8 replies to this topic

[Chris M]

Hi all I'm new on here & really impressed with this site. currently I do not own a mini. I've always owned Fords over the years & at present own a nice Series one Escort RS Turbo but i fancy a complete change or even an additional car in the form of a mini.
I've been browsing around & came to the conclusion it needs to be ideally a Cooper.
But question is in what fuel deliver form? A carburettor, SPI or MPI. I know a carb would be simpler but most for sale are SPI or MPI.
Any help would be much appreciated.

[ukcooper]

arb= bit easyer to tune and lots of options bhp /100 easy

spi = harder t tune lots of electrics /100 bhp not so easy

mpi = little harder to tune more electrics 90/ bhp easy

 

carb engine conversion = read up 

[KernowCooper]

Carb engined vehicle = less problems

SPI/MPI engined vehicle =more problems

 

Carb vehicle far easier for home DIY

[FlyingScot]

Carb engines - learning curve for new drivers not used to a choke. Less get in and go
SPi - get in and go but you needs a code reader or technical friend
MPi - rusts like the blazes and definitely needs someone with technical knowledge when they go wrong.

YMMV

FS

[minidizzy]

Carb Coopers were made from 1961 to 1971 and then again in 1990 to 1991. The early ones are now very rare and very expensive. The 90s Rover Carb Coopers are getting rare. About 21,000 were made. I have a 1990 carb and a 1997 MPi. In an unmodified state each would have its own merits and hard to choose between. The MPi is reliable and smooth and also more motorway friendly. My carb has the edge because it has an original Cooper S conversion.

[Chris M]

I'm a technician myself so I have access to code readers etc.
But I kind of fancy old school modifications cams & carbs. However as already mentioned the price of carb coopers are getting expensive.
I've also considered an Italian job as still a carb model , don't know what these are like?

[Quincy Sparks]

Italian job 1275 has lower power than the 90s Cooper 1275, as do other 1275 ltd eds from that period. Someone with more engine knowledge than me can tell you if they make a good starting point for upgrades - worked head, different cam etc (I know the mainstream cooper has the mg metro cam for example).

https://en.m.wikiped...ngine#1275_Plus

Good luck with the search - if it's any help I have a fairly unmodified 1990 Carb Cooper and it drives and handles very nicely. Or it will do when it's all put back together :)

[inim_repooc]

One main thing I'd suggest is.. Buy on condition rather than model, especially if it's an mpi.. The cooper model is the same mechanicaly and either can be made how you like after. The mpis respond well to better flowed cylinder heads with bigger valves - the mems ecu will keep up with mods that improve air flow and cam durations etc up to about 90 bhp

[Steve220]

Go for a good condition bodyshell over mechanics. Much easier to fix that way.