42 replies to this topic

[racingbob]

Been using the castrol last couple oil changes can realy recommend it
I change the oil every 2000 miles so keeps the engine in very good condition
Keeps oil pressure realy good , also had couple small leaks which seem to have gone
Only thing is its only 4.5 litres

[Dan]

Castrol Classic? I changed to it a few years back and I have to agree that it holds up very well. It isn't a 5l can no but then selling it as a proper gallon is part of the classic image I suppose. You can now get 1l cans too which gets you that bit extra you need and leaves a conveniently sized top up can.

[jaydee]

I'm a Castrol customer, but certainly not for XL 20w50.
Castrol XL is utter crap, wont hold pressure in harsh condition and has very poor ZDDP content, around 800ppm.
Will never use it again and will never reccomend it to anyone.

Ah and the fact the oil looks clean its just due the fact this oil is poor of detergents, try millers after using castrol and it will come out BLACK as hell since its removing all the crap that castrol left behind.

Castrol GTX is excellent though.

[Sfuller1275gt]

Which oil would you say is best for running in a engine not new pistons but shells big end and mains

[jaydee]

Just for running in?
Millers do a specific oil, a cheaper alternative would be comma sonic 20w50 (Be carefull to get the SONIC and not the classic) its formulation is perfect for this job.

You want low detergents and LOADS of ZDDP for running in. Also try to avoid synths for the firsts oil changes.

[Sfuller1275gt]

Great thanks for that I was thinking a cheaper alt as ill prob change after 1000 miles would say that's a decent amount of miles or less or more thanks for the advice

[Sfuller1275gt]

Burtonpower .com sell the comma sonic for £15 5l

[Jordie]

ive been thinking about this....company is north east based. They do a classic oil, not sure what the zddp is on this though.

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item56478becdf

They also sell a 20/50w mineral oil multigrade. I asked about the zddp content for the 20/50w mineral oil and its 1000ppm.

[Sfuller1275gt]

Is that good 1000ppm when I saw £88 I thought Jesus but realised 20l

[Mrpeanut]

ive been thinking about this....company is north east based. They do a classic oil, not sure what the zddp is on this though.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smith-Allan-Classic-Vintage-Select-SAE-50-Detergent-Free-Motor-Oil-20-ltrs-/370567539935?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item56478becdf

They also sell a 20/50w mineral oil multigrade. I asked about the zddp content for the 20/50w mineral oil and its 1000ppm.

The 20/50 is bloody cheap.

http://www.smithandallan.com/prodpage.aspx?id=1835

[Orange-Phantom]

Regarding oil, there is only one Company who has actually developed two oils specifically for the classic Mini and it's Millers.

Both oils are actually designed for the engine and shared gearbox combination and both contain gearbox EP (Extreme Pressure) anti wear additives.

http://www.millersoi..._motorcycle.pdf
http://www.millersoi...ctor=Motorsport
http://www.millersoi...sector=Classics

Swiftune racing also recommends the CTV20W50 http://www.swiftune....ic-mini-5l.aspx

Peter Vickers stated to me to only use 20W50 and highly recommended Millers. This is the renowned Peter Vickers who has been in the game for over 40 years and makes race winning engines! http://www.alteredim...images/web3.jpg

And if you do end up buying the CTV Mini Oil this is the best price for the CTV 20W50 (£37.14) that I've found.
http://www.jjcracean...gn=Oil - Engine

[mingy]

I was going to use CTV but the chap who has rebuilt my engine said i should use Valvoline Racing 20/50 with an additive that i can only assume is zddp based after i have used running in oil for the first 200 miles or so.

Any thoughts peeps ?

[Orange-Phantom]

I've always been warned against adding extra additives to oil as it may have a detrimental effect on something else in the additive package in the oil.

Cooperman always recommends the Valvoline Racing 20/50 and has had good experience with it and a-lot of people have as well.

I use the CTV oil on advise given to me from one of the best A series Engine Builders, Peter Vickers. And as I said before Swiftune racing also recommends this oil along with many other Engine Builders.

I don't think that anyone really can argue with the fact that a very well respected oil company has gone out of it's way to make two oils for the good old mini engine with its shared gearbox.

As far as I'm aware no other classic or racing oil has the correct additive package to protect the gearbox to API GL-4 levels.

The reason why a 20W50 oil is recommended for the mini apart from the age/tolerance issue is that it is more suitable to protect the gearbox. Why not go an extra step and get a shear stable oil with the correct additives to further protect the gearbox as well?

I do think that everyone will agree with the fact that frequent oil and oil filter changes on a mini are must though!

[Dan]

Valvoline as i understand is already has good levels of ZDDP, don't add a ZDDP additive to an oil that already has plenty. Excessive ZDDP causes increased engine wear.

[ANON]

I was going to use CTV but the chap who has rebuilt my engine said i should use Valvoline Racing 20/50 with an additive that i can only assume is zddp based after i have used running in oil for the first 200 miles or so.

Any thoughts peeps ?

give me a shout if you want any.