7 replies to this topic

[karmitkurmit]

Hi all. I am new to this and any forum so I apologise in advance if I have put this post in the wrong format or wrong place, or if I have repeated something that has been flogged to death!

Long story short, I need to replace the block/pistons/crank, etc (short engine), in my cooper spi quickly and cheaply. I know enough about cars/mechanics but not quite geared up or confident enough to rebuild the engine just yet; but don't worry I won't waste the block by overboring, etc, I just want to put it aside and have a go at rebuilding later.

I am having trouble finding replacement spi engines but was wondering if any A+ 1275 engine could be used as a doner if I use my current head/gearbox/flywheel, etc? Is it just the same basic engine block with different ancillaries added or are the pistons/bores different on the spi?

Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[Scallywag630]

As far as I'm aware, any A+ 1275 block can be used. Why not get hold of Minijosh92? He might have a complete unit ready to slot in.

[karmitkurmit]

As far as I'm aware, any A+ 1275 block can be used. Why not get hold of Minijosh92? He might have a complete unit ready to slot in.

Crikey you lot answer quick!! It's funny but when you're working nights it feels like you're the only one awake...clearly not!
Thanks for the speedy reply and advice Scallywag630. I'm guessing Minijosh92 is known for having parts for sale? I might just do that although i'd better finish work first, getting funny looks off the boss...

Will check back later. Thanks again.

[mini13]

yep any (transverse) 1275 block can be used(A or A+), there are some minor differences, the main one being the SPI has diferent threads for the oil pipe to the filter housing.

[mk1leg]

Get yourself this DVD.................

http://www.minisport...o_DVDUMBAS.html

it will show you a strip down and access and rebuild..............briliant.............

[karmitkurmit]

yep any (transverse) 1275 block can be used(A or A+), there are some minor differences, the main one being the SPI has diferent threads for the oil pipe to the filter housing.

Thanks for info. Is the thread issue just a case of using the donor engines pipe and housing together or the spi housing/pipe together or is it a little more complicated?

[karmitkurmit]

Get yourself this DVD.................

http://www.minisport...o_DVDUMBAS.html

it will show you a strip down and access and rebuild..............briliant.............

I've actually got that DVD and agree that it's brilliant, just not sure i'm quite ready to take on big end bearings and the like just yet...horrible feeling I would hear lots of metal eating lots of other metal once I finally fired it up!!! Thanks for the advice though, and I would like to also recommend this DVD to anyone reading this, well worth a look...especially as it is rebuilding an engine in a good old shed rather than a full on engineering workshop, which of course we all have access to!!

[Guess-Works.com]

I you intend on just replacing the block and using the original SPi ignition, then you will need to use an A+ block ( the dizzy wont fit into an A series and is specific to the SPi system )