97 LT1 oil pressure issue, normal or a problem?
 

Got the car for a v8 conversion donor. It is a 97 z28 that I got for 1,000.00. Cold starts it gets up around 40psi but then as motor gets hotter around 210 oil pressure drops at idle to near the red zone on the gauge.

motor make no odd noises, no leaks, 122k miles

I am concerned with this, or could it simply be a cluster issue? Where on this engine is the best place to use a mechanical oil pressure gauge?

When hot and engine is brought up to 2000rpm from idle oil pressure does climb fast but rarely gets to 40psi but gets about 3/4 of the way.

Is this safe to run the motor like this or should I put new bearings in it prior to putting it into my v6 car?

Re: 97 LT1 oil pressure issue, normal or a problem?
 

Put a mechanical gauge on it (located at the back right of the intake). Also change the oil filter to be sure. I had a Fram synthetic filter clog up on me before. showing 30psi oil pressure idle and wot.

Jay

Re: 97 LT1 oil pressure issue, normal or a problem?
 

where on the gauge is 30psi approx. ? Mine in the middle is 40psi but when the oil pressure issue happens it gets about a 1/8-1/4 way above the red zone to the 40psi mark.

sometimes though it will go into the red zone but just a little.

oil type and viscousity not known

Re: 97 LT1 oil pressure issue, normal or a problem?
 

I just remembered this. On my first LT1 swap (mild 355) my gauge ALWAYS read in the red zone idle (stock gauge) that motor was abussed with a 100 shot for 2 years, then ran N/A for the last 8 years. Still runs and just got pulled to go in its 4th car and I think 8th owner (its the town whore motor) I Dont recall If I ever put a real gauge on it, and that motor has been through hell. I had a oil cooler line pop off and they motor actually shut off on me bc lack of oil, then had the oil pump gear strip at 6K and rev to 7k before. Tossed a new one in and ran the motor. and this was around 7-8 years ago. It seems to take a lot to kill a LT1/SBC.

IIRC the SBC rule of thumb is MIN 10psi Hot idle, then around 7-10psi per 1000rpm.

Jay

Re: 97 LT1 oil pressure issue, normal or a problem?
 

while i was car shopping recently, and i came across the 94 z28 with an lt1, i looked up common issues with the car, and one of them was issues with the oil pressure gauge circuit. so hook up a mechanical tester to put your mind at ease. this problem was slated for 93-97 lt1 cars....very well may be your issue.

Re: 97 LT1 oil pressure issue, normal or a problem?
 

Thanks, I will try a mechanical gauge, I've driven the car a 180 miles like this so it probably isn't a severe problem.