1970 · Chevrolet · United States
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454: The Year GM Let the LS6 Out
The year the Chevelle Super Sport split into RPO Z25 SS 396 and RPO Z15 SS 454, with the LS6 454 rated at 450 gross horsepower.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
Motor Trend’s A. B. Shuman got his three test cars in mid-October 1969, when new-model demand was at its peak, and the Chevelle among them was not quite a production car. He called it a prototype, “basically an SS 396 with a bigger engine,” and admitted that the start date for regular LS6 production was uncertain; the magazine’s guess was the first of the year. Shuman had planned an even fight between comparably equipped supercars, and supply had already wrecked the plan. The Chevelle that turned up carried the biggest engine in the group, a 454 that Chevrolet’s computer called LS-6, under an optional Cowl Induction hood.1
The order book around that engine had been rebuilt too. For 1970 Chevrolet sold Super Sport as two separate option packages on the Malibu sport coupe, the convertible and the Malibu/Custom El Camino: RPO Z25, the SS 396, and RPO Z15, the SS 454. The 396 badge now told a small fib. The Z25 engine displaced 402 cubic inches, with the L34 at 350 gross horsepower as standard and the L78 at 375 as the option. The Z15 started with the LS5 454, rated at 360 gross horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 500 lb-ft, and Chevrolet published the LS6 in a supplement to its 1970 Chevelle information kit at 450 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 500 lb-ft at 3,600.2
Shuman described what made the LS6 different: an 800-cfm Holley on an aluminum intake manifold, a mechanical-lifter camshaft with .500-inch lift, and cast-iron heads fitted with large ZL-1 exhaust valves. Old Cars Weekly’s later account gives 11.25:1 compression, four-bolt mains with nodular iron caps and a 780-cfm Holley, so the two sources disagree on the carburetor’s rating. Hot Rod’s Steve Kelly added an accusation of modesty. He wrote that Chevrolet did not advertise an LS6 454 in anything but a Corvette, and asserted that the 450-horse Chevelle engine was identical to the 460-horse version. That is Kelly’s claim in print, not a Chevrolet document.1,3,4
What a buyer paid for the step is on record. Chevrolet’s April 1, 1970 option sheet, as ChevelleStuff tabulates it, priced the Z25 package at $445.55 and the Z15 at $503.45, with the LS6 another $263.30 on top of the SS 454. The Z15 could not be had with a three-speed: it required either the M22 heavy-duty four-speed or the Turbo Hydra-Matic 400. Hot Rod’s test car shows how the bill grew. It started from a $2,809.00 Malibu sport coupe and added the SS package, the LS6, an M22 at $221.90, cowl induction at $147.75 and a 4.10:1 limited-slip axle at $25.30 by special order, arriving at $4,852.30 as tested.2,4
Chevrolet’s option reports show how few took the whole bet. ChevelleStuff’s tabulation counts 53,599 Z25 SS 396 packages and 8,773 Z15 SS 454 packages, about six SS 396s for every SS 454. The LS6 accounts for 4,475 of those SS 454s, a little more than half. The remaining 4,298 LS5 cars are an estimate reached by subtraction, because the base engine was never a separately counted option. Set against the 635,558 cars in the entire Chevelle line tabulation, El Camino and Monte Carlo included, the LS6 went into about seven cars in every thousand. One published secondary total of 3,773 SS 454s is smaller than the LS6 count alone and is best read as a transcription error.2,3
