Hi Guys!

I bought a 1997 Firebird Formula with 18,493 actual miles. A doctor owned it and never drove it much. He used penzoil in it non synthetic in the car. Under the hood it looks brand new. Inside it looks brand new, and it even smells new.

The only thing that really bothers me is it hold about 20 to 25 psi oil pressure fully warmed up. Car still has Factory thermostat. THe PCM is not programmed for the fans to come on earlier either so it heats up to 225degrees before the fans kick on to cool it down.

I noticed if I turn on the AC it cools it down to 180 degrees it then hold about 25 or maybe a little better oil pressure.

I think the valves are getting enough oil to me because it sounds like other LT1's I've heard running.

Do you think there is something wrong with my motor?

I'm going to get PCMforless to program me a PCM for 160 degree thermostat and I'll change the factory Thermostat to 160 degree thermostat.

I know some folks have LS1 engines which holds much more oil pressure but LT1's and LS1's are much different beasts.


Let me know what you think! Thanks guys. Lee!

 

those readings are at idle? if so, what happens during the rest of the rpm band?

 

It goes to 45psi at about 3,000 to 3,500 rpms and at about 4,000 rpms to 50psi.

Thanks Lee!

 

sounds ok to me. Make a habit of checking your oil pressure, especially on start up. It's a good habit.

I'm sure you will enjoy your new ride.

 

Also, if he was using 5w-30, you can always throw in some 10w-30/40 and you might see a little more pressure----but with that few miles on it, it isn't even broken in yet.

 

Looks normal to me also........

 

Absolutely normal for an LT1. Great find!

Rich

 

Thanks Guys for all your help! Lee!

 

Nice find! Just like everyone said, pressure sounds normal. Generally around 10 psi per 1000 rpm is what you want, with around 20 or more at hot idle. Mind was actually getting just under 20 hot and maybe 50 close to redline, with 155k.


After a headgasket went out, upgraded to a Melling 10552 oil pump (10% higher vol) and the GM 70 psi 'white' spring and am now at just over 80 cold and around 35-45 hot idle. At 160k miles.