While driving the other day and getting myself acquainted with my engine's Vital signs I noticed the oil pressure dropped from 80 psi at start up to 35 psi while cruising down the highway and at idle. This concerned me thinking I might have had a problem with an oil pump / delivery system. Found this article and it explains that this is normal and intentional for efficiency.

A chain-driven, vane-type variable displacement oil pump adjusts the flow rate and pressure as commanded by the engine management system, which uses a solenoid to drive the pump into low or high pressure mode. For example, below 3,500 rpm, the pump conserves energy by using low pressure; at speeds over 3,500 rpm, the pump switches to high pressure.

http://www.pentastars.com/engines/tech.php

 

good find. i leased, so i could care less. but great for anyone who plans to keep one!!

 

Wow, what a long & detailed but wonderful read. Thanks for finding and posting. That is nice to see for an american manufacturer that puts this engine into everyday vehicles
I learned a lot!