LT1 oil pressure

[randywirtzfeld]

I just bought a 1995 LT1 firebird. It has 130,000 miles. My question is what should the oil pressure be at idle? When warm, it has 15-20psi oil pressure at idle, which seems way low to me. I haven't had time yet to check with a mechanical external gauge. My shop manual says 6.0 psi at 1000rpm and 18.0 psi at 2000rpm. These are of course listed as min. allowances. That still seems too low to me? What would you say is the point at which you should check the oil pump assembly and bearing clearances? And again, I will get to checking the oil pressure with a mechanical external gauge.

Thanks,

Randy

[DetroitMuscle]

That seems fine to me at idle in park, whats it at in gear@ idle? or around 4k rpms?


Mine stayed around 30-40 in that rpm range.

[CreepingDeath94]

That pressure is pretty typical of that motor...I wouldn't worry about it unless it doesn't climb with RPM.

[importeater38]

mine has always been that low. Once u get on the gas it pops right up.

[FormulaForce]

I have the same year car, and those readings sound about the same as I get, both with the old and new engines I've had in the car.

[Mr. Luos]

Not sure about the LT1, but my new LS6 pump puts the pressure up around 60 PSI when at 1600 RPM's.

[randywirtzfeld]

Originally Posted by CreepingDeath94

That pressure is pretty typical of that motor...I wouldn't worry about it unless it doesn't climb with RPM.

Sounds like I'm ok then, on the bottom.
How about the fact that is tops out at about 35 psi at 4000rpm?

Thanks,


Randy

[CreepingDeath94]

well, general rule of thumb is 10 pounds per 1000 RPMs. Id say your ok, just keep an eye on it and go ahead and double check with an actual oil pressure gauge as they are accurate where the stock gauge is not. With high mileage you may have to watch it, but todays engines if properly mainatined can go to 200K plus miles.