The SS 396 side has its own puzzle. ChevelleStuff’s SS page says the 375-horsepower L78 was cancelled on October 30, 1969, yet the option report it tabulates still records 2,144 L78 installations for the model year, about 4 percent of Z25 cars. Only 18 cars are counted with RPO L89 aluminum heads, which were offered only on the L78. The L34 estimate of 51,455 is again Z25 minus L78. Across the whole line, the reports count 28,888 ZL2 cowl-induction hoods, 5,410 M22 transmissions and 56,051 F41 suspensions. North of the border, GM of Canada built 700 L34 SS 396 sport coupes for Canadian sale out of 10,176 Malibu sport coupes built for that market.2
The two period tests measured two different LS6 cars, and the numbers belong to each car alone. Motor Trend’s prototype had the Turbo Hydra-Matic, a 3.31:1 Positraction axle and F70x14 Firestone Wide Ovals. Shifting manually at 6,000 rpm, it ran 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds at 97.5 mph, with two people aboard and a fifth wheel attached. Hot Rod’s four-speed, 4.10-geared car went to Irwindale Raceway, where John Dianna posted a best of 13.44 seconds at 108.17 mph, backed by runs of 13.48 and 13.52. Shuman ranked the Chevelle as “the most super” of his three cars.1,4
Kelly’s account of living with the car is franker than the time slips. Hot Rod recorded 7.30 miles per gallon at worst and 10.006 at best, averaging 8.414, and warned that a full tank would not last 200 miles. The 11.25:1 compression demanded the best leaded gasoline. The magazine also judged a clutch blast shield mandatory and fitted a Lakewood unit. The car was not only a drag-strip tool, though. Kelly found it quiet, smooth in traffic and as good in handling as other GM intermediates. Shuman wrote that its handling made the driver want to take hard corners flat-out, while cautioning that the variable-ratio power steering invited over-correction.4,1
At the drags, Chevrolet’s 1970 headline went to another body. When NHRA opened its new Pro Stock class at the 1970 Winternationals, its sixteen-car field included five big-block Camaros, and Bill Jenkins won the final in one of them, running 9.99 seconds at the meet’s top speed of 139.53 mph to beat Ronnie Sox. No Chevelle appears in NHRA’s account of that debut. The LS6 Chevelle’s documented 1970 record here is the magazine testing. Kelly nonetheless wrote with a racer’s eye, noting that the rear fender openings had room for stock-class slicks and wide wheels.5,4
Both writers suspected the moment would not last. Kelly predicted that unleaded gasoline would be mandatory in California late in 1971 and nationally a year later, which would put compression ratios back around 8.5 to 9.0:1. The next year’s record points the same way: Chevrolet’s 1971 Chevelle information kit documents SS combinations built around the LS3 and LS5 and publishes net ratings beside gross ones. Shuman saw a different turn, a supercar loaded with comfort, and called it “the mature Supercar.” Hot Rod’s pull quote was blunter: “The past is gone. The future may never see a car like this.”4,1
Fact sheet · 1970 · United States
The numbers
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 396 and SS 454 — The year the Chevelle Super Sport split into RPO Z25 SS 396 and RPO Z15 SS 454, with the LS6 454 rated at 450 gross horsepower.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- RPO Z25 SS 396: 53,599 installed; RPO Z15 SS 454: 8,773 installed (Malibu and Malibu/Custom El Camino series).2
- RPO LS6 454/450 hp: 4,475 installed at $263.30; RPO L78 396/375 hp: 2,144 installed at $210.65.2
- The SS 396 engine was 402 cubic inches for 1970 while keeping the 396 badge.2
- Only 18 RPO L89 aluminum cylinder-head installations are reported for 1970.2
