dipstick on other applications?

[wreckwriter]

This trans was used in several other applications. which, if any, have a dipstick and could it be adapted?

[wreckwriter]

Another possibility: Lokar makes a bunch of custom sticks

http://www.lokar.com/interior_pages/transdipstick.htm

they have models for the 4L80E; anyone know if this would fit?

[GRRRR8]

I will be sending out the info on how they service the Corvette in a few minutes. No dipstick available, you will see why in a minute.

[lsp408]

Another possibility: Lokar makes a bunch of custom sticks

http://www.lokar.com/interior_pages/transdipstick.htm

they have models for the 4L80E; anyone know if this would fit?

i called LOKAR and they said if factory did not come with one, they can't make one that will work well.

but if i take the plug and measurement(rubber hose) to them, wonder if they can make it work???

LOKAR is only like 5 min from my house.

[wreckwriter]

i called LOKAR and they said if factory did not come with one, they can't make one that will work well.

but if i take the plug and measurement(rubber hose) to them, wonder if they can make it work???

LOKAR is only like 5 min from my house.

My guess, and its just a guess, is that there is one already in existence that will work, either another car with this trans or another trans with smae hole size. Only trick is figuring out what it is...

I also contacted Lokar, they told me no stick, no plans. If you're right there it would sure be a service to the G8 community in my opinion...

[wreckwriter]

I sent out a few inquiries on this in the last couple days. One company, Masta Performance Inc, who build custom dipsticks, has promised to look into it.

[GRRRR8]

I did verify that no 6L80e ever came with a dipstick.

[wreckwriter]

I did verify that no 6L80e ever came with a dipstick.

Bummer. I do know that 4L80 did, or at least they are available. I wonder if the plug size would be the same?

[wreckwriter]

I also heard back from Gotta Show Products http://www.gottashow.com/trans_dipsticks.php He said he believes the 4L80E probably has the same hole and that his universal firewall mount would probably fit, He said he would check into it.

[Greg@PacePerformance]

OK I don't know if this will help or not since I don't know much about the new trannys.

The 6L90e in the new trucks have a dipstick. I would guess that the hole size is the same in the G8 so maybe you can get Lokar to make a dipstick for the truck and modify it to fit the G8.

Just something that was going around in my head.

-Greg
ps. We sell Lokar :thumbsup:

[wreckwriter]

thanks Greg. I agree, the whole key here is verifying that the hole size is the same as this or some other application. Once we get there the possibilities should open up.

[Greg@PacePerformance]

Well I just ordered in a dipstick seal for the 6L90e transmission to compare to the 4L80e seal we have in stock. So I will know early next week.

[wreckwriter]

Well I just ordered in a dipstick seal for the 6L90e transmission to compare to the 4L80e seal we have in stock. So I will know early next week.

Thanks Greg! That's excellent!

[wreckwriter]

Well I just ordered in a dipstick seal for the 6L90e transmission to compare to the 4L80e seal we have in stock. So I will know early next week.

That seal come in yet Greg?

[Greg@PacePerformance]

No it didn't arrive today so I expect it to be here tomorrow.

[wreckwriter]

No it didn't arrive today so I expect it to be here tomorrow.

OK, thanks!

[Crazy Paul]

FWIW I checked out the A6 tranny in the Holden VE range here today.....yeah as expected, no dipstick arrangement. "Filled for Life" was a term used. Some special super dooper Dextron 8 or something was the fluid used the guy said. $$$$$

[Greg@PacePerformance]

Sorry for the delay. I was off yesterday.

http://PacePerformance.com/ProductImages/grrrr8.net/6L80e4L80e.jpg

The green one is the 6L85e trans dipstick seal and the black one is the 4L80e seal. You can see without even measuring that the OD is different between the two.

Let me know if there is any other questions anyone may have.

[wreckwriter]

Shit. What can we do now? I'm at the point where I'll have one fabricated if I have to.

