I noticed that when the car starts cold, my oil pressure is about 50-55 PSI. But after the engine has warmed up for 2 minutes, and when the engine heats up to about 220 degrees after some driving, the oil pressure goes down to about 30 PSI when idling. But when I start to accelerate, the oil pressure goes back up to about 40-45 PSI. Is there a problem here, or is that normal?

EDIT: My bad, I forgot, I have a 350 TPI.

[This message has been edited by The Dirty Bird! (edited September 10, 2001).]

 

Nothing abnormal about that. Mine goes to 15 psi at idle when it's 220 degrees.

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88 firebird formula - 13.9 @103mph, 2.6 60ft
350 Vortec TBI
214int/224exh, .471int/.491exh
Edelbrock headers
T56 - SIX-speed
open 3.73's
3 inch Flowmaster catback
I love pissing those LS1's off
My Formula

 

Sounds normal to me, colder(denser) oil will create more pressure when starting. As your rpms increase the oil pressure should also rise. As long as it doesn't go too low, you're good.

 

Cool, thanks!

 

Unless you're like me (kicking my own butt). I put my big block together and had good oil pressure when it was cold. As soon as the oil got warm I had 0-5 psi at idle and 20 psi at 3000 rpm.

I pulled the pan to check the oil pump. The mount nut was only finger tight. I forgot to torque it down. I now have 65 psi at idle

Your problem is nothing to be worried about. 30 psi at idle when warm is good. The fluctuation could be a sign that the pump is wearing out or that the main bearings are wearing out. How many miles are on the engine?

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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block

Best ET on a time slip: 11.242 altitude corrected to 10.89
Best MPH on a time slip: 121.52 altitude corrected to 125.89
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP: 497.9
Best 60 foot: 1.546

Racing at 3500 feet elevation with a typical race day over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

 

I've got about 84,000 miles on that engine.

BTW, that's a sweet looking car.

[This message has been edited by The Dirty Bird! (edited September 10, 2001).]