normal or acceptable oil consumption?

[Mike Huddart]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That makes sense for oil pressure, but not oil consumption. Was that just a temporary mind-fart or am I missing something?

Actually, bearing clearance, rod side clearance and such have quite an influence on oil consumption particularly if too much clearance is compensated for with a big oil pump. Excessive oil throw off from the bearings can swamp the oil rings.
If you are running something like an Eagle bottom end you might be seeing something like .028" rod side clearance and unless your bore job is on the money then you will see heavy oil consumption. Why do they build so much clearance into those things, I reckon something like 99 % of Eagle assemblies sold will only ever be used for street use so why give you side clearance that is excessive even for race motors.
Have you mentioned what SB you have, why I ask, is a long stroke short piston stroker motor will give you problems unless your bore clearances are at a minimum. Some machinists we have come accross seem to like to give the pistons "an extra couple of thou just to be safe " and just you wait for the smoke !
Mike