I took my car for a cruise after storage and noticed that the oil pressure was higher than I remember. At cruise it's 60-80 psi at 160*-180*. I am worried that when I run her at the track I will see the gauge hit 100 psi or over. What can cause this? I am almost positive that It was not this high before. I changed the oil (10W30) and filter with a diff brand (fram to purolator).I will verify tha gauge accuracy any other ideas or thoughts? and is it harmfull to the engine parts that are involved in the drive of the pump.

That does seem a little high, what was the rpm? 10 psi per 1000 rpm. I don't see it as anything to sweat. My only concern is if the psi increases, it could "wash" the bearings, preventing a layer of oil to stay put.

I would suggest briefly running it up through the rpm's and see what you get. It shouldn't keep going up in a linear fashion. I just put the Melling Z28 pump spring in my HV pump ( needed the extra 1/4" depth ) and see 60-80 psi myself, even 60 at idle. However, it levels off around 80-85.

Sound like a normal HV pump. It won't get much above 80 but a SB really doesn't need that much.

Thanks, So I should watch it but dont get excited. Right? Oger, It is in my BB Chevelle if that matters.

Just watch and see if it gets over 80psi. My Melling HV55 gets up to 80 when the oil is cold, but never over that. It runs between 50 and 60 psi at 3000-3500 RPM when cruising with hot oil. If it does get higher than that maybe the internal relief is sticking. BTW I use 10w30 Mobil 1.

Good clarification, I also use Mobil 1 10W-30. My pressure is with a fresh oil change.