[Chewy]

FWIW I checked out the A6 tranny in the Holden VE range here today.....yeah as expected, no dipstick arrangement. "Filled for Life" was a term used. Some special super dooper Dextron 8 or something was the fluid used the guy said. $$$$$

I believe it's 6 and it's like 15 bucks a quart! :pinch:

I have NO issues with no dipstick! I have none on my Vue and it hasn't bothered me. Hell I've never checked it either... :pinch:

[wreckwriter]

Once we get converters and coolers and for those of us who run the cars hard checking fluid levels becomes more important. If you have a Dashhawk set it to monitor trans fluid temps; the range is really a bit scary. I want to be able to check my levels.

[Chewy]

Once we get converters and coolers and for those of us who run the cars hard checking fluid levels becomes more important. If you have a Dashhawk set it to monitor trans fluid temps; the range is really a bit scary. I want to be able to check my levels.


True! Ignorance is bliss... :brock:

[Greg@PacePerformance]

I have the stock plug ordered to see if I can come up with something.

[wreckwriter]

I have the stock plug ordered to see if I can come up with something.

Thanks Greg. There has to be an answer for this.

[wreckwriter]

Greg, did that plug come in yet? If so, have you had a chance to size it and compare with any other applications?

[Greg@PacePerformance]

The plug just arrived today.

The OD is exactly the same as the 6L80e seal. I measured about .650"

This leaves about two options.
Drill your stock plug all the way through and insert a custom dipstick and tube into it. OR Use the 6L80e dipstick seal and make a custom tube and dipstick. I would vote for the 2nd choice since it seams easier. Just have someone make a flexable tube that has an OD of about .525 and it will be snug inside the 6L80e seal.

Any questions?

[wreckwriter]

Thanks Greg. No questions yet :)

[wreckwriter]

OK, I have a test unit in hand for this. Will let you all know asap as to fit and any mods required to achieve fit.

[Panther 2]

What is the fluid level when full ?

[Crazy Paul]

What is the fluid level when full ?

Dexron VI
11.7 litres
12.4 quarts

[AlliG8r]

http://picsorban.com/upload/p1010352_02.jpg

[wreckwriter]

http://picsorban.com/upload/p1010352_02.jpg

Hopefully soon

[wreckwriter]

Just to let everyone know we are are still actively seeking ideas for this. The first test has failed due to clearance issues with headers. It is going to be tested with stock manifolds too but we still need a new idea at least for cars with headers.

[Greg@PacePerformance]

I just got off the phone with Lokar and they don't have anything in the works for the 6L80e transmissions. He said they will look into the process but it wouldn't be anytime soon.

Sorry :(

[wreckwriter]

I just got off the phone with Lokar and they don't have anything in the works for the 6L80e transmissions. He said they will look into the process but it wouldn't be anytime soon.

Sorry :(

Same answer I got from them. Thanks for trying anyway.

[wreckwriter]

These folks: http://www.mastaperformance.com/ look like the best bet but someone would have to bring them a car for fitting. They're in Milford Michigan :(

[R.Penguin]

I did verify that no 6L80e ever came with a dipstick.
Charlie, this has obviously become an obsession with Wreck. We need to do something! I am at a loss currently, but I do have a customer (Micron Technology) that makes those capsules that people swallow with a tiny digital camera so it transmits a video as it passes thru the...eh......system. Maybe we can get one for Wreck to stick in his tranny so he can actually see the fluid level.

I think we're gonna need Chris's help on this one. :p

[wreckwriter]

Charlie missed one in his verification process, but that route has been tried unsuccessfully.

Obsession? Yea, maybe. It just flat pisses me off every time I think about it. If I want my trans fluid checked it costs me 50 bucks. That ain't right.

[R.Penguin]

Charlie missed one in his verification process, but that route has been tried unsuccessfully.

Obsession? Yea, maybe. It just flat pisses me off every time I think about it. If I want my trans fluid checked it costs me 50 bucks. That ain't right.
Roger that!

[rclinton]

Haven't really looked into this, but maybe a simple sight Gage on the upper sight hole would be an easier option. Run the car to operating temps and instead of removing the plug to see if fluid drips out, just look and see if it here is fluid in the site gage. Again haven't looked to see if this is possible just brainstorming.

