I have a built 2.3 with about 15,000 miles on it. At idle I usually see 20-22 psi, about 50-60psi on the freeway, and 80psi at redline. I noticed today its only doing 9psi at idle and around 40-45 at freeway speeds. There are no unusual noises or anything else out of the ordinary. I'm thinking my oil pump is about to take a sh** on me. Any advice?

 

Oil pressure will change somewhat substantially with heat. You should see lower pressures with hot oil. In fact 9PSI at idle is a little low but not shockingly. If the oil was cold or cool then I would be uncomfortable.

 

I was reading that single digits at idle is 'normal', but its the change that worries me.

 

I'd watch it for further change, otherwise okay.

 

I don't have a built motor just Cams but my oil pressure on a hot day will sit around 4-6...

 

On my stock 2.0L, I see ~4 psi at idle after the oil has fully warmed up. This is within the OEM service manual spec of 4.2psi or >. The service manual states 43 psi or > @ 3,500 rpm. I run Amsoil 10W-30.

 

Well back in early may the motor let loose unfortunately. I'm hoping to get the car back within the next 2 weeks. Should be a solid build...looking for 450-500whp.

 

Had the same issue with my 2.0, the oil pump died. Sorry to hear about your luck, keep us posted on your build.

 

Your gauge could be reading low, or maybe if the sensor is remote mounted, that could report "low" pressure. Me personally, I would see this... Built 2.0 w/BS delete, stock oil pump, cold oil (under 100deg F) - 1100rpm 80psi, 3000rpm 110psi, normal (180-210deg F) 1100rpm 35-40psi, 3000rpm ~85psi, 8000rpm ~115psi. Oil temp hot (250-260deg F) about 10psi less across all rpm range. Oil temp and press taken right off the oil filter housing gauges were 5 year old Defi D-gauge. Oil used was valvoline vr1 20w50 non synthetic.

My car before the built motor with 10w30 syn. Would see 20psi at idle and about 95 up top when the oil was warm. I don't remember exact numbers from my stock engine.

Just some of my data, for your info. Keep a close eye on that gauge, if it keeps dropping it may be time for an oil pump or possibly a new motor if you don't catch it in time.

 

Many issues can be indictated through this; Thin oils and if you are using a good quality then dont wory. I would start with the oil gauge to make sure you are getting accurate indications, pump might be on its way however usually pumps are good for a while, are you using the same oil filter you always same have used if the filter is clogged it can be in bypass mode and lower your pressure,,,
worst case is engine is on its last leg and you have bigger gaps than ussual internally for example bearings and the pressure drops because of the bigger gaps between the bearings and crank ( But this one is worst case scenario and you would have noticed something like metal shavings or engine differences MAYBE )

 

glad to see this post, i just hooked up my gauge and got scared