20 replies to this topic

[andrewinlondon]

I would be very grateful to the mini officianados on the TMF to help me with the following question: :smartass:

What engine mods are possible to a 1.3i engine (1995 Cooper), that won't then require a mechanic's skills to keep the car on the road because the extra hp has upset everything? (I am very mechanically UN-minded, so the mods need to be reliable)

I've got an RC40 exhaust and a K&N air filter already. A rolling road at Castle Combe said it puts out about 68bhp. My car cruises nicely already at 90mph (on German motorways) at 4,100 revs; but it dies on the up-hills.

I'm wondering what can reasonably be done to give it that extra boost to maintain speed up the hills, or should I just be satisfied with what I have?

Thanks for any help...

[m3ntalist]

Its certainly upgradable, it all depends on budget though doesnt it!

[minimadjonesy]

Well you can get a staged head for it, maybe a stage 2 or 3. A mate of mine had a ZmaxScart stage 3 head put on his MPI and it gave it a load more power!

there are plenty of kits out there for the SPI in your car! :cheese:

[minimadjonesy]

OOps! missed your "up hills" comment

the final drive on later injection mini's are lower i believe, whilst this give great flat running top speeds it doesn't do much for uphill speed! If you want better all round performance then speak to GW and get a new gearbox built with a better final drive - 3.44 is about average and gives good all round performance!

[StevenClarkuk]

A mild cam with 1.5 Roller rockers could be an option..

Easy to fit and the ECU should adjust to it if I'm lead to believe..

Easily fitted and wouldn't cost too much..

Just don't get anything silly CAM wise or the car won't idle properly..

Steven

[andrewinlondon]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I tried to Google the "ZmaxScart Stage 3 head" reference to research this further, and didn't get any hits.

Does anyone know the proper referene for this?

And if you upgrade to a Stage 3, what other bits of the car's "ecosystem" do you also have to upgrade?

[The Roadie]

Yeah the Swiftune SW5 is supposed to be especially good for injected cars.

Your hill problem - give it more right foot on the run up to the hill.

[Jammy]

Don't forget, I believe you have a roof of about 100bhp before the ECU starts to struggle to adapt to the modifications and you have to get it remapped, which, unless you go with a DIY system like MegaSquirt, means big bucks!

[The Roadie]

Yeah its about that. The Mpis run at about 90bhp happily and the Spis in the early 80s. They don't have the fuelling to go any higher.
Still make a great everyday car though.

[Guess-Works.com]

Personally, if you're not mechanically minded, and don't wish to pay "bodgit & Run motors inc" the wedge for doing the mods, then best leave asis..

But a head transplant is not that difficult and will improve the breathing of the engine no-end.

[AlexM]

Before u spend too much money be absolutely sure that the injection system in in good working order, u dont want to spend all ur cash on upgrades to find out that you need to fix something else. :sad:

SW5 cam is good.

[The Roadie]

But a head transplant is not that difficult and will improve the breathing of the engine no-end.

Yes. A prime exaple is Spams MPi with a stage 3 head fitted, its much better than standard.

[andrewinlondon]

All your feedback is hugely appreciated. Thanks.

I'm waiting to speak to Swiftune direct to get the low-down on the SW5...

It's that age old dilemna... Do you play around with the engine to make it quicker/have a higher top speed, but then bring about huge problems and expense getting there and keeping it running.

Is there anyone on the TMf who has modified a 1275i and what results did you get?

My alternative is to look for a project car that someone has given up on, possibly even a VTec etc, but they don't come cheap.

[Guess-Works.com]

you do realise Cam change is engine out !

[eddyg]

I don't know a lot about engines and mini's ( i am desperatly trying to learn!) but doesn't the cam sit in the head next to the valves? Therefore couldn't you just take the head off to change the cam. I know i am probably wrong but could you explain why it is an engine out jobby! cheers