[wreckwriter]

Would still require lifting the car and leveling.

[wreckwriter]

Time for my annual plea: How about one of our wonderful vendors step up to the plate and create us a trans dipstick? You'd sell a bunch.....

[The Commodore]

I'd buy one if the price is reasonable. I hate not knowing things about my car.

[ronbuick]

I would prolly buy if the price was not reasonable!!.

Ron

[wreckwriter]

I would prolly buy if the price was not reasonable!!.

Ron

Exactly.

[todds87ss]

...keep pushin'...I would also be in!

[wreckwriter]

...keep pushin'...I would also be in!

Wish I had someone to push. None of the vendors have shown any interest in developing it.

[Cashed]

If a dipstick is EVER made for our cars, I WILL buy one! It is driving me nuts not being able to check trans fluid in this car. I have no lift, so the indicator on the side of the trans is useless to me. And my local dealership always messes something up, so they too are useless to me!

[wreckwriter]

If a dipstick is EVER made for our cars, I WILL buy one! It is driving me nuts not being able to check trans fluid in this car. I have no lift, so the indicator on the side of the trans is useless to me. And my local dealership always messes something up, so they too are useless to me!

There is no indicator on the side of the trans.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Time for my annual plea: How about one of our wonderful vendors step up to the plate and create us a trans dipstick? You'd sell a bunch.....

Is the Camaro even remotely similar? In the area of the firewall?

If it's close, there's your best hope, that someone comes up with one for the Camaro and it's adaptable to the G8.

[wreckwriter]

Is the Camaro even remotely similar? In the area of the firewall?

If it's close, there's your best hope, that someone comes up with one for the Camaro and it's adaptable to the G8.

Good point. Let's hope it's similar.

[ronbuick]

Are you saying the Camaro has one??

[Paisan]

A Machine shop won't fab up one for you? I haven't gotten a G8 yet but when/if I do, I'll want one and be obsessed about it too. Seems like a metal tube just shouldn't be that hard to put a threaded end on?

-mike

[GeorgeInNePa]

Are you saying the Camaro has one??

No.

What I'm saying is, hopefully the aftermarket will provide one for the Camaro that we can adapt/modify for the G8.

[wreckwriter]

A Machine shop won't fab up one for you? I haven't gotten a G8 yet but when/if I do, I'll want one and be obsessed about it too. Seems like a metal tube just shouldn't be that hard to put a threaded end on?

-mike

Doesn't require threads, its a press fit. It just needs the right sized end to fit the seal. Most likely will require a flex housing (especially if its to fit with stock manifolds and various header brands) and will need some means of keeping the end in the hole (a tab to mount to trans or header bolt probably).

[G8GT721]

No.

What I'm saying is, hopefully the aftermarket will provide one for the Camaro that we can adapt/modify for the G8.

that is our best chance, it wont be long before camaros out number us

[camarochevy1970]

what about the truck dipstick didn't work? was it just the seal size was too small?

[wreckwriter]

what about the truck dipstick didn't work? was it just the seal size was too small?

No, it just wasn't possible to route it past the exhaust and into the engine compartment. The seal size was correct.

[camarochevy1970]

No, it just wasn't possible to route it past the exhaust and into the engine compartment. The seal size was correct.

What if you curve the piss out of it?

[wreckwriter]

What if you curve the piss out of it?

I dunno, I think if it were possible my shop would have seen it and done it.

[camarochevy1970]

I am in a unique position were I have the engine out of a G8 and easy access to the trans. Do you guys have a part number on the tranny tube/dip stick you used?

[edmanet]

Has something like this been tried ???

http://www.lokar.com/interior_pages/transdipstick.htm

[camarochevy1970]

yep, I believe Lokar still hasn't made anything to fit the 6l80

[wreckwriter]

yep, I believe Lokar still hasn't made anything to fit the 6l80

Correct.

