C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Tip for Dipstick Fitment with Headers

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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 08:33 AM
  #1  
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Default Tip for Dipstick Fitment with Headers

This is probably old news to some folks but I didn't know
about it so I figure one or two other people might benefit.

When headers are installed, the stock dipstick may not fit
any longer. The tube can be reshaped if necessary but in
my case, the bracket at the top of the tube wouldn't coexist
with the header flange.

A solution is to replace the dipstick and tube with parts
for the ZZ4 crate engine. The bracket on the ZZ4 tube attaches
to a boss cast into the block just below the seventh head bolt.

I extend my thanks to Gilbert Chevrolet (formerly Sallee
Chevrolet) for making me aware of this through information
and images posted on their site


P/N 12551144 (Indicator), P/N 12551154 (Tube), P/N 09439930 (Bolt)



.
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 08:53 AM
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good tip!
I had mine dancing around the head for two month...
Then I fablicated a bracket.
-Beppe-
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 08:59 AM
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on the BBC, i bent the hell out of my dipstick tube and bracket on a cheap 7 dollar chrome one i got off ebay...working very well so far. trans dipstick is another story though.
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 10:05 AM
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Default Fyi

I saw on a TV show last weekend that there are after-market mfgs that produce a flexible dip-stick tube just for that purpose. Wish that I could recall the mfg, but it was on the Speed Channel ( ch 150 DishNetwork).
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by gimme5
I saw on a TV show last weekend that there are after-market mfgs that produce a flexible dip-stick tube just for that purpose. Wish that I could recall the mfg, but it was on the Speed Channel ( ch 150 DishNetwork).
I think you are referring to a LOKAR. I use one. it is stainless and flexible. Works great, and it has a tab that fixes onto the header bolt. Pretty but Expensive.
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by dock351
I think you are referring to a LOKAR. I use one. it is stainless and flexible. Works great, and it has a tab that fixes onto the header bolt. Pretty but Expensive.
Used one on my 406 and it was nice. Pricey, but nice.
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 10:59 AM
  #7  
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Thank you for a great tip! I made a bracket for mine but plug access is a pain. I was going to get the Lokar also but now I can check prices on these numbers and compare them to the Lokar piece. I had a Lokar on my Chevelle show car and it's an awesome piece but my Vette is for enjoyment, not showing.
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 11:17 AM
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From GMPartsDirect.com

#12551144 (Indicator) LIST: $13.59 OUR PRICE: $8.06

#12551154 (Tube) LIST: $16.46 OUR PRICE: $9.76

.
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 12:18 PM
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I cut the bracket off of my stock tube and used a cushion clamp and small bracket to attach it to an unused hole in the block, just below the head. Works great and I can also turn it when needed to better access plugs, header bolts, etc.
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 02:21 PM
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Definitely better than my zip-tie fix!
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 04:00 PM
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Will this work for a LTx engine? ZZ4 is a Gen I block correct?

thanks
rob

Originally Posted by Slalom4me
This is probably old news to some folks but I didn't know
about it so I figure one or two other people might benefit.

When headers are installed, the stock dipstick may not fit
any longer. The tube can be reshaped if necessary but in
my case, the bracket at the top of the tube wouldn't coexist
with the header flange.

A solution is to replace the dipstick and tube with parts
for the ZZ4 crate engine. The bracket on the ZZ4 tube attaches
to a boss cast into the block just below the seventh head bolt.

I extend my thanks to Gilbert Chevrolet (formerly Sallee
Chevrolet) for making me aware of this through information
and images posted on their site


P/N 12551144 (Indicator), P/N 12551154 (Tube), P/N 09439930 (Bolt)



.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2006 | 04:02 PM
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the LOKAR Dipsticks are nice. Which one would work for LTx?

http://www.lokar.com/interior_pages/engdipstick.htm

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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Bluewasp
Will this work for a LTx engine? ZZ4 is a Gen I block correct?

thanks
rob
Should still work since the ZZ4 is a 86-later block, it has passenger side dipstick. Only difference between that block and an LTX block is the front crap for the waterpump drive (and possibly revised cooling passages -- not sure).
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Old Jun 6, 2006 | 05:09 PM
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I've always just fabbed a spacer and used the original manifold bolt, using the original exhaust manifold as a template for the spacer. You have to grind down the flange on the bolt head a little, but it fits like OEM.
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Old Jun 7, 2006 | 02:20 AM
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Great tip! Thanks
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Old Jun 7, 2006 | 08:23 AM
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Damn, i could have used this info a few weeks ago. I ended up grinding off the old mount and fabbed up one that now is secured to the wire loom bolt.
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Old Jan 17, 2015 | 05:25 PM
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Default Flexible diptick tube

Summit Racing sells a real nice one for about $54.00. Includes the dipstick. (Summit part # MIL-22000)
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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 11:17 PM
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Default the GM set up

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