Generation IV Internal Engine - 2011 Camaro SS oil pressure problem

Hey guys.

Please help or recommend something.

Car - 2011 Camaro SS LS3. 3000miles. Right after break-in.

We installed Whipple 2.9 blower, Kooks headers, catback and Derale Atomic engine oil cooler with LPE oil cooler adapter (which bolts to oil pan). All tubes are thick AN-8 and AN-10. No measurable restriction as for oil cooler.

Problem - low oil pressure, especially 5000+rpm.

The oil pressure peaked @ 4700 with 53psi and then started to fall to 45psi at 6500rpm. Oil temp 210F.

First we thought its a restrictive oil cooler. Tried a OEM C6Z06 one - same thing. Then we thought its a defective factory oil pump.

Just installed a #10296 Melling Hi-volume +18% oil pump with hi pressure red spring inside.

... almost same thing. idle oil pressure is increased however same tapering at high rpm and about 2psi more pressure everywhere 3000+rpm.

Its a complete BS and oem sensor is not lying. Mechanical gauge shows the same.

What can it be?

Thanks in advance! :cheers:

Don't the camaro5 oil pans all have an internal bypass in them?

You still have 45psi@6500, what pressure are you expecting/looking for?

Don't the camaro5 oil pans all have an internal bypass in them?

You still have 45psi@6500, what pressure are you expecting/looking for?

I was looking for at least 70psi

Check/ask over on camaro5.com forums or search there. I seem to remember that the camaro5 (LS3 and L99) oil pans have bleed off valves internal to the pan that limits pressure to ~50psi. You might have to change oil pans to get to 70psi, though I'm not sure you need it...

So just disable that valve?

I believe you can drop the oil pan, pull the valve, and plug it off.

Camaro5.com members make me feel "stupider" lol

They call 2010+ Camaros C5's!
Did you add a little more oil?

Or could your oring be slightly pinched?

Your 50+ psi is fine. You do not need 70 psi at wot. I don't even think the high pressure spring in the pump will allow 70 psi.

Or could your oring be slightly pinched?

o-ring is OK

I went out and did a little test this morning. After warm up the oil pressure was just about 30 psi at idle. I did a run in third from about 55 MPH to 100ish and around 5800RPM at WOT was around 55-60 PSI. I think you are chasing your tail on this and you dont have a problem.

I went out and did a little test this morning. After warm up the oil pressure was just about 30 psi at idle. I did a run in third from about 55 MPH to 100ish and around 5800RPM at WOT was around 55-60 PSI. I think you are chasing your tail on this and you dont have a problem.

Thanks, but 55-60 is still much more than 45psi...

Your probably sucking all the oil out of the pan.

Have you tried running a thicker oil yet? It may rob some power, but if more pressure is what you're looking for...