392 Hemi dipstick with mid-sump pan?

[TripleBlk70]

My 392 Hemi came out of a 2020 Scat Pack challenger, which has the dipstick coming out of the oil pan. I will be putting that engine in a 1970 Challenger convertible. and the Holley mid-sump pan I'm replacing it with has no hole for a dipstick. Through some research I see there may be a place on the block where I can add a fitting that will allow me to install a dipstick, but I can't find anything specific.

Has anyone else dealt with this situation and if so, can you point me in a direction?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Katfish]

I used the Holley pan, there's provisions on the driver's side of the block for a dipstick. You just need to drive out the plug, like a small freeze plug.

 

[scar426]

I used the Holley pan, there's provisions on the driver's side of the block for a dipstick. You just need to drive out the plug, like a small freeze plug.

True statement lol. I did have to "tweak" a stock dipstick to fit around my manifolds though.

 

[ItsJustMe]

My 392 Hemi came out of a 2020 Scat Pack challenger, which has the dipstick coming out of the oil pan. I will be putting that engine in a 1970 Challenger convertible. and the Holley mid-sump pan I'm replacing it with has no hole for a dipstick. Through some research I see there may be a place on the block where I can add a fitting that will allow me to install a dipstick, but I can't find anything specific.

Has anyone else dealt with this situation and if so, can you point me in a direction?

Any help is appreciated.

Check out the instructions for the oil pan on the Holley website, if your oil pan didn’t come with them. Here is the page showing what you need to do.

 

[sixpactogo]

Bouchillon Performance has a dipstick and tube for the swap using the hole in the block on the left side if you can't find one elsewhere.

 

[TripleBlk70]

Bouchillon Performance has a dipstick and tube for the swap using the hole in the block on the left side if you can't find one elsewhere.

ok thank you - so I went on their site and don't see it - any chance you have a part number or could link me?

As an aside, they seem to be pretty spicy in the pricing department...comparing their mid-sump oil pan etc to the Holley kit as one example.

But the bottom line is if they have what I need I will buy from them regardless.

 

[Katfish]

I like Bouchillon, they’ve developed some nice stuff, but they are VERY proud of that. Figure out what dipstick you need and order it from RockAuto.

 

[sixpactogo]

ok thank you - so I went on their site and don't see it - any chance you have a part number or could link me?

As an aside, they seem to be pretty spicy in the pricing department...comparing their mid-sump oil pan etc to the Holley kit as one example.

But the bottom line is if they have what I need I will buy from them regardless.

It has been 10 years since I bought mine from them. At that time the tube reference on my kit was 61RA683 and 61RA757 dip stick. ($85.00 in 2014) I have a TTI pan so may change things. I would call Randy at 843-744-6539. As was mentioned, they are very proud of their kits. Back then, no one else was producing these items. I am glad others have stepped up to the plate. I would use them at a last resort even though Randy won't answer my calls anymore but that is a story for another time.

 

[TripleBlk70]

LOL thank you both for the replies, and actually maybe I'm asking the wrong question: how can I find the right hole (LOL) in the block? I tried doing some research and can't find any reference to where there's a block-off or plug that I can remove and install a dipstick - or purchase (an unknown) fitting to facilitate a dipstick install.

Again, help from those who have "been there and done that" is greatly appreciated.

 

[ItsJustMe]

LOL thank you both for the replies, and actually maybe I'm asking the wrong question: how can I find the right hole (LOL) in the block? I tried doing some research and can't find any reference to where there's a block-off or plug that I can remove and install a dipstick - or purchase (an unknown) fitting to facilitate a dipstick install.

Again, help from those who have "been there and done that" is greatly appreciated.

The picture I added above specifically shows the hole. It’s even circled in red. The only two things in red are saying how to remove the plug and an arrow pointing to where it is. Do you not see it?

 

[TripleBlk70]

The picture I added above specifically shows the hole. It’s even circled in red. The only two things in red are saying how to remove the plug and an arrow pointing to where it is. Do you not see it?

OMG well there's "seeing it" and there's "understanding what you are looking at".

What threw me was the term "oil indicator tube plug". So basically there a plug that needs to be punched out, and that's where the new dipstick goes. Got it.

Thank you for helping me understand.

 

[TripleBlk70]

Related question for folks watching this thread: has anyone done the oil pan R&R with the transmission on their engine and the engine upright vs upside down on an engine stand? I thought about maybe trying to angle it over to one side or the other before making the switch, but not sure it's worth the effort it would take to do that. Maybe just bite the bullet and work upside down?

