'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

I searched and didnt find much. But the oil pressure in my car at idle after its warmed up is right above 20psi, normal driving it sits around 40psi. Its up a little higher when its cold but after its warm it settles back down. Does anybody know what the problem might be? I was told maybe a gasket, o ring or something, does anybody have any ideas? Also, is it ok to drive? thanks

Chris@AP-Engineering

iTrader: (-2)

Stock motor or forged?? Has it always been this way? As long as you have 10psi for every 1000 rpm you are fine.

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

Its stock, i got the car at 99k and im pretty sure its been like that since, it has 125k on it now, im not sure if i hit 60psi at 6000 rpms

00PwtrSS

iTrader: (1)

on my h/c setup, when the motor warms up, my oil pressure is around 20-25 at idle

Camaro99SS

iTrader: (4)

Has the oil pump ever been replaced? 98's had issues with faulty pumps. My car gets right above 40 at warm idle, 60 cruise, 70 WOT, and I have 80k on it.

Jason

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

So will this be ok? Camaro99SS, i honestly dont know if it has been replaced, i heard about that problem also, but its been like this for at least 15k (never paid much attention until i heard of the problem) if it was bad do you think it would take over 15k to go out? This may also be a dumb question, but im doing a cam swap soon, can i access the pump while i do that or will i have to remove alot more stuff, possibly pull the motor?

Chris@AP-Engineering

iTrader: (-2)

You will be fine as long as oil pressure rises when you drive and that you have the 10psi per 1000rpm.

Thanks

NastySSoo

Chris, why did you ask forged or stock? Which one typically has more pressure?
Paul

Chris@AP-Engineering

iTrader: (-2)

Stock engines usually have a lot more pressure than a forged engine. Unless the forged engine is using shims in the oil pump. The reason generally comes down to the stock engine having a lot tighter bearing clearances then the forged motors. Also a stock engine generally has a bearing that is shaped different from the high perf bearings. Back to the bearing clearances, stock engines can have any where from .0008" - .020" for bearing clearances, where a typical forged engine may have .002-.003" for clearance. Hope this has answered your question.

Thanks

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

so if im not reaching 60psi at 6000 rpms i have a problem? I know its very close, but i dont think its quite 60psi

leaftye

The oil pump has a bypass for excess oil....but I can't remember what psi the stocker is set at. When you shim the pump, all you're doing is setting the bypass pressure up.

Fade2blk500

iTrader: (18)

If your going to do a cam swap, I'd definitely say go ahead and do the oil pump.
I'd say it'll tack on another hour or 2 in the cam swap if your doing it yourself. Just have to be sure not to pinch the o-ring

Craig

ZR2877

I agree. I just had my pump replaced in my 98. My oil pressure was still great but I went ahead and replaced it.

PHANTA-Z

We've got a Vette here doing the EXACT same thing. 20-25 psi at hot idle, jumps to 40 psi or better during cruise, but never quite hits 60 psi at WOT. Like 55 or so. I have made numerous inquiries and the consensus is the its ok. BTW, its a forged 370 ci iron block, very agressive h/c combo, 11.16:1 cr.

Bill Bowling

iTrader: (6)

Mine runs 40+ at idle and 60+ running. What oil are you using? That could make some difference but if it was me I would replace the pump. At least keep a close eye on the pressure. A new pump does not cost much; a new engine does.

Bill

PHANTA-Z

Very true, but try getting someone to replace one on a C5 for less than $500.

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

hmm, looks like i'll just get a ported LS6 one from texas speed, should it be good for another couple of weeks?

NastySSoo

Thanks for the great info Chris! I'm looking forward to my new shortblock from you guys.
Paul

BLUEBALLS ZZ

iTrader: (2)

has really nothing to do with being forged of not. has to do with clearance's. even forged engine can have really good oil pressure.

RahuL

iTrader: (10)

Mine did the same thing.. hovered around 20-25 psi at idle, warm... esp if it was really warm out [80* plus] and 45 ish during cruise and 50-55ish at WOT.. all warm

Cold, it jumped to around 70 psi ..

Ever since I got the mods listed in the sig.. it now stays at 40 psi idle warm and 55ish cruise and 60-65 at WOT

I bought the car with 91K miles and now has 104K on it...

Just keep an eye out at the gauge, and do the pump when you do a cam... I think you will be okay till then..