I was driving today, wanted to punch it in first and hit second to test out some things, but I had to let the people in front of me go first.

I brought it up to around 3k rpm and waited, the oil pressure gauge read about 45-50. After I had some room I jumped on it and noticed the pressure drop before it started climbing again, reaching a bit above 65 before I shifted.

I tried it again, repeating the same thing I did above, and kept my eye on the gauge. I noticed for a split second it dropped to about 30 psi, then shot back up just like before.

I'm running 10-40 weight synthetic, probably due for an oil change. Is this normal behavior, or is this the beginning of some oil pump issues? I would imagine the sudden increase in demand could starve the pump for a second, but I just want to make sure after reading some horror stories about the pumps just dying for no reason and wiping out the engine.

Thanks

 

Part of what you could be seeing is the fact that you're running an oil with an operating temperature viscosity of 40 in an LS1.

They are designed for 5w-30. There's no need to run a heavier oil. Your oil pump looks like it's playing catch-up.

Mike

 

I thought my oil choice could be playing a factor, that's why I put it in there. FWIW, I run that weight in the Royal Purple brand because of a rather long and ranty thread over at LS1tech. Evidently a good amount of them believe that RP's 10-40 actually runs closer to a 5-30 or something because of the LS1's higher oil temps, due to a lack of a cooler. I could change over to 5-30 for a cycle and see. The only thing is that 5-30 RP tends to keep my oil pressure a little lower than I like (just 25-30 for idle, about 50 at redline wot)

Does any of that change your diagnosis? I know your (not to high) thoughts of LS1tech

 

Honestly, I've never used RP in any of my builds.... Mobil-1 synthetic 5w-30 works just fine. I'll eventually use Amsoil, but I've used Mobil-1 for years.... old habits and all that.