455 ci engine oil pressure???

[ralph d. edelbach]

I'm considering buying a 1973 (but has '74 serial number) GMC motorhome
and, after driving it today, I noticed that the oil pressure gauge was
just a bit "off the peg" when idling after a test drive and came up
about one-quarter way when I reved the engine. I was too busy avoiding
other cars and a ditch on the right side when taking a test drive today
on a rather narrow country road and didn't honestly think about looking
at the pressure gauge then. No tach either so I can't relate the
pressure to RPMs.

What can anyone tell me about the recommended oil pressure in a 455 with
about 77K miles? The owner mentioned that a higher capacity oil pump
could be put in to boost the pressure. Is a larger oil sump necessary if
the pump capacity is increased? Based on my experience with European
engines the oil pressure seems low so I'm interested in whether I am
looking at a major engine overhaul if I decide to buy this unit. If a
complete overhaul is needed and the major items like the crank, cam and
pistons are OK, are the other expendable things like bearings, etc
available at normal prices?

Any other things engine-related things to consider that anyone can
mention will be appreciated.. Engine rebuilding tips?????

Naturally I'm in a bit of a rush since I'd like to make a decision
before the Friday, January 16. Thanks in advance for the help

Happy motoring.

 

[ol' jim hisself]

> I am curious about your remark that you are looking at a coach that was
> produced in '73 but it has a '74 TZE number.
>
> Sometimes the chassis is made near the end of one year and completed
> near the beginning of the next.
>
> This happened several times at GM, especially when sales slowed down and
> too many chassis were built ahead. In all cases the model year of your
> coach is determined by the year it was completed for sale.

But a '73 chassis completed in '74 would have the '74 number, but
the smaller swing-arm pins (making it a '73).

Ol' Jim, hisself - (lurker)