Monte Carlo — RPO Codes (1970–1982)
The Monte Carlo (1970–72 first generation) was built on a stretched Chevelle A-body and shared the Chevelle/A-body option sheet — the full 1970–72 code table in chevelle.md applies, with model-restricted exceptions. GM's 1970–72 option reports break several options out separately for the Monte Carlo series; those and the Monte-Carlo-specific codes are tabulated below. Second (1973–77) and third (1978–82 era) generation coverage is thinner in the enthusiast sources and is presented at package/powertrain level.
Years 1970–1972 (first generation)
Codes documented specifically on/for Monte Carlos. "MC qty" = units GM reported sold on the Monte Carlo series.
| Code | Description | Years | Models/Notes | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z20 | Monte Carlo SS 454 package | 1970–1971 | LS5 454 standard, HD suspension, auto level control, wider tires, SS badging; TH400 only; 3,823 (1970), 1,919 (1971) ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.65 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.14 | confirmed |
| Z03 | Monte Carlo "Custom" option | 1972 | replaced Z20: D35 sport mirror, B85 belt molding, C01 sail-panel emblem, P02 15x7 custom spoke covers, NK2 custom wheel, ZJ9 lighting, ZK1 insulation, sport suspension, G70x15 tires, acoustic package ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.4 | confirmed |
| ZO3 / Z03 | "Monte Carlo Custom" as listed in chevellestuff RPO table | 1972 | same option as above (source spells ZO3) | confirmed |
| CO1 / C01 | Body/sail panel emblem, var 2 (Monte Carlo) | 1972 | part of Z03 Custom | single-source |
| ZK1 | Body insulation package | 1972 | "Monte Carlo only?" per source | confirmed |
| LS5 | 454ci 4-bbl V8 (360 hp 1970 / 365 hp 1971 / 270 hp net 1972) | 1970–1972 | 1970 only within Z20; open option 1971–72 (1,919 MC in 71, 1,268 in 72) — a 454 does not by itself make an SS ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.38 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.46 | confirmed |
| LS3 | 402ci ("400") Turbo-Jet 4-bbl V8 | 1970–1972 | 7,456 MC (1970), 8,633 (1971), 9,960 (1972) ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.6 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.22 | confirmed |
| LF6 | 400ci small-block 2-bbl V8 | 1970 | dropped after 1970 on MC ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.6 | confirmed |
| L48 | 350ci 4-bbl V8 | 1970–1972 | 47,158 MC in 1970 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.6 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.22 | confirmed |
| L65 | 350ci 2-bbl V8 | 1970–1972 | base MC V8 (not an extra-cost option on this series) | confirmed |
| M20 | 4-speed manual | 1970–1971 | rare on MC (349 in 1971) ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.66 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 | confirmed |
| M35 | Powerglide 2-speed automatic | 1970–1972 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.66 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.17 | confirmed |
| M38 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 | 1970–1972 | most common MC transmission | confirmed |
| M40 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 | 1970–1972 | required with Z20/454 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.66 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.17 | confirmed |
| U14 | Special instrumentation (gauges + tach) | 1970–1972 | optional regardless of SS; MC dash used round pods w/ burl overlay ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 | confirmed |
| G67 | Rear shock absorber level control | 1970–1972 | standard content with Z20 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.76 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 | confirmed |
| G80 | Positraction rear axle | 1970–1972 | 15,911 MC in 1970 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.75 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.15 | confirmed |
| T58 | Rear wheel opening skirts | 1970–1972 | 31,400 of 31,442 sold were MCs (1970) ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.10 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 | confirmed |
| PA3 | Special wheel trim cover | 1970–1972 | MC series option ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.67 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.28 | confirmed |
| P90 / P91 | G70-15 white stripe / red stripe tires | 1970–1972 | MC 15" tires ⛭ GM Heritage — 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.108 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.10 | confirmed |
| P02 | Deluxe (custom spoke) wheel trim cover | 1970–1972 | 15x7 covers in 72 Z03 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.35 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.28 | confirmed |
| A31 | Power windows | 1970–1972 | 15,619 MC in 1970 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.15 | confirmed |
| A41 / A46 | 4-way power seat, bench / bucket | 1970–1972 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.15 | confirmed |
| A51 | Strato-bucket seats | 1970–1972 | 24,670 MC in 1970 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.62 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 | confirmed |
| A90 | Power trunk release | 1970–1971 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.75 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.36 | confirmed |
| B85 | Belt reveal molding | 1970–1972 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 | confirmed |
| C08 | Vinyl roof cover | 1970–1972 | 118,387 MC in 1970 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.64 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.28 | confirmed |
| C60 | Air conditioning, deluxe | 1970–1972 | 101,307 MC in 1970 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.55 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.29 | confirmed |
| D33 / D35 | Remote mirror / LH remote sport mirror | 1970–1972 | D35 in 72 Z03 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.14 | confirmed |
| D55 | Console (requires A51) | 1970–1972 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.62 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.15 | confirmed |
| K30 | Speed & cruise control | 1970, 1972 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.76 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.28 | confirmed |
| N33 / N40 | Tilt wheel / power steering | 1970–1972 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.12 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 | confirmed |
| NK2 | Custom steering wheel | 1971–1972 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.22 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 | confirmed |
| UM1 / UM2 / U63 / U69 / U76 / U79 / U80 | Radio/tape/antenna/speaker options | 1970–1972 | shared A-body electricals ⛭ GM Heritage — 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.55 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.28 | confirmed |
| ZJ9 | Auxiliary lighting group | 1970–1972 | confirmed | |
| Z17 | Special suspension/steering (Monte Carlo SS content) | 1970–1971 | internal code per 348-409.com | single-source |
For the complete shared A-body option list (belts, moldings, axles, brakes, tires, lamps, etc.) see chevelle.md.
