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1972 Specs

More About the 1972 Corvette
1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3 in Pewter Silver

1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3 in Pewter Silver

Close1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3 in Pewter Silver

Body Specs

Wheelbase:    98.00 inches
Overhang (Front):    40.6 inches
Overhang (Rear):    43.9 inches
Front Track:    58.7 inches
Rear Track:    59.4 inches
Length:    182.5 inches
Front Fender Overall Width:    69.0 inches
Rear Fender Overall Width:    68.8 inches
Ground Clearance
(Exhaust System to Ground): 		  4.8 inches (Coupe)
  4.5 inches (Convertible)
Overall Height (Design):   47.8 inches (Coupe)
  47.9 inches (Convertible)
Rocker Panel to Ground (Front):   7.4 inches (Coupe)
  7.5 inches (Convertible)
Rocker Panel to Ground (Rear):   7.1 inches (Coupe)
  7.0 inches (Convertible)
Luggage Capacity:   6.1 Cubic Feet (Coupe)
  5.0 Cubic Feet (Convertible)
Cowl Height:   33.9 inches (Coupe)
  34.0 inches (Convertible)
Head Room:   37.2 inches (Coupe)
  38.3 inches (Convertible, Soft Top)
  37.1 inches (Convertible, Hard Top)
Shoulder Room:    46.9 inches
Hip Room:    48.8 inches
Tire Size:    F70 x 15B (2+2)
  Nylon - 2 ply
Recommended Tire Inflation   24 PSI (Cold (Front, Rear)
  30 PSI (Hot (Front, Rear)
Wheels, Regular Production:    Size: 15 x 8.00
Synchronization    All Forward Gears
Turbo Hydra-Matic (Automatic) Transmission:   1st Gear 2.48:1
  2nd Gear 1.48:1
  3rd Gear 1.00:1
  Reverse Gear 2.08:1
Lubricant Capacity:    3 Quarts
Four Speed M20 Transmission:   1st Gear 2.52:1
  2nd Gear 1.88:1
  3rd Gear 1.46:1
  4th Gear 1.00:1
  Reverse Gear 2.59:1
Close Ratio Four Speed
M21 Transmission
(Not available with Standard Engine): 		  1st Gear 2.20:1
  2nd Gear 1.64:1
  3rd Gear 1.27:1
  4th Gear 1.00:1
  Reverse Gear 2.26:1
Transmission Lubricant Type:   Military MIL-L-2105-B
  SAE 80
Lubricant Capacity:   Four Speed Manual: 2.5 Quarts
Differential Lubricant Type:   Military MIL-L-2105-B
  SAE 80
Differential Lubricant Capacity:    3.7 pints
Axle Ratio:   200 Horsepower Base Engine
  Manual, Automatic Transmission: 3.08:1, 3.36:1
  255 Horsepower LT1 Engine
  Manual Transmission: 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1
  M21 Manual Transmission: 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1
  M22 Manual Transmission: 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1
  454 Cubic Inch LS5 Engine
  Manual Transmission: 3.08:1, 3.36:1
  M21 Manual Transmission: 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1
  Automatic Transmission: 2.73:1, 3.08:1, 3.36:1
Transmission Synchromesh:    All Four Gears
Standard Fuel Tank Capacity:    18 Gallons (approximately)
Steering Wheel Diameter
(Power, Manual Steering): 		   16.0 inches
Steering Ratio:    16.0:1
Wheel Turns:   3.4 (Street)
  2.92 (Fast)
Turning Diameters:   37.0 feet (Curb to Curb)
  39.0 feet (wall to wall)

Weight

Model 19467 Convertible:   (Curb)   
  Front: 1,593 lb.
  Rear: 1,713 lb.
  Total: 3,306 lb.
  (Shipping)   
  Front: 1,611 lb.
  Rear: 1,605 lb.
  Total: 3,216 lb.
Model 19437 Sport Coupe:   (Curb)   
  Front: 1,623 lb.
  Rear: 1,682 lb.
  Total: 3,305 lb.
  (Shipping)   
  Front: 1,641 lb.
  Rear: 1,574 lb.
  Total: 3,215 lb.

