383 stroker dipstick?

[ponchopwr70]

Just wondering what all you 383 guys are using for dipsticks. I have a 87 350 block chrome dipstick assembly lunati 3.75 crank 5.7 rods. My engine builder said i shouldn't run the engine with the dipstick in because it could flex and possibly hit the crank. He said to put a vaccum cap on the tube and keep the stick in the car. Any thoughts? Has this happen to anyone? Thanks.

[ponchopwr70]

anyone?

[6'9"Witha69]

Never had a problem running a dipstick, but the 87 block is the pass side stick, so it will probably be a different issue. 1st gen SBC blocks don't hava an issue.

[rocketman]

On all the stroker stuff I build tell all my customers don't leave the dip stick in,I have seen dipsticks hit the crank and break off the tip.I have a couple guys take a dipstick and cut it off 1/2 way so it looks like a dip stick in there but don't run it with the real one

[MarkM66]

Running a Milodon on my 383.

[Y-TRY]

My dipstick introduced itself to my crank a couple times. Both times- Lokar. Don't use any dipstick that is not a flat blade all the way down. The round-stick type can/will bend and hit the crank.

[68sixspeed]

Aftermarket pans are pretty cheap, the Moroso one on my motor came with stroker notches in it and the dipstick set up to come in through the pan, low on the side. Not too bad unless you've already put the motor in. -Dan

[ponchopwr70]

The motor is all done ready to go in today I think I'll just plug it when its running and keep the dipstick under the seat.

[DeltaT]

Lokar for me. 383 also. If you look at the block, the stick would have to be pretty long to conflict with the crank, because the dipstick comes out at a main cap.

Also, with an aftermarket dipstick, I recommend filling the motor with the right amount of oil, cycling it, let it sit overnight, then mark the stick with the right range - it's not always marked to match your motor/pan combo.

Jim