Bushong572

I've been looking at a 1989 Callaway TT w/ Aerobody (#33).....The car has been well maintained with only 30,000 miles. During the test drive I noticed something very disturbing........low oil pressure at idle. The oil pressure was 45 lbs at start up (cold) and 30-35lbs at cruise when warmed. The coolant temp was 210-215, oil temp 200. At idle the oil pressure would drop to 7-8 lbs and hold. The gauge appears to be working correctly. I know Callaway over- built these engines and with the low mileage, I wouldn't think anything would be wrong with the engine.

Any ideas??????

87 vette 81 big girl

Hookup a reliable mechanical style oil pressure gauge such as a Snap On or Autometer.

Don't rely only cheap china made mechanical gauges for troubleshooting.

Confirm the readings exactly the same way with the mechanical oil pressure gauge as you relayed in your post.

Dave Dahlgren and Chris Callaway are C4 forum members here.

They know your TT Callaway Corvette better than anyone else here on C4.

Don't let anyone else tell you different.

Because Dave was in charge of the Engine Machine shop and Engine assembly for all the TT Callaway engines.
Chris Built your car too.

They will chime in soon.
Wait for there replies and help.

Brian

Bushong572

Thanks for the reply..............I have not purchased the car yet. I was hoping someone from Callaway would chime in. The stock gauge seems to be working but I would test the oil pressure with a good mechanical gauge before buying the car.

87 vette 81 big girl

Buy the 1989 TT Callaway !

I would if i had the spare $$.

Brian

jonstr

Definitely not correct and indicates a problem - but as noted, it could easily be a problem with the gauge. Try a known mechanical gauge to be sure. Without more info, I'm betting on the gauge as I would expect the pressure to be higher cold and at cruise both.

'91s only have the needle gauge, and there are only two numbers on it (0 and 80), so it's tough to be exact, but I estimate that both of mine read about 45-55 PSI at idle when warm.

If you're test driving it, stay out of the throttle until you know for sure. The turbos are both oil and water cooled, and I would not want to cook a turbo due to low oil pressure. They are kind of hard to find these days.

0Callaway Chris

The last B2K I drove, had 73 psi at idle and went to 80 psi (indicated on dash). It was a 1989, too. I'd check the car and be sure the gauge is right, then the oil pump. Above 60 psi is normal in these cars.

Bushong572

Thanks for the replies.............

MyFirst90coupe

Inquiring minds want to know....did you buy it?

racebum

and what did that oil pressure test out at ?

Bushong572

I did not buy it.............

I've always wanted one of these cars (especially with the aerobody).

The oil pressure and a few other problems scared me off.

If anyone else is interested in the car, feel free to pm me. I just don't have the time (or extra money) to sort out the car.....

mtwoolford

can you share any specifics about the oiling system ?

SurfnSun

Melling high volume oil pump, I believe.