HEMI engine oil dipstick help

[charge69]

Hi Techs,  I need some help. My engine ('69 426 original) is in the Charger and it is wearing TTi headers already but, we forgot to put the dipstick in it before installing the headers. My guy says he cannot get it to fit without bending it (the dipstick tube) and has kinked 2 trying to bend one and get one in place! Yikes!

Anyway, we thought of trying a LOKAR flexible stainless tube just to ease the fitment problems but they would have to make it up special  as they do not catalog one for the old big-block motors.

I called the LOKAR tech line and the fella looked for something about the right size and we came up woth LOKAR part # ED 5020, which is cataloged for a 1997 and up Chevy LS1 w/ Doug Thorley Tri-Y Headers. The end piece is tapered but the bigger end that goes into the block is the correct diameter and the length of the dipstick is right.

I am sure we can find something to attach the upper end to or my guy can easily make  something. Anyone try this? I know it would not look stock but neither do the headers or MSD distributor and ignition system, including MSD Sparkplug wires.

[randy73]

Have the guy heat it up before trying to bend.

[68X426]

This is what is on my Hemi (with TTI headers). Should get the job done.

The upper end tab fits perfectly onto a valve cover bolt.

http://www.moroso.com/catalog/categorydisplay.asp?catcode=13970

[charge69]

Thanks for the reply.  My restorer guy tried both the original and a replacement model and, while I wasn't psycally there at the time, I feel sure he heated the tube first before trying to reshape it a little due to the TTi headers already being there. I guess we will just see how well the LOKAR model fits and how it looks (probably not too well, although it is stainless steel and looks nice in Summit's website).

We just did not think of putting it on before the headers and it would have required bending to get the TTi headers to fit anyway! Anyone use 2 1/8" TTi headers on their 426 models before and what about the dipstick tube clearance? Thanks.

[charge69]

To 68X426: I was typing a reply when you answered  with the MOROSO option. Thanks a lot for that. I have already ordered the LOKAR one as it is the same exact length as the original one. It is on backorder now from Summit but the tech guy at LOKAR was looking at one when we were trying to figure out which one will work. The LOKAR model (ED 5020) doesn't require me to weld in a 1/4" NPT fitting in the existing hole so, I will try it first. If it doesn't work, the MOROSO is a great option but welding on a numbers-matching block might be hard! Ha !

[bull]

Probably too late to suggest this but I would use a tubing bender on the correct tube to get the right curves. You might be money/time ahead by the time you figure out the right flex tube and get it tied down right. You can rent tubing benders at Autozone.

[charge69]

I appreciate that, Bull but, I believe he used a tube bender on both of them. I could be wrong but I have already ordered the flexible one from Summit. They show it a special order and probably won't ship until around Aug. 8th.  

We will continue to play with the original and the correct replacement until the flex one get's here but, I think the flex one will have to work. If I get one of the correct resto ones to work before the flex one arrives, I will try to send it back but if I cannot, believe me, I have thrown a lot more money than this thing costs at my Charger !

Thanks again for the reply and possible solution. Heck, we might have to take the header off to get one on anyway ! If so, I will make a "correct" one work somehow.