94ZVert

The past few weeks I've been having problems with my oil pressure. It would start at 60 PSI, then drop to 40 while cruising/warmed up, and on occasion it would drop to Zero, set a "check gauge" light, and then go back to normal.
Well, I went ahead and changed the oil (the last shop put 20W-50 Race oil in it) and I couldn't have gotten more than 3 quarts out of the whole motor, with the majority of it seeming to come from the oil filter (K&N #2002). I thought that it seemed strange, especially since I never received a light or anything. Anyway, put 5 qts of Mobil1 10W-30 in there and drove around to check things out. Everything seemed normal again so I put her away for the night.
This morning when I started it up I received the "low oil" light. I checked the oil and it appeared to be full. I checked for leaks and found none. So I let it run for awhile and when nothing changed I decided to deal with it later and simply took the wife's car to work.
Which brings me to tonight. I added only half a pint of oil and the light went away. But now the car is acting odd, or I'm just beginning to notice these things. So here's what's happening:
1) Engine is very hot. Even my Jet-hot headers are beginning to dull. But the coolant level never goes above 200 deg on a hot day with the AC on (CSI WP).
2) Little puffs of white smoke is occassionally coming out the exhaust. Definately more noticeable when I get on the gas.
3) Idle is a little rougher (CC306)
4) IAT is all over the place. It starts at 160 and then works its way down to 30, but idle never really changes.

I cannot figure this out. Is there something wrong with my oil system? I took the oil pan off 3 weeks ago and everything seemed fine. So I don't know anymore.
Sorry about the length of this, but everyone's help is greatly appreciated. I just want to get this car running right for ONCE. Thanks again.

96speed

I'd replace the oil level sensor 1st, or get a gauge on it.

Ryan

94ZVert

I know that it's a long post, but does anyone have any ideas?

nas-T-72z

open up the oil filter . look for any shavings . put a mech gauge to it, do a compression check for the smokin part, do a cooling system pressure check, then get it autotapped to see whats goin on lastly. i had to build another motor for mine when my opti killed my last one detonation from a faulty cap. oh yea another qwik test you can do to check for blowbyis.. pop the oil fill cap off while the car is running after it has been warmed up . look for any puffs of smoke coming out if there is then its time for a rebuild..