oil pressure
Safety Car
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From: Orlando Florida
Yes, but it can literally be a little. Going from 5W30 to 10W30 may get you 2 to 3 psi at idle. Not sure what 10W40 would get you, that strikes me as too much, though it may be the recommended viscosity for racing. I would think increasing the max cold viscosity, i.e. the 30 in 10W30, would be less help than increasing the minimum hot viscosity, since the motor tends to spend time at full temp.
Last edited by redzg; Mar 27, 2025 at 04:04 PM.
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Last edited by lucky131969; Mar 26, 2025 at 08:57 AM.
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Thicker oil increases pressure by restricting flow, due to the higher viscosity. If the pump could move grease, pressure would be maybe 600psi, which means certain moving parts wouldn't get lubed. The only meaningful way to increase pressure would be to push a higher volume of oil thru the existing clearances. Or rebuild the engine with tighter tolerances.....
Last edited by grinder11; Mar 26, 2025 at 08:58 AM.
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Yes, but it can literally be a little. Going from 5W30 to 10W30 may get you 2 to 3 psi at idle. Not sure what 10W40 would get you, that strikes me as too much, though it may be the recommended viscosity for racking. I would think increasing the max cold viscosity, i.e. the 30 in 10W30, would be less help than increasing the minimum hot viscosity, since the motor tends to spend time at full temp.
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The question raised was could heavier weight oil increase oil pressure. The answer is, probably.
Greater pressure is best determined by the oil pump specifications. The weight of the oil is best determined byclearance, load, heat transfer…an engineer.
Greater pressure is best determined by the oil pump specifications. The weight of the oil is best determined by
Last edited by vette4fl; Mar 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM.
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That is kinda low. Next oil change try out Mobil Supercar 0w-40. This oil is recommended by GM for our engines.
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Tech Contributor
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From: Dyer, IN
Safety Car
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From: Orlando Florida
Yep. Had it right in my head, but wrong at my fingertips.
Racer
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From: Cincinnati OH
My C5 oil pressure was reading fairly low at one point which was concerning. After replacing the factory oil pressure sensor the readings became normal again.
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Last edited by grinder11; Mar 28, 2025 at 10:47 AM.