1988montecarloss

iTrader: (6)

My LS1 makes about 32-33psi cold idle 17-18psi warm idle and 25-30psi warm cruise and 55-56psi warm at wide open throttle with 10w-30 oil which is low compared to some that I’ve seen although it’s above the 6-10psi per 1000rpm guideline I’ve seen, could it be the oil pump is just worn from higher mileage? Or another issue?

I did just just recently change the oil and had no metal residue in the oil or oil filter so I don’t think it’s a bearing issue

i really don’t wanna have to do an oil pump right now as this car is 1. currently my daily driver and 2. I plan on camming it later in the year and don’t wanna have to tear the motor down in the car twice

could I go to a 15w-40 oil or similar? Or should I just buck up and do the pump now?

Polyalphaolefin

I don't think the oil pump is your issue, nor the bearings. A sudden drop in pressure like this makes me want to think a leaking o-ring on the pickup tube or something of that nature.

Do not go to a more viscous oil chasing oil pressure. That creates more problems than what you're dealing with already.

In any case, get ready to drop the oil pan. Given that you have sufficient oil pressure still, it's not something I'd stress too much about. It should still be looked into, but your engine isn't going to seize at that pressure.

Honestly, your current pressure is exactly what I shoot for on a new engine.

G Atsma

I really don't see an issue here.

1988montecarloss

iTrader: (6)

okay thanks for the input! I guess I will hold off on doing it for now and keep an eye on it and just do it when it’s time for the cam swap but just curious why do you shoot for those oil pressures instead of higher?

Thats good to hear, This will make it a little easier to sleep at night haha

Polyalphaolefin

Oil pressure is a lot like money. There's only so much you really need, and the rest is just for showing off.

The bare minimum pressure spec'd by GM is just 5.6 psi at 1000 rpm. I go for 2-3x that amount just to be safe or 12-18 psi at 1000 rpm. That's more than enough pressure to keep oil supplied throughout the engine. More than that is just robbing power and straining the oil pump.

MplSS

I bought my '98 ss in 2000 with 9500 miles, in 19 years of ownership, and 750 some odd 1/4 mile passes, the oil pressure has never wavered; 22 lbs. Hot idle, 44 lbs. Cold start up, and has never exceeded around 50 lbs. At wot. This has always been in the back of my mind, but I always find oil on rockers and in head valley's when I take the rocker covers off, so I let her buck. Good to know I'm not the only one with "low" oil pressure.

onebadbowtie86

iTrader: (13)

If it bothers you I would put in a higher pressure oil pump vs running heavier oil.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

If this engine has many miles on it then some wear is certain. O-ring on the pickup tube could be worn to the point that air is getting by decreasing oil pressure just as bearing wear has gotten to the point that your losing oil pressure. Running a heavier oil will increase the pressure some and I don't see that as a problem but its just a (X::X) on the problem. I've seen a sludge'd 5.3 that the screen in the oil pick up tube was caked in oil deposits and causing a restriction. You can keep squeezing what you can out of it but start preparing for an overhaul.

1988montecarloss

iTrader: (6)

yeah I will probably go with a melling m295 pump when I cam it, motor is pretty clean inside from what I can see with the valve covers and manifold off so I don’t think that’s the issue but I’ll replace the o ring when I do the pump too to make sure

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

It might be worth checking with a mechanical gauge first
The gauge in the car isn't always reliable.

Also if there is flicker in the headlights and bouncing needles in the gauge cluster ever few seconds it can be the alternator is failing (voltage regulator). My TA appeared to have flickering oil pressure and it was actually a failing alternator.

rednari2

iTrader: (1)

Yes. Never trust an electrical gauge, ecpecially the OE gauge on a twenty year old car.

1988montecarloss

iTrader: (6)

Motor is in my 88 monte with a mechanical gauge hooked up to it, thought I had that in the original post

G Atsma

Bottom line- The pressures you mention in the first post are well within normal. There is nothing wrong there.

Polyalphaolefin

QFT! Send it!

gagliano7

O-ring

BlwnLs1GTO

iTrader: (12)

G Atsma beat me to it. I don't see any issue what so ever.

Run it until the engine does of old age. You're well within spec.

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

I don't see that stated in your original post. It might be assumed based on your screen name but many members have several vehicles. A daily driver and weekend or strip car / truck is pretty common etc.

In any cash, depending on the age and condition of the mechanical gauge it may not be trustworthy either.

However, at this point I don't think there an issue based on what's been presented.

1988montecarloss

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the help and peace of mind guys, I will put an oil pump in it when I do my cam, should I do a melling m295 or just an oem gm pump?

mintws6

WS6 Store/RPM speed has a nice ported pump for an affordable price (less than one hundred bucks). Works well for me.

Polyalphaolefin

The Melling M295 will work fine.