falconskaterjohn

My car was running around 17-18psi (if thats the messurement the oil pressure is in). I hadent noticed it being that low i dont think so, i was just wondering what the average idle pressure is?

thanks!

RymerC

iTrader: (2)

if it's nice and warm, that's about right for idle. Maybe just a smidgen low, but a different oil weight or filter can easily change that....
About 20-30 at idle (600+rpm) is good when hot, above 40psi above 2500 is good too. If you don't see above 40 psi, something is wrong. Usually max oil pressure is around 60 psi cold or at high rpm. Keep in mind, the factory gauges suck, and going from 5w30 to 15w50 can make quite a bit of difference.

METALBEAST

iTrader: (1)

Mine runs about 20-30 psi on my Vette at idle. Engine only has about 2500 miles on it.

RymerC

iTrader: (2)

There seems to be quite a bit of variation, whether it is gauge error or just different tolerances... My old 168k motor read 30 at idle, and 65+ cold. My newer 25k motor runs 30 at idle, and just under 60 cold.

SSRZ28

iTrader: (3)

i have 110Kk miles. 21psi at idle warm, 40 above 2000rpm. idle cold is 50

67SS&99SS

iTrader: (7)

My uncles car idles pretty low on o.p. too. Is 20 lbs the first line on the gauge? Because it stays a little below that. I drive an LS1 and so I don't get behind the wheel of his often. If he changes from 10W30 Mobil 1 to 20w50 mobil 1 will it hurt anything? I would definately like to see higher oil pressure. His car has 113K miles on it.

FIREHAWK #07

iTrader: (1)

yeah i think LT1's are known for having low oil pressure, compared to LS1's..... mine is 40-45 when cold, and 25-30 hot....

2000silvergtp

When I had my '95 T/A, it always sat just a hair above the red....about 20 psi. Used to bug the **** outta me until I realized it was normal.

SantaCruz163

iTrader: (6)

I get awesome psi in my T/A. Cold 55-65 psi Warm 40-50psi.

qcworm

iTrader: (2)

my ta is also about 45-50 psi warm and 50-55 cold but i am running 20w50 mobil 1 synthetic

96ramair

Go to advacne auto parts and get some Lucas engine oil stabalizer. It works great my oil pressure is now 60 if I am on the pedal at all and 45 when idleing.

brandboZ28

iTrader: (2)

Mine runs anywhere from 65ish at idle cold to 40-45ish at idle warm. Thats on a 145k bottom end.

brandboZ28

iTrader: (2)

While that stuff may work, it makes your oil very thick, much like honey which is not ideal for performance applications.

96ramair

not exactly it is very sticky, so it stays on the bearing so you will never have a dry start. It is probably as thick as say 50 weight oil, but is only one quart

Alex94TAGT

The general rule of thumb is 10psi per 1000rpm. So long as you have that, you should be fine.

This will vary on the weight of oil used, flow rating of the oil filter, motor's health, etc.


If you ever have the oil pan off, I'd recommend getting a "white" pressure release spring for the oil pump. It'll boost up your oil pressure...

Turboroc

mine runs at 10 psi its a boosted lt1 with a cam and I'm 90% sure it's running 5w30 does anyone down if this is good?

BeavRocks

My nickels worth: 93 Trans Am, 350 LT1, 25K on new short block. Running OEM recommended oil: SAE 5W-30.
Result: cold startup = 45 PSI. Initial acceleration to 60 MPH = 55-60 PSI.
Highway running around 45-50 PSI.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Rule of thumb for these cars has been around 20psi at hot idle with 5w-30. Oil senders are notorious for faulty readings. There is an extra oil port (location depends on year) where a mechanical gauge can be connected to get a true reading.

Shownomercy

iTrader: (1)

Way to thread bump.

Idiots

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

you’re getting cranky in your old age. This has been happening on here for the last few years now, and why not supply pertinent info so the next “idiot” who searches can get the answers they need?
You hurt my heart, man-crush.