They're all got studs on the head which aren't populated... they're used in Cali spec engines. Does your dipstick have a black handle or yellow?

it has a black handle. what does that matter?

They changed in '89. The earlier ones have just a loop at the top with yellow flame retardant fabric wrapped around it. I do not know it the tube changed. I'll try to get the measurements of the earlier version for comparison. I am doubtful that the length of it would have changed; I suspect the only reason for the change was the easier to use handle and the labeling.

Hmmm.... my 88 has a black handle dipstick. I guess I'll go measure it tomorrow and see what the tube looks like

idk, but i drained it and made a new dipstick and wholly crap theres a power difference! :naughty: haha thanks for the help!

Wait a minute, the earlier dipstick has the yellow loop? I have a 91 and its a yellow loop not black? i hope it wont effect the measurement, i have been refilling my oil up to the second etch mark...:confused:

Well, why don't you measure it and let us know if it's the same length as the black handled one which was just posted? I wouldn't worry about the color, just the length.... that sounds very bad... :(

Big shooter, that big of a difference makes me think you\'ve got a GTE dipstick tube in there... could be a GTE block. Do you happen to have any pictures of the block by the oil filter?

Sure thing :bigthumb:

i got 14.7inches; measured from the very tip of the dipstick to the rubber stopper. This is for the yellow loop type. So, there is a difference.

i dont have one off hand but il take one when i feel like getting the camera out lol, my engine manual said to run 4 quarts if you dont change the filter, i hope im not hurting anything because thats what we set the dipstick too.