Oil Pressure?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Originally Posted by cherrybomb78
I read abot 35-40 at idle, does this change with speed?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
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Originally Posted by marshrat99
The 35-40 at idle is excellent. On a stock SBC, you can see as low as 15lbs without worries. And yes the oil pressure should change as the RPM's are increased...some say 5-10lbs per 1000RPM but that depends entirely upon a lot of stuff such as type of oil pump, wear on bearings, type of bearing, kind of oil, engine temp, etc.
On a hot day 10 psi at idle wouldn't be considered too low.
With a stock oil pump he pressure should rise to 30-40 psi by 3000 rpm, at that point the oil pump integral pressure relief valve should open and hold the pressure at that level.
High volume pumps get the pressure up at lower revs and high pressure pumps increase the engine oil pressure as long as the flow can support the engine's internal leakages. If you have a high pressure and high volume pump, you get both higher pressure at lower revs and higher pressure at higher revs - assuming the engine hasn't any large internal leakages.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
The minimum would be 10psi per 1000rpm. Depends on your bearing clearances too.
I'm running straight 30W and have about 15psi at idle (850) and it pretty much stays around 40 once I start driving.
I'm running straight 30W and have about 15psi at idle (850) and it pretty much stays around 40 once I start driving.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: Concord NC
Oil pressure...I think I watch it tooooo much. My '72 LT-1 has 85k on the odometer and I run Havoline "High Mileage" 10w-40. At start up it holds 70psi for a good while, then as everything warms up it drops to 35-40psi at idle (900 rpm) but still holds at 65-70psi above 2 grand on the tach. I swear I watch that dang gauge more than the speedo, buddies all joke that they're going to cover it with black tape so I relax and enjoy the ride!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
Originally Posted by cherrybomb78
I read abot 35-40 at idle, does this change with speed?