I just installed a Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge in my 56. Showing 40 Psi Hot Idle. 50-55 Psi 50-60 MPH. Does this seem realistic? I would have thought Idle Pressure would be 20-25. Quality  Stewart-Warner Oil Pressure Gauge.

71% of original size (was 708x19) - Click to enlarge  71% of original size (was 708x19) - Click to enlarge

Fresh rebuild? (tight/precise clearances).  Too-high viscosity? Altered/high-flow pump? Really ‘Hot’ idle?  (just warmed up, or after a long/hard summer drive?).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

High mileage 292. 15w40. Went for a 15 Minute Drive to try it out. Pressure dropped a little but not much. Not complaining
just wondered if this seems realistic. When I had Motor partially dis-assemble couple of Years ago Crank looked good. Original Ford Bearings. Original Oil Pump.

71% of original size (was 708x19) - Click to enlarge  71% of original size (was 708x19) - Click to enlarge

Typical, no. Realistic, yes.

Sounds like you’ve lucked into the rare version of a y block. One that’s been properly maintained and has had regular oil changes. Tough engines if they were taken care of.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Using Lucas 15w-40 I get around 15 psi at idle and 60- 70 at highway speed. My engine has around 3-4000 miles on a rebuild.

Durham Missouri

Assuming your gauge is functioning properly (?) seems like you could get away with using 10W-30 (quicker lubrication when cold, and better cooling of critical components when hot).  Still plenty of common oil options in that weight that insure adequate protection of OEM flat-tappet valve gear. Just guessing, but better lube circulation might also be less likely to eventually sludge-up the head passages (dreaded Y-Block Curse)?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Sounds fine to me. 

After an oil pump change mine read above 60 all the time and I was concerned. Since it was already installed and a PITA to change and I was reluctant to cut the bypass spring I decided to add washers to the spring nut which is external. I bought an assortment of copper washers and even tried a new Honda oil pan plug gasket which was the right diameter. I remember trying 4-5 different combinations and about .110” lowered it to 50 and that was ok by me. I still feel safe with the threads in the spring retainer nut. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.