9 replies to this topic

[charliebudd]

I am currently using mobil 0w40, this has proven to give us 2 bhp on the rollers.. 

 

i am now looking for an alternative , i have been recommended this  http://www.opieoils....engine-oil.aspx

 

any opinions or other options? 

[Cooperman]

Always a difficult choice for true competition Minis.

The thinner oils will give a bit more bhp, but at the expense of gearbox and engine bearing life.

With race engines and transmissions being re-built very often, it is OK to use a thinner oil and accept the longer term issues which happen when thin synthetic oils are used in road and rally cars.

[casper2300]

Hi I tend to use the millers mini oil I find milers to be of good quality. I normally use these guys

 

 http://www.bmfautopa...ccessories.aspx

 

Find them to be cheaper and great service too.

 

Hope this helps

[Cooperman]

The oil recommended for road & rally Minis is a quality 20w50 with Valvoline VR1 coming out as favourite. In fact, probably the ultimate oil for a Mini is Kendall 20w50, but that's NLA in the UK.

 

However, for racing the thicker oil increases drag within the engine which loses a couple of bhp and a thin synthetic oil will undoubtedly give a little bit more power and, maybe, save a few 1/10ths of a second per lap.

 

But racing engines are rebuilt very often, after just a few races, and cost is not the critical factor, it is out-and-our performance, so the long-term problems of an ultra-thin oil in an old design A-series engine is not an issue.

 

Another way of getting a little bit more power is to adjust the oil pressure down to reduce the power consumed by the oil pump. So long as the engine is rebuilt after every 3 or 4 races and the oil changed after every race that gives a tiny bit more.

 

I once tried a fully synthetic 5w30 in a rally Cooper 'S' and it cost me a full engine & gearbox rebuilt - very expensive lesson!

[Scoop77]

Top speed automotive do the valvoline and the Kendall. How many litres is in an American gallon?

[AlexMozza]

Valvoline VR1 20w/50 Best oil for racing. 

[Cooperman]

Valvoline VR1 20w/50 Best oil for racing. 

Actually Kendall 20w50 is the absolute best, but it's hard to find and very expensive. I used it for years when a friend of mine was a dealer and I got it easily. Apparently it is made from Pennsylvania crude oil which is the finest you can get.

But Valvoline VR1 is also excellent and is what I use now..

[Scoop77]

It's 3.758 litres. Which does make the Kendall expensive!

[cal844]

It's 3.758 litres. Which does make the Kendall expensive!

Yes considering we would need 2 tins per service!

[Scoop77]

Yeah Valvoline it is ;)