TOP TECH Tips for your Classic Mini from the Experts

EXPERT: Don Racine, Mini Mania

Tip 1. Oil Changes:

If you’re only good at one maintenance task with your Mini-automatic or standard transmission-make sure it’s changing oil.

That wonderful, space-saving combination of the gearbox and the oil pan/sump under the engine is an oil-killer.

Use a good-quality 20W50 oil, and change it and the filter at least every 3000 miles–2000 miles for automatics–or six months, whichever comes first. If you consistently drive in colder climates, 10W40 will work as well.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spin-on filter, be sure to fill the filter with oil before installing it on the engine.

For everything that you will need to change your Mini's oil CLICK HERE

Tip 2. Radiator Options: 

The cooling system in the Mini has used the same basic-style radiator since its debut in 1959 up until the introduction of the twin-point injected cars, when the radiator was moved to the front of the car.

The original Mini was powered by an 850cc engine and designed for the little back roads of the U.K., so the cooling system demands were nominal.

As engine capacity and performance demands increased, so did the need for more efficient cooling. All of this had to be accomplished within the limited design space allowed for the side-mounted radiators, and maintaining low production costs was a key factor.

With the closing of all real factory capacities, the aftermarket industry came to the rescue. First they introduced a modern production technique, then offered solutions for improved flow and performance.

We’ve found that while some of the later factory parts aren’t bad, aftermarket three-and four-row cores are the best option for keeping the Mini’s engine cool–especially for higher-performance applications.

Looking for Classic Mini Radiator Options? CLICK HERE

EXPERT: Paul Dierschow , Sports Car Craftsmen, LLC

Tip 4. Stay Stock: Sometimes the best way to improve a car is to leave well enough alone!

We’ve had a boatload of Minis come through the shop over the decades, and by far our favorite drivers are the ones that are completely original.

The overall driving experience of a good, unaltered car is hard to beat, but many people have probably never had an opportunity to drive such a Mini.

Perhaps everyone likes to play an “Italian Job”-style boy racer once in a while, but a car that has been significantly modified into a street legal go-kart can sometimes be quite unsatisfactory as a daily driver.

A car that has a cranky, high-strung engine or a harsh-riding, non-compliant suspension is no treat to drive in regular service.

I recommend seeking out a good original example and taking a lengthy test drive before committing to making any radical changes to your car. You may be surprised at how nice a completely stock car can be.

EXPERT: Carl Heideman, Eclectic Motorworks 

Tip 5. What Is It? 

If you look at any ad for a Mini for sale, you’ll read that it’s a genuine Mini Cooper or a 1960s- or 1970s-era car. Keep in mind that no Minis were imported into the U.S. by the factory after 1967 and that most Minis weren’t Coopers.

Furthermore, a lot of gray-market cars that have been imported in the past 10 to 20 years are newer cars that have somehow been given earlier dates on their titles. Most of the suppliers have good ways to help you identify exactly what year and type of Mini you’re working on. Consult with them–not a seller or even the car’s title–to figure out what you’ve got.

Tip 6. Rust

All cars rust, and Minis are no exception.

Look for rust in the floors, the rocker panels, the A-pillars, all seams, and the rear subframe. A little is okay if you’re ready for a project, but a lot will quickly cost more in repairs than the car is worth.

Tip 7. Brakes

The early four-wheel-drum brakes on Minis aren’t very good. The later leading-shoe front drums are better, but they have to be adjusted and maintained very well for maximum performance.

The better setups are the discs from Coopers and later Minis. Fortunately, there are kits available to facilitate this upgrade if you’re so inclined.

Looking for some great brake options for you Classic Mini? CLICK HERE

Tip 8. Bodges

While Minis have attained icon status and are quite collectible now, for a long time they were just cheap economy cars. It’s amazing how many were repaired with duct tape and bailing wire during this time.

Look for inappropriate repairs and do your best to put the car right. Many of these repairs are harmful to the car–and possibly to you.

Tip 9. Electrics

All British cars are criticized for their Lucas electrical systems, but the truth is that the systems work pretty well as long as corrosion or bodges have not set in. Dirty or rusty connections account for most electrical problems, especially around grounds.

Cleaning or replacing components will get things working fine most of the time. Likewise, undoing any bodged “upgrades” or “rewiring” and putting things back to stock is usually the best course of action.

Check out these electrical options for your Classic Mini. CLICK HERE