Oil Pressure dropping

[RITTER]

So, my oil pressure drops to about 15-20 PSI after my engine is up to operating temperature, when it is at idle. It is up 45-50 PSI while driving, gets up to around 60 PSI at higher RPM's.
Would this just be an old worn out oil pump? or do I have a bad bearing?

 

[blk74nova]

Has it always been like that or is it something new? Its normal for oil pressure to drop after warm up. 40-55psi while driving is plenty. I was always told 10psi for every 1000rpm and everything will be fine.

 

[RITTER]

Yeah it has been like that since I put the engine in the car. I have just never seen a SBC have oil pressure that low.

 

[hotrod87]

I put full synthetic oil in mine and the pressure drops 2 about 20 lbs at idle now...scared the crap out of me at first...i stopped 2 make sure the plug was still there LOL

 

[Doober]

I've seen engines idle with as little as 5psi. It's possible it's just a loose bearing clearance. 15-20psi is nothing to worry about. Unless you're running it past 5,000rpm, 50psi is more than ample.

 

[RITTER]

Alrighty, good deal

 

[carmangary]

Sounds normal to me.

 

[megaladon6]

IIRC that's what it's supposed to be.