Locking Dipstick
 

For those who may not have seen this....I guess the GM stock locking type is not approved...

NHRA Accepted Products

Locking Type Dipsticks (Auto Trans)

Manufacturer Phone Number Website

A-1 Performance 360-574-9966 www.a-1perf.com
ATI 877-298-5039 www.atiracing.com
B & M 818-882-6422 www.bmracing.com
BTE 800-626-1828 www.bteracing.com
Coan Racing 765-456-3957 www.coanracing.com
Cope Racing Transmissions 219-374-0100 www.coperacingtrans.com
Hughes Performance 602-257-9591 www.hughesperformance.com
Lokar 877-469-7440 www.lokar.com
Mike's Transmission 661-723-0081 www.mikestransmission.com
Performance Automatic 301-963-8078 www.performanceautomatic.com
TCI Auto 888-776-9824 www.tciauto.com
Trans Dapt Performance 562-921-0404 www.tdperformance.com
Transmission Specialties 610-485-9110 www.transmission-specialties.com

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Maybe they did not chip in any cash to get the rule passed.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

I just got a response back from NHRA Tech on a email I sent a couple of weeks ago. As of this time a GM locking dipstick will be OK.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

I got the Lokar ones they are trick,special for dragster

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Question on the locking dipsticks...is the NHRA mandating a locking dipstick now? And if so, where are you finding this rule....I have looked at the '10 updates and all through the '09 book and find nothing mentioning AT dipsticks.

Thanks.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

The rule change was in the National Dragster in late Oct or early Nov along with changes in the parachute mounting.
Since NHRA decided they would not send us 2010 Rule Books this year you will need to read it on line.
If you go to the web page under Competition and then to Approved Devices the approved list is on page 83 there but that same list is also at the beginning of this thread.
Only changes for 2010 for SG and SC is the locking dipstick and parachute mount rule.
I did not go all the way through the on line book but I am sure it is there. I did see it earlier on the NHRA web page but I could not find it tonight. Maybe the page expired or they removed it.
I wonder if the Tech Group even knows about the changes the way they all communicate.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Is the locking dipstick rule for every class?

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

It appears so for any of the super classes and fast brackets. I just found it in the issue of National Dragster...and it says all cars 10.99 and quicker...I still have not found it in the rule book or rule updates for 2010. FYI - ATI has a locking cap for 10.95...It is not a dipstick to check fluid with, just a locking cap. Cheap fix, fill the trans, remove the stick and use the locking cap. It appears to be the same lock as on the dipticks they sell.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Check at your GM dealer for a 96'ish cavalier "5 spd" trans dipstick. It's about $10 and 4" long. Keep your original in the trailer. It's been about 10 yrs since I got mine and I believe that is what it's out of.
If they cant find it in the book, have the parts guy walk to the parts bin with you. I believe trans dipsticks are in group "4.020". If they keep their inventory by factory catalog numbers, and the dealer is large, they will have all of them in the exact same place in the warehouse.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

From another forum, the GM part number is 15687192. It's supposed to be longer than a standard powerglide dipstick, so you can just cut it to match your existing one.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

I picked one up yesterday. Had to pay list price at $15, but the only dealers with stock were ones I couldn't get a deal at. GMPartsDirect.com has them cheaper but their shipping was over $15! It's a basic locking dipstick that is REALLY long, so you can cut it to match your existing dipstick. I'll post photos after I cut and fit it. Hopefully the NHRA continues to accept these.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Best remember the locking feature requirement includes the base being secured to the trans, no more stick it in with sealant and forget it...

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

That cavalier dipstick is part#10186847 and it lists for 8.27
scott fifield

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

The Lokar unit is hard to put in on your back. The locking nut is a tight fit and there isn't much room for a wrench to turn the top piece on a t400. The trans brake selinoid is in the way. Doing it on a rack would probably be easier. Having someone else do it would be easier yet. Us old guys aren't as flexible as we once were.

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Update on Lokar dipstick. If you have a door car with not much firewall clearance the trans mount dipstick won't work. You can't get to it to fill with fluid or release the dip stick. Go with the firewall mount.
Anybody want to buy a Lokar locking dipstick trans mount for a turbo 400?

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

I now have an older B&M dipstick that has the rubber on top (inside) when you tighten up the handle on top it expands the rubber. Is this considered to be a locking dipstick or does it need to actually lock down ???

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Bob, that is exactly what my Hughes is and it is on the approved NHRA list.
The only difference is my Hughes is a cam expanded rubber seal like the later model GM dipsticks.
I guess we will see when we go to the first race.
I also am carrying a threaded B&M in case there is an issue.
My 2 Cents

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

I bought one from CPO for a 904 Mopar. When you lock the handle down it actually locks under a lip on the dipstick tube. Just sayin. Jim

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Is NHRA worried about the dipstick coming out of the tube OR the fill tube coming seperated from the transmission case??? OR fluid coming up out of the fill tube???--Comp387

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

HELL who knows,....:confused:

Jim, your saying that what 63vette and I have won't pass tech ?

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

The Hughes I have is on NHRA's approved list so I should be OK, but you never know who you may get as a tech person at a race. I once was told at a National Event I needed a complete cover on the fuel cell. I asked for the head of tech to take a look and he told the tech in no uncertain terms that was not needed. Even after that the original tech person told me it would be a good idea to do over the winter. Just a wanna be tech person I think is what he was.
I think NHRA is actually worried about the dipstick coming up an fluid getting out.
The problem there is that most all trans have a vent lower than the dipstick which will bleed oil first.
I also use a small puke tank on the vent and I would think the puke tank would be of more use than the locking dipstick.
Just My 2 Cents

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

B&M was also on the NHRA list but when I went on their site they showed a different dipstick than what I have for a locking.........I guess at the first race we'll see.
I have to pull the trans out to get the dipstick in then put trans back in ..ATI has a deal that looks OK part # 973081 that replaces the dipstick with a locking plug. Check fluid then put this in...........don't know .

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

Bob, no! Not at all. I'm saying there are several different styles of dipstick out there that appear to be accepted. Mine also expands the rubber ring at the top, locking it in place, much like the factory units. Jim

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

On these (mayboe everyone already knows) if your running a CSR shield some "surgery" is required or Cope sells one for the 904 and Im sure others that "fits" as is.

Basically just a mounting tab difference, but not having to bend one with pliers and a vise was nice :)

Re: Locking Dipstick
 

I finally got the Lokar firewall mount and it works just fine. You can move it around and mount the top any place you like. And, the larger tube takes the oil real good, not like the old small tube.