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevelle line incl. El Camino and Monte Carlo, all series2 US-market tabulation incl. Canadian-built imports 39,207 six-cylinder and 596,351 V8 per the same totals row. | 635,558 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Chevelle and Monte Carlo, by last reported VIN per assembly plant2 Atlanta, Arlington, Baltimore, Flint, Kansas City, Van Nuys, Oshawa Different basis from the series tabulation; the source attributes about 24,454 unaccounted units possibly to overseas sales. Monte Carlo shared sequences at Baltimore, Flint and Van Nuys. | 660,012 | VIN sequence span, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu 2-door sport coupe, V8 (13637)2 Malibu · 2-door sport coupe · V8 · US tabulation incl. 25,938 Canadian-built imports 263,684 plus 25,938 imports per the row. | 289,622 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Malibu 2-door sport coupe, six (13537)2 Malibu · 2-door sport coupe · 6-cyl · US tabulation incl. imports | 12,256 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Malibu convertible, V8 (13667)2 Malibu · convertible · V8 · US tabulation | 7,141 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Malibu convertible, six (13567)2 Malibu · convertible · 6-cyl · US tabulation | 381 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPO Z25 SS 396 equipment2 SS 396 · Malibu sport coupe, convertible, Malibu/Custom El Camino · 402 V8 (L34 or L78) · US tabulation Includes El Camino. Of 25,938 Canadian-built V8 sport coupes imported, 3,306 carried Z25 SS 396. | 53,599 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO Z15 SS 454 equipment2 SS 454 · Malibu sport coupe, convertible, Malibu/Custom El Camino · 454 V8 (LS5 or LS6) · US tabulation Includes El Camino. See conflicts: one secondary article prints 3,773. | 8,773 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| GM of Canada Malibu sport coupes for Canadian sale with Z25 and L342 SS 396 · 2-door sport coupe · L34 · Canada Out of 10,176 Malibu sport coupes GM of Canada built for sale in Canada; separate market. | 700 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPO LS6 454/450 hp2 SS 454 · LS6 · US tabulation | 4,475 | built, model-year | Reported |
| LS5 454/360 hp (base SS 454 engine)2 SS 454 · LS5 · US tabulation Method: the source derives it as Z15 (8,773) minus LS6 (4,475); LS5 was not a separately counted option. | 4,298 | built, model-year | Estimate |
| RPO L78 396(402)/375 hp2 SS 396 · L78 · US tabulation | 2,144 | built, model-year | Reported |
| L34 396(402)/350 hp (base SS 396 engine)2 SS 396 · L34 · US tabulation Method: the source derives it as Z25 (53,599) minus L78 (2,144). | 51,455 | built, model-year | Estimate |
| RPO LS3 402/330 hp (non-SS)2 non-SS · LS3 · US tabulation | 9,338 | built, model-year | Reported |
| All 402 and 454 engines combined2 402 and 454 · US tabulation The source states it does not know how this combined figure was derived; it does not reconcile with Z25 + Z15 + LS3. | 64,225 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO L48 350/300 hp2 L48 · US tabulation | 85,212 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO L65 350/250 hp2 L65 · US tabulation | 112,686 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPO M20 4-speed2 M20 · US tabulation | 28,131 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO M21 close-ratio 4-speed2 M21 · US tabulation | 11,830 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO M22 heavy-duty 4-speed2 M22 · US tabulation | 5,410 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic 4002 M40 · US tabulation | 43,748 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO M38 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3502 M38 · US tabulation | 368,871 | built, model-year | Reported |
| RPO M35 Powerglide2 M35 · US tabulation | 106,849 | built, model-year | Reported |
