43 replies to this topic

[r3k1355]

 

It's worth noting that if you retain the standard ECU then you will not gain the true performance increases from the new mechanical parts. So you need to consider changing this too

 

Is that correct, I know that the Grand Prix used a web alpha then later a re-mapped Rover ECU but I thought the later S conversions ran from the standard Rover ECU?

 

 

The conversion kit does run the standard ECU, with a modification to boost fuel pressure.

 

but then does that get the most out of the performance modifications or is there still more to be had with an ECU remap?  Thats what people are getting at.

[Haynes]

The thing about getting the full works kit is that our upgrading the marque of the car, which is worth more than just sum of the performance parts.

 

As for whether you should, i can only see it adds desirability (and therefore value)

[r3k1355]

As with many modifications you very rarely get back what you put in, so don't expect a 2 grand rotter to be worth 6 grand with a Works kit fitted.

 

It will make the car more desirable, or easier to sell but you can't automatically just add the cost of the works kit to whatever value you place on the vehicle.

[CityEPete]

You might get more for a car fitted with upgrades but an IMMACULATE sportspack with all the original hand books, spare keys etc etc is what the big spenders will want in the future, the genuine S cars in the same condition even more, messed with cars vary depending on loads of factors but I'd be amazed if you got £3k more back over a regular car without the conversion in the same condition.

Do it if it's what you want but a self fitted kit is never going to be the same as being able to say Mr C might have checked this one personally :-D

[minisilverbullet]

I am no expert - but I really cant see the benefit of this "Cooper" kit over the compatible stage 3 kit from minisport. It is in essence the exact same bits (and some extra stickers).

 

At the end of the day it is just bolted on bits added by an enthusiast or amateur mechanic. It isn't like a genuine S, which were professionally modified. 

 

It is all just good branding and marketing by minisport.  

[cian]

In my humble opinion these cars fitted with this kit is not a true s, if you put a car with the original Cooper garages conversion against one with this cooper s kit the original s will be worth more due to the provenance, yes these kits may come with a certificate etc but they don't come with the provenance

Just my 2 cents

[Alice Dooper]

The mini sport stage 3 is roughly 1500 and the cooper s works is 2100 now I did notice that the s works kit comes with a maniflow exhaust and the stage 3 comes with a twin box stainless "superflow" exhaust and the stage 3 comes with a k&n filter element ( which I prefer ) and the s works comes with the k&n induction kit, also the s works comes with an oil cooler which isn't really needed but there is an air con s works kit which is slightly cheaper as the cooler is not included either way it's a roughly 600 pounds difference

Just enough cash left for you to rebuild my gearbox too. As soon as I sell my left kidney, book me an appointment.

[jamesmpi]

 

It's worth noting that if you retain the standard ECU then you will not gain the true performance increases from the new mechanical parts. So you need to consider changing this too

 
Is that correct, I know that the Grand Prix used a web alpha then later a re-mapped Rover ECU but I thought the later S conversions ran from the standard Rover ECU?
 

 
The conversion kit does run the standard ECU, with a modification to boost fuel pressure.
 
but then does that get the most out of the performance modifications or is there still more to be had with an ECU remap?  Thats what people are getting at.

Yes I was referring to the point that you will not be able to set the optimum fuel map for your engine. From what I've read (and there are people on this forum who know far more about this topic than I do) The standard ECU is able to learn and self adjust the fuel / air ratio to accommodate "new parts" but it has its limits.

I have a 1380mpi with stage 2 head and fuel boost valve etc, and I know from driving it that it feels restricted in terms out outright performance, but the only real solution is to spend a grand on a Specialist Components ECU that throws away the twin injection system and replaces it with a single point injection... Which seems a bit backward thinking in my books

[cian]

 

It's worth noting that if you retain the standard ECU then you will not gain the true performance increases from the new mechanical parts. So you need to consider changing this too

 
Is that correct, I know that the Grand Prix used a web alpha then later a re-mapped Rover ECU but I thought the later S conversions ran from the standard Rover ECU?
 

