The Best 20w50 Oil? — Which Do You Need?
You know you need a 20w50 engine oil, but there are several 20w50 products to choose from, and it can get confusing. Which one do you need? Here is a quick guide: The engine oils can be split into two groups, which we will summarise below:
- Standard-Engine 20w50 Oils: These are described below in order of increasing performance capability, from road cars to high performance racing cars.
- Mini Combined Engine-Gearbox Oils: These specially formulated oils are also described in order of increasing performance.
Standard-Engine 20w50 Oils
Classic Pistoneze 20w50: This 100% mineral oil is a moderate detergent, premium, multigrade, mineral oil offering excellent performance and value for money for classic engines. High quality solvent refined base oils with latest technology performance additives and shear stable viscosity index improver. It is specifically engineered for classic cars incorporating a modern filtration system. It is formulated with ZDDP (zinc/phosphorus) to reduce wear on engine components, inhibit corrosion and act as an antioxidant.
Please note that the 1L and 5L containers are metal as shown in the red/blue images for this product. The 20L container is grey plastic.
Classic Pistoneze Sport 20w50 Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil: This a step-up from the 100% mineral engine oil. The 20w50 semi-synthtic is a high quality multigrade oil formulated for high performance classic and sports car engines. The synthetic content provides superior cold flow characteristics, lower volatility, higher resistance to oxidation, higher film strength and a higher temperature capability than pure mineral oils. It is also formulated with full ZDDP (zinc/phosphorus) for maximum protection against wear and corrosion. If you have a high performance classic car on the road, then you need this product!
Semi-synthetic engine oils are recommended for all classic cars as they provide optimised viscocities and protection.
Classic High Performance 20w50: This is a fully synthetic engine oil which uses NANODRIVE triple ester technology that is uniquely engineered for high performance competition racing with classic cars. It contains shear stable viscosity index improvers to increase performance. This product incorporates our unique nanotechnology, ultra low-friction additive system. It is formulated with maximum ZDDP (zinc phosphorus) for ultimate protection of engine parts and prevention of corrosion. It is ideally suited to Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ferrari, Lotus and similar classic vehicles with high specific output engines, yet suitable for all discerning owners who want the best possible oil for their classic race engine in arduous conditions.
Note that this product is actually part of the Motorsport range.
20w50 Options for Minis
Minis require a different formulation because the oil has to satisfy the demanding needs of both the engine and the combined gearbox. As with the standard engine oils, the mini oils are summarised below in order of increasing performance.
Millers Classic Mini 20w50: This is the best 100% mineral oil for the discerning classic Mini owners who only drive on the road. It has been specifically developed to incorporate EP (Extreme Pressure) levels of gear protection for use in combined engine and gearbox applications. This is the product of choice for a classic mini being used on the roads, but use the CTV if you are racing your mini (see below).
Milllers CTV Mini 20w50 Engine Oil: This product is a very high performance semi-synthetic competition oil for engines which have their transmission in the sump such as the original Mini. It is especially formulated to maximise the performance of the engine and the gearbox. It is very difficult to satisfy the differing needs of the engine and gearbox, so this is the best option for your hard-working, racing mini. The semi-synthetic formulation provides more protection and viscosity control than the 100% mineral oil, as the synthetic compoenet can be designed specifically to satisfy the needs of the negine and the combined gearbox.
CTV is used by many of our clients including Miniworld and DMO Racing and BMC Historic Racing
