15-40 was what he told me. I suppose I'll order a filter regardless and do it again myself just as a sanity check.

It's a 4 speed auto trans.

Sounds like it may not be shifting into 4th.

Hopefully it's just a setting with the kickdown rod.

Do you know what oil was put in it a month ago?  Some suggest the auto needs different oil than the manual gearbox......like 10/40, 15/40 mineral.  
Hopefully something like 5/30 synthetic wasn't put in....not good.

If it were me, I'd dump the oil anyway.

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It's not perfect, but it's mine.

 

 

Alright , just picked it up. Everything seems to work and run great. First question; is the automatic on the 998 a 3-speed or 4-speed? Seems to run high RPMs (60 mph @ 5500). Granted I'm new and used to modern FI, 6-speeds but want to make sure it's normal. Going to get a good tune up in the coming week. Oh and the oil was changed a month ago, so hopefully I won't have any automatic issues just yet. 

I had a Japan spec Spi car. It was awesome, low miles, ran great, no rust, A/C. I only sold it because the automatic had issues that I didn't want to deal with and I already had my current 4 speed mini that I love and have totally redone the mechanical (and currently re-doing mechanical again, it's a mini afterall...). Doing it over, I would start with a Japan spec 4-speed mini. Enjoy your mini!!!

Welcome. I'm sure you've already done so, but check the SOFA so you can know what to expect for wherever you are moving from/to.

Post pictures. We all love pictures.

 

Please post every photo you can take of the bodywork, and ask a ton of questions here...

 

 

Good to know.  If my little project breaks the bank maybe I'll end up selling it in a few years. For now, I look forward to the critiques, criticism, and knowledge everyone has to pass!  Actually found a Japanese mechanic today with 5 minis in various stages; some rather nice ones. I wish I spoke more Japanese to convey what I am looking for for body work. 

Interestingly enough Msmall, if you get posted to the UK those guys would love to get their hands on your Jap-spec car.  The Brits are coming over here to get cars because theirs are so trashed.

Minimania will totally take care of you, both on the forum and for technical support - I suggest using the site chat.  This forum has no equal... two of the guys on this very thread are among the top experts in the US.

And thank you for your service.

 

 

[Does the store here ship to FPO addresses?  If not, where is the best place to order parts for overseas shipping.  Autozone?]

Mini Mania ships to FPO addresses.

About all you can get from Autozone for your Mini would be fluids, batteries, filters and thermostats. And that's only if you find someone there that knows what a real Mini is.

Joakwin - you're right in all regards.  The biggest thing is making sure DMO puts the vehicle on your orders.  If not, you'll be A$% out or have to pay for the import yourself.  That is not something I want to do.

With all luck, I'll be heading somewhere else overseas and can bring my new toy with me (UK, perhaps?)  If not, looks like it'll sit in storage for a good three years and then the rebuilding, or selling, can begin!

Two ways for military to bring their mini back with them, as long as its 25 plus yrs old ship the mini with the VPC on their orders as their one vehicle and let the VPC deal with the import paper work or pay for the import themselves and do the import paperwork

the paperwork is about 10 pages of stuff to be signed and returned, its pretty simple, the company helped out with the paperwork by sending examples

I just ship a 85 mini from Suffolk UK to Port Hueneme CA 300GBP to tow it to the port in Southampton 1150GBP for the vessel ride 200GBP to tow it on and off the vessel (non-runner) $453 import fee's for DOT/EPA and Custom paper work filing $180 rent uhaul trailer to tow vehicle from Port H to Tucson AZ

I was able to import my 85 reg mini to California but I know I will never be able to put California plates on the car as its way to new but I live in Tucson now so it will get AZ plates, putting AZ plates onto this car will be another story, im still waiting for the import company to mail the Customs paperwork to me and then I can start the process of getting stateside plates for my car

Does the store here ship to FPO addresses?  If not, where is the best place to order parts for overseas shipping.  Autozone?

Change the oil and filter !

....and change it at least every 3000km with an auto

Spitz- you're right. A 998 with AC. Sadly it's an automatic, and as you stated, I hope it holds out. If not I'll be seeing it out for a 4-spd in the future. It's got some Okinawa rust on the doors so I'm looking for a body shop or donor car to replace those. Other than that it's in good condition for. 25 year old car.

I have an 89 Japanese MINI also.

Mine was an automatic with 998 engine and AC ( Now a manual with 1130 engine and AC removed )
Hopefully yours is a manual gearbox or a very good condition auto.

I'm guessing youra has AC also?

As mentioned above.....if planning to take it to the states, good luck

Living? Well I'll be on Okinawa for another 6-8 months. After that I'm hoping to get another overseas, RHD- country so I can bring and work on my mini. Not many here on island so I'm scraping around trying to get some parts while I can.  

inappreciate the welcome and am certain to out all your knowledge to the test in the coming months!!

 

Make sure the car is old enough to properly import.  A lot of jap spec Mini's are newer than the federal "must be at least 25 years old" rule.  Also check your local state regulations where you will be living.  Rules vary from state to state with California being the most restrictive.

I believe I've read on here that military personal may have an easier time bringing a Mini back with them but I have no other specifics.

Also if you're comfortable share where abouts you will be living. There may be other Mini owners in your area you can "chew the fat" with.

Wrong again Robster/velocity all Jap spec Mini's were built in the UK.

What would you know of Min Mania's parts you just band aid your car together.

Welcome to the forum Msmall good luck with the import. Please excuse Velocity/Robster our resident Troll he talks about things he knows nothing about (do a search and tyou will see what i mean).

Welcome to the Best Mini forum on the planet. we're happy to have you on board.  First of, in general British cars are notorious and well known for leaking oil, everybody knows that. but guess what, since your Mini is made in japan, you're spared for it. i bet your car doesn't leak oil because it was made within the Japanese specifications and standards...good for you! you are blessed!

if you need parts, this forum carries ALL the parts you need for your mini.. 

Again ,Welcome and we're glad to see another Happy Classic Mini owner!

LTFB- Let the fun begin...