351W dipstick provision?

Well I have what I imagine is a '89 351w. The problem is finding a oil pan with a front sump and it having a dipstick in the pan. All the earlyblocks had the dipstick through the timing cover. How can I get a dipstick in this thing? Is there a front sump 351w pan with dipstick that goes through the pan? What are my options for the timing cover? Thanks

 

i wish i took a better look at my 351w i got today to give you a good answer. its a stock 73 front sump motor heres the only pic of the front i have. since the 302's of that era had the stick through the timing cover i'd imagine the W's do too. i think the timing covers might even interchange?

i'll have a percise answer for you tomorrow though when i start cleaning mine up

 

Just swap the timing cover it is the same as a 302. You can purchase a stock replacement pan and pickup for under $100.

 

awesome, thanks! I'll just get the timing cover...but I didn't think a 302 and 351w cover was the same.

 

if your working with a rear sump 351 your going to need to plug up the stock dip stick hole in the block

 

My 351w had the dipstick in the pan. Is there a way to route the dipstick through the block for a front sump by any chance? I looked for a spot, but didn't see a thing.

 

Also, by swapping the timing cover, will I need anything else new, such as a waterpump??

 

Just make sure the cover matches the rotation of your water pump. I bought a new cover from Keith Craft and it came with the plug for the block. They are on ebay as well.

 

ya, my 351w's dip stick definatly goes into the timing cover...