Hey everybody, I hope someone can help me out with my 350 build. After doing some research I saw that others on this board have had the issue of reusing 86 manifolds on a pre 1980 block. You see the dipstick hole is covered by the manifolds. Many people recommend a Lokar Dipstick, but after purchasing one at my local pep boys the darn thing still doesn't fit. There just doesn't seem to be a big enough gap to get it in. Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

This is what I done on a 90 RS I had. First, installed the factory pre 80 dipstick. I removed the heat shield (if it had one, dont remember now) from the manifold on the inside then held it up to the head. Where the tube hit, I marked the manifold.

Then I took our die grinder and ground just alittle bit out of the manifold. Doesnt take much and those manifolds are thick. There is already a slight gap between the manifold and head, you just want to give yourself a little more wiggle room.

Then bolt the manifold up and let it compress the dipstick tube between the manifold and head. The dipstick will still fit without issue.

Worked just fine for me and was free. Wasnt my idea, I got it from others that had done the same. It can and does work.

 

Nice, Thanks alot for the tip. Might just try that out!

 

Did you give it a try?

 

Hey 3rdgenmaro, sorry for the late respone. I know its rude to leave people hanging but Ive been so busy lately. I ended up recently taking a trip to my local pep boys and while I was there I talked to a worker that I knew and he hooked me up with a set of Long tube headers from Hedman, I believe part number 68460 for about $147 after my military discount so I think I got a pretty good deal!