I'm told that the Mini I purchased has not been modified for unleaded fuel, so I'll need to use a lead additive. So far so good. But how much to use? The bottle I found at Advance Auto (about a pint) says to add it to a tank of gas. Yeah, written by someone who didn't know about the Mini's 7 gallon tank and thinks every car is a muscle car with a 12 gal tank. Will over-treating hurt, or should I use a half pint, or what?

 

I'd use 1/2 a bottle. Most tanks are double the capacity (at least) of a Mini. IE 15-20 gal.

 

i dont even use that much i use about 1/4 of the bottle every fill.......but i would listen to Minimad before taking advise on that topic from me .........

 

I bought some additive at Wal-Mart. Can't remember the brand, but the bottle has one these chambers that you fill and then pour into 5 gallons of gas. The label on the bottle claims there's enough to do 50 gallons!

 

That sounds better than the pint bottle I found at Advance Auto for $3+. Thx for the tip. Car arrives tonight.

 

Right on! Enjoy the ride - and be prepared to see people point, take pictures and ask lots of questions.

PS - Post a photo

 

what kind of Mini is it?

 

'80 Mini City w/998 engine, RHD (of course).

 

... It came in midnight last night. Will post pix once I get a chance to take some. His name is 'Nigel'. His older sister is Minirva, a '02 MCS.

 

I don't know how well this will transfer over from the older Mustang world, but the lead substitute is to prevent seat recession into the head. For most drivers, it turned out that you didn't need to add anything, and it was only those that pushed their cars that needed the additive. Now I know a 65 mustang is way different than an early Mini, but the answer will actually lie with the specific materials and manufacturing practices that went into your heads.

If you ever swap heads, hardened valve seats usually don't cost much more than what's in there now.... (But to tell the truth, I haven't really looked at an early Mini head to see how they're built....)

Matt

 

hi there just purchased a 1977 Leyland Mini, MkII, for my duaghter and need some advice as to care and fuel requiremnts. what gas does she need to use and can you be more speciific so I can help her learn what is needed with this car.
From the breakdown I have figured it to be:
An english built 77 engine type 1098cc. 2 door saloon/sedan, round nose, mini special special deluxe. We purchased her from germany where she lived in Gladbeck. It is a christmas present for my dughter and we have her hidden in the garage until after christmas dinner. I would like to put a car package in the car, before she is wrapped and bow added.

also, we need to replace the door lock, as it will not lock. and the antenna is broken off. where do I find these items to replace and would not mind replacing or fixing the shakey side mirrors.

Thanks everyone.

 

swimmer for parts;
www.minimania.com
www.greatbritishcars.com
www.heritagegarage.com
superfastminis.com these guys are in your backyard so they should be able to lead you to the right source for your area.

 

Also, check the Minimania Classic Mini Community Forum http://www.minimania.com/msgthreads.cfm I was reading a thread just today on octane and additives. Good stuff on that forum too.