Hi Guys,

Well I seem to be stumped at this point in my build. Using an L33 block in a swap, and have to use a front sump oil pan, which does not have a provision for a dipstick. I was going to machine something and weld it on to the pan, but after filling the pan to the capacity, there is no room for a stick (the hole for the dipstick would be submerged so I don't want to go that route).

The block has a drilled boss at the rear for the dipstick. This one I obviously need to plug, but has anyone added one to the front of the block? There is no casting boss. The only place I could see that may be doable is a 'horizontal' boss, that I would have to machine at an angle. I am unsure what this boss is for. It looks like it would clear the counterweights and crank though if used. (Pointing to it in a picture)

Has anyone done such a thing? If not, any other suggestions (besides "Measure the oil when filling and change often")?

The only other thing I can think of is a sight glass, but that could be a whole other can of worms.

Thanks!

 

I haven't seen any L33 blocks drilled for a front dipstick, yet L33's came in trailblazer SS that had a front sump pan.
I'd assume the dipstick goes in the pan on those?
And didn't GTO's have a front sump pan?
Do you have the pan yet?

 

Doesn't the trailblazer pan have the axle hole through it? (not that it matters.. )
I'd machine a block of aluminum and weld it to the outside of the pan, then drill through the block and pan at the same measurements of the rear sump dipstick hole.

 

Correct on the Trailblazer pan.

 

I had all the same questions.

I remember seeing, just stay with me for a second, where I've seen a tool that bolts to the block and is basically a drill jig to drill a dipstick.

I've only seen this once and I can't remember the context nor the specifics.

 

Thanks guys! I do have the pan, but it's a Holley/Weiand 5042 (I believe that's the number) front sump. It's, errr, not a great pan. (GTO pans are getting a little overpriced it seems).

I machined a piece of aluminum today so I believe I will be welding to the pan, which I wanted to avoid, but if nobody has successfully machined and drilled a new dipstick hole in the block, this seems a little safer.