Rows are separately scoped; do not add them. Option counts come from Chevrolet Accumulative Production / Final Model Year reports as tabulated by ChevelleStuff and cover the Chevelle line including El Camino and Monte Carlo unless the row says otherwise.
The source warns that option quantities vary between references and may not be exact.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| RPO Z25 SS 396 equipment2 | $445.55 | option retail list; a second price of $455.15 also listed, 1970-04-01 |
| RPO Z15 SS 454 equipment2,3 | $503.45 | option retail list, 1970-04-01 |
| RPO LS6 engine (over SS 454)2,3 | $263.30 | option retail list, 1970-04-01 |
| RPO L78 engine (over SS 396)2 | $210.65 | option retail list, 1970-04-01 |
| Malibu sport coupe, V8 (13637)2 | $2,809 | manufacturer's suggested retail price, base engine; excludes taxes, license, options, 1970 model year |
| Malibu convertible, V8 (13667)2 | $3,009 | manufacturer's suggested retail price, base V8; the source adds $3,062.00 for cars built after at least 04/29, 1970 model year |
| Malibu sport coupe, six (13537)2 | $2,719 | manufacturer's suggested retail price, base engine; excludes taxes, license, options, 1970 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| L34 · Turbo-Jet 396 (402 cu in) 4-bbl2 402 cu in · 4-barrel | 350 hp @ 5,200, 415 lb-ft @ 3,400 (SAE gross) | standard with Z25 SS 396 | 51,4552 Estimate |
| L78 · Turbo-Jet 396 (402 cu in) special high performance2 402 cu in · 4-barrel | 375 hp @ 5,600, 415 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross) | optional with Z25 | 2,1442 Reported |
| LS5 · Turbo-Jet 454 4-bbl2 454 cu in · 4-barrel | 360 hp @ 4,400, 500 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross) | standard with Z15 SS 454 | 4,2982 Estimate |
| LS6 · Turbo-Jet 454 special high performance2 454 cu in · 4-barrel | 450 hp @ 5,600, 500 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross) | optional with Z15 | 4,4752 Reported |
| LS3 · 402 4-bbl (non-SS)2 402 cu in · 4-barrel | 330 hp @ 4,800, 410 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross) | optional, non-SS | 9,3382 Reported |
| L48 · 350 4-bbl2 350 cu in · 4-barrel | 300 hp @ 4,800, 380 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross) | optional | 85,2122 Reported |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| M20 · 4-speed manual, wide ratio2 | optional | 28,1312 Reported |
| M21 · 4-speed manual, close ratio2 | optional | 11,8302 Reported |
| M22 · 4-speed manual, heavy duty2 | optional | 5,4102 Reported |
| M40 · Turbo Hydra-Matic 4002 | optional | 43,7482 Reported |
| M38 · Turbo Hydra-Matic 3502 | optional | 368,8712 Reported |
| M35 · Powerglide2 | optional | 106,8492 Reported |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
Z25RPO |
SS 396 equipment2 | $445.55 | 53,5992 Reported |
Z15RPO |
SS 454 equipment2 | $503.45 | 8,7732 Disputed |
LS6RPO |
454/450 hp special high-performance engine2 | $263.30 | 4,4752 Reported |
L78RPO |
396/375 hp special high-performance engine2 | $210.65 | 2,1442 Reported |
L89RPO |
Aluminum cylinder heads2 | $394.95 | 182 Reported |
ZL2RPO |
Special ducted hood air system (cowl induction)2 | $147.45 | 28,8882 Reported |
D88RPO |
Sport stripes, sport coupe/convertible2 | $68.50 | 39,5392 Reported |
F41RPO |
Special performance front and rear suspension2 | $29.50 | 56,0512 Reported |
G80RPO |
Positraction rear axle2 | $42.15 | 64,1692 Reported |
U14RPO |
Instrument panel gauges2 | $84.30 | 37,3782 Reported |
D55RPO |
Front compartment console2 | $53.75 | 90,4362 Reported |
V01RPO |
Heavy-duty radiator2 | $14.75 | 7,3472 Reported |
YD1RPO |
Axle for trailering2 | $10.55 | 1,0192 Reported |
ZJ7RPO |
Special wheel, hub cap and trim ring2 | $35.85 | 90,0172 Reported |
J50RPO |
Vacuum power brake equipment2 | $42.15 | 180,1132 Reported |
C60RPO |
