I agree with Mini Mad, also I'd suggest that putting synthetic in a NEW motor, it'll never bed in properly.
As said, I use Valvoline SF 20W/50 for new rebuilds, GR uses a cheap K-Mart 20W/50 (made by Shell).
Both do the job. Dump it and the filter after 200-500 miles and Refill with the same. At the next change use whatever you fancy- but remember, Minis are designed for 20W/50 not Mobil 1 etc.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Woo hoo..doc agrees

I meant above that couldn't find anywhere that says it is synthetic (it is 20w50) if non synthetic should be ok..

Another thing to consider is that bike oils generally come in smaller volume, so to fill a mini you need to buy say 4-5 1L bottles..could be costly. What are they charging you for it molina? I know a fair few bike oils are overpriced compared to their car equivalents..

My 2c

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

Castrol Magnatec is NOT a synthetic, it is a mineral oil, with an enzyme added to improve oil cling to metal surfaces...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I have been using a heavy oil,as it's hotter over here,and keeps
oil pressure up under extreme condition.
Can only recommend you try it,and keep and eye on your oil pressue gauge
BP Corse Plus 25w-60

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Yeah, i paid $15 for a litre from Autobarn. Autobarn is a MOD EDIT rip off though so I don't know how much it would normally cost. Also, I paid $170 for a full service which included oil , filters, welding up an exhaust mount, bleeding clutch system and labour... So I can't imagine that $15 a litre is the standard rate or the oil would be one of the major costs of the service.

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- Simon -

I think too many guys piss about with oil cos they think it's going to transform their mini or something. Prolly best just sticking with the oil that performs best, and not chancing it about with modern hi tech variations not designed for old engines. If you do chance it with a low viscosity synth, I'll put a slab on it that the measured gains would hardly peak above 5 percent, all at a cost of a metallic slime in your sump at oil changes.

I myself use penrite HPR 30 or 40 (If it's hot or a track day) and have been using that for 15 years so far. Always dependable and available for a reasonable price at supercrap. Stays clean and the inside of the engine still looks good after 10 years.

I know there are other oils out there that are similar and may be slightly better for gear changes than the HPR stuff, but why change? Protect your engine first, leave the slick sales pitches to the TurboZet-Fuel Catalyst- Peter Brock fuel polarizer crowds.

In modern engines though, can't go past Mobil 1. Shell Helix full synth is the pits though....black after 2000 northern territory K's in my WRX!

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Same as Pete from Bellarine Mini Centre. He gets good deals with Fuchs, so puts in their SF stuff. They also have one simular to the Castrol Formula R, too.

I don't think any SF oil from any company would differ anything at all. They are all within 1 or 2 bux, anyways.

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i use Penrite HPR30 in the interceptor
it was "run in" on that too, which i'm not sure if thats good or not

my experience with oils (cos i tried a lot of different types) in my old deluxe was they were all pretty much the same with the exception of magnatec, which had a dramatic effect on the whole car...
it became quieter, smoother,
i could drive it straight away with no sluggishness or crunchiness in the mornings or cold starts
and 2nd gear with a worn synchro improved a lot.
But i've been told not to use it ...?

Magnatec is probably OK, (it's 10W40 I think) but with Mini gearboxes, the less additives the better.
Magnatec is pretty juiced up stuff. I do use it, but in the AU Ford...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.