C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Proper/Correct Oil Pressure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 1, 2009 | 11:19 PM
  #1  
vetteguy75's Avatar
vetteguy75
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Default Proper/Correct Oil Pressure

What is the proper/correct oil pressure? I have a GMPP 350 (290hp) and when it's idling, the pressure is 40-45 psi. But when I'm going down the interstate at 70mph (engine turning 3200 rpms), the oil pressure gauge pegs all the way to the right (80 psi). Everything on the engine performs perfectly....no oil seepage, stains or anything. Pulled the plugs....all perfect. When I do a search of the forum for "oil pressure", I get every thread with the word "oil" in it OR the word "pressure" in it. It even picks up "fuel pressure"....why can't it be simple?

Anyway, why is the gauge reading 80 psi at high rpms? Is this normal?
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2009 | 11:28 PM
  #2  
63mako's Avatar
63mako
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

Originally Posted by vetteguy75
What is the proper/correct oil pressure? I have a GMPP 350 (290hp) and when it's idling, the pressure is 40-45 psi. But when I'm going down the interstate at 70mph (engine turning 3200 rpms), the oil pressure gauge pegs all the way to the right (80 psi). Everything on the engine performs perfectly....no oil seepage, stains or anything. Pulled the plugs....all perfect. When I do a search of the forum for "oil pressure", I get every thread with the word "oil" in it OR the word "pressure" in it. It even picks up "fuel pressure"....why can't it be simple?

Anyway, why is the gauge reading 80 psi at high rpms? Is this normal?
You need at least 10 PSI per 1000 RPM. Check your oil pressure with an aftermarket guage, your factory guage may not be calibrated properly. If it is right it sounds like you can go with a lower viscocity oil. What weight oil are you running?
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2009 | 11:32 PM
  #3  
vetteguy75's Avatar
vetteguy75
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Default

I use 10w-30 Valvoline VR1. I just changed oil this past weekend. With the filter I put in 5 qts and it brought it to the full mark.
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2009 | 11:38 PM
  #4  
63mako's Avatar
63mako
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

Originally Posted by vetteguy75
I use 10w-30 Valvoline VR1. I just changed oil this past weekend. With the filter I put in 5 qts and it brought it to the full mark.
Good choice! Bet your guage is off. Here is something a little lighter with plenty of Zinc and phosphorous.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/hdd.aspx?zo=1489781
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 12:00 AM
  #5  
pauldana's Avatar
pauldana
Race Director
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
Default

I had the same problem about 1 year ago... And yesterday it started again... its the oil pressure sending unit///
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 12:09 AM
  #6  
RobbSalzmann's Avatar
RobbSalzmann
Burning Brakes
Supporting Lifetime Gold
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
Default

why can't it be simple?
VetteGuy, If you want to find posts about just oil pressure try this:
advanced search, select "Search titles only", then put plus signs in front of your keywords: +oil +pressure

Try that and see if you like the results better
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 12:19 AM
  #7  
Goody's Avatar
Goody
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Default

with Paul. Sending unit. Did you reuse your old one by chance? You could hook up a manual gauge to verify the numbers.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 02:07 AM
  #8  
vetteguy75's Avatar
vetteguy75
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Default

Originally Posted by RobbSalzmann
VetteGuy, If you want to find posts about just oil pressure try this:
advanced search, select "Search titles only", then put plus signs in front of your keywords: +oil +pressure

Try that and see if you like the results better
Thanks!!!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 07:12 AM
  #9  
Roarinbear's Avatar
Roarinbear
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Hooksett NH
Default

I just installed my rebuilt engine and running the same pressure 40 psi @ idle hot and 80 psi cruising. with 30 weight for break-in.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 08:44 AM
  #10  
vetteguy75's Avatar
vetteguy75
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Default

Originally Posted by Roarinbear
I just installed my rebuilt engine and running the same pressure 40 psi @ idle hot and 80 psi cruising. with 30 weight for break-in.
I'm going to replace the sending unit to see if it makes any difference...I'll keep you posted.....
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 09:19 AM
  #11  
Vette79C3's Avatar
Vette79C3
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Default

