17 replies to this topic

[Screwdriver]

Any thoughts from experienced users of these particular oils are welcome! I'm particularly interested in each oil's chemistry, given the strong reputation of both brands.

 

Key difference is that Millers COR is a semi-synthetic with claimed increases in flow and reduction in friction, whereas Valvoline is a highly refined pure mineral oil with high Zinc content and a large fanbase.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Screwdriver, 10 April 2018 - 04:07 PM.

[Matt Brighton]

Hi

 

For what its worth ...... after researching internet ,  the threads here,  and in other car forums for classic bikes/cars I have settled on the Valvoline Racing 20/50.

 

Its got the high Zinc content ....and last time I got some.... it was free delivery off Amazon.

[old original]

I've used millers for quite a number of years without complaint, but this one....
http://www.millersoi...-mini-20w50/224

[minidaves]

someone i know who rally's a classic mini has used most oils, being told this is better and he says vr1 gives the least amount of wear, and takes the punishment in his car, and thats good enough for me.

[TheFabMini]

What about minispares oil? Doesnt that have extra zinc ??

[Screwdriver]

I've used millers for quite a number of years without complaint, but this one....
http://www.millersoi...-mini-20w50/224

 

I believe the two products are similar if not the same!

[absx2]

I have used VR1 or Valvoline Racing as it used to be called for a few decades as it was and still is used by classic motorcycle racers and I haven`t blown anything up whilst using it. That includes 60 year old motorbikes at 10.000 rpm and my mercilessly screamed rover Cooper.

It really is great stuff and although the Millers is probably excellent i see no reason to try and reinvent the wheel so i`m sticking with it.

 

I have picked up a few piston rings and shell bearings on lesser quality oil, Duckhams being one of them but unless you are murdering the engines eg. racing most oils are up to the job. I use the Minispares own brand 20w50 in most things. 

[Cooperman]

I have also used VR1 in all my rally Minis since about 1991.

Before that I used Kendall 20w50 which is possibly even better, but is now hard to find in the UK.

[racingbob]

I noticed the vr1 gives better oil pressure when hot over like unipart and halfords. I change at 2000 miles or less keeps engine in realy good nik

Edited by racingbob, 14 April 2018 - 09:18 AM.

[rich_959]

For all the VR1 recommendations, is this the 'Mineral' version? Are there different versions, or are all of their 20w50 oils the same? I see it sold in different packaging (some black, some silver bottles) and not all say 'Mineral' on the front.

[Magneto]

What does VR1 cost over there? I think I pay about $7.35 a qt over here at autoparts stores.

[Screwdriver]

I wouldn't use a full synthetic in any car manufactured before 2000.

[Cooperman]

What does VR1 cost over there? I think I pay about $7.35 a qt over here at autoparts stores.

See if you can buy the Kendall 20w50 mineral with the high zinc level. It should be easy to find in the USA as it is refined from Pennsylvania crude.
It is the very best you can get for a Mini.

[Magneto]

I use Brad Penn 20W50 (also known as PennGrade) which as the name suggests is a Pennsylvania crude based oil. The last case I bought a couple months ago was $73 but a friend just paid $90 for one yesterday.

 

for all I know the way these oil companies change names and get bought up, this could be the old Kendall oil ......

[Screwdriver]

Is this the Kendall oil you mentioned?

 

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