yellowlabdog

I would like to purchase a LT4 with approx 40000 miles,,, I'm concerned with its low oil pressure,,, the pressure is low on gauge,, check gauge light will faintly come on after a few revs,,,,, connected a mechanical gauge to it ,,, gauge read 10 psi at 1000 rpm,,, searching sites this seems acceptable for LT's,,,however this is my first "newer" small block ,,, I have owned a couple older corvettes,,,, oil pressure was a lot greater,, there is no bearing or engine noise,,, in fact the engine performed strong,, idle was smooth. Thank you in advance.

LTxDave

I
I can tell you that I rebuilt a LT1 with bearing clearance on the wide side of acceptable with a stock pump, running 5w30 and oil pressure was much better than 10 psi at idle. More like 25 psi. Stock for my LT4 was in the 30-40 range if I remember correctly. If you buy that car, expect to do some engine work in the near future.

markKlein

If I remember right, the "bottom" should be 15 or 20. If the light comes on that's a problem; have a mechanic drop the oil pan and look for pieces of metal in there.

Tom400CFI

10 PSI per 1000 RPM is acceptable for a SBC...but it's not typical/normal. I agree w/the poster two posts above, that the engine will need work soon. If I were looking at buying it, part of my plan and expenses would be dropping the pan, replacing the rod and main bearings, and inspecting the oil pump.


.

WVZR-1

If the car is "priced right" and you do your own heavier maintenance then there's maybe no reason to avoid the buy. Base your offer on what you expect to do "first" regarding the issue. I don't believe if it were me I'd use it as a reason not to do the buy but base the offer on what you might expect to do now.

Now if this maintenance would be a "for hire" operation it might change my thoughts. DIY or "for hire"?

Christi@n

Try to Check oil level. Low level pressure could mean low level oil, this is just a possibility, on mine 1995 idle gauge stay in the middle of

scrappy76

10 psi @ 1000 rpms is at the limit of worn out. The engine should not be that low on pressure with only 40,000 miles. Doesnt seem right unless the engine was abused. Definately a bargaining chip when buying it. unless the engine is low on oil oil you have a bad run of guages, you will be rebuilding soon. You could change to a thicker oil that might help some.

cv67

could always have a mech check the pressure at the block that will tell the story

these idle well below 1000 if its only got a true 10 lbs there Id plan/buy it on the premise it will need a motor. If you can buy it right then maybe....Cars that sit (like mine) and get real dry starts wear quicker imo
to each their own

If he starts with the only got 40k..then tell him to fix it and get back to you. We both know what will happen so make room;its like the ad that says ac works just needs freon. Sure go add it then lol.