Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many LS5 convertibles were built in 1970 (1971 or 1972)?
A: There is no known breakdown of LS5 engines in Chevelles by body style or how many were sold with a 4-speed vs. the TH400 automatic, or came with optional gear ratios, etc. and will probably never be known unless we can register all LS5 engines in Chevelles ever sold, which isn't in the realm of possibility for obvious reasons. See How Many LS5's Based On Body Style Were Sold? for more insight on LS5 numbers vs. body styles.

Q: Didn't all LS5 Chevelles have gauges and a tachometer?
A: No. The Instrument Panel Gauges, or Special Instrumentation, sold under RPO U14 was always an option regardless of year. The gauge pods for fuel, speedometer, and optional clock were round as opposed to the linear sweep speedometer of a non-SS optioned Chevelle but the gauge package was still an option. In 1970 only, the clock (RPO U35) was an additional option; in 1971 & 1972 the clock was included as part of the U14 Instrument Panel Gauge option although it was still available as a separate option.
{Note: The same holds true for such options as bucket seats, console, and cowl induction hoods. Bucket seats and consoles were standard Malibu options and not limited to the LS5; the cowl induction hood could be ordered with any engine in either the 1970 Z25 SS396/Z15 SS454 or 1971 & 1972 Z15 SS Equipment option packages.}

Q: Is my LS5 real?
A: This can be tricky at best. Partially because there are differing opinions on what is necessary to make an LS5 optioned Chevelle 'real'. To some, 'real' means the car has the correct and original engine it was born with and can be matched to the buildsheet. To some, it means if the buildsheet says it was born with the LS5 engine, it doesn't (relatively) matter that the engine has been replaced for one reason or another; whether by a dealer under warranty or an over-avid enthusiast back in the day due to out of warranty breakage. Consider if the car has a warranty engine with CE code or a 1974 454 truck motor dressed to appear as a 1970/1971/1972 LS5 engine, but has buildsheet that is original to the car as noted by the VIN sequence and other information of the sheet matching the trim tag.

As far as the LS5 Registry is concerned, the paperwork is the primary objective in the registry and not whether the Chevelle retains the original engine.