I know on a 200R4, the optimum level is even with the pan rail with the engine off (that's how I've always calibrated mine), so the level would be slightly lower running. It seems like if the 'stick was actually 4" longer that the tube, the fluid level would be way low...

 

can't measure tube it's in the car. To tight to get to.
Sorry.

 

I really don't want to drop the pan but I did find it odd how my dipstick is 5 inches longer than my dipstick tube. I'm also thinking that's way too low.

Does anyone have any measurements of a FACTORY 4L80E dipstick tube and dipstick?

 

Can anyone confirm that the "full" fluid level on a 4L80E is at the seam where the pan meets the transmission housing(roughly). Ofcourse this would be with the transmission ran after its initial fill up and the measurement taken while the engine is off.

Anything I put down the tube including the supplied 'stick will only go about 1" greater than the size of the dipstick tube before bottoming-out

 

My dipstick tip (factory) sticks out of the tube maybe an inch, if that. The correct fluid level is the top of the pan at the gasket line

 

Just drill a hole in the bottom of the pan so that the extra 5 inches can go somewhere.

 

Thank you!!!

 

Here are some pictures of the Lokar dipstick I used in my old setup. From what you are saying on here, I understand it is the older style.

 

Here is a pic of the distance the dipstick sticks out of the end of the tube. The other end is fully inserted into the tube.

If you look closely, you can even see the cross-hatch marks for full.

 

Bringing this back because I just ran into the same problem. Not a Lokar but also a braided/billet type dipstick.

I pulled the pan and found that the stick is bottoming out against a "stop" in the bottom of the pan. I am assuming that the FULL mark should be level with the pan mating surface so I'll just trim the stick accordingly and it should work. I'll post up some pics in case anyone else runs into this same problem.

 

Doing my civic duty and posting pics

On my stick, there was a tiny allen screw holding the dip stick tube to the handle. I removed it and trimmed the stick a little. Fits perfect now and the FULL mark is level with the mating surface of the transmission pan. Time to change the filter, reinstall the pan and fill it up!!