16 replies to this topic

[zinzan]

Hey folks.  Haven't been around much in a while.  After numerous hassles and getting screwed over by con artists, I'm finally getting my Mini rebuilt and roadworthy.  Engine's currently out and has been cleaned up and painted...I think I discovered what an original water pump and thermostat circa 1993 looked like. 

 

Question:  Has anyone removed the fuel injection from their SPI and gone "carb"?  Difficult?  Stupid thing to do?  Just thinking that it would allow more modification in the future but maybe I'm wrong.

[callum2464]

are you after power or reliability?

[fixitphil]

keep it, can get 80 bhp without having to go on a rolling road,just put a good cylinder head on it exhaust and filter,low maintenace ,no choke;]

[minisprint]

Done a few conversions its a easy job !

[Carlos W]

Are there any emissions tests in Ontario which may cause issues?

[zinzan]

No, it's exempt from e-testing, thankfully.

[zinzan]

@ Minisprint:  How'd you find it afterward?  All good?  PITA to switch over?

[jenbachertech]

It can be done, but why would you want to?

 

It is a massive backwards step - while the SPi system isnt the greatest thing on earth, it is a reliable design, proven, and as said above good for at least 80 ponies

 

Changing to a carb is going to require a lot of mods - fuel pump pressure will be too high, the ignition system is integrated with the SPI system, I would think there will be other issues to look at as well.

 

The only real reason I can see for changing would be a massive failure of the original system, and issues with getting parts for repair, or going for a seriously modified engine.

[alicetheauto]

Dont do it unless you know EXACTLY what you are doing. A mate bought a car "de-SPI'd" and it had been bodged. Another mate took 2 Tesco bags of unused wiring out of the shell, routed everything properly, spent 3 days solely on it. The hazards and indicators STILL dont work and the brake lights have a life of their own. They all wish it had been left....

[zinzan]

Okay, sounds like enough reason to leave it as-is.  Was just curious as I'd heard that swapping back to carb permits more go-go engine mods.

[welshdan]

I did it and replaced the ignition with megajolt. to be honest it wasn't too much bother at all. now running 160 bhp carb 1380....(with a turbo )

[minisprint]

All you need is
1) carb fuel tank
2) 1/4 inch bore rubber fuel line
3) carb and manifold!
4) choke cable
5) electronic ign distributor
6) a little electrics know how!
7) manual fuel pump and spacer!

This is a the best conversion I'd done on especially tuned up spi s which are always held back by the injection system!
Only prob you may have is parts availablity in Canada

You will also have various spares from what you have removed to sell on for example fuel tank injection unit ecu etc!

[minisprint]

Need any info or even a hand getting the parts to Canada let me know

[govig]

The Spi is very reliable and I'd leave it unless you want ultimate power. 

[mab01uk]

Mini Mania in the USA sell this complete conversion kit:

The basic elements of the conversion process are simple enough: Remove the entire FI assembly and ECU, install a conventional 1 3/4" HIF series carb and manifold, replace the ECU with a simple relay, install a fuel pressure regulator and replace the distributor. Wire and plumb all of this together and you have it! Wiring and plumbing diagrams are provided in the kit.
Included in the kit are: 12-803 - Fuel Pressure Regulator A+ - Distributor 12B561 - Carb Spacer 22A152 - Stud, carb to manifold 2A3005 - carb abutment bracket 88g429 - carb gasket AJM601 - intake/exhaust manifold gasket AR201 - Relay C-AHT771 - Intake manifold CZK6491 - choke cable clip Fitting01 - 3/8X3/8 brass fittings Fitting02 - 5/16X3/8 brass fittings Fitting03 - 5/16X3/8 fitting with .100" hole FZX1280/rebuilt- HIF6/44 Carb SBB10126 - throttle cable SD40 - K&N Air Filter

The temperature gauge is no longer used with this conversion kit.

http://www.minimania...CARB-CONVERSION

 

Single Point Injection to Carb Conversion

http://www.minimania...les.cfm?id=1668

Edited by mab01uk, 25 July 2013 - 10:31 PM.