Four-Season air conditioning2 | $376 | 303,3262 Reported |
C08RPO |
Vinyl roof cover2 | $94.80 | 287,0522 Reported |
T60RPO |
Heavy-duty battery2 | $15.80 | 46,8902 Reported |
U69RPO |
AM/FM push-button radio2 | $133.80 | 31,4262 Reported |
AU3RPO |
Electric door locks2 | $44.80 | 5,4822 Reported |
AK1RPO |
Seat Belts & Front Shoulder Harness - Deluxe (coupe w/bucket, 5 seat & 2 shoulder) (coupe or sedan w/bench, 6 seat & 2 shoulder)2 | $12.15 | 78,2062 Reported |
AQ2RPO |
Electric Seat Back Lock Release2 | $23.70 | 6632 Reported |
AS4RPO |
Rear Seat Shoulder Harness - Deluxe2 | $26.35 | 2732 Reported |
A01RPO |
Tinted Glass - All Windows2 | $36.90 | 416,4932 Reported |
A02RPO |
Tinted Glass - Windshield2 | $24.25 | 10,9942 Reported |
A31RPO |
Windows - Electric Control2 | $105.35 | 20,7922 Reported |
A33RPO |
Tail Gate Window - Electric2 | $34.80 | 17,6212 Reported |
A39RPO |
Custom Deluxe Seat Belts, Front & Rear (convertible w/bench, 6 seat) (convertible w/bucket, 5 seat)2 | $10.55 | 7542 Reported |
A41RPO |
Front Seat Electric Control - 4 Way (6)2 | $73.75 | 6372 Reported |
A46RPO |
Front Seat Electric Control - 4 Way Bucket (6)2 | $73.75 | 5462 Reported |
A51RPO |
Strato-Bucket seats2 | $121.15 | 99,1382 Reported |
A85RPO |
Deluxe Shoulder Harness2 | $26.35 | 1222 Reported |
A90RPO |
Rear Compartment Lid Release - Electric Control (6)2 | $14.75 | 9872 Reported |
B37RPO |
2 front & 2 rear color-keyed floor mats2 | $11.60 | 140,8802 Reported |
B85RPO |
Belt Reveal Molding2 | — | 9062 Reported |
B90RPO |
Door Window Frame Molding (4-door sedan)2 | $26.35 | 5,2032 Reported |
B93RPO |
Door Edge Guards2 | $4.25 | 197,4082 Reported |
CD2RPO |
Windshield Washer Fluid Level2 | — | 40,6302 Reported |
CD3RPO |
Electro Tip Windshield Wiper2 | $19 | 3312 Reported |
C06RPO |
Electric Control Folding Top2 | $52.70 | 6,6262 Reported |
C50RPO |
Rear Window Defogger2 | $26.35 | 39,9532 Reported |
C51RPO |
Rear Window Deflector2 | — | 7,7132 Reported |
D33RPO |
Outside Mirror - Remote Control2 | $10.55 | 68,8302 Reported |
D34RPO |
Vanity Visor Mirror2 | $3.20 | 37,2872 Reported |
F40RPO |
Special Front and Rear Suspension2 | $16.90 | 17,2552 Reported |
G67RPO |
Rear Shock Absorber Level Control2 | — | 3,9292 Reported |
JL2RPO |
Front Disc Brakes2 | $64.25 | 139,8562 Reported |
K05RPO |
Engine Block Heater2 | $10.55 | 6,0682 Reported |
K30RPO |
Speed and Cruise Control2 | $57.95 | 7302 Reported |
K85RPO |
A/C Generator - 63 amp (n/a with LS6) (without air conditioning) (with air conditioning)2 | $26.35 | 2,4472 Reported |
LF6RPO |
Engine - V8, 400 Cu. In., 2-bbl carburetor - 265 HP2 | $50 | 16,5952 Reported |
LS3RPO |
Engine - V8, 402 Cu. In., 4-bbl carburetor - 330 HP2 | $162.50 | 9,3382 Reported |
L48RPO |
Engine - V8, 350 Cu. In. - 300 HP2 | $68.50 | 85,2122 Reported |
L65RPO |
Engine - V8, 350 Cu. In., 2-bbl carburetor - 250 HP2 | $21.10 | 112,6862 Reported |
M20RPO |
4-Speed Transmission2 | $184.80 | 28,1312 Reported |
M21RPO |
4-Speed Transmission - Close Ratio2 | $184.80 | 11,8302 Reported |
M22RPO |
4-Speed Transmission - Heavy Duty / Atlanta - February (#1206xx, 1310xx)2 | $221.80 | 5,4102 Reported |
M35RPO |
Powerglide Transmission (L6) (V8)2 | $163.70 | 106,8492 Reported |
M38RPO |
3-Speed Automatic Transmission, TH350 (L6) (V8)2 | $190.10 | 368,8712 Reported |
M40RPO |
3-Speed Automatic Transmission, TH400 (LS3, L34, LS6, & LS6) (Seen on several LS6 Chevelles)2 | $221.80 | 43,7482 Reported |
NA9RPO |
Evaporative Emission Control2 | $36.90 | 66,2142 Reported |
NK1RPO |
Steering Wheel - Cushioned rim (13680 - 1069)2 | $34.80 | 3,0782 Reported |
N10RPO |
Dual Exhaust Equipment (250-hp & 300-hp)2 | $30.55 | 22,3952 Reported |
N33RPO |
Steering Wheel - Tilt Type2 | $45.30 | 37,7602 Reported |
N40RPO |