 
The conversion kit does run the standard ECU, with a modification to boost fuel pressure.
 
but then does that get the most out of the performance modifications or is there still more to be had with an ECU remap?  Thats what people are getting at.

Yes I was referring to the point that you will not be able to set the optimum fuel map for your engine. From what I've read (and there are people on this forum who know far more about this topic than I do) The standard ECU is able to learn and self adjust the fuel / air ratio to accommodate "new parts" but it has its limits.

I have a 1380mpi with stage 2 head and fuel boost valve etc, and I know from driving it that it feels restricted in terms out outright performance, but the only real solution is to spend a grand on a Specialist Components ECU that throws away the twin injection system and replaces it with a single point injection... Which seems a bit backward thinking in my books

I was in your position a few years ago James! Bit the bullet and went for the sc kit and it transformed my car!

[Lord Oversill]

I have the Minisport JC S conversion on an Spi Cooper with the SC throttle body kit. Which I fitted myself and it is a transformation for sure. Not so much the bhp figures 84 ish, but the mid range is pretty awesome . I also have a "genuine" Cooper garages conversion on another which is unclear if it was ,dare I say Works or not.
I like the fact it's a Cooper product and numbered etc. Think in car ownership people get a bit up their own behinds sometimes about particular modifications factory or otherwise. When really it should be about just enjoying it which ever way you go.
How many times have I had" it's not a proper S" over the years. Tedious to say the least.
Drive it and enjoy it.

[CityEPete]

Drive it and enjoy it but don't expect it's value to increase by the cost of the kit that's all I'm saying, you'd probably get more for the car sold as standard and selling the kit separately, if I wanted to go faster than standard mini Cooper speeds I'd just go out in my works van and spend that money on a couple of holidays! :-D

[Lord Oversill]

Minisport get a bit of a rough time on here for a variety of reasons. I think it is a good thing they have carried on with the brand , perhaps people would prefer to buy bad fake parts online, or mega prices for claimed original items.
Price wise Cooper parts were never cheap be it John or Michael, but have always been decent quality. They do a decent sticker also!

[Black.Ghost]

I have a GP which has the Super Plus kit from back in the mid 90s, but it's running a standard ECU rather than the Weber. It has a claimed 86hp, although I have no idea what it actually makes. I did toy with the idea of putting the 115hp kit on it, but sourcing the original parts will be close to impossible and certainly so at reasonable prices.

At the end of the day, it's your car. Like has been said, it's not quite an original but it's as close as you will get. Ow without spending the money on an S Works (which seem to be advertised at ridiculous money).

Edited by Black.Ghost, 30 March 2017 - 11:39 AM.

[r3k1355]

I am no expert - but I really cant see the benefit of this "Cooper" kit over the compatible stage 3 kit from minisport. It is in essence the exact same bits (and some extra stickers).

 

At the end of the day it is just bolted on bits added by an enthusiast or amateur mechanic. It isn't like a genuine S, which were professionally modified. 

 

It is all just good branding and marketing by minisport.  

 

 

In my humble opinion these cars fitted with this kit is not a true s, if you put a car with the original Cooper garages conversion against one with this cooper s kit the original s will be worth more due to the provenance, yes these kits may come with a certificate etc but they don't come with the provenance

Just my 2 cents

 

Provenance is everything with what people say is a 'Genuine S' or S Works.

 

The kit has been available since the 90's, you could mail order it or have it fitted by a Rover garage IIRC.  It doesn't make them anymore a Genuine S than one fitted with the kit today IMO.

A small number of cars were fitted with the kit and sold by Cooper Car Company, that would make it a rarer and more desirable beast, but you'd need the paperwork to back it up.

 

I wonder how many of the high value S Works cars out there have the requisite paper trail to really prove what they are??