ACE, as we discussed on the phone, I had similar issues of inconsistent readings of
oil level on the dipstick. Turned out the dipstick was not going deep enough into the pan and the add/full mark was actually in the dipstick tube prior to going into the pan. When my engine was out and partially assembled I put 7 quarts in the pan and remounted the pan. Then I cut the top of the dipstick tube until the
oil level read full. Since your motor is intact, drain the
oil, measure and pour back 7 quarts. Borrow the dipstick from my car as it is longer and see if the oil is on the stick. If it reads on the stick then find a dipstick as long as mine or longer and insert the dipstick back into the pan with 7 quarts, pull out, mark it and use the edge of a file to put a light score mark at the full mark and another to duplicate the add mark. I'll be glad to help. One thing to note. If the dipstick is to long then the stick will hit the bottom of the pan giving you inaccurate readings and possibly the stick popping out of the dipstick tube. Just duplicate the dipstick and cut the dipstick off around 1/2" below (verify) the add line.