[Dragncar]

For 99% of Pontiac engines it does not matter a hill of beans if you want to use a 60 lb pump or a 80 lb pump. Both will get the job done.
Its a personal preference thing.
Right now its just something to talk about.

[dpoltzer]

Thanks for all of the great replies gentlemen, I do appreciate it. I will ponder my options for a bit and will report back. Dave

[J.C.you]

One thing maybe not touched on, especially with high pressure pumps, if not restricted on the top end somewhere, the oil can actually squirt on the valve covers and not lubricate the cup, tip and springs properly. That is the reason Pontiac put the deflectors on the oem heads.
I know some of these steel roller tip rockers have a bad wrap about galling, but I bet where they’ve failed is the oil is being squirted over the rockers with no defectors.

[Schurkey]

20W-50 engine molasses in a street-driven car is nucking futs.

[SRR]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

20W-50 engine molasses in a street-driven car is nucking futs.

Here in the southwest it's just fine. I've run 20W50 in every old vehicle I've ever owned and no problems BUT it's always pretty warm here.

[Schurkey]

Unless it's 150F in the shade, you'd be better-served with thinner oil. Better/faster lube at start-up, less power consumed by the oil pump, and less pressure-drop across the oil filter especially when the engine oil isn't up to operating temp.

[Jay S]

I am not sure it was mentioned, but the 80 psi and 60 psi pump are the same pump, with different relief springs. They don’t act that much differently until hot, then only after the pressure rises above 60 or 70. Idle pressure is usually the same. Cold start up with heavier oil some engines can burry the gauge with a 60 spring. I have both 60 and 80 psi springs and spring retainers if you want to not switch the pump. I am guessing it has an 80 spring. Should act better with a lighter oil, if it’s been running, probably fine the way it is too.

[P@blo]

Originally Posted by Jay S

I am not sure it was mentioned, but the 80 psi and 60 psi pump are the same pump, with different relief springs. They don’t act that much differently until hot, then only after the pressure rises above 60 or 70. Idle pressure is usually the same. Cold start up with heavier oil some engines can burry the gauge with a 60 spring. I have both 60 and 80 psi springs and spring retainers if you want to not switch the pump. I am guessing it has an 80 spring. Should act better with a lighter oil, if it’s been running, probably fine the way it is too.

Another option is to add a 0.060"-070" shim and a 9/16" relief ball to get around 70 psi. This mod helps keep the oil pressure steady at high RPM as well as the relief ball stays seated longer. End plate fitment and gear play help with some pressure too if we are looking for other options.

My 400 has the 80 psi pump and it burries the needle on cold start up using 15w40 oil. Been running years without a problem. Mid gauge ish at hot idle with a stock distributor gear vroom vroom.