I use Kendall GT1 20W 50 in my mini. 

The toleranances in these engines are not for 10W-30. A 10W-40, 15W-40, or with a worn engine or morning gems above 70F can use 20W-50. I would go for a CI-4 or CJ-4 and not ruin it with additives.

For more information (probably more than you want to read), check this: [url]//www.widman.biz/Corvair/English/Links/Oil.html[/url]

i feel like a BUFFOON now...sigh...

I wouldn't stress too much about it at this point. Run 20W-50 dyno oil and if you want the best for your car, save a sample of the oil and send it out to blackstone labs. They will analyze your oil, tell you where you could improve your oil to help your engine out. They helped me vector my choices and target the right oil to fix the shortfalls I was seeing on my oil analysis. You'll likely be told that you need more zinc and phosphorus and that your oil has broken down at a bit of accelerated rate. That's the problem with running dyno oil in our shared sump setup and why I (and a few others) have moved to a synthetic oil.

There is a LOT of good information in that thread I linked to in my previous post. Feel free to email me if you have any questions on what my experience has been. I've spent a bit of money and way too much time trying to decide what oil is best for my car.

So many options. I think im going to throw in about 5 quarts of sand and see how it runs.

Or you could just move into the 21st century and use a 10W60 synthetic....

Cheers, Ian

So I should use 4 quarts of valvoline 20-50 and one quart of lucas 20-50?

  Rember don't forget the Lucas.  One {1}  quart.

dad gum it.... yep.... i 4got to mention the qt. of Lucas ......

  I have used Shell Rotella 15/40 for many years in All my equipment, excavators, wheel loaders and fork lifts and cars including my 67s. I have very pleased with this oil. I have never experienced an oil related issue with Rotella oil. I do add a quart of Lucas oil treatment to the mini as the oil is shared with the transmision. In my vintage Trans Am race car I used Red Line snythetic race oil and never had an issue. The one oil I have had an issue with is Mobil One synthetic. I lost a turbo SAAB engine on the dyno using Mobil One, we lost the rod bearings. I have a friend who is the shop forman for Joe Gibbs racing. A few years back I ask him about the oil they used as they got big money from oil sponsorship. He said it may be there name on the contaner but it is our spec oil in it and at about $75 a quart. 

Thanks for the help, I think I am going to go with the 20-50.

Here's what searching the forum will find you and it's full of great advice.

SEARCH for "Oil"

In an effort to not copy and paste my novel from another thread, my advice can be found in this thread.

Synthetic Oil Opinion Thread

There is a thread on this site on this topic and it basically said to use a bit thicker oil due to the mini having the transmission using the same oil. Most said at least 10w40. I've had good luck with the 15w40 Rotella. It has a higher Zinc rating and it's pretty cheap. A lot of people use 20w50, but in the cold winter it would be a bit thick. Oil filter? That's a huge topic too. Basically anything but Fram. I think Bosch makes a good filter but I don't know the number. I usually buy the Rover filter. Just my experience.

what brand oil filter are you using??

Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil: Contains 75% higher zinc than SM motor oil with a balanced additive package designed to work in both racing and street-legal applications. This product will protect older style push-rod and flat tappet engines. Valvoline provides this product in both multi and mono viscosity grades: 20w50, straight 50, 10w30, straight 30, straight 40, and straight 60.

i use this... of course i beat the living snot out of her......

and while your at it.... throw this on the Mobil- 102 oil filter please..

http://cf.mp-cdn.net/e3/55/0cc7566508f0eec3ede9302bccb2.jpg

Then stay with the 20W50.

I live in Connecticut, and I only use it during the warmer months.

Your mechanic is right. I use Castrol or Valvoline racing oil everyone has their preference and opinions on different makes and exttra zddp though. If you live up North and use the car all winter maybe a 10/30 would be beneficial in those months.

Hello everyone, I am sure you guys get asked this alot, and I am sure you're going to hate me for asking. I am curious as to what oil viscosity I should be putting into my Mini, I have a 1275 A+ engine wich i am certain has a cam, due to the larger carburetors and exhaust. I have been told to use 10-W30, however the mini mechanic i took my car to put in 20-50. So I am alittle confused as to which one i should use.

-Thank You