In your engine, of course. This subject comes up from time to time and, when asked, I always give the usual, generally accepted answer: you need at least 10 psi per 1,000 rpms. Uh-huh.

Well! I was watching NASCAR qualifying for Daytona and they said that, while qualifying, the team engineers lower the oil pressure to reduce pumping loads on the engine--anything for a bit more speed. Now, understand that the SAME engine MUST be used in the race or you get hit with a major penalty--like loosing a dozen spot on the grid. So, there's no way the teams will risk puking a motor just to qualify a bit higher on the grid.

Okay, so what oil pressure do they run? Well, first of all these restrictor plate motors are now turning over 9,000 rpms--and that's ALL the way around the 2 1/2 mile track! Furthermore--again to reduce friction--the motors are deliberately run hot--about 260 degrees--with the oil preheated to at least 180 degrees. So how much oil pressure do they run? Would you believe--hold on to your keyboards--about 30 psi!

Think about that when you're out cruising this summer at 3,000 rpms with "only" 40 pounds oil pressure.

Jeff

Good info Jeff.Thanks. I used to think more pressure & volume was better untill I blew an oil filter off a 460 engine I built using a hi volume, high pressure oil pump.
Wayne

Personally, I like to see that 10 psi/ 1,000 rpms--it makes me comfortable. But enough is enough, and less than that will obviously suffice.

In the really old days (way back when Doc was a kid!) engines had NO oil pressure at all since they used splash lubrication (like some lawn mower engines). Bearing replacement was frequent, however.

Jeff