I just got my first trans Am two weeks ago and am triing to get up to speed on every thing I need to know. The car has a 5.7 TPI, the engine oil pressure at idle (750 rpm aprox.) is 32 PSI by the time the engine is up to 1100 RPM the oil pressure guage is maxxed out at 60 PSI + is this normal??

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91 Firebire Trans AM
5.7 TPI
WS6 performance package
R6P performance group
alluminum drive shaft
3.23 posi diff.

 

I own an 84TA, and my oil pressure gauge starts at about 60, and completely goes off the chart when driving. The problem may be the oil pressure sensor that operates the gauge. All I do is keep the oil full and changed on a regular 3 month/3000mi basis. If your car is running right, and the oil is full and clean... I wouldn't worry about it too much. You can always get it checked out otherwise. There were several other posts on the same topic, and all gave similar advice. Hope this helps.

 

the only accurate way to check your oil pressure is by using a mechanical gauge.

 

What are the min. and max. of the oil pressure, I have mechanical guages I can hook up temporarly to check what the oil pressure is doing at different RPS ???
Only a nice rumble comes from the motor now
and I intend on keeping it that way.

 

I think max is 50-60, min around 20 maybe....

 

Sounds like I need to check it and then get a new sensor. If the oil cooler was blocked
what pressure does the bypass relief valve kick in at ?

 

they say u need 10psi of oil pressure for every 1000 rpm.
My motor runs at 18psi at idle and jumps to 40-60 when I hit the gas.

 

Joshua's correct.The recommended minimum is 10 PSI per 1000 RPM.32PSI at idle is good,60 PSI= at 1100 is outstanding.If the pressure gets up around 100PSI, you might have a problem keeping it in the motor,I've seen a few filters pop when the pressure relief spring in the pump breaks!
A mechanical gauge is the best way to find out what's really going on, and the best are less than $50.
If the pressure is a little on the high side,just let it warm up before you put your foot in it, and it'll be fine.
-Rich-

 

there should be another pressure relief valve in the filter housing between the inlet and outlet of the oil cooler

 

Finaly got around to putting a mechanical guage on, Idle in gear 750 RPM 28 PSI, @ 4500 RPM 54 PSI with engine warm. Replaced oil pressure sending / fuel pump unit switch and my interior guage matches perty close. Thanks for the help.

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91 Trans Am Formula
5.7 TPI
Automatic
3.23 Posi
WS6 package