The making of Marty.

[Marty Mini]

I recently purchased a 1997 Mini Cooper(Jap) and have decided to log my experiences, both good and bad, with it.
First off I'm thrilled to bits with it so far, no issues and seems to be driving very well.
However over the next couple of years, money permitting, I want to turn it into an absolute minter. I'm new to all this mini lark so any help/input from people here will be very much appreciated. I'll be doing as much as I can myself but will be requiring some expert help. I've already made contact with a mini specialist(think he is on here) and intend to call in to see him to discuss my plans. I'll divide my plans into three groups. Short, medium and long term.

Short term
Refresh dash and upholster timber door trim in leather.
Refresh interior trim, handles winders and the like.
Replace head liner, maybe leather?

Medium term

Refresh the leather seats. Not too bad at the moment but can always be better. Replace carpets and look into replacing/refreshing steering wheel(a bit tired at the moment)

Long term

Simples - Exterior. Its actually in 9/10 condition. Its red with a black roof.
I'm considering sourcing the colour code(if its not currently original) and changing the roof back to the original white. Probably do the bonnet stripes as well.


So, first question people. What engine oil should I use 20W50? Also which oil filter fits this engine?

[Billy]

Welcome to the IMOC forum Marty. It's always good to hear of a new project and the great thing about this forum is that it creates a permanent log of your progress.

The '97 Jap engine was the pre-'96 Spi (single-point injection) engine not the European-spec Mpi (Multi-point injection) as the aircon on Japanese-spec cars took up too much space.

For any roadgoing Mini, use 20w50. Most motor factors can order the correct oil filter for you.

Get some photos up and keep us posted.

Billy

[Marty Mini]

Thanks Billy.
Ill get some photos up as soon as I can figure it out!

[woody]

20/50W oil.
A '97 Jap mini should be a MPi block (oil filter directly on block) with single point injection.
If its a late registered '96 it will be a SPi block (oil filter on alloy bracket with pipe to block).
Two different types of filter.
Welcome to the forum

[Marty Mini]

Thanks Woody. According to the registration cert it was first registered in FEB '97. So I would need an oil filter for a MPI?

[woody]

A car can sit in a garage for years without being registered.
You need to look at the engine and see where the oil filter is mounted, on the block (top left) or on a bracket( bottom right).
A photo might help.

[Marty Mini]

https://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=htt ... t=c&ictx=1
I'll have to double check when I get home later but im 99% its the same as this

[Marty Mini]

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/Mar ... Gc=/?ref=1
http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/Mar ... DY=/?ref=1
http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/Mar ... DQ=/?ref=1
http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/Mar ... DU=/?ref=1

[woody]

https://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=htt ... t=c&ictx=1
I'll have to double check when I get home later but im 99% its the same as this

The car in that picture is an MPi and the pictures you supplied don't include a photo of your oil filter.
If you want an accurate answer we need accurate information.

[Marty Mini]

https://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=htt ... t=c&ictx=1
I'll have to double check when I get home later but im 99% its the same as this

The car in that picture is an MPi and the pictures you supplied don't include a photo of your oil filter.
If you want an accurate answer we need accurate information.

Ah I know, sorry. Haven't been home in the daylight for a few days. Ill try and get some proper pictures up soon, thanks.

[jocelynn]

I know the car and i looked after it for a guy in raheny

It is a MPI mini. i keep service kits in stock for all types of minis including 20/50 oil to

[woody]

Is it a Jap import?
Is it a MPi?
Or is it a Jap SPi on a MPi block?

[jocelynn]

It would be a Jap import woody

And it is a MPi/SPI hybird