Quote Originally Posted by tiorunder View Post
Got a 350 Malibu 1980. Motor was rebuilt with all new parts that fell within specifications. Oil clearances were where they were supposed to be (plastigauge). Motor runs very strong, but oil pressure drops to around 25 psi at idle when fully warmed up. Initial start pressure is right at around 60 psi. Along with the pressure drop I am getting valve train noise from BOTH banks and it is really pissing me off! Sounds like an oil pressure problem to me. Running a Fram filter and Castrol gtx 10-30. Looking for advice. Thank you in advance.

John from NC
Hi John,
I gave up using castrol and switched over to Valvoline about 14 years ago
on my 3 V8's and a straight 6 and have never had a bearing/ lifter or any
other kind of problem.If I went elsewhere it would be mobil or Shell.
Synthetic oils from all over the world are on sale out here and go on sale
sale for 4.55 litres @ $48 to over $110 depending on the purpose.
I always stick to 20-50 grade normal oil all year round and the oil
pressure in our many variable conditions are


constant about @ 15lbs hot idle to 45 highway conditions.
One time one mechanic gave my new 355 a tubful of 40/70 which gave
the gauge reading 105 @ 3000 rpm on a stinking hot day and kept the
radiator fans working overtime on the 240 mile trip. On arrival another
tubful of 20-50 and a same name filter were put in place.Back to basics.
Compared to what we spend to build these motors that we rely on the
costs of oils and filters is not bad and a necessary insurance so why not
get it right ASAP?..Good luck with the project..S/King.....




filter was immediately set in motion..Back to normal....