Originally Posted by Roarinbear
I just installed my rebuilt engine and running the same pressure 40 psi @ idle hot and 80 psi cruising. with 30 weight for break-in.
Same here. Around 40psi at idle and around 80psi when cruising after a top-end rebuild and using Redline 10W40.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 09:44 AM
  #12  
fauxrs2's Avatar
fauxrs2
Drifting
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
Default

Originally Posted by vetteguy75
What is the proper/correct oil pressure? I have a GMPP 350 (290hp) and when it's idling, the pressure is 40-45 psi. But when I'm going down the interstate at 70mph (engine turning 3200 rpms), the oil pressure gauge pegs all the way to the right (80 psi). Everything on the engine performs perfectly....no oil seepage, stains or anything. Pulled the plugs....all perfect. When I do a search of the forum for "oil pressure", I get every thread with the word "oil" in it OR the word "pressure" in it. It even picks up "fuel pressure"....why can't it be simple?

Anyway, why is the gauge reading 80 psi at high rpms? Is this normal?
According to the Pace Chevy website the GM 290(350) crate uses a high volume oil pump. its a GM part number so i dont know what the pressure bypass is set at, i would have thought lower than 70-80 psi, since that is usually the bypass range of a high pressure pump. however many HV pumps also have a higher pressure spring, not all though.

Given all that, plus a new motor with the tight clearances of a new motor, your pressure doesnt seem out of the ordinary to me

Last edited by fauxrs2; Jun 2, 2009 at 09:50 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:05 AM
  #13  
noonie's Avatar
noonie
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Default

Almost all oil pumps, even oem are made by Melling.

The relief valve is set at 70 psi for all their HV pumps, and it can vary a few psi, high or low. Your gauge is approx off by 10 psi.

Ir you want lower oil pressure, either change to a lighter weight oil, (common with new cars these days 0w30), or change the relief spring in the oil pump to a lighter one.

BTW, mine is the same and I like it.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:41 AM
  #14  
69patron's Avatar
69patron
Cruising
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Default

I have the same scenerio with my '69 300/350. If I'm idling it's around 35-40 and once I get the rpm going it seems to get up to 75 and even the guage limit 80. I talked to someone at my local garage that seemed to have some knowledge (although I wouldn't bet my life on it) and he said he wouldn't be worried unless it was bouncing all around especially bottoming out, which it isn't.
I guess I wonder now if I should try using a lower viscosity oil or change out the oil pressure sending unit.????
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 11:02 AM
  #15  
TERRY CLARK's Avatar
TERRY CLARK
Pro
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 8
From: COOKEVILLE TN
Default

.........OLD SCHOOL, 40 psi @ 2000 rpm !
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2009 | 11:36 AM
  #16  
73StreetRace's Avatar
73StreetRace
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
Default

I have the same pressures with my new melling performance oil pump :
60 PSI cold at idle
40-45 PSI hot at idle
80-90 PSI hot at high RPM
But if you get these pressures with the stock oil pump and 10W30, something is wrong. My original oil pump never reached more than 55-60 PSI and this was with cold oil
With my new oil pump, I bought a new mechanical AutoMeter oil pressure gauge to withstand the higher pressures :


Last edited by 73StreetRace; Jun 2, 2009 at 12:14 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2009 | 07:55 AM
  #17  
vetteguy75's Avatar
vetteguy75
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Default

It was the sending unit. I replaced it and now it shows 45 lbs at 40 mph crusing and 65 lbs at 79 mph on the interstate.

Thanks!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Proper/Correct Oil Pressure

Old Aug 5, 2015 | 11:46 AM
  #18  
jmgpvette's Avatar
jmgpvette
7th Gear
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Default proper correct oil

Originally Posted by 63mako
Good choice! Bet your guage is off. Here is something a little lighter with plenty of Zinc and phosphorous.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/hdd.aspx?zo=1489781
does it come in a 10/30?
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 12:01 PM
  #19  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by jmgpvette
does it come in a 10/30?
This thread is from 2009. You may want to consider creating a new post.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 01:42 PM
  #20  
toobroketoretire's Avatar
toobroketoretire
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
Default

Originally Posted by pauldana
I had the same problem about 1 year ago... And yesterday it started again... its the oil pressure sending unit///

I would also suspect the sending unit because the normal HOT pressure for 350's is about 35 psi at idle and 45 psi at cruising speeds.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:38 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE