Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

New Engine, What should Oil Pressure be at?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-26-2006, 08:03 AM
  #1  
Teching In
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
mikecobra95's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: DFW
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default New Engine, What should Oil Pressure be at?

OK, just got the new engine installed finally and am wanting some input on the oil pressure. My old engine gave way due to a faulty Oil Pump so as you can imagine I am trying to be as careful as possible here.

I have the GM High output brand new oil pump installed on the new engine. When we first fired the car up oil pressure held steady at 40psi and went to 60 under throttle. After about 15 miles of driving I noticed that the oil pressure dropped to around 20 and then only move to 40 upon throttle. I checked the oil level, added about half a quart and the issue still was occuring. At idle it only held around 20-30 PSI. Is this normal for this pump? I was under the impression that it should hold steady at 40psi no matter what. I have way too much money tied up in the new engine to have the oil pump cause more problems! Any advice at all will be greatly apreciated! Thanks!
Old 06-26-2006, 09:24 AM
  #2  
Banned
iTrader: (1)
 
Nate_Taufer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: North of Seattle
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

10 psi for every 1000 rpm and your motor will be okay.

Nate
Old 06-26-2006, 09:53 AM
  #3  
TECH Apprentice
 
angel71rs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TX
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

It is a little low for a new engine. The engine in my SS held ~ 40 idle hot w/58k on it, stock original pump.

How bout this apparantly common problem: https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...sure+pump+ring

If the oring is ok, what oil are you running, if it's M1 30 weight, that oil tends to be a little thin. Dropped the pressure on my 89 Formys engine ~ 10 lbs when I tried it in the L98 years ago. Try GC or M1 0w-40.

What filter are you running? If it's a short/restrictive type try a long type. K&N filter has a good rep for flow with good filtration.
Old 06-26-2006, 10:00 AM
  #4  
Teching In
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
mikecobra95's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: DFW
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Well seeing as it is a stroker motor, the shop that put the shortblock together for me said to run a 10W-30 oil for the first 500 miles, then go to a thicker oil for 500 more miles, then change to the full synthetic.

The oil filter is just a STP from AutoZone I believe, always ran it, never saw a reason to change, but I may look into it now.

Thanks!
Old 06-26-2006, 11:44 AM
  #5  
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joel_SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: DFW
Posts: 905
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

My new motor does the same thing w10w 30. It is probally beasuse of the following which is what LME told me about my new shortblock..

Loser tolerances, and summer heat here in North Texas. They even suggested to maybe get an oil cooler.

I switched to a 15 40 and it seems to be a little better. As lonh as your pressure goes up with RPM you should be okay.
Old 06-26-2006, 12:11 PM
  #6  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (27)
 
67Firebird455's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Visalia, California
Posts: 2,525
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default

Hrm, we had VERY good luck in oil pressure differences between the mobil 1 filter and wix, both of those being the best in our tests... one of the worst being fram believe it or not. Tested it on my TA, my old Z28, my 67 firebird, and my dads 68 GTO, all had the same results. If you run a thicker oil, you'll naturally see an increase in oil pressure as it's thicker... I used to run 20-50 in my 67 as I had them grind a little extra clearance in there for high-rpm use at the track.
Old 06-26-2006, 12:47 PM
  #7  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (8)
 
ninobrn99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu HI
Posts: 2,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

10w-30 of regular oil seems to be what most shops recommend for the breakin period. Its what my engine builder said to use FWIW.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:29 AM.