12 replies to this topic

[Danuneek]

As a matter of interest whats the engine and performance difference between the Cooper SPI and the Cooper MPI? other than fuel injection

[northy]

The MPi has fully electronic ignition, i.e no dizzy.
No idea about the performance difference.

[sam_1275_carbon_sprite]

mpi = more injectors = more power than spi in standard form

hope this helps

[mrslaphead]

mpi = more injectors = more power than spi in standard form

hope this helps

They are both listed as making 63bhp, the mpi just makes its peak torque 900rpm lower down.
However because the mpi has a 2.76 FD it is slower to accelerate but will cruise at lower engine speeds than the spi when travelling at the
same speed.

[Lot]

Yep, same peak outputs better torque and lower acceleration and engine speeds on the MPi.

Incidentally, I think the SPi used two camshaft part numbers and the MPi used a camshaft with a different third part number. No idea about the differences except what was said already about torque. SPi had a heated inlet manifold and got a feeling the MPi didn't - really must go study that MPi lump in my garage haven't looked at it in several years!

[Aria Aradhea]

The UK's MPis has front-mounted radiator and electric fan with coolant reservoir, while the SPi will have the standard side-mounted radiator with mechanical fans..

[Danuneek]

mpi = more injectors = more power than spi in standard form

hope this helps

They are both listed as making 63bhp, the mpi just makes its peak torque 900rpm lower down.
However because the mpi has a 2.76 FD it is slower to accelerate but will cruise at lower engine speeds than the spi when travelling at the
same speed.

so hypothetically, if they were both racing each other from a standing start, the Spi would edge it accelerating before the Mpi eventually over taking?

Where would the 1990 Cooper RSP come in all this. Would the carb model handle the pace? What was its stated power output?

Edited by Danuneek, 07 August 2009 - 10:50 AM.

[rick.spi]

mpi = more injectors = more power than spi in standard form

hope this helps

They are both listed as making 63bhp, the mpi just makes its peak torque 900rpm lower down.
However because the mpi has a 2.76 FD it is slower to accelerate but will cruise at lower engine speeds than the spi when travelling at the
same speed.

so hypothetically, if they were both racing each other from a standing start, the Spi would edge it accelerating before the Mpi eventually over taking?

Where would the 1990 Cooper RSP come in all this. Would the carb model handle the pace? What was its stated power output?

rsp would be quicker (if its was running well), i think im right in thinking its a metro lump in them?

id say SPI's are alot simpler than MPIs and easier to modify. aperantly the mpi's run alot smoother tho.

[MiniBonkerz]

I have an Mpi and it pulls like a train in all gears i love it

Other difference's are

Mpi's have side impact bars in the doors and rear quarters

have wider windsreen seals and laminated front screens

also have airbags dont think the spi's did i may be wrong?

and also they had 13 inch wheels well the sportspack versions did

[Danuneek]

Okay, if it was from a standing start, a quarter mile, who would win out of a standard MPI, SPI and RSP Cooper?

PS. I dont know why I'm so fascinated with this

Edited by Danuneek, 08 August 2009 - 12:30 AM.

[Deathrow]

Mpi's have side impact bars in the doors and rear quarters

Since when?

Oh and, IF you get a problem with your MPi they're a pain in the !@#? to fix! Yay for carbs!

[Lot]

Okay, if it was from a standing start, a quarter mile, who would win out of a standard MPI, SPI and RSP Cooper?

I reckon: 1st place RSP, 2nd place SPi, 3rd place MPi.

RSP engine slightly less power at 60 bhp but the engines came from the MG Metro and had the shortest FD ratio with 3.1:1. I'd place the RSP ahead of the SPi and MPi because of those reasons. Comparing the SPi and MPi both had 63 bhp output although MPi had slightly better torque curve than the SPi it also weighs more than the SPi and had a longer FD ratio, so I'd place it behind the SPi.

I guess it also depends what moods they're in on the day!

Edited by Lot, 08 August 2009 - 02:04 AM.

[MiniBonkerz]

Mpi's have side impact bars in the doors and rear quarters

Since when?

Oh and, IF you get a problem with your MPi they're a pain in the !@#? to fix! Yay for carbs!

Since 1997