1957 283 engine dipstick

[Theodore K.]

I am doing a rebuild on my 270 HP dual quad 57 engine and have questions:
1. Does the dipstick tube have a lower portion that goes into the pan?
2. If so, does it mount from the pan side or the top?
3. Is a lower dipstick tube necessary? I am changing blocks and cannot see into my old one or remember what it looks like.
4. What is the finish on the upper dipstick tube supposed to be? Chrome, unfinished steel, painted steel? or something else.
5. what is the correct part number for the dipstick?
6. This is not the original engine for the car. I have a 548 block but it was cast after the car was made but that is not a concern. This new
engine has a 350 oil pan and new oil pump that fits and has been checked by the machinist that did the work. (the one that came with the engine was very beat up) I have no idea what it will read when I have it complete and put the oil in and fill the filter.
Anyone have any comment?
7. The dipstick in my previous 57 engine with the correct pan and upper tube (or so I thought) always read low so I probably overfilled unwittingly.
Thanks in advance for you comments

[Gary C.]

Re: 1957 283 engine dipstick

Ted, answers to your questions. Gary....
1. Does the dipstick tube have a lower portion that goes into the pan? Yes
2. If so, does it mount from the pan side or the top? Top block opening
3. Is a lower dipstick tube necessary? I am changing blocks and cannot see into my old one or remember what it looks like. Yes
4. What is the finish on the upper dipstick tube supposed to be? Chrome, unfinished steel, painted steel? or something else. Description in 5th Edition JM
5. what is the correct part number for the dipstick? 3722959, note the over the counter service replacement dipsticks are functionally correct, but not physically. The OTC service replacement may ever still be available from a Chevrolet parts dealer.
6. new oil pump that fits 56-58 283 blocks use a different oil pump than later 283. If it's an equivalent of a Melling 55 it's incorrect. For a 56-58 283 block the oil pump must be the equivalent of a Melling 46.