Well, just finished the Vortech s/c and new motor install. For those of you who know...I was having a low oil pressure problem, especially at idle when it was warm it was about 8lbs. I just found three 1/2" plugs in my box of parts. Thanks to all of your advice, I think they are from the front oil galley behind the timing cover. Couple of questions:
Obviously, I cannot confirm this untill I pull it apart,....But I am hoping I only have to disconnect the water pump, timing cover and the crank pulley/ balancer. Is that correct? Or do i have to pull the serp acesssory brackets? and the oil pan? will the timing cover come off without pulling the pan and acessories? Also, I did a cam break-in, and with these plugs missing (if they are), the pressure did stay around 20 lbs while I did my 20 minute break-in at 2,300 rpms. I also took it for a mile or 2 drive. DO you think my bearings and everyting else is okay? It's a brand new motor. thanks -J

 

You can pull the front cover without pulling the pan, but you'll definitely have to loosen up all of the pan bolts and drop it down. As far as the oil pressure, since you didn't run it long I think you'll be alright since the typical pressure is 10#'s per 1000 rpm.

 

I am very glad to hear that...i didn't hear any knock or anything....so I hope I am alright....and i hope this is the problem...

 

crap happens dude

 

yeah, that is true....crap does happen... that's a *** way to look at it!
well the good news is,....i started at 8p and it is now 4:30 am...I diagnosed it right and it was the gallley plugs..the motor sounds good and I am building good oil pressure,..however, I am afraind I already did damage with low oil pressure when I did the cam break-in, and I took it for a 2 mile easy ride. Also....I started it twice to warm it up to check the pressure with a new sender and gauge...l I HOPE ther is minimal or no damage,...but it would be my luck that this thing breaks next week cause of the missing galley plugs.... what do you guys think... i could use some good news....but tell me the truth.

 

Your talking about the three galley plugs above the cam, you may not have a big problem. Some old timers I spoke with used to drill holes in those plugs to increase oiling on the timng chain. Pull the cover and put the plugs back in. SBC's have one of the best internal oiling designs and you prolly didn't damage anything. You shouldn't have a problem...

 

Typically a #70 hole was drilled into one or maybe two of the pipe plugs, not three gaping 1/2" holes like you'd have if you left the plugs out. I'd probably check the bearings just to be sure.

 

i drill a teny hole in one pulg on my motors..seems to be fine

 

well we'll find out if I can get the car runnign again.....it dies on me a mile from my house... seems as if I got no fule pressure. What should I check? I don't hear the pump come on when i turn on the key.

 

Check the fuel pump relay on the DS fire wall.

Good to hear your oiling problem was something simple. At least you are having some progress on your project.

 

okay, it was the fuse, however, when I start the motor again, I have NO OIL PRESSURE ALL OVER AGAIN> I fixed the original no oil pressure problem when i installed the missing galley plugs. It built tons of pressure. Now it doesn't at all. HELP?

UPDATE:
just disconnected the blower and now the pressure is perfect.....I don't think it was the blower, but maybe the sender was clogged. I have no clue what the hell the problem was. seems to be okay now. I'm going to try to rig something up so i can run it without the blower hooked up to break it in.