Grubby, the FE "
oil pressure debate" comes up from time to time and, sometimes, it can get out of hand. Add to that the fact that a lot of us are using something other than a true Ford crank (like SCAT) which is actually easier on the need for pressure. So, I'll just refer you to a couple of threads that I can remember off the top of my head from the last few years. I've chosen these threads because they contain informative quotes from guys that really, really know what they're talking about when it comes to FE engines -- some of them have a good 40+ years of FE experience. But, if you don't want to read the threads, you can just remember that the factory specifications for FE engines was 35-60 PSI at 2000 RPM with a minimum of 6 PSI. Flickering
oil lights in 1966 were not uncommon (and that meant you were dipping below 8 PSI) -- and that was not a big deal. Most of the really experienced FE builders around here will tell you that the
oil pressure number, when you're below 2000 RPM, means virtually nothing. I'm not even going to tell you what my oil pressure numbers are.
Here are a couple of threads for you to read:
332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum: low oil pressure??
332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum: Oil Pressure Puzzle (long...sorry)
332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum: Oiling system upgrade, impressions.