Thread: *Oil Pressure*

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I'm running Brad Penn 20W-50 Partial Synthetic oil in my 1971 350. My oil pressure gauge (Auto Meter) says 25 psi (at operating temp) and never goes any higher. At idle it goes down to about 10 psi. Never had an issue but it just seem low to me. Any thoughts?

350 sbc
Double Hump Heads
Mild Cam
Edelbrock High-rise Intake
Demon 625 carb
Sanderson Headers
Flow Master Exhaust

How many miles on your 350 sbc? It sounds like some clearances may be opened up a bit, but having a steady 25psig is not a problem to me, and neither is a steady 10psig at idle, especially if it's got some miles on the clock. Just my $0.02, I'd drive it.

It probably won't go any higher as the relief valve opens up at that setting. (an assumption)
And as Mr. Spears states, a steady 10 at idle is fine.

Have you ever tried any other oil beside the 20/50? I run a full synthetic 10/40 and it actually raised my oil pressures.

14,000 miles showing but not sure how true that is. The oil pressure stays at 25 psi hot or cold. It will only drop down to 10 psi at idle after it gets to operating temp. At idle the wife says it sounds like a singer sewing machine. There is a slight ticking noise. Engine runs strong.

Fired my Hot Rod up this afternoon to recheck the oil pressure at startup (cold). My Auto Meter range on the dial is 0, 25, 50, etc. when I start it up it does go just above 25 so since the range is so far apart the oil pressure could be getting to 35 or 45 when cold. When I kick the choke off it does drop to about 25. Once up to operating temp it stays around 25 and drops to about 10 or so at idle. Never had any issues so looks like I good to go.