Dipstick Options - Pan and Block Not Tapped

[b-mac]

Hey guys,

Wondering what options I have for dipstick or other means of determining oil level. Block is from an '04 Rainer. Pan is the GTO style I believe. Neither seem to have provisions for a dipstick.

[Joemomma1]

drill the block.

[LS short box]

That is so odd no dip stick. On a stock Rainer due to packaging was the dip stick was built into the oil pan? Maybe a salvage yard dive and a look at both iron blocks and alum blocks to see the placement of the dip stick.
Just a note in regards in the pic above with the oil filter the block off plate it needs to circulate oil from what I understand.

[e015475]

I have that same engine out of a 94 Rainier and the GM code is LM4. The block is physically identical to the LM7, but is cast in aluminum. I found a dipstick and tube for an LM7 in the junkyard, drilled the boss on the block and put it in with a little RTV. IIRC I had to shorten the dipstick a little to get it to work. Here's a photo of mine-

[IMG][/IMG]

[LockDoc]

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I have an '05 Rainier with an all aluminum 5.3 and it has a dipstick. I didn't buy it new but I have had it for quite a few years. I will have to look at it closer and see if I can tell if it has been drilled. Interesting.....