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[Proud83ElCaminoOwner]

Proud83ElCaminoOwner
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I have what is in my mind a problem. The instructions on the headers said to use the stock manifolds for the break in on my 305 Chevy. So I put them on but now I have nowhere for the dipstick. The engine block is a 76-79 305 and the dip stick is on the driver side in the block. And the heads are the original 83 heads from the 83 block in my 83 El Camino along with the exhaust manifolds. Right now I have the dipstick hole plugged. But is there a difference between 83 heads and exhaust manifolds compared to the 76-79 heads and exhaust manifolds?

 

[truracer20]

Heads are the same but manifolds differed depending on a lot of variables.Your car would have had a passenger side dipstick from the factory so the drivers side manifold won't have space for the dipstick tube. I would only use the manifolds for a new engine break-in if it has a flat tappet cam. And after the 20 minute cam break-in I would swap them for the headers. With headers your drivers side dip stick will fit fine. If you have a roller cam then you need no cam break-in, just get the ignition timing set fairly quickly and tune the carb. Shut the engine down if you notice any vacuum leaks or an extremely lean carb.

 

[Proud83ElCaminoOwner]

Thanks for the reply man! Do you have any advice for oil priming and and break in? This is my first engine rebuild. And it is a flat tappet cam by the way.

 

[Opie Knievel]

They make a special tool to prime the oil system.
http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/oil-pump-primer/oem-gm-v6-v8-oil-pump-primer/534529_0_0/

You put it in a drill and turn it til oil comes up through the push rods. Chevy distributors turn clockwise so turn the priming tool the same direction.
Follow the cam manufacturers directions for break in.

 

[Proud83ElCaminoOwner]

Thanks for the info Opie Knievel!