Yep, I double checked that spacer & I know exactly what you are talking about. That piece I know is installed correctly.

The engine builder said that the rear plug is something they don't normally install. I wish I had known that ahead of time. I will be dropping the tranny as soon as I can line up the buddies AGAIN. Assuming he is correct, the plug should be the problem. My concern is that if the plug is missing, how come I get pressure at all. I would think I wouldn't get much off 0psi if the oil was spilling out the back of the block. I guess it comes down to where the missing plug is in the overall system.

We'll see...I get exhausted just thinking about dropping that tranny again, but for the $$$ I have laid out so far, got to keep myself from being lazy.

Thanks for the help...

 

If the rear plug is left out, you'll get some oil pressure because the plug diverts oil from the lifter galley. As long as your lifter bores aren't worn out you'll get a little bit of pressure. I've seen this happen a number of times in the past, and I'm sure it'll happen to some in the future. Sorry to hear it may be your turn this time.


Richard

 

Well I guess thats what they call experience. You can bet that if I ever do another shortblock build, hopefully for someone elses car, I will be looking for this plug & I will have a new o-ring for the pump. I really hope that the plug is the problem. Even though it will be a PIA to drop the tranny, at least I will have peace of mind w/ hopefully 40psi at idle. If the plug is actually installed, I will be upset at having have dropped the tranny for nothing, but then I will have to decide if I am living w/ 10-15psi @ idle and maybe 10psi/1000rpm from there. A little low for my comfort level.

I really hope it is the plug because at this point, the plug would be the easiest fix.

 

Definitely check into the rear plate mod for the plug too. It can back out slightly due to the clearances and cause the same issue.
I will look thru my car rags and get the companies' name that does this.

 

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

March 2004 Chevy Rumble, LS1 Oiling Fixes and Updates.
Lamar Walden Automotive - Doraville, GA 30340 - (770) 449-0315
No website listed but hope this helps out. Great article on porting and blueprinting the oil pump and block.

 

i just finished a 408 this past weekend and the tolerances are for race and i installed a hi flow pump on it and i get 50+ psi at idle and almost max out the guage on half throttle. i also use 20w50 oil, the stock 6.0 i had was running 10-15 psi on idle and 30psi on full throttle. i had some spun bearrings on the crank

 

Hey 54 thanks for the info.

I am going to be inspecting the back end tomorrow, looking for that infamous rear oil galley plug. I am hoping that it is in fact missing and that I can get similar oil pressure to what I had before. 40psi @ idle and may 60-70psi @ higher rpm's.

I will let everyone know what is happenning. I have a good list of things to remember for a shortblock build and when I finally get this thing running I'll post up my final report. No sense everyone re-invent the wheel.

 

Well This Is The Same Thing I Have Been Fighting Figure It Out Last Night When I Try To Pull Cam Out #2 Can Bearing Was Stuck To The Cam.but In Your Case New Motor Not Likely And Don't Think That It Would Make Noise Cause Mine Never Made Noise.

 

Ok, got to the back of the block and THAT plug was missing. Installed a new plug and got 50psi @ idle and 60+psi @ 3000rpm. That was the kind of oil pressure I was hoping for. Feeling much better now. Thanks to all for the info and concern.

My checklist for a new shortblock install:
1) REAR oil galley plug
2) crank shaft key (stock key may not fit exactly)
3) oil pump O-Ring
4) new gaskets & seals for all pans
5) re-threading kit to clean-up threads on bolts, nuts & in bosses