8 replies to this topic

[smalltreegrower]

Hi everyone. Just pulled the trigger on a 1997 JDM Rover Cooper. It is now on it's way across the Pacific on a cargo ship due to arrive in Vancouver on Oct 10. By the time it gets here it will have been 3/4 of the way around the world!
I can't tell you how excited I am to own a mini again. I had a '76 BMC MINI with a 1275 10 years ago, but had to sell it for a down-payment on my first house. Hopefully this one will be as much fun as that one was.
There are a couple of JDM minis here in Victoria, but I doubt there are any MPI's, as there is a 15 year import rule here making this the first year that 1997 MPI's are allowed to be brought over from Japan.
I've been lurking around the forum reading as much as I can since a lot has changed over the last 10 years in the world of minis. Love the site and already I'm finding it very helpful.
Cheers Matt

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[alex-95]

Hi, welcome to TMF.

[BensonJ]

Hi welcome back to mini ownership, I have a friend who lives in Canada. never been myself but its on my list.

Mice looking mini.


Ben

[smalltreegrower]

Thanks Guys,

I'm going to replace the arches when I get it. Any suggestions? Also, anyone on the forum from Canada? Wondering where the best deals are for parts. I want to get an LCB, silencer and some other goodies.

Matt

[mk1leg]

Hi..and welcome to TMF and what is a 1997 JDM Rover Cooper...........never heard of this before and I been into mini for 35 years.....I've heard of J C Works mini's............

[smalltreegrower]

JDM, Japanese Domestic Market. Not a specific model, but it does have some differences from the ones in the UK. The MPI's in Japan still have the radiator on the side and did not go front mount. Also the rear side windows do not open. Other than that, I think it is just like any other Rover Copper model in the UK. They stopped importing minis into Canada around 1979 I think, so we have to import them to play with the late models.

[J666ERA]

Hi I used to import loads of these to the Uk, there are odd small differences diff ratio is different to UK obviously a/c so differences there, side mount rad, single point injection, no height adjustable headlamps or opening rear windows.

Pay attention to getting it undersealed properly and check for small paint chips and cracks in sealant arround drip rail, in japan isnt an issue but when they get to wetter climates rust can start rapidly... also seals on windows, which are ussually cracking and the bottoms of the doors need clearing out of thier dust and leaves or the door bottoms will rot out quickly...

Enjoy

Paul

[smalltreegrower]

Paul, how can I tell if it is SPI or MPI? If you look at the photo of the engine bay it looks like an MPI. I guess I will have to wait until I get it here. What do you suggest to underseal with? I have seen people in the uk using waxoyl. I'll see if I can find an equivalent in Canada.

Matt

[Rog46]

Practical Classics Magazine recently published a long term test on underbody anti rust waxes. Dinitrol came out best.