LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Factory spec for oil pressure

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Old Feb 3, 2013 | 12:29 PM
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Question Factory spec for oil pressure

Does anyone know what GM's factory spec is for oil pressure on an LT1?
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 12:39 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

My haynes manual says that it should be
6 PSI min @ 1000 RPM
18 PSI min @ 2000 RPM
24 PSI min @ 4000 RPM
This doesn't seem smart or even safe. Will an LT1 actually survive on that little oil pressure?
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 01:39 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

The 94 factory manual has the same numbers as posted immediately above, indicated as "MINIMUM".
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 02:08 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Has anyone ever seen one that still runs with that low of oil pressure without the lifters having problems?
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 02:58 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

People often over-emphasize oil pressure needs. With the correct oil, there should be no problems with those minimum factory numbers.
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 08:12 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

You generally see ~60 psi cold at idle and 40 warm at idle.
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 08:20 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Mine runs at 30-35 just fine. AT Idle it usually sits about 20. Never had an issue. WOT at High Rpms it kicks 40+.

I once seen a Dt444 run at 10 psi believe it or not. They even had International Designers come look at it. It ran fine for years at 10 psi.
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 11:29 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

When my 94 was brand new, I never saw 60psi at cold idle. 40+ maybe, and drop to maybe 35psi as it warmed up. Most of the high mileage engines seem to run closer to 20psi at warm idle.
Old Feb 3, 2013 | 11:49 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Same here 20 ish at warm idle . Is the factory gauge really even that accurate
Old Feb 4, 2013 | 05:25 AM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge in the center vent, and it matches the factory dash gauge.
Old Feb 4, 2013 | 06:41 AM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Mine runs at 20 warmed up with 10w30 Mobil 1 in it with about 70000 miles. I'm sure that may b a little less when the outside temps come up and it sees some actual road time. We just put the engine in. Its not easy to rack up a lot of miles when it snows every day.
Old Feb 4, 2013 | 07:00 AM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Originally Posted by Just Build It
Mine runs at 20 warmed up with 10w30 Mobil 1 in it with about 70000 miles. I'm sure that may b a little less when the outside temps come up and it sees some actual road time. We just put the engine in. Its not easy to rack up a lot of miles when it snows every day.
So, you don't really have a problem, but was just curious, eh? Your pressure is pretty average.
Old Feb 4, 2013 | 08:52 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Chalk up another one with a shade over 20 psi at hot idle running rotella T6 5w40 with 150,000 miles Pressure is identical to when bought the car with 60,000 miles.
Old Feb 4, 2013 | 11:08 PM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Originally Posted by Injuneer
When my 94 was brand new, I never saw 60psi at cold idle. 40+ maybe, and drop to maybe 35psi as it warmed up. Most of the high mileage engines seem to run closer to 20psi at warm idle.
Huh, my 97 always ran 60/40 with the stock engine. The 383 runs about 65/40. Even my LS1 runs 60/38ish (depending on how much has leaked out ).
Old Feb 5, 2013 | 04:57 AM
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Re: Factory spec for oil pressure

Nope no problems. Just trying to make sure there isn't one in my near future. Thanks for the info everyone.



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