And honestly, it's not the Vette. It's my '96 Impala. But I know there are a lot of guys here with LT1s, so I thought I'd ask. It's just during moderate braking, nothing severe. The oil light flickers. I know, I wish I had a gauge too, but I don't. And the oil level is fine, right at the fourth hole on the stick.
Any thoughts? Suggestions?

 

if the Impala LT1 is anything like the Vette LT1, there is a level sensor in the oil pan... it might be wearing out.

 

I'd change the sending unit for the light. Good chance that's all it is.

 

I actually have a oil level sensor waiting to be installed in my vette (the "low oil" light comes on at a cold start. Oil level is fine. They are not very expensive from the dealership.... less than $20, IIRC.

 

Thanks guys. I have been told by an Impala "guru" that my pickup has fallen loose from the pump. It's not uncommon for Impala LT1s.
So..... guess I get to drop the pan and fix it.
Fun, fun.

I'll do a new pump while I'm at it.
Any recommendations on oil pumps for an LT1?

 

Actually a fairly common problem with many different cars - a hidden gotcha engine destroyer. It is standard practice in the Hotrod & race car business to weld on the pickup to avoid the issue. You ought to consider getting it welded on!
Carl Johansson

 

Trust but verify before dropping the pan.

bogus, shadowman1 and eschoendorff have suggested the level sensor
may be at fault. If the Impala does not have a pressure gauge, is there
just one common warning light shared by the oil pressure and oil level
warning circuits?

If there are two different circuits and it is the Oil Level light that
is illuminating, then my vote is that there is no need to service the
oil pump pickup. If the pressure and level warnings share one light,
then my vote is to consider installing an electric or mechanical OP
gauge and then either take a reliable passenger or set up a video
camera to monitor the gauge and warning light during a test drive.

If you have or know of a shop which has a boroscope, it might also
be feasible to inspect the pickup visually by inserting the boroscope
through the bung where the oil level sensor installs. ProVision makes
several different models - something like the PV-636 can be purchased
online for $200. My favorite 'All Time Best ProVision Application' story
- Help! My goof may have killed my Vette. Borescope needed?

Be wary of which pump you choose.

There have been three or more threads here in the past 11 mo (and
countless threads elsewhere) discussing the discovery that Melling
pumps and third-party pumps based on the Melling had been redesigned
to utilize a less substantial casting.

Use the Advanced Search for keyword 'Melling' and make sure to check
the 'Archives' box.

The threads may still be open - if so, I urge that you post casting &
alternate choice questions there to keep the questions and answers
together with the Q&A that has already been assembled.

.