OK so Im a novice engine builder... Actually, this will be my first build and Ive just begun.

A problem Im seeing now is with the oil dipstick. The 305 block had a place for the dipstick in the block (1985 5.0 TPI) but the 350 block I am going to swap does not!?

What do I do? It is going to be stroked. The oil pans I am looking at that fit the stroke have dipstick provisions but it looks like it accomadates a block with that spot, and since mine doesnt have one, Im confused!

So how do I get that to work? Im not going to do it now but I would like to know in advance. Sorry I got no pics but Im sure you guys know what I mean. I can throw some up at another time if needed but I didnt have any now. Thanks for any and all help!

 

What block are you building? Stock blocks will have a dipstick tube boss on one side or the other.

 

Yeah if it isn't on the passeger side check the driver side

 

if the 350 block is an older block, itll be on the passanger side. but itll have a provision on one side or the other, you just have to get a pan that matches.

 

Sounds like you have a block from before about 78 or so.

Those blocks have the dipstick hole in the block deck, driver's side, by the #5 cyl. Look at the bottom of the block along the pan rail and you'll see where it comes through. Obviously you'll have to have that sort of pan, your 85 pan won't work. The pan and the dipstick parts are all very common stuff, easy to buy from any number of sources. Buy the tube and dipstick as a set, either from GM or aftermarket, but DON'T mix & match. Don't get all wound up about "stroker" pans and romantic-sounding aftermarket racing stuffl, you don't need that; a stock (or stock replacement) pan for a 2nd gen F car or a Chevelle will fit perfect.

 

Thanks for the help guys! Sorry I didnt reply earlier or post pics but you got it. Anyways Im pretty sure I saw what you were talking about. Looks like a long tube in the block. I dont remember what side it was on but I think its the one. I just gotta get a pan that puts the provision on the same side that its on.

The block is a 69 LT1 block, 3932386 4 bolt 350.

Anyways, as far as the pan goes, if the motor will be stroked to 3.75" I didnt think the stock pan would clear it? It seems to me that it needs to be 7.00" deep? Any input on that?

 

i ran a stock pan with a 3.75" stroke. just gotta make sure its not gonna contact the pan.

 

The 350 has a 3.48" stroke.

The 400 has a 3.75" stroke.

350 and 400 pans are the same, for any given chassis.

You do the math.

 

K good to know. I found it and it is on the driver side. I also found kits on summit ranging from $4.00 to $42.00! The $4.00 seem just perfect for what I want. Now, the pans... will the dipstick read accurately regardless of what pan I get? For instance, a 7.0 quart vs a 5.0 quart pan... or a pan that is kicked out vs regular?