How to fit oil pressure sending unit and guage tube at top of block

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Michael Bennett

Greasemonkey
Jun 7, 2018
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Hey guys, 1980 Malibu and I am going from the 229 to a 400 small block. Looking to keep my factory oil sender to the idiot light and add a mechanical gauge with copper tube. I got a T fitting at the hardware store and nipple. I think it might work, but wondering what solutions anyone has come up with ? Pics would be great!
 

565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
9,591
12,612
113
Michigan
I know I have done it in the past and I think most people just run a brass nipple with a T fitting to gain workable clearance over the rear of the intake manifold on a SBC. Cheap and easy.
 
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vanrah

G-Body Guru
Apr 16, 2013
879
1,189
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Near Afton, Wisconsin
Greetings Mike & all; I recommend a steel nipple (about 1-1/2 to 2" overall) from Ace about a $1.59. Then your "T" (female) to your gauge & light. And I say steel because as much as I like aluminum & brass, I had a brass one crack & of course leak. It took me awhile to find that leak & pull the distributor because I didn't have the best tool for the job. Plus breaking off a steel one is less likely (in the block) & little weight savings for brass. My $.02, Ole' Bob.
 
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Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
G-Body of the Month
Oct 14, 2008
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Gainesville, Fl
Steve,
I think he might mean the port at the top rear of the block near the distributor.
 

DTra1n

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Dec 20, 2015
30
7
8
FYI, here’s my non-nipple/fittings solution. Lol. Worked though.
 

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pontiacgp

blank
Mar 31, 2006
29,270
20,391
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Kitchener, Ontario
You could alway use the oil port on the block just above the oil filter for the sender unit.
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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Socialist NY
I use these


s-l400.jpg
 
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