35 replies to this topic

[Screwdriver]

Newbie to this forum but a collector of classic cars.

 

This mini, almost my first, is a 1996 so it *should* be MPI. I was surprised by the side mounter radiator and the manifold. Does this still mean 90bhp?

 

I'm no expert on parts availability or reliability but would this be worth buying?

 

Many thanks, in advance

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[Cooperman]

In reality none of them had 90 bhp. Even the John Cooper cars with a claimed 90 bhp didn't actually have that, despite what others may say.

[Screwdriver]

Cheers Cooperman- I suppose I'm trying to say I'm not sure what the spec would be given the mix of Spi/ Mpi parts.

[RedRuby]

Also as far as I am aware the MPi was never exported to Japan, it was always the SPi version. Even when the MPi was made it was exported to Japan as a single injector only even when it had the MPi block.

[Cooperman]

That has the MPI head to take the raised alternator bracket.

It looks like an SPI in other respects.

However, with a classic car the power is not so important and body condition is what is critical. I've seen people buy classic Minis with great engines, for which they have paid top prices, only to find that the 'rust-bug' has been breeding and a complete body restoration is needed costing a small fortune.

That one will probably have around 65 bhp, which is fine for normal classic-Mini road driving. They are not fast cars anymore in the real world and if you want 'fast' you need a more modern car with its attendant performance, comfort and reliability - but with much less FUN  .

Edited by Cooperman, 27 December 2015 - 01:06 PM.

[Wise Old Elf]

Completely rust free import and looks tidy.

 

"29000 miles genuine miles with full service history, unused spare wheel and tools, air conditioning, walnut dash, alloy wheels, 4 new tyres and exhaust. recent re import from Japan so totally rust free, very rare must be seen "

 

Not sure if I like the interior but maybe to your taste?

 

[mk1leg]

MPi's weren't introduced till 1997 after BMW had bought Rover......the MPi was a BMW engine designed to take production to 2000 when the new MINI was introduced in 2001....

[minifreek1]

That is a very crammed engine bay, especially with the AC installed too...

[Richie83]

Mine is a 96 and is an SPi

[Big Sam]

If you watch the might car mods videos with their Japanese mini it may help with deciphering the weirdness of the JDM mini.

[Screwdriver]

I'm guessing, keeping the requirement of an AC in mind, a Japanese SPi is the best I'm going to get. 

[xrocketengineer]

It look like it is a standard SPI with air conditioning since it has a standard coil and distributor. I have a 1994 Cooper model and it is pretty much the same animal.

 

 

The difference is the Cooper has 63 HP and the non Cooper 53 HP I believe. The easiest way to determine that is by the ECU number, Cooper is MNE101070 and non Cooper MN101050. The Japanese models do not have factory alarm nor immobiliser. Being a 1996 it probably has the fuse box inside rather than the four fuse unit on the engine side of the bulkhead like mine. It uses standard SPI items, coolant hoses, ECU, injector, multi function relay unit, etc. What is different are the brackets for the air conditioning compressor, the attachment for the ECU, condenser, and the engine compartment electrical harness. 1997 and later models are a mix of MPI and SPI parts with a unique ECU and other parts, in my opinion it is probably a lot harder to find the right parts for those.

Other than the crammed engine compartment is standard SPI stuff.

[minisprint]

1996 is just about the crossover year from spi to mpi, has it got airbag? Looks like a spi to me early 96

[minisprint]

Looks like a tartan model from the interior shot the jap spec sidewalk

[FlyingScot]

It's a standard JDM spec Mini as per xrocketengineer above. The specs don't follow exactly what happened in the UK and there is technically no MPI as even the later cars with coil packs and MPI type blocks used the SPI unit and retained the side radiator.
No problem with parts and a lot less rust (at least to begin with).
Same as my 1996 35th Anniversary Cooper engine bay although the I don't have much use for the air con in West Scotland

FS

Edited by FlyingScot, 27 December 2015 - 02:22 PM.