1997-2000 dipstick.......
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1997-2000 dipstick.......
IDK about anyone else, but I do not like the '01-up dipstick. My 2000 stick mysteriously "disappeared" at the engine builders facility about 8 years ago. If anyone has swapped to the later dipstick, you know what I'm talking about. If you've never had an early style dipstick, you won't understand, trust me. Anyway, I see the early style OEM sticks going for up to $150. I think we all know why. Does anyone know where you can get an early style aftermarket dipstick, for under the ridiculous sum of $150!?? I'm thinking since GM only used them for 4 years, and hasn't used them for almost 24 years, the answer is no. Anyone?? Thanks 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: S.E. Pennsylvania
Check this out... Looks like it fits 97-2000...
https://www.improvedracing.com/oil-d...-12574889.html
Further checking says 2001-2004... sorry.
https://www.improvedracing.com/oil-d...-12574889.html
Further checking says 2001-2004... sorry.
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
IDK about anyone else, but I do not like the '01-up dipstick. My 2000 stick mysteriously "disappeared" at the engine builders facility about 8 years ago. If anyone has swapped to the later dipstick, you know what I'm talking about. If you've never had an early style dipstick, you won't understand, trust me. Anyway, I see the early style OEM sticks going for up to $150. I think we all know why. Does anyone know where you can get an early style aftermarket dipstick, for under the ridiculous sum of $150!?? I'm thinking since GM only used them for 4 years, and hasn't used them for almost 24 years, the answer is no. Anyone?? Thanks
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I didnt mean to be cryptic. The later style has curves and bends, where the early style has a straight shot right down to the pan. The straight shot of the tube gives a very accurate reading, and is less likely to rub oil off the stick itself as you remove it. I'm sure the reason the early style is so expensive, and hard to find, is because many people prefer it. I knew nothing of the change, as I had my 2000 dipstick until that point in time. Early style is lighter, with no monkey motion. As I was saying, when you've used both, it's easy to see why the early stick is so popular. I'm talking C5s here only. I don't know what the F Bodies used, so don't know whether they're a viable alternative, or not. I know it may sound trivial, but it's much harder, for me at least, to get an accurate oil level. I also have the early style Kooks LTs, and there is a boss welded onto one of the tubes that the dipstick tube was bolted to, which now looks like something is missing due to the exposed female thread with nothing bolted to it......
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Chandler AZ
Maybe you can trade someone who is putting headers on their early C5 that instructions says requires the later dipstick setup.
Save both parties $$, each guy pays to ship his setup to the other guy.
Edit.. speed engineering says to use later model dip stick setup, also another brand I’m considering buying TPS motor sports, says same thing.
“So I ordered the speed engineering headers with catless x pipe but I’m reading online about needing to do a 2001-2004 dipstick conversion (mine is a 98) I can’t find this part anywhere online and an aftermarket part that someone said to use was $100. Are there any cheaper options or does anyone know how to get the original.”
Message this guy?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-general/4685853-long-tube-headers-or-cat-back-exhaust.html
Save both parties $$, each guy pays to ship his setup to the other guy.
Edit.. speed engineering says to use later model dip stick setup, also another brand I’m considering buying TPS motor sports, says same thing.
“So I ordered the speed engineering headers with catless x pipe but I’m reading online about needing to do a 2001-2004 dipstick conversion (mine is a 98) I can’t find this part anywhere online and an aftermarket part that someone said to use was $100. Are there any cheaper options or does anyone know how to get the original.”
Message this guy?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-general/4685853-long-tube-headers-or-cat-back-exhaust.html
Last edited by 1999corvettels1; Nov 17, 2022 at 07:33 PM.
Night Owl for life
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
I didnt mean to be cryptic. The later style has curves and bends, where the early style has a straight shot right down to the pan. The straight shot of the tube gives a very accurate reading, and is less likely to rub oil off the stick itself as you remove it. I'm sure the reason the early style is so expensive, and hard to find, is because many people prefer it. I knew nothing of the change, as I had my 2000 dipstick until that point in time. Early style is lighter, with no monkey motion. As I was saying, when you've used both, it's easy to see why the early stick is so popular. I'm talking C5s here only. I don't know what the F Bodies used, so don't know whether they're a viable alternative, or not. I know it may sound trivial, but it's much harder, for me at least, to get an accurate oil level. I also have the early style Kooks LTs, and there is a boss welded onto one of the tubes that the dipstick tube was bolted to, which now looks like something is missing due to the exposed female thread with nothing bolted to it......
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Interesting. I still have my original 97 dipstick and tube sitting in the shop.
I like so many others went with the later model unit during header installs.
I've gotten used to reading the late model dipstick to where I find it accurate and repeatable.
I like so many others went with the later model unit during header installs.
I've gotten used to reading the late model dipstick to where I find it accurate and repeatable.
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Try checking with Marc at Vettenuts. He may have what you are looking for.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
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From: SC
They are expensive and hard to find because they dont make them anymore. The 01-04 dipstick/tube is also expensive and hard to find, more so in my experience because most headers require them. It took me a while to find an 01-04 tube at any price
Drifting
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From: S.E. Pennsylvania
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Yes, thats it. I'm wondering about the late model dipstick info I'm reading now, today. Because, in the past year or so, I've read in several posts, maybe even on another forum, that the later dipstick is now also discontinued. Perhaps why they're also going up in price. Anyway, thank you, Mr. Black, and the rest who've responded. That stick you're holding is in fact the one I need. If you're looking for a a spare, later model stick, I'd be happy to exchange them. The later stick does work with my Kooks, and bolts to the head. It's just not as easy to read, and not what the car came with. Again, thanks to all......