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Old Jul 25, 2012 | 07:20 PM
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When I did my cam install last year, I replaced the oil pump with a new LS6 oil pump. My car is a 50k mile, non beaten on car so I think that the shortblock is in pretty good shape. Well, after the cam change, my oil pressure is now around 50psi hot at idle and goes up to about 60 posi when the revs come up. This is about 5-10 psi higher than the old oil pump. I'm using 5w30 Mobil 1 oil. Pressures were the same when I had 10w30 Mobil 1. I am actually contemplating dropping down to, say a 5w20 oil to lower the pressure and cut down on pumping losses for more power. These pressures re tken from the factory pressure guage. Any thoughts on this?
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Old Jul 25, 2012 | 07:28 PM
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My stock ls1 runs i. That high sometimes....
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Old Jul 26, 2012 | 10:59 AM
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I don't think i would run an under specification weight oil in order to pick up 1-2 hp. It is not like we are out trying to setr qualifying records. I have 2 psi ot idle, as soon as I get the car moving it is closer to 60.
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Old Jul 26, 2012 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by SSCamaro99_3
I don't think i would run an under specification weight oil in order to pick up 1-2 hp. It is not like we are out trying to setr qualifying records. I have 2 psi ot idle, as soon as I get the car moving it is closer to 60.
2 psi seems dangerous low...
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Old Jul 26, 2012 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by farmington
When I did my cam install last year, I replaced the oil pump with a new LS6 oil pump. My car is a 50k mile, non beaten on car so I think that the shortblock is in pretty good shape. Well, after the cam change, my oil pressure is now around 50psi hot at idle and goes up to about 60 posi when the revs come up. This is about 5-10 psi higher than the old oil pump. I'm using 5w30 Mobil 1 oil. Pressures were the same when I had 10w30 Mobil 1. I am actually contemplating dropping down to, say a 5w20 oil to lower the pressure and cut down on pumping losses for more power. These pressures re tken from the factory pressure guage. Any thoughts on this?
I would keep the M1 10w30.
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Old Jul 26, 2012 | 03:32 PM
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I haven't looking into it this year but for a long time M1 10w-30 was THINNER than their 5w-30 at operating temp. Most people completely misunderstand the viscosity ratings..
The 5w-30 pumps better at low temps but at operating temperature the 30weight is a RANGE and M1 10w-30 was long at the thin end of the range, their 0w-30 was thicker.

I would also be verifying pressures with a aftermarket gauge before considering changes. Stock gauges should be watched for a change not for the exact number.
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Old Jul 27, 2012 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by baalic
2 psi seems dangerous low...
Sorry, bad typing skills yesterday. 42 psi hot idle.
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