Is it normal to see 80 or even a little bit higher PSI when cold? i switched from 5w-30 regular oil after my oil pressure dropped down into the red a couple times.... now the 10w30 synthetic seems to have gone to the opposite extreme. is this something to worry about?

yeah, its normal. it just doesn't circulate as fast. personally, I really don't like that about it in a cold area. I use 5W-30 or 0W-30. 0W-30 is really good for getting oil in the engine almost immediately upon startup.

you're seeing higher pressure because the pressure is measured behind the pressure regulator, not only the pressure coming out of the pump, therefore, the thicker it is, the slower it flows. This is why you don't get a true measurement of oil pressure until you're running at full operating temp.

From what you explain I would replace the oil sending unit. If it dipped into the red a few times and now it is way up there usually that would suggest a faulty sender. Mine before it went was peged at 120 psi and then it poped and starter pouring oil all over Yeah is scared the "beep" out of me and this happened before I ever knew about BonnevilleClub. I could have toasted my motor! I would keep an eye on it and change it if it was mine. I would also recommend getting one from NAPA, Rock Auto, or the dealer.