Curb Weight: Shipping weight plus gasoline to capacity.
Power to Weight Ratio
Four Speed Manual Transmission:   200 Horsepower Standard Engine: 3,605 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 18.02
Four Speed Manual Transmission:   255 Horsepower LT1 Engine: 3,630 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 14.23
Four Speed Manual Transmission:   270 Horsepower LS5 Engine: 3,827 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 14.17
Close Ratio Four Speed Manual Transmission:    255 Horsepower LT1 Engine: 3,630 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 14.23
Close Ratio Four Speed Manual Transmission    270 Horsepower LS5 Engine: 3,827 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 14.17
Turbo Hydra-Matic
Automatic Transmission: 		  200 Horsepower Base Engine: 3,675 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 18.37
Turbo Hydra-Matic
Automatic Transmission: 		   270 Horsepower LS5 Engine: 3,883 lb.
  Pounds / Horsepower: 14.38
Weight Differentials
Auxiliary Top (RPO C07)   +57 lb. (with Folding Top)
  (+8 lb. Front; +49 lb. Rear)
Air Conditioning (RPO C60):   +98 lb. (With Standard Engine, Manual Transmission)
  (+78 lb. Front; +20 lb. Rear)
  +82 lb. (With Standard Engine & Automatic Transmission)
  (+66 lb. Front; +16 lb. Rear)
  +88 lb. (With 454 Cubic Inch Engine)
  (+71 lb. Front; +17 lb. Rear)
Power Windows (RPO A31):   +7 lb.
  (+4 lb. Front; +3 lb. Rear)
Power Brakes (RPO J50):   +9 lb.
  (+8 lb. Front; +2 lb. Rear)
Standard 350 cubic inch Engine
200 Horsepower
With Turbo Hydra Matic Transmission: 		  +70 lb.
  (+58 lb. Front; +12 lb. Rear)
350 cubic inch LT1 Engine:   +25 lb.
  (+22 lb. Front; +3 lb. Rear)
454 cubic inch LS5 Engine:   +222 lb.
  (+199 lb. Front; +23 lb. Rear)
Power Steering (RPO N40):   +26 lb.
  (+25 lb. Front; +1 lb. Rear)
  With Standard, LT1 Engines
  +28 lb.
  (+27 lb. Front; +1 lb. Rear)
  With LS5 Engine
Deluxe Wheel Covers (RPO P02):   +18 lb.
  (+9 lb. Front; +9 lb. Rear)
Radio, AM/FM Pushbutton
(RPO U69): 		  +14 lb.
  (+7 lb. Front; +7 lb. Rear)
  With Base Engine
+11 lb.
  (+6 lb. Front; +5 lb. Rear)
  With LS5, LS6 Engines
Turbo Hydra-Matic (Automatic) Transmission (RPO M40):   +70 lb.
  (+58 lb. Front; +12 lb. Rear)
  With Base Engine
  +56 lb.
  (+38 lb. Front; +18 lb. Rear)
  With LS5 Engine

Engine Specs

Type::    V8
Valve Location::    In Head
Bore / Stroke::    4.00" / 3.48" (Standard, LT1 350 Cubic Inch)
  4.251" / 4.00" (LS5 454 Cubic Inch)
Displacement::    Standard, LT1 Engines: 350 Cubic Inches
  LS5 Engine: 454 Cubic Inches
Compression Ratio::    8.5:1 (Standard, LS5 Engine)
  9.0:1 (LT1 Engine)
Rocker Arms:    Stamping, Steel
Rocker Arm Ratio:    1.5:1
Valve Train Lash, Inlet / Exhaust
Hydraulic Lifters 		   Zero
Valve Train Lash, Inlet / Exhaust
Mechanical Lifters (RPO LT1): 		  Inlet: .020 inch
  Exhaust: .025 inch
Crankshaft Material::    Forged Steel
Camshaft Material::    Cast Alloy Iron
Oil Pump Type::    Gear
Normal Oil Pressure:   30 - 45 psi @ 1,500 RPM
  50 - 75 psi @ 2,000 RPM
Oil Pressure Gauge:    Mechanical
Crankcase Oil Capacity, Standard, LT1 Engines:    4 Quarts, Less Filter
4.5 Quarts, With Filter
Crankcase Oil Capacity, LS5 Engine:   5 Quarts, Less Filter
  5.5 Quarts, With Filter
Recommended Oil Grade:   Above 20°F: SAE 20W, SAE 10W-30, 10W-40,
  20W-40
  0°F to 60°F: SAE 10W 5W-30, 10W-40
  Below 20°F: SAE 5W, 5W-20, 5W-30
Fuel Filter:    Strainer
Fuel Pump:    Mechanical
Fuel Pressure:    5¼ - 6½ PSI
Cooling System Capacity:   350 cubic inch Standard Engine
  15 Quarts (with heater)
  14 Quarts (without heater)
  350 cubic inch LT1 Engine
  18 Quarts (with heater)
  17 Quarts (without heater)
  454 cubic inch LS5 Engine
  22 Quarts (with heater)
  21 Quarts (without heater)
Thermostat Type:    Choke
Radiator Cap Relief Pressure:    15 +/- 1 PSI
Battery:    12 volt - 78 plate
62 Amp hr. @ 20 hr.
Thermostat Opening:   192° - 198° F (Base, LS5 Engines)
  177° - 183° F (LT1 Engine)
Brakes
Type:   Caliper Disc, Four Wheel Hydraulic
Effective Area:    78.1 Square Inches
Swept Area:    461.2 Square Inches
Disc:    Vented
Pistons per Caliper:    Four
Horsepower
Standard Engine (350 cubic inch):   200 hp @ 4,400 RPM;
  Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 2,800 RPM
RPO LT1 (350 cubic inch):   255 hp @ 5,600 RPM;
  Torque: 280 lb-ft. @ 4,000 RPM
RPO LS5 (454 cubic inch):   270 hp @ 4,000 RPM;
  Torque: 390 lb-ft @ 3,200 RPM
Ignition System
Coil:   Delco-Remy Base, LT1 Engine: 1115270;
  LS5: 1115287
Coil current rating:   4 amps (engine stopped)
  1.8 amps (engine running)
Breaker Gap:    .019"
Ignition Timing Centrifugal Advance:   Distributor | 1112050 | Base Engine
  Start: 1,335 RPM
  Intermediate: 11° @ 2,400 RPM
  Max: 18° @ 4,200 RPM
  Distributor | 1112101 | LT1 Engine
  Start: 1,200 RPM
  Intermediate: 22° @ 2,300 RPM
  Max: 18° @ 4,200 RPM
Distributor | 1112051 | LS5 Engine
  Start: 1,145 RPM
  Intermediate: 14° @ 2,000 RPM
  Max: 22° @ 3,000 RPM
Ignition Timing Vacuum Advance:   Distributor | 1112050 | Base Engine
  Start: 8°
  Maximum: 15° @ 15.5 inches Hg
  Distributor | 1112101 | LT1 Engine
  Start: 8°
  Maximum: 20° @ 17 inches Hg
  Distributor | 1112051 | LS5 Engine
  Start: 8°
  Maximum: 20° @ 17 inches Hg
Timing:   Base Engine, Manual: 8° BTC @ 800 RPM
  Automatic: 8° BTC @ 600 RPM
  LT1 Engine: 4° BTC @ 900 RPM
  LS5 Engine: 8° BTC @ 800 RPM
  (Manual Transmission)
  8° BTC @ 600 RPM (Automatic Transmission)
Spark Plug:    ACR44T (350, 454 Cubic Inch Engines)
Spark Plug Thread:    14 mm.
Spark Plug Torque:    25 lb.-ft.
Spark Plug Gap:    .033 - .038 inch
Firing Order:    1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Idle:   Base, LS5 Engines: 800 RPM
  (Automatic: 600 RPM)
  LT1 Engine: 900 RPM

