Dipstick length...
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
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From: Custer, WI
Dipstick length...
Buying some finishing touches for my 383 build, did a search and really didnt come up with anything. Just plan on buying a chrome Mr. Gasket dipstick from Competition products (driving there tomorrow) and they have
19" long, which is listed for '55-'79
23" long, which is listed for '80-'82
then they have one that is listed for '82-'85 camaro/firebird.
Assuming since it is a Corvette, and the motto is "try to pack ten pounds of crap into a 5 pound bag," that i am going to need the 19" one?
FWIW, it's a roller block, passenger side dipstick.
Thanks!
Jeremy
19" long, which is listed for '55-'79
23" long, which is listed for '80-'82
then they have one that is listed for '82-'85 camaro/firebird.
Assuming since it is a Corvette, and the motto is "try to pack ten pounds of crap into a 5 pound bag," that i am going to need the 19" one?
FWIW, it's a roller block, passenger side dipstick.
Thanks!
Jeremy
Last edited by Pwnage1337; Aug 30, 2011 at 01:42 AM.
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From: Overland Park Kansas
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None of those will work. They are for DS blocks. I did not see one listed on their website that will work.
AFAIK, there are only two aftermarket sticks that will work in Corvettes. And, they will both require modification if you're running headers.
Look on eBay for "passenger side dipstick SBC". The other is polished and is made by Lokar (I think). I had both in my hands. Both required some modification to fit (mostly bending).
If you have headers, my might also need to remove a welded-on mounting tab. (I was able to polish after removal and hide evidence the tab ever existed.) Then, I used a rubber-lined mounting strap from the hardward store to make the mount.
There may also be a third type with flexible tube. I didn't try buying one of those.
The other thing you'll have to do is assemble, fill with oil, and mark the correct fill on your stick. Since Corvette pans (and their shallow depth) is unique to Corvette, you won't find a stick that will work as-is on your engine. The length and correct fill depth WILL BE OFF.
Unless you use a stock stick that-is. Even then you'll need to modify for headers (unless TPIS headers). That's because they're made for the 2" standoffs at the header flange.
AFAIK, there are only two aftermarket sticks that will work in Corvettes. And, they will both require modification if you're running headers.
Look on eBay for "passenger side dipstick SBC". The other is polished and is made by Lokar (I think). I had both in my hands. Both required some modification to fit (mostly bending).
If you have headers, my might also need to remove a welded-on mounting tab. (I was able to polish after removal and hide evidence the tab ever existed.) Then, I used a rubber-lined mounting strap from the hardward store to make the mount.
There may also be a third type with flexible tube. I didn't try buying one of those.
The other thing you'll have to do is assemble, fill with oil, and mark the correct fill on your stick. Since Corvette pans (and their shallow depth) is unique to Corvette, you won't find a stick that will work as-is on your engine. The length and correct fill depth WILL BE OFF.
Unless you use a stock stick that-is. Even then you'll need to modify for headers (unless TPIS headers). That's because they're made for the 2" standoffs at the header flange.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
None of those will work. They are for DS blocks. I did not see one listed on their website that will work.
AFAIK, there are only two aftermarket sticks that will work in Corvettes. And, they will both require modification if you're running headers.
Look on eBay for "passenger side dipstick SBC". The other is polished and is made by Lokar (I think). I had both in my hands. Both required some modification to fit (mostly bending).
If you have headers, my might also need to remove a welded-on mounting tab. (I was able to polish after removal and hide evidence the tab ever existed.) Then, I used a rubber-lined mounting strap from the hardward store to make the mount.
There may also be a third type with flexible tube. I didn't try buying one of those.
The other thing you'll have to do is assemble, fill with oil, and mark the correct fill on your stick. Since Corvette pans (and their shallow depth) is unique to Corvette, you won't find a stick that will work as-is on your engine. The length and correct fill depth WILL BE OFF.
Unless you use a stock stick that-is. Even then you'll need to modify for headers (unless TPIS headers). That's because they're made for the 2" standoffs at the header flange.
AFAIK, there are only two aftermarket sticks that will work in Corvettes. And, they will both require modification if you're running headers.
Look on eBay for "passenger side dipstick SBC". The other is polished and is made by Lokar (I think). I had both in my hands. Both required some modification to fit (mostly bending).
If you have headers, my might also need to remove a welded-on mounting tab. (I was able to polish after removal and hide evidence the tab ever existed.) Then, I used a rubber-lined mounting strap from the hardward store to make the mount.
