So I started hearing a little rocker noise so I pulled the valve covers on my 455. It was dry. I started up the car, revved it and still no oil. Idle oil pressure was about 5-10 psi. Engine had about 50k miles but there were some racing miles. Stock oil pump. Thoughts?

It's been sitting for about 5 yrs. I want to build it again without spending a fortune on it. I plan on going with a high volume oil pump. Think the cylinders could be honed without a bore? Does the motor need completely gone through? Would the heads need done too? Is that enough time to make the piston rings go bad?

 

I'd say if the passages were clear, you'd get some oil up to the top, even w/ low idle pressure. Did the pressure rise when you revved it? Remove the push rods and see that they're clear, if so, go down and check the lifters, you'll have to remove the intake to check the lifters. That pressure is low, maybe too much clearance-wear. If you're just wanting to get oil to the top and drive it, check the minimal, and if you plan on rebuilding it, sounds like you have a good engine to rebuild, much better than one that's been sitting somewhere and not running or locked. Take a wet and dry compression test and check the vacuum. Unless you go high performance, there's no need f/ a high volume pump. Anyway, first things first. Do your checks and tests, make sure your rods and lifters are clear, and decide if you want to do the minimal or rebuild. To know if anything inside is worn and/or how much, ie;rings, you'll have to go inside to be sure. Best of luck.

 

Good idea. Thanks.

So you dont think there is a need for a high volume oil pump? Thinking of a .495 lift cam and keep it under 5000rpms. So not real hot. I want to make sure it gets plenty of oil. I usually run SAE 30 oil. I figured the thick oil would keep everything coated good. I'll start at the top and see what I find. I just got a performer intake so I'll be pulling the intake anyway. Oil pressure did go up with RPM's.