Dipstick options for SBC

[SSLance]

I have hated the dipstick that came with my crate engine since day one. Attaching the top of the tube to the block has been a thorn in my side that I am ready to permanently remove. Thankfully, with my new heads...and the way my headers fit on them...I HAVE to do something different for a dipstick. The flange interferes with the mounting hole in the head that I have used in the past and the bracket broke the last time I took it off.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/LSVLance/1985%20Monte%20Carlo%20SS/0117161224_zpsriw6krig.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/LSVLance/media/1985%20Monte%20Carlo%20SS/0117161224_zpsriw6krig.jpg.html)

So...what are my options for an aftermarket dipstick that doesn't have to be removed to remove the headers from an engine? (because apparently one has to remove headers from a racecar fairly frequently)

I'm assuming Lokar makes something but haven't seen one in person to see how they work. Anyone have personal experience with them? Anything else?

I asked my engine builder what he uses and he said he doesn't. Says he plugs his blocks because he hates leaks and things in the way. I completely get that...I just wish I would have known that was an option before he put my engine together as I would have had him cut some threads into the hole and put a plug in it then.

[dontlifttoshift]

The Lokar dipstick comes with a little bracket and picks up a header bolt. Pretty simple really. It just pushes into the block with an O-ring, I always add some RTV.

Two things:
The billet handle gets hot.

They aren't the easiest to read, not impossible, but not easy like OEM.

[rchaskin]

I used the Lokar. I like it.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lok-ed-5001

[SSLance]

Thanks guys. I ordered the Lokar one, should be here in a couple days.

[GregWeld]

Lance --- make sure when you install this - that you know exactly how much oil is in the pan.... If the dipstick isn't already marked where you need it - then mark the dipstick accordingly. I usually notch the dipstick with a file. If it's the flexible cable version - you can shorten it by taking the handle off and cutting the cable.

[SSLance]

Mark it with "bunch" "okay" and "ut oh" ?

:D

Might wait until it is in the car before marking it to make sure the engine is sitting at the same angle as when I'll be checking it later.

[TheJDMan]

I also have been happy with my Lokar dip stick. Like mentioned above the billet handle can get pretty hot. I also like how they use a lock collar to lock the dip stick in the housing. One thing I encountered was the recess in the head for the dip stick hole in the block was too small and I had to radius the recess in the head to get the Lokar to fit into the block. If your engine is already assembled, you may need to do some filing on the Lokar base to clear the head.

[dontlifttoshift]

Yeah there are two versions.

Standard Flexible Dipstick
http://www.lokar.com/product-pgs/eng-dipsticks/eng-dipstick-images/flex-engine-ds/eng-dipsticks.png

Anchor Tight with the locking cap, works like a quick release on an air hose.

http://www.lokar.com/product-pgs/eng-dipsticks/eng-dipstick-images/locking-eng-dipsticks/lock-eng-dipsticks.png

[SSLance]

The Lokar piece fits pretty well, looks like I should have went with this option a long time ago. It even has a pattern on the stick that looks to be pretty close to the factory stick.

Will get some installed pics later on. Thanks everyone for the help.