 

[ItsJustMe]

Related question for folks watching this thread: has anyone done the oil pan R&R with the transmission on their engine and the engine upright vs upside down on an engine stand? I thought about maybe trying to angle it over to one side or the other before making the switch, but not sure it's worth the effort it would take to do that. Maybe just bite the bullet and work upside down?

Many times. It’s obviously not as easy and I do have this engine dolly that is in the link below:
Hemi Gen 3 Engine Stand (5.7, 6.1, 6.2, & 6.4)

Are you going to be using the HP-70?

 

[sixpactogo]

LOL thank you both for the replies, and actually maybe I'm asking the wrong question: how can I find the right hole (LOL) in the block? I tried doing some research and can't find any reference to where there's a block-off or plug that I can remove and install a dipstick - or purchase (an unknown) fitting to facilitate a dipstick install.

Again, help from those who have "been there and done that" is greatly appreciated.

Here is a pic of my 6.1. I punched out the metal plug when I had the pan off and put in the blue plastic plug for when I installed the dip stick. Also a pic of the Bouchillon dip stick. IMO, I think I could have done a better job at locating that dip stick than what Bouchillon did. I would have saved a bunch of bends and brought it up between the 3 & 5 tubes and attached it to the knock sensor bolt. Or even the valve cover bolt right there.

 

[TripleBlk70]

Many times. It’s obviously not as easy and I do have this engine dolly that is in the link below:
Hemi Gen 3 Engine Stand (5.7, 6.1, 6.2, & 6.4)

Are you going to be using the HP-70?

Yes I am planning to use the HP-70, why do you ask? Is that what you have done?

Right now it's sitting in the engine cradle below, but I thought about using my 4 post lift or an engine hoist to lay it over a bit

 

[TripleBlk70]

Here is a pic of my 6.1. I punched out the metal plug when I had the pan off and put in the blue plastic plug for when I installed the dip stick. Also a pic of the Bouchillon dip stick. IMO, I think I could have done a better job at locating that dip stick than what Bouchillon did. I would have saved a bunch of bends and brought it up between the 3 & 5 tubes and attached it to the knock sensor bolt. Or even the valve cover bolt right there.

View attachment 132553

View attachment 132554

Awesome thank you so much - the pics are super helpful! I was thinking about using a flexible dipstick setup, does that tube setup work well for you?

 

[sixpactogo]

Awesome thank you so much - the pics are super helpful! I was thinking about using a flexible dipstick setup, does that tube setup work well for you?

I would say it works but not well. the dip stick is spliced in the middle because of it's length. Then with all the bends to go around, it is cumbersome at best. Luckily, I don't have to deal with it often. I have thought about trying a different design but have not felt the need as of yet. Now, looking at my picture, it seems like it would have been an easy project with the engine out. It would have been simple for Bouchillon but they dropped the ball on a few other things that I called them on. That is why my calls don't get beyond their office girl. That is okay though cuz I don't need them anymore. Good luck with your build. I wish I would have had your options back in 2014.

 

[TripleBlk70]

I would say it works but not well. the dip stick is spliced in the middle because of it's length. Then with all the bends to go around, it is cumbersome at best. Luckily, I don't have to deal with it often. I have thought about trying a different design but have not felt the need as of yet. Now, looking at my picture, it seems like it would have been an easy project with the engine out. It would have been simple for Bouchillon but they dropped the ball on a few other things that I called them on. That is why my calls don't get beyond their office girl. That is okay though cuz I don't need them anymore. Good luck with your build. I wish I would have had your options back in 2014.

ok that's helpful info and I am going to look at other options. That looks like a lot of bends for sure. Thank you for the helpful advice, back in 2014 you were one of the "pioneers" LOL!

 

[sixpactogo]

ok that's helpful info and I am going to look at other options. That looks like a lot of bends for sure. Thank you for the helpful advice, back in 2014 you were one of the "pioneers" LOL!

There were a few before me and it was helpful for sure. I'm glad I did it then though. I have had tons of enjoyment helping others in their build and my Charger always gets a lot of attention. That is what it is all about for me.

 

[Katfish]

I didn't like that extra long tube either. It snaked everywhere, and as mentioned, the dipstick was 2 pieces riveted together. It did not slide in or out worth a sh*t.
I ended up using using the dipstick that came with the crate motor (it was on right side). A little tweak and it was a straight shot down between my TTI shorties on left side.

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