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Header install and Dipstick doesn't line-up

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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 03:42 AM
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Default Header install and Dipstick doesn't line-up

I just installed a set of shorty BBK headers and the dipstick flange does not line up with the BBK header hole for the dipstick.

Any suggestions on how to attach the two? Tac weld?

Thanks!
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 06:01 AM
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Are the headers the correct part number for the year of your car? When GM changed from the stamped stainless steel headers to the cast iron headers in 2001 the dipstick and tube also changed.
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 10:08 AM
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Yes, these are the correct model headers. They came off another 2000.

The dipstick flange and header flange are off by about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch of eachother.

Maybe the dipstick shouldn't be inserted into the oil pan as far as I have it, but I figured it should go as far in as possible.
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by FASST LN
Yes, these are the correct model headers. They came off another 2000.

The dipstick flange and header flange are off by about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch of eachother.

Maybe the dipstick shouldn't be inserted into the oil pan as far as I have it, but I figured it should go as far in as possible.
I'm thinking that shoving it in as far as it will go is the wrong approach. How far the dipstick is inserted into the tube is dictated by the location where it bolts to the side of the engine. Did you take note of the height before you pulled it out?
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by FASST LN
I just installed a set of shorty BBK headers and the dipstick flange does not line up with the BBK header hole for the dipstick.

Any suggestions on how to attach the two? Tac weld?

Thanks!
I'd make a small bracket to make it reach to the install point!

You can pick up a small piece of stainless and make a niece piece and then throw a little polish to it and you be good to go!

Thanks,Matt
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 11:37 AM
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Default Headers and dip stick

When I put headers on my 2000 I had to change the dip stick tube to a newer model. Holes did not line up.
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
I'm thinking that shoving it in as far as it will go is the wrong approach. How far the dipstick is inserted into the tube is dictated by the location where it bolts to the side of the engine. Did you take note of the height before you pulled it out?
The dipstick should seat fully and you should hear a noticable "click" when inserted.
On 2000 and earlier years, did the dipstick actually attach to the headers? On my 02, the dipstick attaches directly to the block.
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Did you take note of the height before you pulled it out?
You must have me confused with someone that has forethought or actually plans things.
That would have been a good idea, however, when I pulled on the originally pulled on the dipstick I didn't realize the entire thing was going to come out like it did.

Yes, on the 2000 setup the dipstick attaches right to the exhaust manifold.

It seems to be fine, even after making a few WOT runs, for testing purposes only , so this apparently isn't anything that must be taken care of today.

Thanks for the suggestions!!
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by nj02vette
The dipstick should seat fully and you should hear a noticable "click" when inserted.
On 2000 and earlier years, did the dipstick actually attach to the headers? On my 02, the dipstick attaches directly to the block.
attach to the bolt hole then check the dip stick on the oil level on that to see if oil level is to high are to low. will be one good way to check and see if you have it correct.. if it is to low the the pan, the level will be high and not enough will be low....
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by robert miller
if it is to low the the pan, the level will be high and not enough will be low
That is the most cryptic message I've seen here.
I get what you're saying though and it's an excellent suggestion. I'll give it a try.

Thanks!
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 02:28 PM
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I installed the BB shorties on my 99 seven years ago so I am not sure if yours are the same. With a little bending I got the hole in the dip stick tube mounting bracket to line up with the nut on the header. However the bracket was about one inch from the nut. I cut a 3/8" diameter aluminum tube 1" long for a spacer and used a 1 1/2' bolt.
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 02:57 PM
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Doug, once again you hit the nail on the head. I'll have to try different size bolts but the stock one no longer fits. You're exactly right, I'll have to add a nut or something to shorten the gap between the two.

That and some twisting metal with pliers should do the trick.

Thanks again!
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Old Mar 14, 2008 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by FASST LN
Doug, once again you hit the nail on the head. I'll have to try different size bolts but the stock one no longer fits. You're exactly right, I'll have to add a nut or something to shorten the gap between the two.

That and some twisting metal with pliers should do the trick.

Thanks again!
That's what I had to do to the Dynatechs that were put on when those came off. The BBK's lined up perfectly on my car.
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