Project Absurd. Prowler 3.5L V6 in a Morris Mini

[Oldmopars]

So, imagine if you will, 2 rednecks sitting in the back yard drinking beer, a lot of it. They look out at a Plymouth prowler that they wreaked last week and at a Morris Mini that they blew the engine up in. Bubba says to Jimbo, "Hey man, I betcha we can stuff the Prowler engine in the back of that Mini". 

So, that is what is happening. I have a Revell Mini I got while I was in Scotland, and a Plymouth Prowler I have had for years. The mini somehow lot its engine. The prowler is a project that I was working on 10+ years ago and never finished, then I lost some of its parts. 

I took the Prowler V6 and cut off the adapter that ran the shaft to the rear transmission, and attached the transmission to the engine. Basically how it would have been in the Dodge LHS sedans. This was a North-South setup. I cut the back out of the Mini and made a frame to support it. Dropping it in makes this a 3.5L Mid engine Mini Monster. 

The radiator needed a support, so I made one to mount the Prowler Radiator. I added the power booster from the Prowler also along with the oil cooler. 

It needed a firewall, so I made one behind the front seats. 

I was inspired to do this after meeting a guy that owns a 1984 Honda Civic with an Acura V6 stuffed in the back Renault R5 Turbo style. Then seeing the perfect donors, I got out the saw. 

[Oldmopars]

More pictures

[Oldmopars]

Got a little more done on the conversion of Project Absurd.  I added the exhaust, plumbing to and from the radiator. I have also added the fuel tank. I ran the hoses through the "copper" tubes. Also added a strut tower brace to help limit the flex in the rear as this thing launches. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Now that, sir, would be a fun car. A true "hot rod" in spirit.  

Edited September 30, 2018 by Ace-Garageguy

[Jonathan]

"Hey y'all, watch this!"

Nice work so far!

Edited September 30, 2018 by Jonathan

[geetee66]

Love it! I'm currently converting a Mini, but using a Honda lump.

Nice work. I'll be following your progress ?

[cobraman]

That's wild.

[El Caballo]

Neat fabrication.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Cool project. Great back story.

[Lizard Racing]

I remember in 1962 John Cooper toyed with a twin-engine Mini. One engine in front and one in the back, similar to your installation.

[Oldmopars]

Making progress. These Redneck boys aren't worried about paint or fancy racing seats. Just lots of beer and cubic inches shoved in the back of a small car. 

I wanted the old, slightly used, little rusty look. The roof as well as the hood will be black. I will be dulling the chrome, and may even add some dents to the bumpers and grill. 

[Oldcarfan27]

Those 12" wheels don't stand a chance! Looks cool though. Very well engineered. Scary part is that fuel tank right behind the engine - Can you say "Pinto Express"?

[Oldmopars]

So, I got the body almost done. Here it still needs some trim, windows and lights.

See the finished project over in Under Glass

 

[magicmustang]

Alright, let's go race a Prius. Here, hold my beer!! 

Great work.