Years 1973–1977 (second generation)
The SS was dropped; "S" and Landau were marketed as models/trim rather than a single performance RPO. Enthusiast sources do not publish a complete per-year RPO matrix for these years — powertrain and notable options below.
| Code | Description | Years | Models/Notes | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L65 | 350ci 2-bbl V8 (base) | 1973–1975 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.52 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1975 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.20 | confirmed |
| L48 / LM1 | 350ci 4-bbl V8 | 1973–1977 | LM1 nomenclature in later years ⛭ GM Heritage — 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.6 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.59 | confirmed |
| LF6 / LT4 | 400ci small-block 2-bbl / 4-bbl V8 | 1973–1976 | 400-4bbl code LT4 per 348-409.com (single-source) ⛭ GM Heritage — 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.6 | confirmed |
| LS4 | 454ci 4-bbl V8 | 1973–1975 | last big-block MC ⛭ GM Heritage — 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.6 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1975 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.6 | confirmed |
| LG3 | 305ci 2-bbl V8 (new base) | 1976–1977 | replaced 350 as standard ⛭ GM Heritage — 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.20 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.20 | confirmed |
| M38 / M40 | TH350 / TH400 automatics | 1973–1977 | automatic standard from 1976 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.10 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1975 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.10 | confirmed |
| MM3 | 3-speed manual | 1973–1975 | nominal base transmission, rarely built | single-source |
| A51 | Strato-bucket swivel seats | 1973–1977 | confirmed | |
| D55 | Console | 1973–1977 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.12 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 | confirmed |
| PE1 | Turbine II wheels | 1973–1977 | standard on Landau | confirmed |
| D35 | Sport mirrors | 1973–1977 | standard on Landau ⛭ GM Heritage — 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.74 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 | confirmed |
| C08 / CB7 | Vinyl roof covers (full / Landau rear-quarter) | 1973–1977 | Landau = rear-quarter landau roof ⛭ GM Heritage — 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.12 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.12 | confirmed |
| U14 | Special instrumentation | 1973–1977 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.12 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1975 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 | confirmed |
| — | "Fashion Tone" two-tone paint | 1976–1977 | order-code paint combination, no single RPO documented | single-source |
Years 1978–1982 (downsized A/G-body)
| Code | Description | Years | Models/Notes | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD5 | 231ci 3.8L Buick V6 (base 1978; CA base later) | 1978–1982 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.58 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.26 | confirmed |
| LC3 | 229ci 3.8L Chevrolet V6 | 1980–1982 | 49-state base ⛭ GM Heritage — 1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.23 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.26 | confirmed |
| — | 200ci 3.3L Chevrolet V6 | 1979 | 49-state base 1979 (RPO not confirmed in sources consulted) | single-source |
| L39 | 267ci 4.4L 2-bbl V8 | 1979–1982 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.36 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.24 | confirmed |
| LG3 | 305ci 2-bbl V8 | 1978–1979 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.11 | confirmed |
| LG4 | 305ci 4-bbl V8 | 1979–1982 | 160 hp 4-bbl option ⛭ GM Heritage — 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.36 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.24 | confirmed |
| — | 231ci 3.8L Buick turbo V6 (Monte Carlo Turbo) | 1980–1981 | 170 hp; 13,839 built in 1980 (turbo RPO not confirmed in sources consulted) | single-source |
| MM3 / MM4 | 3-speed / 4-speed manual | 1978–1979 | 4-speed w/ 305 only; manuals dropped after 1979 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.132 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.25 | confirmed |
| M38 / M29 / MX1 | TH350 / TH200 / automatic transmissions | 1978–1982 | THM200 (metric) standard from 1980 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.132 | confirmed |
| ZJ7 | Rally wheels (5-slot 14" from 1980) | 1978–1982 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.107 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.10 | confirmed |
| C49 | Electric rear window defogger | 1978–1982 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.24 | confirmed |
| CC1 | Removable glass roof panels (T-tops) | 1978–1982 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.15 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1982 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.24 | confirmed |
| U14 | Gauge package | 1978–1982 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.16 ⛭ GM Heritage — 1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.21 | confirmed |
| UF7 | Econominder gage package (w/ trip odometer) | 1979 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.36 | confirmed |
| N95 | Wire wheel covers | 1979 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.36 | confirmed |
| F41 | Sport suspension | 1981 | ⛭ GM Heritage — 1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, p.36 | confirmed |
| — | Landau package | 1978–1982 | vinyl rear roof, sport mirrors, striping; sold as model/trim | confirmed |
Sources
- ChevelleStuff.net — 1970/1971/1972 RPO options by series/model (Chevelle + Monte Carlo splits): http://chevellestuff.net/1970/options_by_model.htm, http://chevellestuff.net/1971/options_by_model.htm, http://chevellestuff.net/1972/options_by_model.htm
- ChevelleStuff.net — Chevelle/Monte Carlo RPO A–Z tables: https://www.chevellestuff.net/qd/rpo1.htm, http://chevellestuff.net/qd/rpo2.htm
- First Generation Monte Carlo Registry FAQ (Z20, Z03 Custom, U14 details): https://macswebs.com/mcregistry/faq/faq.htm (retrieved via Wayback Machine)
- 348-409.com — Chevrolet R.P.O. codes (Z17, Z20, LT4, division-wide cross-check): https://www.348-409.com/rpo1.html
- Wikipedia — Chevrolet Monte Carlo (generations, engines, Landau/Turbo): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Monte_Carlo
Factory kits (T1)
GM Heritage Center factory kits, docs/heritage-ocr/chevrolet/: 1970–1982-Chevrolet-Monte-Carlo.txt (all model years). Citations inline as <span class="doc-cite">⛭ GM Heritage — <file></span>.