There may also be a third type with flexible tube. I didn't try buying one of those.
The other thing you'll have to do is assemble, fill with oil, and mark the correct fill on your stick. Since Corvette pans (and their shallow depth) is unique to Corvette, you won't find a stick that will work as-is on your engine. The length and correct fill depth WILL BE OFF.
Unless you use a stock stick that-is. Even then you'll need to modify for headers (unless TPIS headers). That's because they're made for the 2" standoffs at the header flange.
Couldn't I just use one of the DS dipsticks and make my own bracket mounting to the header bolt? As in grind off the mounting tab. If it needs modification anyways, why not. Or is there some sort of notching in the dipstick or block that only allows the dipstick to go in one way, not allowing it to spin in its bore.
Any idea on the length of the dipstick tube I need? I see one for 19.5" and one for 24". I feel like 24 is way too long
Last edited by Pwnage1337; Aug 30, 2011 at 03:06 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,624
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From: Dale City VA
Damnit. Thanks for all the info. I do have TPIS headers, so that's a plus.
Couldn't I just use one of the DS dipsticks and make my own bracket mounting to the header bolt? As in grind off the mounting tab. If it needs modification anyways, why not. Or is there some sort of notching in the dipstick or block that only allows the dipstick to go in one way, not allowing it to spin in its bore.
Any idea on the length of the dipstick tube I need? I see one for 19.5" and one for 24". I feel like 24 is way too long
Couldn't I just use one of the DS dipsticks and make my own bracket mounting to the header bolt? As in grind off the mounting tab. If it needs modification anyways, why not. Or is there some sort of notching in the dipstick or block that only allows the dipstick to go in one way, not allowing it to spin in its bore.
Any idea on the length of the dipstick tube I need? I see one for 19.5" and one for 24". I feel like 24 is way too long
The one pc rear seal, roller cam, Pass side DS blocks have the boss for the dipstick tube all the way down on the pan rail.
Early Drivers side DS blocks have it drilled thru the deck surface by the cyl head.
The early ones are much shorter and larger OD.
This member had a used one from an 89 F/S last month. Maybe he still has it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-p...om-89-l98.html
If that falls thru you can use one from a ZZ3/4 Crate engine, but it may need to be remarked.
P/N 12551144 (Indicator $9.88), P/N 12551154 (Tube $10.83). Prices are quoted from GM Parts Direct.
Will
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: WI
Dang, I had a stock tube and stick till recently. It's way nicer to get the bolt to block one than having to bend the tab on the header bolt. This is what I have:
Pic with most of the stock part:
Part number on my stick, can't see number on tube.
Pic with most of the stock part:
Part number on my stick, can't see number on tube.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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Couldn't I just use one of the DS dipsticks and make my own bracket mounting to the header bolt? As in grind off the mounting tab. If it needs modification anyways, why not. Or is there some sort of notching in the dipstick or block that only allows the dipstick to go in one way, not allowing it to spin in its bore.
Any idea on the length of the dipstick tube I need? I see one for 19.5" and one for 24". I feel like 24 is way too long
Any idea on the length of the dipstick tube I need? I see one for 19.5" and one for 24". I feel like 24 is way too long
There is no slot to force the stick in a specific location. It will rotate 360, if it could, but the curvature of the stick will force you to put it where it will clear. BTW, you may need to increase the curve, I did. On one, I bent it with a tubing bender. The was bendable by hand. Using a tube bender is much safer though.
You may want to delay mounting until the motor is install -- liked I did. That way you can orient and bend for r/r. (If the flexible Lokar is what you buy, this statement wouldn't apply.)
Here's what that $10 stick looked like after the mounting bracket was removed and I added add'l curvature. The mounting strap isn't very visible because it sat down by the entry point into the block. (down by the starter in the pic)
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Aug 30, 2011 at 01:51 PM.
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From: Overland Park Kansas
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Oh yeah....the stick (actually tube) pictured above was the correct diameter.
The polished one I bought came with a chromed tube which required chrome plating on the shaft to be removed before it would slide down into the blade. (Major PITA, but after I got it to work, I used it -- since the rest of my motor is polished.)
The polished one I bought came with a chromed tube which required chrome plating on the shaft to be removed before it would slide down into the blade. (Major PITA, but after I got it to work, I used it -- since the rest of my motor is polished.)
