This is part of my other post from the "What it's Worth" side - 72 Match #'s SS...

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156847

but I think it now belongs here.

I received a copy (pic) of the buildsheet and noticed it had an RPO Z?? SS400 Group. I am assuming this is the typical SS RPO package/designator, but it's the first time I have seen it named as such compared to the other more common ZL3, Z15, etc... Did a search, can't seem to find any other posts.

So why such an odd RPO?

In 71-72 the 402 motor (LS3) was referred to as a "400". In 70 it was still the 396. enough to confuse ya?

I think your reffering to the Z15 SS 400 group?

I still call it a 396 though.

the Z15 Group is SS454 equipment. I've never seen SS400 anywhere before. Can you post a pic of the buildsheet? There were 3 different 396/402 engines in 1970, not sure about 71-72 though.

the Z15 Group is SS454 equipment. I've never seen SS400 anywhere before. Can you post a pic of the buildsheet? There were 3 different 396/402 engines in 1970, not sure about 71-72 though.


Click on my sig and you'll see a copy under the "Misc. Velle" album. Also, I found one under the good old Chevelle Stuff website. Look under 72 and Baltimore Buildsheets.

the Z15 Group is SS454 equipment. I've never seen SS400 anywhere before. Can you post a pic of the buildsheet? There were 3 different 396/402 engines in 1970, not sure about 71-72 though.
Your correct for 1970, but in 71&72 ths Z15 package was for ANY SS group...be it a 350,402 or 454.

Click on my sig and you'll see a copy under the "Misc. Velle" album. Also, I found one under the good old Chevelle Stuff website. Look under 72 and Baltimore Buildsheets.
You probably saw mine there too. SS454

Interesting build sheet.

Here is my theory:

The "SS400 Group" is a 1972 Baltimore plant thing denoting the combination of the SS package with the LS3 402 ("400"). Other items in this "group" may have been the ZL2 cowl induction. Chevrolet sold a lot of Cowl Induction (CI) options in 1970. In 1971, the number declined dramatically, mostly because CI was then only available with the 454. In 1972, they probably had a lot of excess CI parts that they wanted to move and were looking for ways to disperse them. So Chevrolet made CI available with the 402 and 454 in 1972. This "SS400" option group may have been a way to move excess inventory of certain parts.

Thanks guys...it makes sense. I just had never seen the "SS Group" terminology compared to the typical SS 396, SS 454, etc... RPO tag.

So if I have this straight. The Z15 option will show an SS then the perticular engines size then?

Looks like Lefever Chevy in Dillsburg,they're still there I belive.You might call them and see if they still have any info on your car.

So if I have this straight. The Z15 option will show an SS then the perticular engines size then?
seems that way for 71-72

DougA....I also did a search and it appears Lefever is still in business...I might try them.....ps....beuatiful LS-5!

Chris...a bit of info per the resident guru Dale on 70's:

Zl3 Conversion ?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's the regular production option code that told the body shop and the trim shop the car was to have the SS396 conversion done, i.e., external trim, bumper pad, badging, interior trim, etc. RPO code Z25 is the code for the 'Basic SS 396 Sport Package' but only KC put that code on the build sheet; ZL3 is the SS396 conversion code and Z15 is the code for the SS454 PKG. Only the Kansas City SS396 cars got both the ZL3 and Z25 codes, all other plants only used the ZL3 code for the SS396. The SS454 only got the Z15 code on the sheet.

On the 1970 396 cars I have build sheets on:

Arlington ~ ZL3 SS 396 CONV
Atlanta ~ ZL3 SS 396 CONVERSN
Baltimore ~ ZL3 SS396 CONVERS
Kansas City ~ ZL3 SS CONV plus Z25 SS 396 PKG
Van Nuys ~ ZL3 SS 396 CONVERSN

In 71-72 the 402 motor (LS3) was referred to as a "400". In 70 it was still the 396. enough to confuse ya?

Yup, and that's not to be confused with the 400 small block....:noway:

the build sheet listed has the following listed;
AK1
A01
A51
B22
B37
*CAN'T READ (Door Guards)
D34
D35
D88
F41
K19
LS3
M20
N40
PM7
U14
U35
U76
YF8
ZL2
Z?5