Superformance Oil Pressure Gauge

[SPDNTKT]

Hello all,
Question regarding Superformance oil pressure gauge. Just took my car out for the first time after purchasing in October. Prior to the first trip I serviced the car, oil change (Brad Penn 20/50), grease, check bolts, etc. The engine is a new side oiler block bored to 472" built by Garrett Machine, with all the best components, 695 lift cam, 12.5 to 1 compression producing over 650 hp on 110 octane race fuel. The car has 1,365 miles. Here is my question. Has anyone had issues with the oil pressure gauge? I have heard that the English gauges are not all that accurate. Cold oil pressure on start up was around 60 lbs. The car warmed up, and oil pressure at idle went to 10-15 lbs. Cruising at 2,300 rpm's at an outside temperature of 62 degrees the gauge read about 40 lbs. The car has solid lifters, and at approximately 10-15 lbs of pressure the motor would be making quite bit of noise. I intend on bypassing the gauge on the dash and check by putting a gauge directly on the motor. I spoke to the original owner and he communicated that the gauge always read low, but I do not want to take any chances. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Anthony

[Blas]

Sounds like a funky gauge to me...
BUT - Check for a kink in the pneumatic line somewhere..
Usually happens up near the engine.
Remember, the standard line is plastic.
You could also try disconnecting both ends and blowing it clear..
DON"T LOOSE THE LITTLE RING AT THE CONNECTION TO THE GAUGE.
PM me if you have any questions

[PANAVIA]

You could put a trusted oil pressure gauge on a "T" inline with the Smiths repro and verify.

I personally do not trust the plastic tube. Remember the smiths repro guage has UNF threads on the back, and not NPT.

Note: Autometer makes a cobra look alike replacement that actually works and uses normal (NPT) pipe thread.



ATM-201006

[SPDNTKT]

Blas/Panavia,

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. I will let you (all) know how I make out. One more thing, based on the specifications of the engine, 20/50 oil, etc, what should the pressure be at idle? I am also going to contact Mike at Garrett Machine. Once again, thanks for the information.

Best regards,

Anthony

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by SPDNTKT

Blas/Panavia,

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. I will let you (all) know how I make out. One more thing, based on the specifications of the engine, 20/50 oil, etc, what should the pressure be at idle? I am also going to contact Mike at Garrett Machine. Once again, thanks for the information.

Best regards,

Anthony

Anthony,

Here's a link to a thread with the PNs/supplier to build an AN oil pressure hose specifically for the SPF (if you decide to replace your plastic hose at some point).

Best way to access back of oil pressure gauge

[mpanten]

Originally Posted by SPDNTKT

Blas/Panavia,

Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. I will let you (all) know how I make out. One more thing, based on the specifications of the engine, 20/50 oil, etc, what should the pressure be at idle? I am also going to contact Mike at Garrett Machine. Once again, thanks for the information.

Best regards,

Anthony

All engines are going to be a little different. My 427sb starts out about 55-60 psi at cold IDLE then when it warms up it drops to between 37-42 psi depending on the temp. Therefore there is at least one other person out there (me) whose engine acts similar. Dont drive your self to crazy in search of high oil pressure. I think a lot of people get way to worked up over that number. Remember, it is not just the pressure of the oil it is the volume of flow.

the 10-15psi is low and I agree that it sounds like an erratic gauge. I dont know what to tell you on the idle preassure

[madmaxx]

My bet the gauge is accurate. Sounds accurate at start up and cruising. My is 60lbs cold and fully warmed up it is about 40 psig at 700 rpm's and goes back to 50 while cruising.

[SPDNTKT]

Madmaxx/Mpanten/Got the Bug,

Once again, thanks to all for the information. I will let everyone know what transpires. One more thing, gauge seems to bounce and be eratic. Air in the line?

Regards,

Anthony

[Blas]

There should be air in the line. Actually, if you have oil in the line up to the gauge you have a problem. That gums up the gauge and actually could be your root problem. Usually if the fitting on the gauge is not properly sealed the air cushion will escape from the line and the oil will reach the gauge...

[Great Asp]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Anthony,

Here's a link to a thread with the PNs/supplier to build an AN oil pressure hose specifically for the SPF (if you decide to replace your plastic hose at some point).

Best way to access back of oil pressure gauge

This is worth while. I had the funky platic line replaced when KCM installed the motor in 2715. The plastic line leaks at the fitting going into the motor on a lot of cars, as the fitting gets hot, and the engine torques up working the little brass ferrul into the plastic hose.

Don't ask why SPF does not give you the braided line from the factory.

If they did, you'd have no tinkering to do on your own.....

E

Bug, good post on the parts!

[SPDNTKT]

Hello all,
I clipped on a Snap-On oil pressure gauge and cold oil pressure at start up was 70-80 lbs. Oil and water temperature when the car warmed up were 62c and 82c respectively, and at 1050 rpms (idle), the gauge read 35-37 lbs. Funky SPF gauge! I am going to remove the line at both ends and blow it out and check for kinks. If that doesnot work going to change to the Autometer gauge. Thanks to all that responded. God Bless America!!!!

Best regards,

Anthony