18 replies to this topic

[M700FGT]

Hi all,

 

Brought my 97 cooper mpi a few weeks ago, and according to the service book, the last service was 2015. That being said, its done virtually no miles since then (i will be planning more regular services)

 

Im planning to service the car before i really start to use and just wondered what oil (brand) i should buy. Ive used the Halford oil before on my last 93 mini, but just wondered if there was a better brand. I can see both Mini Spares and Mini Sport sell Castrol.

 

What brand of oil do you use and why? 

 

[Cooperman]

Valvoline VR1 20w50 or the Millers equivalent from Mini Spares are what you need.

[RooBoonix]

I use Minispares own oil, it's cheap enough and you can get it bundled with the filter. Has the right amount of ZDDP and if Minispares are happy enough to put their name on it, then I'm happy enough to use it.

 

I'm around 1500-2000miles in on my rebuilt engine and it's been fine. Have used Halfords own before but found it didn't hold oil pressure as well as Valvoline or Minispares own after long stretches on the motorway.

 

Regular changes are key imo.

 

 

Cam.

[cal844]

Valvoline VR1 20w50 or the Millers equivalent from Mini Spares are what you need.

I agree with this,

A question though! what are your thoughts on the minispares 'own brand' 20/50?

[Cooperman]

I'm sure it is excellent, but I can't recommend it as I have no experience with it (yet).

[cal844]

I'm sure it is excellent, but I can't recommend it as I have no experience with it (yet).

I'm the same, thanks mate 😁

[M700FGT]

Ive seen allot of people recommend valvoline 20/50 on other sites - but the read up basically says its for race and performance cars. I have a standard MPI with no mods except an induction kit and twin exhaust.

[Northernpower]

Another vote for MiniSpares own brand oil and filter package. Great value and great pressure, even after sustained high revs.

[Cooperman]

I use Valvoline because my 'S' has 11.1:1 CR, a 286 cam, SC CR gears, big valve head, etc., etc. It has a high ZDDP (Zinc) level so it is good with my gearbox.

Never buy a cheap oil for a classic Mini.

[Dusky]

Always used vr1. Going by sheer numbers the amsoil z rod looks very very good. Might be the better alternative for our american members

[OzOAP]

Valvoline VR1

Edited by OzOAP, 05 March 2018 - 07:31 AM.

[Mervyn]

I always use Miller's CTV in a 1275 full race turbo setup , works wonders

Http://www.millersoils.co.uk/products/ctv-mini-20w50/224

[Spider]

I used to use BP Corse + (no, not a spelling error !!) as it was specifically developed for Minis, but that was deleted from their range when BP bought out Castrol. They now don't seem to have an equivalent. it was a Mineral 20W50 Grade.

 

Since that's gone, I've switched to Penrite HPR30, a mineral oil, 20W60 Grade, loads of ZDDP and is recommended by Penrite as one from their range for Minis. I've certain found in long term use it is actually better than the Corse + was for lubricating qualities and also for detergents.

 

I also use Penrite's Running Oil for new engines up to about the first 300 miles. Sure does the trick.

[SolarB]

Just used Valvoline VR1 for the first time.

First impressions are that it maintains pressure well when hot, but it certainly take a long time to build up pressure when cold.

[CityEPete]

I've used the halfords stuff for years, I like the tin, lol.