What's the deal with BB Dipsticks?

[The Dartman]

I have a 1978 440 with 452 heads.

In looking at the dipstick tube, it goes down to the oil pan itself and then hits a 90 degree fitting that is attached directly to the side of the oil pan itself. Looking at my other 1966 440, the dipstick goes into a boss above the pan rail. Chrysler apparently did this on some 440's to allow for the rear sump pans required on certain trucks and late 70's cars.

Can I drill the boss to make the dipstick tube go back into the block? What size drill? Does anyone make a good front deep sump oil pan for an A body with pickup? This car has had the K member notched to accomodate the square dragster style deep sump pan, but for street use the heavily modified steering linkage looks like something waiting to fail.

Thanks!
Dartman

[MoparMarcIdaho]

The only time I have seen the tube go into the pan is on a truck.The 440 in me 75 power wagon is that way with the other hole plugged.If you decide to run a car type pan you will have to drill it out,Im guessing its around a 3/8 hole,but mabeye smaller.What steering are you planning to run?

[rallye72]

Haven't started on my 440 yet but my dipstick goes into the pan also