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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.
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...
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...
So you just took out the releif in the pan and plugged it?
I just plugged mine for clearance with a crank scraper. Spoke with Improved Racing and they said the relief in the pan is a one size fits all item that is only really needed in the AFM/DOD cars like the L99. So I used a Dorman plug with a little LocTite.
Last edited by tadams72; 06-15-2015 at 09:13 AM.
Reason: Grammar...