Lifters and Oiling

Early LA engines didn't have the best oiling system to the lifters. 55 lb's is the normal for a 340. 10 lb's for every 1000 RPM is recommended for race applications. 340's are also hot running engines, not uncommon to run 200 degrees regular basis. Thus affecting oil viscosity breakdown in a hurry. The best remedy is 3 quarts 20/50 Valvoline Racing 2 quarts straight 50 Valvoline racing with a good quality oil filter. Making sure the filter is not being overheated from being to close to the header, if headers are used. It's better to have a half quart oil filter than a full quart oil filter that is too close to the header. By using the oil mixture described above with a gauge you would notice a 15 to 20 pound increase in oil pressure at cold start up with the usual light lifter rattle until oil pressure is at maximum level. The pressure drops to 50-55 lbs when warm. The lifter rattle at cold start up is due to oil pressure bleed down and would never be noticed if we had electric oil pumps that primed the system before the engine is started. Any hoo! 340's are very hot, make sure to keep it cool, radiator, fan, shroud, coolant, good racing oil, proper filter. Keep in mind there are oil cooler's and transmission coolers. I have a transmission cooler that runs inline with the radiator transmission cooling system which helps to keep things cooler. As hot as a 340 runs you don't have to worry about it running too cold, with a 160 degree thermostat and everything above my car only runs 160 degrees on a very cold day and 140 degrees on a freezing day. On a hot day 190 to 200 degrees in the wind, at an idle 200 degrees and climbing, (don't idle) that is the poorest oil pressure. Good luck!