36 replies to this topic

[thebullet]

Yes, another Oil thread I here you all say! haha

Well slightly different. I am going for either Millers 20/50 or Valvoline Vr1 Racing Mineral oil.

I keep deciding and switching between the two.

I have found some Valvoline for about 24 quid on ebay with delivery. Cheaper than millers on there...

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item45ff6691dd

Now which would be better for my 52k 998 Mini Sprite with 12g295 head and about to fit twin carbs?

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item415c636fb0

That is Millers.

I am going towards Valvo as it is cheaper and heard better.

Cheers guys.

[bmcecosse]

Halfords or Comma 20W50 is fine...........

[Sam Walters]

Halfords or Comma 20W50 is fine...........

I made this mistake, It doesnt agree with gearboxes.

Miller make an oil designed for the mini. For the sake of a tenner more put the proper stuff in.

[Cooperman]

I always run that Valvoline in my rally cars, but use Castrol Classic 20w50 on road Minis. However, at that price I think It's valvoline for all Minis from now on. Thanks for the ebay link.

[minimissionary]

Halfords or Comma 20W50 is fine...........

I made this mistake, It doesnt agree with gearboxes.

Miller make an oil designed for the mini. For the sake of a tenner more put the proper stuff in.

You taking about the Halfords stuff? I thought tonnes of people on this forum use it without issue?

[thebullet]

So there is nothing wrong with using the Valvoline in road cars? really stuck for decisions. Prices are pretty much the same.

And no problem :)

[Cooperman]

IMHO Valvoline is the best oil commercially available for road and competition Minis.
The only better oil I've found was Kendall 20w50. It's an Amercan oil made from Pennsylvannia Crude Oil, but it's no longer available in the UK.
There is a rumour that when the old BMC works ars were contracted to castrol, they used to fill loads of Castrol cans with Kendall before an event, then anyone watching would see 'Castrol' being poured in.

[Sam Walters]

Halfords or Comma 20W50 is fine...........

I made this mistake, It doesnt agree with gearboxes.

Miller make an oil designed for the mini. For the sake of a tenner more put the proper stuff in.

You taking about the Halfords stuff? I thought tonnes of people on this forum use it without issue?

Most people dont run a 3.9 diff and 8000rpm going through it.

[Cooperman]

I'm sure straight-cut gears and a low final drive do 'mash-up' the molecules in the oil more quickly.
Just one more thing. Never put an oil additive into a Mini, just use top quality oil.

[myredmini]

I'm sure straight-cut gears and a low final drive do 'mash-up' the molecules in the oil more quickly.
Just one more thing. Never put an oil additive into a Mini, just use top quality oil.

Do additives cause problems with the gearbox cooperman?

[thebullet]

Looks like it might be valvoline then :)

[Cooperman]

I'm sure straight-cut gears and a low final drive do 'mash-up' the molecules in the oil more quickly.
Just one more thing. Never put an oil additive into a Mini, just use top quality oil.

Do additives cause problems with the gearbox cooperman?

I've never used any, but I know a few who have put additives in and 'graunched' the syncros in the 'box. Expensive to put right. Just a top quality oil for really hard use is all you need, as above.

[ministar]

I only buy the Valvoline VR1. Keeps a better oil pressure at higher temps.

[dklawson]

From over here on the other side of the Atlantic....

As has been discussed on several previous threads, U.S. oil has had ZDDP significantly reduced. Valvoline VR1 (at least over here) is sold as a racing oil and still contains ZDDP. Therefore it has become the oil of choice for most people running older British cars. Some do still run Castrol and supplement it with a ZDDP additive.

Kendall (mentioned above) still exists but it is not the oil of the past. Through some corporate buy-outs Kendall is now part of a different oil company and the oil produced is "not the same". However, a small group of people bought out the refinery facility in Pennsylvania and now market their oil (the OLD Kendall oil) as "Brad-Penn". Brad-Penn is used extensively in racing circles but is fairly hard to get unless you mail-order it. Brad-Penn also contains decent levels of ZDDP.

[racingbob]

recently spoke to STP ( oil additive ) no problems with syncros or gearbox
using there product, in fact will help gearbox