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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 08:25 PM
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From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
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1971 corvette after market non matching engine 350 not sure if 2 or 4 bolt. My oil pressure when cold starting is at 60 at idle and then after 10 minutes when it warms up it drops down to just under 20 at idle, around 40 at 1500 to 2500. Is this normal. Is 20 too low for idle?
I'm running castrol gtx for cars with over 100,000 miles and a can of engine restore in it. Engine runs good aside from some early morning smoke on first cold start.

Thanks.
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 08:49 PM
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The bearing tolerances are opening up due to wear. Very normal and your oil pressure is still fine.

As that continues to drop you can change to a heavier weight oil or plan a rebuild.
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 08:59 PM
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with DB. Not bad pressure at all...
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 09:18 PM
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Thanks DB and VP. What is heavier than 5w 30 that I have in it now?
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by vette blue
Thanks DB and VP. What is heavier than 5w 30 that I have in it now?
I run Shell Rotella 15W 40 in my 68. That will raise your oil pressure a bit, but I would consider yours to be in normal range as the others have said.
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 08:20 AM
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Originally Posted by capevettes
I run Shell Rotella 15W 40 in my 68. That will raise your oil pressure a bit, but I would consider yours to be in normal range as the others have said.

Been using Rotella for the past 2 years. great oil!!
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