I just did a 3.4 conversion, I installed a high volume oil pump. The initial start up showed about 80 psi on the after market gauge. Thoughts? To me this seems a little too much, if it is too much, short of removing the engine or dropping the front end out to replace the pump, is there a way to reduce the oil pressure a little.

 

I installed a Melling HV pump when i rebuilt the 4.3L in my 97... It pegged the factory gauge when cold and then dropped down to about 45PSI when fully warmed up.

I put like 40K miles on it before i sold it and never had a problem.

 

what did the factory gauge peg out at on your 97?

 

they peg out at 80psi. since you installed a HIGH VOLUME pump, you are pushing more oil through the same number of holes and orifices'. if you add more of anything and have the same size output, you get more pressure. i wouldnt worry about it. i know of a guy who has put about 150,xxx miles or so on a 454 and the oil pressure gauge is ALWAYS at 80 psi. same reason, high volume oil pump.

 

I really do not think high oil pressure is a huge problem. That is just my opinion. Better than having low oil pressure.

 

I agree 99% of the time that it is better than low oil pressure. I've built many engines over the years and wanted to pick the brains of the s10 community, I've never built a 3.4 before. I have had too high of oil pressure wash out and ruin main bearings on a small block before, granted it was over 95 psi. just getting some info before I button this engine up and start assembling the truck, I thank you all for your information, it helps my brain settle down..