Just Build It

Does anyone know what GM's factory spec is for oil pressure on an LT1?

Just Build It

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?

Injuneer

The 94 factory manual has the same numbers as posted immediately above, indicated as "MINIMUM".

Just Build It

Has anyone ever seen one that still runs with that low of oil pressure without the lifters having problems?

shoebox

People often over-emphasize oil pressure needs. With the correct oil, there should be no problems with those minimum factory numbers.

97WS6SCharged

You generally see ~60 psi cold at idle and 40 warm at idle.

Locruid

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.

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.

Scrub88

Same here 20 ish at warm idle . Is the factory gauge really even that accurate

Injuneer

I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge in the center vent, and it matches the factory dash gauge.

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.

shoebox

So, you don't really have a problem, but was just curious, eh? Your pressure is pretty average.

8cylinders>4

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.

97WS6SCharged

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 ).

Just Build It

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