C3 oil pressure what's normal

[Dale Patches (26800)]

what oil pressure are most of you other big block owners seeing
at idle
at high way speeds
mine reads 30/35 PSI no matter what .. idle or 65 MPH

[G A Bramlett (135)]

Oil pressure and people

Who can really say what is normal? Well, here are my thoughts.

I am suspicious of your gauge. But, if it's reading right, then you do have abnormally low pressure at high speed. Unless you have a 2.7 rear end ratio, or you're driving in desert heat, or you're using 5W-30 oil, or you're running wide main bearing clearances, or...

I'm used to seeing about 25 - 30 at idle and maybe 40 - 50 at 3,000 rpm after the engine is fully warmed up. That's with a standard oil pump.

[John Lokay]

Re: C3 oil pressure what's normal

For my 66' Big Block, with 20-50w oil, about 60 lbs when doing 60 mph and 30 to 40 lbs at idle. When the outside temperture exceeds 85+ degress, the oil pressure at idle will be no less than 20 lbs.

[Bill Braun 33186]

Re: C3 oil pressure what's normal

John,

Mine's the same. Although it's a C2 I expect the motor designs are similar enough to allow a good comparison.

Bill 33186

[Brian Monticello]

Oil pressure ranges

Here's some info I found on Oil pressure for 1960's corvettes. I know you have a C3 but this may give a general idea of operating ranges.
_Brian

http://www.carnut.com/specs/gen/vette60.html

[Eric Fairclough]

Re: C3 oil pressure what's normal

Hello, I have a 72 ls5 454 all orginal motor with 71,000 miles on it, runs excellent. If your oil pressure guage does not fluctuate at different rpm's it sounds to me like your oil line to the guage is clogged with some old oil. Here is my readings. Eric

Idle 35
highway and normal cruising speeds 52
full open throttel and getting on it 60