Ok so im installing my dipstick (lokar) and it wont go all the way in. gets around 1 1/2 inches down and stops. hits something metal. Stock dipstick does the same thing. Its a 383 stroker with stock pan and pickup. Could it be hitting the pickup screen? or a baffle in the pan? im trying to get some ideas before i go pulling the pan down. WTF?

 

I know mine had something like an extender tube that the tube had to push down some. If you're talking about the dipstick hitting something, I believe either a windage tray or one of the main caps could be close to it. Have or can you try flipping the stick to see if it might flex a different way and go in?

 

yep tried twisting both of em. Im thinking I bite the bullet and drop the pan

 

just to update this one the problem was the ARP main studs. the nut on the outside main cap (4 bolt main) was in the way. i trimmed it and no prob