9 replies to this topic

[all4sreturns]

Hello all,

This may have been discussed at some time in the past, but couldn't find it on here!

I possibly have the chance of getting hold of a '96 Cooper 35 in very good 'nick, which is an spi. I wondered what people thought of the spi as an engine, as I have only owned either a carb model or a mpi cooper. I am guessing it will be more relaible than a carb in our winter weather, but how is it compared to a mpi engine? Is it as reliable? Are the electrics on the spi reliable?

I had a Paul Smith mpi, which was one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned, and would like this Cooper 35 to be a similar thing, as I need it to be as reliable as poss through the winter months, as I've had all sorts of reliability problems with a carb model with either starting or electrics.

Any advice most appreciated!!

Neil.

[minidaves]

electrics are the issue with spi, especially fuse holders

dave

[RayBoogs]

Never had any issues whatsoever electrically, had it just over a year now, and my dad had it about 3 years before that, she even started straight up in the snowy winters we had. Only had one sensor problem the MAP sensor, could be classed as electrical i suppose, but that was an easy fix after i had it on diagnostics.

Jack

[Darkscamp]

Didnt have any faults electrically with it, and enjoyed the fact that several parts on the spi are identical to the carb models, therefore still affordable

Edited by Darkscamp, 26 September 2010 - 06:19 PM.

[JonnyBMX]

had my SPI just over 6 months now, now real issues, only thing that needed to be replaced was the zaust... but hey that could happen on any car...


I think most MPIS have more grunt, but its easier to tune a SPI

[wardyxxx]

Hello all,

This may have been discussed at some time in the past, but couldn't find it on here!

I possibly have the chance of getting hold of a '96 Cooper 35 in very good 'nick, which is an spi. I wondered what people thought of the spi as an engine, as I have only owned either a carb model or a mpi cooper. I am guessing it will be more relaible than a carb in our winter weather, but how is it compared to a mpi engine? Is it as reliable? Are the electrics on the spi reliable?

I had a Paul Smith mpi, which was one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned, and would like this Cooper 35 to be a similar thing, as I need it to be as reliable as poss through the winter months, as I've had all sorts of reliability problems with a carb model with either starting or electrics.

Any advice most appreciated!!

Neil.

NC,

NEVER had a problem with Lulu. What more evidence could you need!

Case closed in my opinion!!

T.

[all4sreturns]

Ha ha, thought you might find this thread Mr Ward!
Glad to hear your Lulu has not let you down!
No doubt you remember me saying at Stanford I may be half looking at an injection Mini. Well, I have possibly found one, as my cousin has a friend with a Japanese imported Cooper 35 in excellent condition which I am inclined to buy, though keeping it quite from the Mrs at the mo, as doing project 'Morris' is enough at this time!

Apparently, all Jap imports with Air Con are spi not mpi because of space issues under bonnet!

Anyway, it sounds spi and mpi are much of amuchness in terms of reliability, just the lamda ensor which has cropped up for some on spi's.

[Darkscamp]

going by the factory stats between an mpi and spi, the spi is an all round quicker engine.

the lambda sensor would be due on all spi's by now to be honest as they are now 15yrs old.

[wardyxxx]

though keeping it quite from the Mrs at the mo

THAT was my next question!!

Of course I found this! I'm always on here - its not like I have a dissertation to do or owt!!

You gonna keep it outside? I've got one of these you can borrow if you want Click me, It isn't mega waterproof, but I've had it on Lulu plenty of times. Might get nicked though....not sure how rough your bit of Broughton is!

Get 6x13's on it too - great fun on those un-gritted roads! :s

You know I've got that garage (shed) for Lulu? I've gone the whole hog now and insulated it and boarded it out with 3mm ply and put carpets in! Carpets! Lulu's THAT special.

[all4sreturns]

Ha ha, good to hear your Lulu is getting the royal treatment! It will have a persoanlised sleeping bag next

In terms of storage, as I certainly don't want to leave it outside, I have measured up the garage, and with all of the paraphanalia at the back out of the way, I can just about fit two Minis in there , thoug the garage door may have to stay open, but they'll both be undercover!! Of course this part of Broughton is cream of the crop!!
Is Lulu away for the winter now?!