Power Steering (13236 - 9/69)2 | $105.35 | 508,1812 Reported |
PA3RPO |
Special Wheel Trim Cover2 | — | 56,5882 Reported |
PK2RPO |
G78-14-B White Stripe2 | $30.20 | 19,6082 Reported |
PL3RPO |
E78-14-B White Stripe2 | $26.05 | 9,2342 Reported |
PL4RPO |
F70-14-B White Letter2 | $62.45 | 64,7582 Reported |
PM6RPO |
G78-14-D White Stripe2 | — | 4,7632 Reported |
PU8RPO |
G78-15-B White Stripe2 | $30.20 | 114,4222 Reported |
PX6RPO |
F78-14-B White Stripe2 | $28.10 | 248,7532 Reported |
PX8RPO |
G70X14 White Stripe (source: seen on dealer records, not in GM's option report)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
PY4RPO |
F70-14-B White Stripe2 | $50.50 | 15,3412 Reported |
PY5RPO |
F70-14-B Red Stripe2 | — | 82 Reported |
PY7RPO |
G70-14-B Red Stripe2 | — | 22 Reported |
P01RPO |
Wheel Trim Cover2 | $21.10 | 215,1762 Reported |
P02RPO |
Deluxe Wheel Trim Cover2 | $79 | 3,3582 Reported |
P06RPO |
Wheel Trim Ring2 | $21.10 | 3,6332 Reported |
P90RPO |
G70-15-B White Stripe2 | $46.95 | 26,8142 Reported |
P91RPO |
G70-14-B Red Stripe2 | — | 1942 Reported |
T58RPO |
Rear Wheel Opening Skirt2 | — | 31,4422 Reported |
UM1RPO |
AM Push Button Radio & Tape Player2 | $194.85 | 27,2952 Reported |
UM2RPO |
AM/FM Push Button Radio & Tape Player2 | $372.85 | 4,5322 Reported |
U35RPO |
Electric Clock2 | $15.80 | 59,3082 Reported |
U46RPO |
Lamp Monitoring2 | $26.35 | 5,7552 Reported |
U63RPO |
Radio - Push Button2 | $61.10 | 487,8202 Reported |
U76RPO |
Windshield Antenna2 | — | 580,6352 Reported |
U79RPO |
AM/FM Stereo Equipment2 | $239.10 | 7,9252 Reported |
U80RPO |
Auxiliary Rear Speaker2 | $13.20 | 113,6272 Reported |
V31RPO |
Front Bumper Guard2 | $15.80 | 48,4482 Reported |
V32RPO |
Rear Bumper Guard2 | $15.80 | 36,5952 Reported |
V55RPO |
Roof Luggage Carrier2 | $52.70 | Not yet sourced |
ZJ9RPO |
Auxiliary Lighting Group (3) (Malibu convertible) (Malibu sedan & sport coupe) (Chevelle sedan & sport coupe) (Sedan pickup)2 | $15.80 | 40,9452 Reported |
ZP5RPO |
Appearance Group (4) (source: seen on dealer records, not in GM's option report)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
ZQ2RPO |
Operating Convenience Group (5) / * All except Spt Cpe and Convert / * Spt Cpe without Instrument Panel Gauges / * Spt Cpe with Instrument Panel Gauges / * Convert without Instrument Panel Gauges / * Convert with Instrument Panel Gauges (source: seen on dealer records, not in GM's option report)2 | $52.70 | Not yet sourced |
ZQ9RPO |
Rear Axle - Performance Ratio (LS6 - includes HD radiator)2 | $10.55 | 3,3482 Reported |
Z20RPO |
Monte Carlo SS2 | $420.25 | 3,8232 Reported |
V48RPO |
Engine Coolant - Increase Protec2 | — | Not yet sourced |
W84RPO |
Additional Fuel For Delivery2 | — | Not yet sourced |
ZK8RPO |
Tire Pressure Sticker2 | — | Not yet sourced |
ZQ7RPO |
Canadian Warranty Booklet & Misc. Literature2 | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
10 (RPO 930) |
Classic White2 | 19,8982 Reported |
14 (RPO 931) |
Cortez Silver2 | 12,9592 Reported |
17 (RPO 932) |
Shadow Gray2 | 11,6922 Reported |
19 (RPO 933) |
Tuxedo Black2 | 7,3272 Reported |
25 (RPO 935) |
Astro Blue2 | 28,8492 Reported |
28 (RPO 937) |
Fathom Blue2 | 22,3882 Reported |
34 (RPO 938) |
Misty Turquoise2 | 12,1802 Reported |
45 (RPO 941) |
Green Mist2 | 44,6312 Reported |
48 (RPO 942) |
Forest Green2 | 37,0732 Reported |
50 (RPO 943) |
Gobi Beige2 | 24,0662 Reported |
55 (RPO 946) |
Champagne Gold2 | 24,5672 Reported |
58 (RPO 947) |
Autumn Gold2 | 25,8662 Reported |
63 (RPO 949) |
Desert Sand2 | 8,6512 Reported |
75 (RPO 952) |
Cranberry Red2 | 26,5152 Reported |
78 (RPO 953) |
Black Cherry2 | 13,3502 Reported |
RPO 954 |
Hugger Orange (special order)2 | Not yet sourced |
RPO 944 |
Daytona Yellow (special order)2 | Not yet sourced |
top A |
