7 replies to this topic

[Cheeky_Benito]

Were these fuel injected? If so, would they have a choke as well? Trying to find out if during this era there was a switch from carb to injection. What’s the feeling on how good these models are?
Thanks!

[mab01uk]

Fuel injected Minis do not have a choke.

The Mini Cooper got SPi fuel injection in October 1991. Non-Cooper models like the Sprite got the 1275cc engine some time in 1992, but still retained a carburettor (HIF38 SU as opposed to the HIF44 SU that the 1990/91 RSP & Mainstream Cooper had). Non-Cooper models also got the SPi injection engine around 1995. Some export market models got injection earlier than the same UK models.

 

Injection Minis are good to own and drive but carb Mini is maybe more simple for a diy home mechanic to work on and maintain when problems occur or you wish to modify.

 

1993 Sprite with SU carb at auction last year:-

 

Edited by mab01uk, 02 May 2023 - 07:52 AM.

[coopertaz]

had a 1995 spi sprite and loved it as nothing went wrong and used everyday. but if it does hard to get diagnostic gear for it and end up guesing. also if you want to modify spi cheap options are limited without paying to modify or replace ecu

[cal844]

A 93 sprite should be a carb car (hif38) with catalytic converter on the exhaust

[Cheeky_Benito]

Thank you. It’s a carb model 😀 and auto. Started first time after standing for a while

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

What’s the feeling on how good these models are?
 

Some love the injection models, some hate them, it depends what you like in a Mini.  In the 1990s I had a few pre injection 1970s Minis which I loved before getting a 1.3i Cooper thinking it was a wise move.  I can see why some would like them but personally I found it had far less of the sort of character that I enjoyed in the earlier Minis.  Being hard to diagnose when there were engine problems, the lack of space under the bonnet, the high gearing, the extra weight, and the rust issues put me off 1990s Minis permanently.

[Marky Tizz]

My 1994 M Reg Sprite was an SPI. One of the earliest non-Coopers I believe.

[Norfolk Boy]

I have a 1994 L reg Sprite which has a hif38. One of the last carbed ones I believe.