Not much Mini left in that little beast.

"but we'd like to see this thing take in a Renault R5 powered by an SR2ODE motor for some reason."

Probably because the R5 would have lived a troubled life, and could use the stability, security, and loving discipline provided by the Honda-engined Mini.

This reminds me of Kimini: [www.kimini.com]

@Feds: hahahahahahhahahaha

ITBs send a frisson up some part of my body.

@SSX: I saw that Mini at a local autocross, and I have to say I was slightly unimpressed with it on the course. Then again, that may be the driver's fault.

I love the lonely distributor, no spark plugs or coil connected, pining for the halcyon days of ignition current coursing through its veins. "Oh, death to the coil-on-plug!" it cries. "Waste and toil without gain are my wont."

That is one Nucking Futty Mini!

This reminds me of the vintage mini that comes to our local shows, but not quite as ostentatious. It doesn't get much attention though until the hood is popped. A refurbished Honda S-2000 motor lies beneath. The thing is in mint condition and I bet it's an absolute riot to drive.

There's always the Sbarro Super 12...

[clcalvet.club.fr]

With all that modification, why not reverse the body, too, so the engine is under the hood, where it belongs?

Theres a front engine RWD mini with a GM LS2 and T56 in it out there somewhere. 1500 lbs and 500 hp.

I have a buddy who built an MG 1100 with a Honda Si engine. Not nearly as wild as this (and the engine stayed where God and Alec intended it) but it was sweet none the less.

This looks like it'd be a hoot to drive in anger- lacking only that french fry holder from yesterday to complete the package.

Acura engine + Classic Mini has been done. Here is the link:

[www.minimania.com]

Sabine in New Mini, vs. Honda powered vintage Mini van:

+ Watch video

@Goety: That's kind of what I was expecting when I read "everything backwards"

@jewce: Here, let me help you with that:

There was a front engine RWD mini with a GM LS2 and T56 in it out there somewhere. 1500 lbs and 500 hp. But it self-immolated the moment it was started up to spare the rest of us the horror of mopping its driver off the guard rail.

There you go, all fixed.

Z cars has a kit to mid-mount a bike or VTEC motor in a mini, as well as a tube frame version of same:
[www.zcars.org.uk]

Sabine:"Porsche Killa"

@selfhatingotaku: There's really only one car show that can really get away with Led Zep. I'm just surprised it would be the germans who would do it.

It's nice to see the bad car gene is universal.

I'm in the process of swapping my old A series out of my Mini and installing a D16Y7.
Oh what a hundred horses would do for that car!

I know this is pretty late, but I figured if you found that car entertaining, then you'd like this. This one hauls some serious arse around Nurburgring, shaming guys on sportbikes and in supercars alike!

+ Watch video

people laugh, but i've seen some amazing things come out of VTEC-powered classic minis.

although an RB26-powered mini would be thoroughly more entertaining.