Convertible top, White (standard C05AA)2 | Not yet sourced |
top B |
Convertible top, Black (RPO C05BB)2 | Not yet sourced |
vinyl A (AB) |
Vinyl roof cover, White (RPO C08AA)2 | Not yet sourced |
vinyl B (AA) |
Vinyl roof cover, Black (RPO C08BB)2 | Not yet sourced |
vinyl C (AC) |
Vinyl roof cover, Dark Blue (RPO C08CC)2 | Not yet sourced |
vinyl G (AD) |
Vinyl roof cover, Dark Green (RPO C08GG)2 | Not yet sourced |
vinyl H (AE) |
Vinyl roof cover, Dark Gold (RPO C08HH)2 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
756 |
bucket seats, Black Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13667, 13680)2 | Not yet sourced |
765 |
bucket seats, Medium Blue Coated Fabric (models 13667, 13680)2 | Not yet sourced |
771 |
bucket seats, Antique Medium Saddle Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13667, 13680)2 | Not yet sourced |
753 |
bench seat, Black Rivar Cloth, Black Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13639, 13669)2 | Not yet sourced |
788 |
bucket seats, Medium Red Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13667)2 | Not yet sourced |
755 |
bench seat, Black Coated Fabric (models 13636, 13637, 13639, 13646, 13667, 13669, 13680, 13836, 13846)2 | Not yet sourced |
791 |
bucket seats, Aff. Ivory Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13667)2 | Not yet sourced |
796 |
bucket seats, Metallic Dark Green Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13667)2 | Not yet sourced |
762 |
bench seat, Medium Blue Rivar Cloth, Metallic Medium Blue Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13639, 13669)2 | Not yet sourced |
764 |
bench seat, Metallic Medium Blue Coated Fabric (models 13636, 13646, 13667, 13680)2 | Not yet sourced |
770 |
bench seat, Antique Medium Saddle Coated Fabric (models 13636, 13637, 13646, 13667, 13680)2 | Not yet sourced |
776 |
bench seat, Metallic Medium Gold Rivar Cloth, Metallic Medium Gold Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13639, 13669)2 | Not yet sourced |
782 |
bench seat, Dark Green Rivar Cloth, Metallic Dark Green Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13639, 13669)2 | Not yet sourced |
787 |
bench seat, Medium Red Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13667)2 | Not yet sourced |
790 |
bench seat, Aff. Ivory Coated Fabric (w/Black Carpet, etc.) (models 13637, 13667)2 | Not yet sourced |
795 |
bench seat, Metallic Dark Green Coated Fabric (models 13637, 13669)2 | Not yet sourced |
Identification
- SS 396 vs SS 454
- Z25 SS 396 and Z15 SS 454 are separate RPOs for 1970; identification of a genuine SS relies on build documentation, since badges and hoods are easily transferred. ChevelleStuff keeps a dedicated identification page.2
- Model numbers
- Malibu V8 sport coupe 13637, Malibu V8 convertible 13667, Malibu V8 El Camino 13680.2
Where the sources disagree
RPO Z15 SS 454 installations
Lead with 8,773, which is tied to the Chevrolet option report and exceeds the separately reported 4,475 LS6 installations; 3,773 is smaller than the LS6 count alone and is shown as a probable transcription error, attributed.
Identification
Read a 1970 Chevrolet VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1970
- AMC AMX The last two-seat AMX: a restyled nose, a 360 base V8 and a 325-hp 390. At 4,116 cars it was the rarest of the three two-seat years.
- AMC Javelin Penske and Donohue brought the Javelin to Trans-Am, and the showroom answered with 2,501 Mark Donohue Javelins and 100 red-white-blue Trans Am Javelins, while total production fell to 28,210.
- AMC Rebel and Rebel Machine AMC's intermediate supercar: a 340-hp 390, four-speed and Hurst shifter in the Rebel hardtop, first in white with red-white-blue stripes. Totals reported for the one-year run range from about 1,200 to 2,326.
