Which Dipstick Tube?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
Which Dipstick Tube?
Ive got an '88 C4 with the factory L98 and longtube headers. My dipstick broke off in the block and I need to order a replacement. Can anyone give me a link or part number for a suitable replacement? I was thinking I might be better off with a flexible one? Just wanted to make sure I get the correct one before I order. Came across a Lokar ed-5001 which says its for 1980 and later small block and a mr gasket that says it fits 1985 corvette though Im not sure if thats any different from a '88.
Last edited by armybyrd; Nov 5, 2011 at 10:38 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
No matter what you pick (outside a true OEM unit), you're likely to require modification for an aftermarket dipstick to work.
When I built my 383, I looked at every chrome/polished dipstick I could find. (All aftermarket sticks are pretty much chrome/polished). I did get two to work though each required some minor modification. Both required some bending of the tube (with a tubing bender). One required that I remove the mounting bracket (tab) and make another. The other required that I remove some of the plating to get it to fit in the block.
I remember looking at the flexible Lokars. It might be they are kinda short but it's been over a year now. OTOH, they might work with some modification too. It helped that I found a local speed shop that had several options in stock. It also showed me aftermarket manufactures don't have much in mind for roller block SBC in the dipstick arena.
So, get ready to make one fit or go back to stock. FWIW, my least favorite aftermarket Corvette parts retailer does carry chromed, factory dipsticks. While common aftermarket chrome/polished sticks are $30ish, theirs are about $100.
When I built my 383, I looked at every chrome/polished dipstick I could find. (All aftermarket sticks are pretty much chrome/polished). I did get two to work though each required some minor modification. Both required some bending of the tube (with a tubing bender). One required that I remove the mounting bracket (tab) and make another. The other required that I remove some of the plating to get it to fit in the block.
I remember looking at the flexible Lokars. It might be they are kinda short but it's been over a year now. OTOH, they might work with some modification too. It helped that I found a local speed shop that had several options in stock. It also showed me aftermarket manufactures don't have much in mind for roller block SBC in the dipstick arena.
So, get ready to make one fit or go back to stock. FWIW, my least favorite aftermarket Corvette parts retailer does carry chromed, factory dipsticks. While common aftermarket chrome/polished sticks are $30ish, theirs are about $100.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
BTW...for the sake of clarity: TPIS headers accept (and are intended) to have the stock OEM dipstick (re)used.
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Nov 5, 2011 at 03:35 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The factory part number for the tube is 14084338. GM lists this p/n for 85-91 L98 engines.
I checked GM PartsDirect and it's a valid part number. Might try Gene Culley at GM Parts House; he's a CF Supporting Vendor. Same part number at his website is valid. Just enter that p/n in the search box and select "Chevrolet/Geo" as the make. It will return availability and pricing.
I checked GM PartsDirect and it's a valid part number. Might try Gene Culley at GM Parts House; he's a CF Supporting Vendor. Same part number at his website is valid. Just enter that p/n in the search box and select "Chevrolet/Geo" as the make. It will return availability and pricing.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Do a search on eBay for SBC passenger side dipstick. Seems like that was the way I found the 2-3 you have to choose from.
You could also remove the mounting tab for the stock stick and bend it to clear. For mounting, I would consider a rubber-coated mounting strap. One that wraps around a tube. Find it at any hardware.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
well i went ahead and ordered this one
:http://www.ebay.com/itm/130585769889...84.m1497.l2649
It says it'll work for all late 80s passenger side dipstick though apparently the Corvettes special so Im expected to have to mod it a bit to fit but hopefully its useable. Also says it works for ZZ4s which from what Ive read arent that different from the L98s longblock.
:http://www.ebay.com/itm/130585769889...84.m1497.l2649
It says it'll work for all late 80s passenger side dipstick though apparently the Corvettes special so Im expected to have to mod it a bit to fit but hopefully its useable. Also says it works for ZZ4s which from what Ive read arent that different from the L98s longblock.
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