Flexible engine oil dipstick and tube

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by koosh, Jun 1, 2021.

  1. koosh

    koosh Well-Known Member

    Anybody running one of these in their Buick 350? (76 Buick 350)
    I see tons of them on the internet, but all for SBC?
    I dont want an incorrect length, it only produces an incorrect oil level.....
     
  2. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Use old dipstick for correct level then install new stick and mark level.
     
  3. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    I am running a Lokar locking flexible dipstick on my Buick 350. I had to drill and tap the original dipstick hole for 1/4" NPT though so I don't recommend doing this unless you plan on taking the oil pan off/cleaning up metal shavings. I also had to enlarge the hole in my windage tray to prevent the stick getting snagged on the edges and not going in properly (of course I forgot to check this the first time so I had to take the oil pan off twice).

    As far as setting the dipstick length it's pretty simple, you fill your pan to capacity then insert the dipstick and trim the handle side of the wire until it reads full. In my case I had to call Lokar and ask for an extended wire because the one they included wasn't quite long enough, was an extra $20 or so plus the $120 for the dipstick and whatever the NPT tap cost. Not super worth it unless your anal about these small bling things like me, and I was worried about the stock stick clearing turbo headers. Also since I'll hopefully be driving this on a road course I really wanted a secure locking dipstick.

    Hope that helps!
     
    72gs4spd likes this.
  4. koosh

    koosh Well-Known Member

    Thanks for all the input....was able to make existing tube work by bending it a bit around the headers, then I manufactured a hold down bracket and bolted to the head......
     
    patwhac and Max Damage like this.
  5. 72gs4spd

    72gs4spd Well-Known Member

    I did the same on the motor I’m having built had machinist clearance the block. My builder wants to lower the oil level due to the deeper sump of my SRE pan so I’m sure a longer wire is the future as well. D2F340EF-3AF8-46C2-A656-133A0FED5B34.jpeg
     
  6. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    Oh right I forgot to mention I'm using an SRE pan as well, not sure a longer stick would be necessary for a stock pan. Yeah I had to grind the block just a little with a Dremel to clear the fitting, but I ended up using a pipe nipple to extend my setup so I didn't need to grind that much (and duh of course that would require a longer stick :rolleyes:)

    Unfortunately I don't have a great picture of this, but I used regular pipe fitting from the hardware store!
     

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