Oil Pressure

[Les Walter]

What is considered "normal" for a '73 stock L-48 350. Mine runs 35 on the gauge when cold and about 20 when warm. I have 66,000 miles on the odometer but don't know how the car was treated for the first 64K

les

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Is this at idle or highway speed?

Rule of thumb is minimum 10 psi for every 1000 RPM.

 

[black_81_vette]

Sounds a bit low.Id pull the pan wich isnt too bad to do,check the bearing clearance on a couple rods and main bearings and put in a new pump if the clearances are good.

 

[81 Corvette]

Is this at idle or highway speed?

Rule of thumb is minimum 10 psi for every 1000 RPM.

what he said. mine idles at about 20psi and at highway speed, puts out about 40psi

 

[Jack]

Too often, older gages /sending units are way off. As I recall, the 73 has mechanical op and no sender. Check your old gage(s) against a quality known standard gage. A lotta race cars are idle 'til next season ... perhaps someone nearby would lend you their Autometer op gage, line & fittings for an hour.
JACK:gap

 

[Les Walter]

oil pressure/reply

I'll start with the gauge accuracy first, and then the oil pump...thanks

 

[crause]

I had to replace my oil pan so while I had it off, I put in a new high volume oil pump. Very easy job, the pan was the hardest part. Now the pressure is around 35-40 while idle and 70-80 at highway speed. Feels good to know that oil is really flushing around in that engine.

Andy