I've had my C20 for a couple of months now. It has the original (checked the numbers) stock 292. As the new owner, I did all the usual good stuff like changing the oil (straight 30w) and filter twice in the first 200 mi. (it was black), complete tune-up, carb rebuild, etc.
The motor runs like a champ. But, the connecting rods rattle very slightly at idle. You have to listen closely to hear the noise which goes away above about 800 rpm or so.
The stock oil pressure guage shows about 45-50lbs cold, and a hair below 30lbs warm at idle. Is that lower than it should be?
Just wondering what the life expectancy of the big 6 is when you have a little bottom end noise like this. I drive this thing very gently. No hard use, easy-does-it city driving.
I know this is something that's hard to predict, but I guess I just wanted to find out if anybody has an opinion or an experience to tell about.
Hard to imagine, but I've been working on cars about 28 years now. Mostly old European stuff. Once you start hearing anything from the bottom end on one of those, you might as well tear 'em down.
I'm really hoping I can get a year or two of use out of this one before I have to get into a rebuild.
I've heard going to 50w might help.
Any advantage to going to a heavier weight oil?
