16 replies to this topic

[iDemonix]

I don't want to spark a big debate here, but I've been looking at potential mini's for when I have cash and can't decide between the two. My question isn't really about speed, performance and so on - more about working on it. I ride a motorbike with carburettors, they're fairly simple beasts to clean, alter and adjust - EFI seems a lot more complex. If fuelling issues arise with a carb then it seems it'd be easier to fix than with EFI. Also what's the big difference between 1.3i, SPi, MPi?

Cheers,
Dan

[danrock101]

One of the reasons people convert to carb is they're cheaper and easier to fix imo
1.3i is SPI I think
SPI = singlepoint injection
MPI= multipoint injection
MPI models are a lot more complex

Edited by danrock101, 02 January 2011 - 10:58 PM.

[Bungle]

looks like you know the answer already

carb = simple to fix at home

[xBR4DLEY]

I don't want to spark a big debate here, but I've been looking at potential mini's for when I have cash and can't decide between the two. My question isn't really about speed, performance and so on - more about working on it. I ride a motorbike with carburettors, they're fairly simple beasts to clean, alter and adjust - EFI seems a lot more complex. If fuelling issues arise with a carb then it seems it'd be easier to fix than with EFI. Also what's the big difference between 1.3i, SPi, MPi?

Cheers,
Dan

Pretty much spot on , both SPi (Single point injection) and MPi (Multi-Point injection) are 1.3i. They are just different ways of injection , but if I was you would get carb. I love the injection cars for how the look and everything , but they are harder to fix when they break (computerized ;o) and the later ones are subject to quite abit of rust. Hope that helps.

[MiniJosh92]

Injection ones can be more reliable but when things do go wrong it's sooo much easier to work on a carb one.

[Sam]

I had an Spi Mini a few years back. It was the only Mini that I've owned that had to sent to a garage to get fixed (the idle needed setting which could only be done on a specialist computer).

If any issues arrise than it will always involve a lot of head scratching.

[almarsh132]

Carb without a doubt. I wouldnt fancy taking an injection system apart when it goes wrong. I had a fuelling issue on my 1992 1275 carb sprite which was sorted with a colourtune and a flathead screwdriver! My freinds spi had to be taken to a garage to sort his fuelling sytem out! Hope this helps

Edited by almarsh132, 02 January 2011 - 11:20 PM.

[grumpy2]

Carb without a doubt. I wouldnt fancy taking an injection system apart when it goes wrong. I had a fuelling issue on my 1992 1275 carb sprite which was sorted with a colourtune and a flathead screwdriver! My freinds spi had to be taken to a garage to sort his fuelling sytem out! Hope this helps

I have both an Mpi and 998 carb mayfair. The carb is easier to fiddle with but the choke system takes a bit of getting used to. Also don't underestimate the endless problems and cost associated with worn carbs, floats can be a pain, worn spindles make the carbs difficult to set up, needles bend and jets go oval. The carb setup is very tunable though. The mpi is faultless from start to park, runs very smoothly and always pulls well. If it goes wrong it's more complex but not beyond the whit of man. It is difficult to get more power out of it though.

yer pays yer money and makes yer choice. Me I'd go Mpi again though

[evansisgreat]

I've gt an mpi and I'm happy with the stanard power.

The mpi ecu will automatically change timing fueling etc so it's right (up to about 85 - 90 hp) then you can't really do much more without a stand alone management system. I think MPI parts are more expensive for tuning, but no rolling road to pay for so it'll work out more or less even.

Mpi's all come with a 2.7 final drive which means they're good on the motorway, low revs at higher speeds. But they lose some acceleration as a trade off.

If you're looking to get more power then definitely go carb.

I've had only one problem wth my MPI and I'm still not sure how it happened. The idle control valve backet (attached to the manifold) cracked and caused a MASSIVE vacum leak so it needed replaced. But I didn't know that at the time and stripped the injection system. Wasn't to hard, I just follwed the haynes manual and some other workshop manuals I was given on here (specifically for MPI's).

[rosco454]

I would recomend carb as it is easier to fettle and the factory injection is limited in the power it can produce.If your going all out on an engine build especially if your stepping away from a 5 port head then aftermarket injection and management is your friend.

Cheers Ross.

[Jacko-lah]

Injection ones can be more reliable but when things do go wrong it's sooo much easier to work on a carb one.

My wife and I own 3 cars. Mini with a simple SU and manual Choke, a cavalier with a highly complex piersburg autochoke carb, and an MX5 with Injection.

The great thing about the MX5 is that it's highly reliable, highly efficient and you forget it's there. Started first time this morning after 4 weeks hibernation, without any fuss. The only common fault that they have is that the idle become unstable if you don't drive them hard enough. Fix with carb cleaner and a rag, and then a rag up the bypass (as in a fast drive into the redline)

The great thing about the mini is that it starts first time and you control the choke, and it's easy to disassemble.

The cavalier's carb is the WORST of both worlds. I had occassion to disconnect the choke for 3 weeks (I lost part of the linkage - doh) and it could be started in full throttle with ease and after a minute of high revs it would run okay. 2 mins and it was smooth as anything. With the auto choke now working, it starts fine, but 15 mins into the journey and the idle can't make up it's mind, hunting aroound etc.

If the fuel injected mini's were as reliable as the mazda, it would be no contest, but I'm guess Lucas Might have provided a few bits and that might be the problem ?

[dmdangermouse]

My mpi is reliable.

Just get in and go.

Nearly had it 3 years and its never not started.

[iDemonix]

Cheers for all the advice Think I'm sticking with my original decision of carbs - and as for getting used to the choke system, I ride a motorbike so I'm pretty familiar with the choke. My bike is a 1992 so I spend a lot of time playing with choke in the mornings!

[frog998]

Having had both i can honestly say that although a carb set up is easier to set up / mod i would prefer (and might start looking for) an injection.
You trade 1 thing against another but it sounds like you've already made your mind up

[DAVEY_C]

i love oldskool style so its carbs all the way with me mate but injection doesn't pose much more difficult unless you need to adjust the fueling programming.... i have injection on my pulsar which i have cleaned without problems and found reliable, you also have the addition of fuel return pipes etc on injection over su.....

its realy a matter of opinion and simplicity realy but a carb will need general maintenance whereas (from what ive read) 1.3i is fairly bulletproof but will cost extra to repair but prob less frequent.....