
It’s time to say goodbye to the era of the high-output muscle car. Emissions regulations forced GM engineers to further detune the Corvette, which left only 200 hp in the 350ci base engine. In 1972, the most powerful Corvette engine available was the 270 hp LS5. The LT1, which produced 255 hp in ‘72, wasn’t offered again until the 1990’s.
Other notable “lasts” about the ‘72 car are that no car after it had chrome bumpers on both the front and rear. The removable rear window (coupe) was no longer available after ‘72, and after 1972, the windshield wipers no longer hid under a vacuum operated panel.
Overall, the external changes to the ‘72 car were minimal. Like in preceding years, a shade of green was the top selling color, and the coupe outsold the convertible by about 14,000 cars.
Now, you might be curious as to why horsepower numbers are so low for 1972, compared to ‘71. Up until 1972, GM published the gross horsepower ratings for its engines, but in 1972, it began publishing the net horsepower instead, Net horsepower only measures the amount of horsepower sent to the rear wheels through the driveline, while gross horsepower measures the absolute amount of power the engine produces when tested in a closed system.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Accessories
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1955-1996 Ramjet 350/502 Powermaster PowerMAX Plus Starter Staggered 168T 16:1 Price:$280.99SKU: M-4440
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1957-1996 ZZ4/ LT1 Powermaster PowerMAX Plus Starter 153/168T Straight Mount Price:$148.99SKU: M-4447
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1962-1996 ZZ4 and LT1 Powermaster XS Torque Starter 153 Tooth Straight Mount Price:$238.99SKU: M-4444
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1963-1982 Powermaster GM 12si Alternator Natural 100A 1V Pulley 1 or 3 Wire Price:$149.99SKU: M-4452
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1966-1991 Powermaster PowerMAX Plus Starter 153 Tooth Straight Mount 14:1 Price:$179.99SKU: M-4448
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1966-1991 Powermaster PowerMAX Plus Starter 153 Tooth Straight Mount 16:1 Price:$199.99SKU: M-4449
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1966-1991 Powermaster Ultra Torque Universal Starter 153/168T Straight Mount Price:$291.99SKU: M-4443
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1966-1991 Powermaster XS Torque Universal Starter 153/168 Tooth Straight Mount Price:$242.99SKU: M-4442
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1969-1991 Ramjet 350/502 Powermaster Mastertorque Starter 168T Staggered Mount Price:$237.99SKU: M-4446
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53-19 Covercraft Weathershield HD Car Cover (Specify Application) Price:As low as $686.99SKU: CC-155
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53-19 Covercraft Weathershield HP Car Cover - Gray & Taupe (Specify Application) Price:As low as $479.99SKU: CC-40
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53-19 Covercraft Weathershield HP Car Cover - Premium Colors (Specify Application) Price:As low as $532.99SKU: CC-41
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53-24 CarCapsule CF1 Series 18' Indoor Showcase w/Road Emblazoned Floor, Intellicharger, & LED Kit Price:$3,095.99SKU: X-4638
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53-24 CarCapsule SC1 18' Indoor Corvette Show Case w/Road Emblazoned Floor, Intellicharger, & LED Kit (GM Licensed) Price:$3,995.99SKU: X-4639
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