I went to start my car yesterday to let it idle, and I noticed that it was only running about 18 psi. When I would rev it to 4.5k real quick it would jump to about 42. The oil is on the second dot on the dipstick, so I know it is not low. Is this number low, or is it ok? It runs just fine. That number just seemed low to me. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Is that 18psi on a cold start up?

 

After running for about 25-30 minutes. Temp was at 210 or so.

 

Ya thats a lil on the low side. Try changing your oil and filter.

 

18 is pretty good for our cars, mine runs at 7-8 psi at normal operating temp

 

IDK maybe its just me but mine dosn't idle that low. I was thinking about 25 would be a nice healthy engine but as long as oil pressure gose up w/ the RPM's I think its will be fine.

 

It also has a pretty bad oil leak. It left spots that would be al together about the size of 5 quarters. It only leaked out about 1 quarter when it had been sitting there for two months though. Do you think that it is leaking that much because of a leak that has some pressure behind it?

 

That was just over a period of about 30 minutes when it left that much oil

 

the rule of thumb was 10psi per 1000 rpms.

 

GM spec is 6psi at idle and (as litch2004 mentions) 10psi per 1000rpms.

 

I wouldnt worry about it as long as it build psi while you driving, it should rise and fall as the engine rev's basically.

I see about 20 psi on mine (hot temp) and I have a rear main leak to, so I leave qtr drops on the ground also.

 

Ok, thanks guys. I was worried when a friend of mine told me that was really low. I guess if that is typical for an LT1 I won't worry too much then.