Correct L78 Oil Pressure

[James W.]

What would be the acceptable cold start, hot idle and nominal operating oil pressure for a stock L78 engine? I am installing the what I have been told is the correct Melling brand replacement oil pump with no pressure relief spring change. This car will be PV'd in the future.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

James West

[Duke W.]

Re: Correct L78 Oil Pressure

I don't have a spec for L-78 but I believe it has an 80 psi gage, and later SHP big blocks call for 55-70 psi at 2000 RPM with a fully warmed up engine.

GM does not specify cold pressure or idle oil pressure - just hot oil pressure at 2000 as above.

Consult the PV Guide to see if the it has any other criteria.

Make sure whatever oil pump you buy is an exact OE replacement for your engine.

Duke

[Mark H.]

Re: Correct L78 Oil Pressure

James,

Take a look at the many emails (including from Duke) that I've gotten on my similar problem with my 65 SB. I've got many msgs over the past few days on this, so you can find easy.

Mark