[wreckwriter]

I am in a unique position were I have the engine out of a G8 and easy access to the trans. Do you guys have a part number on the tranny tube/dip stick you used?

I'll try to get it.

[camarochevy1970]

I'll try to get it.

Thanks

[R.Penguin]

Good grief! Almost a year now.

[Greg@PacePerformance]

The part numbers I sent Wreck were 25879175 - Tube and 15877378 - Indicator.
-Greg

[wreckwriter]

The part numbers I sent Wreck were 25879175 - Tube and 15877378 - Indicator.
-Greg

Thanks Greg! Indicator being the dipstick itself I guess. Was the seal part of the tube?

[camarochevy1970]

Greg, do you have 25879175 in stock?

[Greg@PacePerformance]

Thanks Greg! Indicator being the dipstick itself I guess. Was the seal part of the tube?

Yes the indicator is the dipstick itself sorry (GM dealer lingo) I did for get the tube seal - 15796802



Greg, do you have 25879175 in stock?
Yes we have all three parts in stock

[wreckwriter]

Camaro, if you do manage to get something to work PLEASE take good notes and measurements so it can be duplicated!

[wreckwriter]

Good grief! Almost a year now.

Yep, and now someone else is actively looking into it too. Persistence pays.

[camarochevy1970]

yep, you will pictures and the full ball of wax. I am not sure if I can make the dipstick work, but I hope to at least get the tube installed so that we can add fluid without having to lay under the car and feel for the plug

[wreckwriter]

yep, you will pictures and the full ball of wax. I am not sure if I can make the dipstick work, but I hope to at least get the tube installed so that we can add fluid without having to lay under the car and feel for the plug

Seems if we can get the tube in the stick is the easy part. I was thinking we would have to have a flexible tube like a Lokar. Maybe some sort of hybrid with a Lokar flex tube and the end of the Escalade tube brazed onto it???

[camarochevy1970]

ok, as promised, here is what I have so far

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp252/camarochevy1970/G8/transtick004.jpg

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp252/camarochevy1970/G8/transtick003.jpg

[camarochevy1970]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp252/camarochevy1970/G8/transtick002.jpg

[wreckwriter]

You got it in??????????

[G8GT721]

You got it in??????????

+1

[camarochevy1970]

yeah, it's in. I can definitely see how this would be a problem with the exhaust on and the engine in the car. I will know this weekend how it fits with everything hooked up.

[GeorgeInNePa]

You got it in??????????http://teenormous.com/images/t-shirts/www.crazydogtshirts.com/catalog-what-she-said-full.jpg

[-Ray-]

Lol

[camarochevy1970]

ok, everything back togethor and it is still good

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp252/camarochevy1970/G8/engineswap022.jpg

This is not possible to install with the engine in the car. I see no way whatsoever that it could happen

[Andy@SquashPerformance]

Do you think there's any way to cut/modify the tube so installation with the engine and trans in the car is possible? What about taking the headers loose? I'm thinking about ordering the parts and machining something that I can weld to the tube so I can fit it in the car w/o taking it apart.

Andy

[norm8332]

Do you think there's any way to cut/modify the tube so installation with the engine and trans in the car is possible? What about taking the headers loose? I'm thinking about ordering the parts and machining something that I can weld to the tube so I can fit it in the car w/o taking it apart.

Andy

If it comes out good maybe you could make a few and sell them here. I would be interested. If I had a shop I would have built one by now.

[Andy@SquashPerformance]

If it comes out good maybe you could make a few and sell them here. I would be interested. If I had a shop I would have built one by now.

I ordered the stuff from Pace yesterday so we'll see what I can come up with.

Andy

[DarkPhoenix]

It would probably still be tricky even with the coil packs and exhaust manifolds off. With the heads off the engine it probably wouldnt be bad at all. On my former '02 Trans Am, I got a Lokar dipstick and had a bugger of a time getting the old dipstick tube out with the engine in the car. If you can get it on, I will definitely order one!
John

[Andy@SquashPerformance]

Well don't get your hopes up, I'm just doing this for myself :)

Andy