Very useful info. Thanks!
My JDM was registered in July 1996, just before the switch to the MPi block which happened in September of 1996 I believe. If you're right, I won't need to source an ECU from Japan, which saves me quite a bit of trouble.
I wonder if there are any other mechanical bits that are unique to JDM Coopers. I know that the air conditioning bits are rare in the UK. Anything else?
Prior to about 1997 the UK ECU and Japanese ECU were the same. However, when the Japanese models started using the SPI system with the MPI engine block (no distributor) the ECU was unique.
For example, on mine, which is a 1994 with an MNE101070 ECU, I can control the condenser fan (and compressor clutch I believe) with the SP ACR 2. This is also the standard ECU for that year in the UK.