1972 Corvette Options

RPO: Description Production:    Price
Custom Interior Trim 8,709 (32.25%) $158.00
A31 Power Windows 9,495 (35.16%) $85.35
A85 Custom Shoulder Belts (standard with coupe) 749 (2.77%) $42.15
AV3 Three Point Seat Belts 17,693 (65.52%) n/a
C07 Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertible) 2,646 (9.80%) $273.85
C08 Vinyl Covering (for auxiliary hardtop) 811 (3.00%) $158.00
C50 Rear Window Defroster 2,221 (8.22%) $42.15
C60 Air Conditioning 17,011 (62.99%) $464.50
J50 Power Brakes 18,770 (69.51%) $47.40
K19 Air Injection Reactor 3,912 (14.49%) n/a
LS5 454 cu. in. 270hp Engine (n/a California) 3,913 (14.49%) $294.90
LT1 350 cu. in. 255hp Engine 1,741 (6.45%) $483.45
M21 4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio 1,638 (6.07%) n/a
M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission 14,543 (53.85%) n/a
N37 Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column 12,992 (48.11%) $84.30
N40 Power Steering 23,794 (88.11%) $115.90
P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers 3,593 (13.31%) $63.20
PT7 White Stripe Tires, F70x15, nylon 6,666 (24.69%) $30.35
PU9 White Letter Tires, F70x15, nylon 16,623 (61.56%) $43.65
T60 Heavy Duty Battery (standard with LS5) 2,969 (10.99%) $15.80
U69 AM-FM Radio 19,480 (72.14%) $178.00
U79 AM-FM Radio, stereo 7,189 (26.62%) $283.35
YF5 California Emission Test 1,967 (7.28%) $15.80
ZQ1 Optional Rear Axle Ratio 1,986 (7.35%) $12.65
ZR1 Special Purpose LT1 Engine Package 20 (0.07%) $1,010.05

Total Production: 27,004
Coupe: 20,496 (75.90%)
Convertible: 6,508 (24.10%)

Notes: Base Corvette Coupe with 350 cu. in. 200 hp engine and wide ratio four speed manual transmission: $5,533.00.
Base Corvette Convertible with 350 cu. in. 200 hp engine and wide ratio four speed manual transmission: $5,296.00.
Note: New standards for measuring horsepower came into effect which explains the sudden decrease in rated engine output.

Colors

Code Exterior Quantity Interior Soft Top Wheels
912 Sunflower Yellow 1,543 (5.71%) Black / Saddle Black / White Silver
924 Pewter Silver 1,372 (5.08%) Blue / Black / Red / Saddle Black / White Silver
945 Bryar Blue 1,617 (5.99%) Black Black / White Silver
946 Elkhart Green 4,200 (15.55%) Black / Saddle Black / White Silver
972 Classic White 2,763 (10.23%) Blue / Black / Red / Saddle Black / White Silver
973 Mille Miglia Red 2,478 (9.18%) Black / Red / Saddle Black / White Silver
979 Targa Blue 3,198 (11.84%) Blue / Black Black / White Silver
987 Ontario Orange 4,891 (18.11%) Black / Saddle Black / White Silver
988 Steel Cities Gray 2,346 (8.69%) Black / Red / Saddle Black / White Silver
989 War Bonnet Yellow 2,550 (9.44%) Black / Saddle Black / White Silver

1972 Corvette