16 replies to this topic

[airdynamic]

Hey,

 

Im interested in buying a Cooper Sport (preferably 500). I line in New Zealand and was told the best is to get one out of Japan as its likely to be in better condition than UK.

 

Apparently though, because the Japs wanted the A/C and the side mounted radiator, all cars out of Japan are a what ever specified year shell but with a SPi engine. (just what I was told, not verified) Meaning even a advertised 1999 - 2000 Sport 500 may have a SPi.

 

So my question to you all is: If I was to look at a picture of an engine bay of a prospective car, how can I tell if the engine is SPi or MPi? Is that even possible?

 

Thanks

Air 

[FlyingScot]

MPI has two injectors fitted on the inlet manifold. If you look at these pics you can just see them above the rocker cover.
http://www.theminifo...mpi-engine-bay/
Later Japanese minis used an MPi block with the SPi throttle body, inlet, ECU so some of the other visual differences between SPI and MPi which we would expect in Europe are not definitive inc filter on block, coil pack, high mounted alternator and of course the radiator issue you already know of.
AFAIK there are no MPI in the way we have in Europe in Japan, so unless you împort from the UK

FS

Edited by FlyingScot, 03 February 2015 - 12:15 AM.

[airdynamic]

Alright...case in point - http://www.trademe.c...n-829855259.htm

 

A 1998 car with a SPi engine and an import (more than likely from Japan)

[Ethel]

Surely that's an MPI as it has a coilpack? No SPI ECU, as we know them in the UK, would be able to use it.

[FlyingScot]

Later Japanese cars used the short MPi block with coil pack but with SPi throttle body inlet and a different MEMS ECU so not sure if you would call it an MPi as it only has one injector

[Ethel]

Interesting, so neither SPI or MPI then, for the purposes of fixing 'em.

[airdynamic]

Later Japanese cars used the short MPi block with coil pack but with SPi throttle body inlet and a different MEMS ECU so not sure if you would call it an MPi as it only has one injector

Ahh, its all starting to make sense now. So there is no way I'd get a 500 out of Japan because its unlikely they made them to that configuration. 

 

However, the configuration it self doesn't sound that bad. If I could get a decent Sport it could be worth it. In fact I missed out on a 40 anniversary version two days ago.

 

Air

[Guess-Works.com]

Yes, the Jap' MPIs are some form of Frankenstein hybrid of SPi and Mpi induction....

 

If you can get hold of a 40' they are, IMO, then best level of trim ever fitted into a mini....

[airdynamic]

 

 

If you can get hold of a 40' they are, IMO, then best level of trim ever fitted into a mini....

 

What is the difference between the 40 and the 500 trim?

[Dan]

They are not SPi or MPi engines, they are J spec.

[Guess-Works.com]

 

 

 

If you can get hold of a 40' they are, IMO, then best level of trim ever fitted into a mini....

 

What is the difference between the 40 and the 500 trim?

 

 

The 40's have much more comfortable seats, not those narrow bucket type afairs... The trim is more 'plush' as well and the leather is better quality especially if you can find one with an ox blood interior...

 

eg....

 

http://www.gcminis.c...hn-cooper-40-le

[FlyingScot]

Goodness that's tempting...John you're a bad man

[Guess-Works.com]

I did a gearbox on a 40, didn't really want to give the car back.... Got a good test drive that one did....

 

If I ever had enough money is would be an Almond Green 40' with Ox Blood interior and a Bad Ass cruise engine pushing out about 100ftlb of torque...

[minisilverbullet]

 

 

 

 

If you can get hold of a 40' they are, IMO, then best level of trim ever fitted into a mini....

 

What is the difference between the 40 and the 500 trim?

 

 

The 40's have much more comfortable seats, not those narrow bucket type afairs... The trim is more 'plush' as well and the leather is better quality especially if you can find one with an ox blood interior...

 

eg....

 

http://www.gcminis.c...hn-cooper-40-le

 

I agree these seats are great! I have them in my Spi 

[airdynamic]

 

 

 

 

If you can get hold of a 40' they are, IMO, then best level of trim ever fitted into a mini....

 

What is the difference between the 40 and the 500 trim?

 

 

The 40's have much more comfortable seats, not those narrow bucket type afairs... The trim is more 'plush' as well and the leather is better quality especially if you can find one with an ox blood interior...

 

eg....

 

http://www.gcminis.c...hn-cooper-40-le

 

Oh yeah...I see what you mean. That is very nice.

 

Air