I have a 1994 LT1 and when I fire the car up and the motor is cold the oil pressure is 40-45 psi, which is good. But when the motor is around 160-180 and is warmed up the psi at idle is about 15-20 psi. My oil pressure was lower than that when I had a thinner oil. Write now I am running 10W-30. My question is what oil sould I use in the summer and is this normal for the oil pressure to be that low.

Thanks Mark Tisdale

PS maybe go up to a 10W-40

 

Anyone?

 

your fine, my 94 is the same about 20 at idle hot. Do a search on oil pressure, you will most are like that.

 

As a very general guideline, you need about 10psi per 1Krpm.... 10psi @ 1,000rpm, 20psi @ 2,000rpm, 50psi @5,000rpm, etc. Sounds like your pressure is down a bit from what it was when the engine was new. Just keep on eye on psi vs. rpm at elevated rpm. I would not go to a "heavier" oil unless you were finding that pressure was too low at higher rpm.

 

Thanks I appreciate for the information just wanted to make sure.


PS I am use to driving a diesel and the oil pressure is constantley at 40-45psi unless you slame the throttle.