03 evo VIII, 80k, i use mobil1 10w-30, stock internals and my oil pressure gauge is installed on the oil filter housing. when i start my car the oil pressure is 30-35, but when warmed up it drop to around 20 is this normal? if so how low is too low?

 

... hmm

it will drop for sure mostly (i think) because of the oil is now thinner due to heat needing less pressure to force around. My PSI guage usually reads 35~ on startup but dips WAYYYY down to around 5 when idling hot... i don't know which one of ours is normal but mine seems to run like a dandy. ::shrugs::

 

that's strange because at start up mine reads like 75 and once warmed up it's about 12.....I have an 8 too with stock internals

 

You are fine...

 

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/se...ating-prv.html

 

how low is too low depends on how you drive the car. ideally the set clearances for the bearings are designed for the type of oil recommended. as long as oil stays between the metals, you will be fine. if you are pushing it harder than what the oil pressure can keep up with, then you are not fine. it is very normal for he oil pressure to drop during warm up due to the viscosity changes. but keep in mind you dont want it to squeeze out at any point weather idling or anything.

you may want to consider a higher viscosity oil as your mileage gets higher. just dont go too much different becasue while pressure keeps a cushion between the metals, the flow is important for cooling.

 

+1

I read about 100 on start, 40-60 cruise, and 15-20 idle. Evo's are famous for having low oil pressure at idle.

 

thats how mine is, but by choice

 

5psi is not ok

 

ok good i feel better, thanks guys!

 

Yeah, I think according to Mitsubishi not less than 4 is okay. I'd have to check the service manual again to be sure but that is what I remember.

 

ok well i spun a rod bearing with 15psi, but i have no balance shafts. i normally idle around 30-40. if you ever question your oil pressure at anytime be safe and check your dipstick asap!

 

yea I remember reading that the light will come on at 4 psi, I wouldnt be comfortable with 5

 

when you do an oil change, is it better? then gradually gets bad to 5psi after a short time? Did you smell your dipstick? Any gas in the oil? You could have leaky injector(s). Dunno.. just throwing **** out there

 

mine is anywhere from 6-15 PSI when the car is fully warmed up is this a problem?