO NK1, and this optional steering wheel could be ordered with or without one of the two SS options. The basic SS dash carrier gave the owner three large, round gauge pods with fuel gauge, speedometer, and a blank along with three small gauge pods for warning lamps for generator, water temperature, and oil pressure.
RPO U14 Instrument Panel Gauges was optional, even on SS-optioned Malibus. The U14 option included an ammeter, water temperature gauge, tachometer, and electric clock. The tachometer replaced the fuel-level gauge in the large left-most pod, the speedometer/odometer remained in the large center-most pod, and the clock replaced the blank in the large right-most pod. An ammeter gauge was installed in the small left-most pod above the headlamp switch, replacing the generator warning lamp; a water temperature gauge was installed in the small, upper right-most pod, replacing the water temperature warning lamp; and the fuel-level gauge was moved to the small, lower-most pod, replacing the oil pressure warning lamp. For some unknown reason, 1970 would see the end of an oil pressure gauge. The oil pressure warning lamp was retained but moved to the bottom of the tachometer face.
1971 and 1972 SS Features
The 1971 and 1972 model years saw a change in Chevrolet’s approach to the youth market. Whether due to rising insurance costs or federal EPA regulations, or maybe both, the 1971 and 1972 model years saw the SS become more of a styling and handling package than a performance one. The two 1970 SS options were cut to one option, RPO Z15, and any optional V-8 with any optional transmission (except the 2-speed Powerglide) could be ordered with the SS Equipment package. The two optional 350-ci engines (RPO L65 and RPO L48) with a manual 3- or 4-speed transmission or 3-speed automatic TH350 transmission were available with the SS package. The RPO L34 396-ci engine was dropped in 1971, and the 402-ci LS3 (first introduced in 1970) could be ordered with a manual 3- or 4-speed or 3-speed automatic TH400 transmission. All three of these engines could be ordered with the SS option, but they could also be ordered without the SS option. Only the RPO LS5 454-ci engine required the SS option in both years. The LS5 could only be ordered with the heavy-duty Muncie M22 4-speed manual transmission or heavy-duty TH400 automatic transmission.
A bench seat was still standard for 1971 and 1972 Chevelles, even when optioned with the SS-option package. The Malibu sport coupe bench seat is a combination cloth and vinyl with an all-vinyl seat optional for an additional $19. Both the Malibu-series convertible and El Camino came standard with an all-vinyl bench seat. Bucket seats and/or console were optional-cost items.
Since the availability of the two 350-ci V-8s and the LS3 was such that neither required the SS package, without documentation showing one of those engines along with RPO Z15, it is difficult to verify a Malibu sport coupe, convertible, or El Camino with one of these three engines as SS optioned.
Many of the same features applied to the 1971 and 1972 model year SS with a few differences. All SS-optioned Malibus came with the same domed hood as 1970, but hood pins were now standard on all SS hoods. The ZL2 option was reserved for the LS3 and LS5 only and added RPO D88 sport stripes just as 1970 did. D88 sport stripes could still be ordered on any Malibu sport coupe, convertible, or El Camino whether SS optioned or not. The D88 option is listed at $79 for 1971 and $81.10 for 1972. As was the case in 1970, some exterior paint colors were restricted to the color of stripe that could be ordered.
As in 1970, all SS-optioned Malibus came with a round-pod instrument panel with U14 Instrument Panel Gauges still an option. The 1971 and 1972 grilles received the typical SS black-out treatment appropriate for the year along with a centered SS emblem. Gone was the black rear bumper pad of 1970 in favor of an SS emblem on the rear bumper, which meant rear bumper guards could be ordered on any 1971 or 1972 SS-optioned Malibu sport coupe or convertible where they could not be ordered on an SS-optioned 1970 Malibu sport coupe or convertible. All 1971 and 1972 SS-optioned Malibu sport coupes and convertibles received an “SS” emblem on the front fenders, but only the LS5 454 received engine size numbering. El Caminos retained their El Camino script on the front fenders and SS emblems on the tailgate with only the 454-ci engine option getting the engine size badge as well.
Added to the SS option in 1971 and 1972 was a remote control driver-side mirror (an option in 1970). Changed were the wheel and tire sizes: 1971 and 1972 SS-optioned Malibus were shod with 15×7 wheels and F60×15 tires.
As with 1970, any exterior paint color or interior material/seat type available in any Malibu was fair game for the SS-optioned ones as well.
Choosing a Good Candidate
As noted earlier, all things being equal, it will take as much time and effort into restoring a 1970 SS396-optioned Malibu as it will an SS454-optioned Malibu or any 1971 or 1972 SS-optioned Malibu. Given you have the correct engine and driveline components, the bodywork, chassis work, interior work, etc. will be the same, so be sure you have either the skills and knowledge to restore your Chevelle yourself or expect to pay about the same for a premium restoration regardless of which Chevelle you start with. Depending on the condition of the Chevelle you start with, ensure your expectations are within your budget.
If you are looking for a six-figure Chevelle when you are finished, expect to invest at least a five-figure price to get it done. Of course, the more work you can do yourself the less the overall costs are going to be.
CHAPTER 1
ACQUISITION
