problem solving

[1Bad4558]

I'm planning to take the motor outta my cutlass while I'm off for the holidays to fix a few problems. One thing I've been thinking on is shiming my oil pump. Has anyone done that? Another thing is I'm gonna build an install a baffle for my oil pan. Does anyone have any tips on either of these?

 

[seawolf18]

For an oil pump shim you can use a steel washer or something similar. you can also change the spring to a stiffer one if you are looking for higher oil pressure.

 

[1Bad4558]

Okay thanks. If I use a 1/8 washer how much would that raise my psi?

 

[pontiacgp]

do you mean a baffle or a windage tray? As for the increase in oil pressure that depends on what oil pressure you had and the tolerances in the engine. The spring kits for the oil pump are not expensive and they will give you a better indication of what to expect. I run a BB pump in my SB which gives me about 15% more oil volume and a little higher pressure.

 

[rustyroger]

Do you have poor oil pressure?. Remember stock engines are good for many thousands of miles with 40 psi hot. Stepping up the oil pressure is an extra (ok only tiny) load on the engine.
If you do have poor pressure maybe you should look to your bearings, crank etc to see why.

Roger.

 

[1Bad4558]

I don't have poor oil pressure, even tho it is a olds 455 which isn't know for it's outstanding psi, I would just like to see a little bit more while hot and in gear.

 

[LS1GN]

One rule of thumb is 10 psi for every 100 horsepower. Most engines do NOT need more oil pressure. More volume is sometimes desirable, but volume is the opposite of pressure.

 

[onebadasscutlass]

I thought it was 10 psi per 1000 rpm.

 

[pontiacgp]

I thought it was 10 psi per 1000 rpm.

x2

 

[1Bad4558]

That's what I believe it is. All the old school hot rodders around the house say 10 psi per every 1000 rpm.