i bought a 2002 z28 today and when i was driving it, i noticed that the oil pressure might be a little low. at idle the oil pressure is at 20 psi and when i drive it the oil pressure is at 25-35 psi. does this seem normal or low? what is the normal oil pressure for an ls1 engine? thanks!

 

Depends on the weight and temperature of the oil, and engine speed. On a fully warmed up engine the rule of thumb is 10 PSI for each 1000 RPM.

 

the engine tempature is about 210 and it is running about 1500-2200 rpms. i am planning on changinig the oil when i get the car home but i have to drive the car 1000 miles to get it home. is there any chance of any damage being done to the car?

 

That's sufficient oil pressure for that rpm range. But how old is the oil that's in it? The first thing I do after buying a car is change the oil. I'd hate to drive 1,000 miles on old oil, if it is. Maybe you can change it before you drive it home, or at least take it to an oil change shop to get new oil in it. I would double check their work when they're done though.

 

i would say no. its full and the oil is looking like oil right? should not be a problem to drive it home. use 10w30 if your worried about the pressure. i run about 20 to 25 at idle and warmed up its at 60 at highway speeds and warmed up. i should say was. no motor in the car right now.

 

The LS1 specifications are 5W 30 oil. You should stay with that because it the car is set up to run the most efficent from the factory. I would go with some 5W 30 AmsOil syntetic or some Valvoline.

 

sounds ok but always change it yourself when you get a new car to make sure it has been done. 5-30W is what i use, also get a good quality oil filter. Fram are CRAP and pressure drops significantly after 2000 miles wtf?? and they have reported to collapse. Mine is a Progauge one and seems fine