Posted: May-05-2008 06:10AM

"Can you retrofit the 5 speed gearbox to a Standard Rover Cooper?"

As you're in the States, better retrofit the VIN plate as well, 'cause MPI Minis are not legal to be imported with the standard spec VIN plate as they came from the factory.

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, No Wife!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

hockey91dad@hotmail.com

Posted: May-04-2008 01:57PM

The engine is a A+ series engine like other Minis. The mods consisted of head, rockers, intake and exhaust manifolds, exhaust, and a modified fuel pressure regulator. Nothing in the block is modified - the 90 hp Works mods were sold as kit by John Cooper Works up until they closed shop a few years ago. I have read that the headwork was done by MiniSport.

The power output is "claimed" because almost all tests indicate the mods don't produce the power claimed. The HP is more like 75-80 hp even for the Works model in the vast majority of cases. A very few people have seen 80-85hp.

If you can find the 5 speed, yes, it will fit. I believe JCW fitted the now long out of production Jack Knight 5 speed box to those who selected those options. I must say, that in years of watching MPI Mini sales and listings, I have not yet seen a car that had the 5 speed option. Thus I would say it is a very rare option. It would seem to be easier to just find a 5 speed box separately, or go for the Mini Spares one. (I think our host also sells a 5 speed box?) BTW, the box mentioned would have been a helical-cut gearbox (quiet) as opposed to the more common straight-cut boxes (much noisier - sounds like 1st gear in all the gears.)

DLY

Posted: May-04-2008 06:19AM

Thanks for the link.  I did not seem to find info on the Cooper S. 

 Do you know what modifications were done to the engine or iis it a totally different engine?

Can you retrofit the 5 speed gearbox to a Standard Rover Cooper? 

Posted: May-04-2008 03:59AM

Not sure about the cosmetic and trim/accessory differences, but:

Cooper S: 86hp (claimed) engine, 9.65 sec 0-60 mph, 5 speed optional, 97mph top speed

Cooper S works: 90hp (claimed) engine, 8.9 sec 0-60 mph, 5 speed option, 102 mph top speed

I think the S models had the metallic dash, alloy gearshift knob, and black-and-silver steering wheel. Also had a leather dash top and black/silver leather seats. Had alloy door handles and fittings.

DLY

Posted: May-03-2008 09:18PM

I would like to know what is the difference between a  Rover Cooper S MPI and a Rover Cooper in same year.

What changes were made to make it a Cooper works MPI?

 Thanks