I'm like you...I remember a connection point near the filter also. I think there may be a plug at the top of the filter housing but I may be wrong. I'm sure someone else will respond that knows for sure. Good question and I was thinking of doing the same.

 

This should help: http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/192284/

 

On most 283 and small journal327 engines there is a oil pressure location at the front of the block right below the oil filler tube. Also one at the rear next to the dizzy. I dont know of one on the side of the block. Randall

 

Brian it may depend on the year of engine, but the 350 i have in my 57 has a place behind the intake and another place right above the oil filter. I am using both locations on my 57.
Terry

 

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Randall, turns out my 283 has that plug as well up front. I guess I'll go ahead and use that one for the gauge and the one in the back for the stock sender.

 

Some engines have the hole above the filter and others do not...

 

I don't know when they added the plugged port above the oil filter, but I'd guess it was the 68 or 69 models, which is when they went to the bigger journals on the crankshaft, the long water pumps, the accessory bolt holes on the heads, and a water temp sender port on the head. Anything earlier would not have that. Before then, they deleted the port on the front of the block.

Beware, the port on the front of the block may show lower pressure than the one on the rear, since it has the pressure drop from the small passages plus the leakage loss from the lifters, cam bearings, and crankshaft bearings. This would show up especially at idle.

There's nothing wrong with a tee fitting on the port next to the distributor if you can fit it in there.

That plug on the front of the block may be a bear to remove. Even the one above the oil filter. I don't know what the factory used on those plugs, but it was nearly permanent.

 

there is a spot ont he back of the block behind the intake on the top deck where you can put the sender. near the distributer

 

I hadn't thought to use a tee and hook them both up to the same spot. That is also a good idea.

 

Split hookup for guage and light



Hey guy,
I have run a split Tee on my 56 for years...works good. I recommend using the copper line instaed of the plastic line that comes with most guages...had a bad experience once with plastic...it was dripping on my sock and now I have a brown and white sock!!

The copper is stiffer but can be kinked so you still have to be careful when installing it, but installed correctly, it will be trouble free. You can get a short pipe to screw into the block where the sender goes, then mount a "tee" so that the sending unit sits on the top and your line hookup onto the side...and then run your line up towards the grommet on the firewall for your engine wires and in to your guage. These parts are readily available in most auto stores...

Julio
Rods56

 

I usually got appx. 7 - 15 lbs less pressure on the front of the block ports.
It never bothered me once I found out there was a difference.
I used the front because it was easier to access, and neatness didn't matter.
Don