OIL PRESSURE

[john2456]

Just bought a 2003 Viper with 17,000 miles. Looked at oil pressure guage and reads 80 psi. Is that pretty normal range for this motor? I am more familiar with small block fords. My stroked 347 ran approx 50 psi and many ran 35-40 psi hot. John

 

[plumcrazy]

80 is perfect

 

[john2456]

Plum, That is good to hear. Means I have a nice tight bearing tolerances !!! No worries. John

 

[Steve-Indy]

Like plumcrazy said...especially if still using the Mobil 1 10W-30 factory fill. After it is fully warmed up, gauge typically falls to 60's...at least on our 03.

As previously posted, this seemingly pegged gauge reading of 80 is one reason for going to a gauge that reads up to 100 as seen on Gen IV's...noting 2008-2010's use 0W-40 oil.

 

[john2456]

As a related subject, can I use synthetic oil 10w/30 or is conventional oil advised. I once had a new Ford short block that manufacturer advised Rotella-T because high Zinc content needed to protect cam and crank bearings. Most new oils have little or no Zinc content.

 

[QUICKSRT10/SRT8]

i would only use mobil 1 fully synthetic

 

[john2456]

Excellent, That is what I will use, And thanks for good advice !! John

 

[01sapphirebob]

Synthetic oil only for your '03 GEN III.

 

[AZTVR]

Mobil has a couple of formulations of their synthetic Mobil 1 that have high ZDDP kevels that people use in their Vipers, particularly the 0W-40. http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Files/Mobil_1_Product_Guide.pdf

There has been much discussion on our forum about what is best and what is good and what is good enough.

 

[john2456]

So, I assume Zinc, ZDDP is recommended?? If so I can add. John

 

[Steve-Indy]

AZTVR has sent you in the right direction. While I have used Mobil 1's 10W-30 in our Gen I,II, & 2003 Vipers...I am switching to Mobil 1's 0W-40 in ALL Vipers now...GenI-IV.

The Phosphorus has been reduced to 800 ppm and Zinc to 900 ppm in Mobil 1's 5W-30 and 10W-30(and some others)...while Phosphorus remains at 1000 ppm and Zinc 1100 ppm in Mobil 1's 0W-40(factory fill 2005-2010)...and 1200 ppm and Zinc 1300 ppm in Mobil 1's 15W-50 (factory fill ACR-X).

Another way to go is synthetic diesel 5W-40.

 

[plumcrazy]

anytime you see tom post about oils, read and learn. some info below


http://forums.viperclub.org/general...stion-tom-f-l-gor-about-factory-fill-oil.html

http://forums.viperclub.org/general...-shells-response-15-40-rotella-viper-tom.html

 

[cubican]

On my 03 Im using 15w-50w (Im in Texas)and the white Viper filter H flow, made a big big improvement. With the 10-30 the motor was loud and the oil pressure drop to 40lbs when it was hot, especially in the summer.After the new oil mobil 1 15-50 my car runs perfect.

 

[LaViper]

Been using 15W50 in my turbo car & I usually run the engine for appx. 3 to 5 min's before driving & don't raise the RPM's too high until operating temp. Only use Mobil One with the White OEM filter.

 

[viperbilliam]

I believe the OP was talking about oil pressure, not what oil to use. 80 is a little high for being fully warmed up. Mine is 80 when cold but about 50-60 when warm. This is at idle.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Yes....THEN "john2456" asked: "So, I assume Zinc, ZDDP is recommended?? If so I can add. John"

Hence, the slight change in the direction of the thread...noting that different oil types show different oil pressures on the same Viper.

 

[lilgookiemonsta]

I believe the OP was talking about oil pressure, not what oil to use. 80 is a little high for being fully warmed up. Mine is 80 when cold but about 50-60 when warm. This is at idle.

I'm on the same boat. I'm at 75 with 0w40 in this chilly weather (30-50 degrees) on startup. Right around 50 once warm. About the same with 15w50 in warm weather (60 degrees and up!).

 

[ulllose]

my 03 likes the 70-80 psi for some reason also. 10-30 mobile 1 and car has 18K on it

 

[viperbilliam]

Correction - idle is about 40-50 psi when warm; 75 cold. Under throttle, 70-80 when warm.

 

[john2456]

After a recent one hour drive,using Mobil-1 synthetic 10/30 oil pressure at idle is 40-45 PSI. Have 18,000 miles on odo. When start cold motor it is 80 PSI. Seems fine according to others here on forum. John