- Buick Riviera The 455 (370 hp gross) arrived with a restyle; production fell to about 37,300 with some 3,505 GS cars.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX Buick's GS went to a 455 rated at 510 lb-ft, the Stage 1 option added 10 advertised hp, and a mid-year GSX package was built 678 times in two colors.
- Buick Wildcat The final Wildcat, Custom trim only, with the 370-hp 455; 23,645 built.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova Last year the source engine table lists the big-block (as 402) in the Nova. Enthusiast-compiled production: 307,280 cars; Super Sport 19,558.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS The Malibu/Custom El Camino could carry either RPO Z25 SS 396 or RPO Z15 SS 454, including the 450 hp LS6; the El Camino share is not separately published.
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS The first Monte Carlo, with the SS 454 as RPO Z20: 3,823 of 145,976 Monte Carlos per Chevrolet-report-derived tables.
- Dodge Challenger Dodge's first pony car arrived as a 1970 model with nine advertised engines, base, SE, R/T, and R/T SE hardtops, two convertibles, and a one-year Trans-Am homologation special, the T/A.
- Dodge Charger The last year of the second-generation body: a new full-width grille, three series (Charger, 500, R/T), the 440 Six Pack added to the R/T, and production roughly half of 1969's.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The final Coronet-based R/T and Super Bee: the R/T fell to 2,615 cars, while the Super Bee added a 3-speed manual and kept its Six Pack and Hemi options.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon With the GTS gone, the Swinger 340 was the only performance Dart; it kept front discs, Rallye suspension and a twin-scoop hood and sold about 13,800 beside the new Challenger.
- Ford Fairlane The last Fairlane year: the name survived only on the Fairlane 500 beneath the new Torino, with a mid-year Falcon sharing the body at the bottom of the range.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The Grabber appearance and tire package arrived in mid-1970 on the new two-door Maverick; no Grabber count for 1970 was found.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Torino-based Ranchero GT could take the 429 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet; reference counts give 3,905 GTs, while Barn Finds rounds the GT figure to about 3,600 of 21,640 Rancheros.
- Ford Thunderbird The 429 at 360 hp was the standard and only engine listed in the 1970 catalog.
- Ford Torino A new, longer body on a 117-inch wheelbase; the Torino Cobra became its own model with the 429, offered in 360, 370 (Cobra Jet) and 375 (Super Cobra Jet) horsepower forms.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone A new, longer Montego-based Cyclone in three versions: the 429 Cyclone, the small-block Cyclone GT that outsold both others, and the Ram Air 429 Cobra Jet Cyclone Spoiler.
- Mercury Cougar The last first-generation Cougar moved to the 351 Cleveland, kept the Boss 302 as an Eliminator-only engine, and built 2,268 Eliminators.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The second and last year of the 1969-70 Marauder: production fell to about a third of 1969's, with the X-100 near half of it.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 got a standard 455 rated at 365 hp, the W-30 went to 370 hp, and the small-block W-31 moved to the Cutlass and F-85 coupes.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda The E-body redesign split the line into Barracuda, Gran Coupe, and 'Cuda hardtops and convertibles, put every Chrysler performance engine through the 426 Hemi on the order form, and added the one-year AAR 'Cuda for Trans-Am homologation.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 Plymouth's new Valiant-based fastback coupe arrived with a 275 hp 340 performance model priced at $2,547; the Standard Catalog lineage counts 24,817 Duster 340s among 217,192 Dusters.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite Now hardtop-only, the GTX fell to 7,748 cars while its 440 Six Barrel option cost just $119.
- Plymouth Road Runner Production halved from 1969, the 440 Six Barrel became a regular option, and the winged Superbird was built as a Road Runner hardtop to put Plymouth back on NASCAR superspeedways.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am A late-arriving, coupe-only second generation: 48,739 Firebirds, 3,196 of them Trans Ams, and 88 Ram Air IVs.
- Pontiac GTO A new Endura nose, a 455 added beside the three 400s, and GTO production falling to 40,149.
- Pontiac Grand Prix The SJ took a 370 hp 455, Hurst built the SSJ, and production fell to 65,750.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The T-37 and GT-37 bring budget performance to the Tempest.