Any builds out there from a doner Mini cooper S 2012 model

[Krommie44]

Hi all,

 

I am thinking about using our mini as a doner for a  McSorley 442E build. My dad, Me and my son have been active in motor racing since forever. Used to see the locosts racing in South Africa, would love to build a track car.

 

I might have a couple of questions along the way before I start welding up a frame though. 

 

Has anyone attempted a mini doner before? You might be asking FWD what's this guy on about? I am thinking about the BMW 1 series running the same motor, so could use a gearbox and rear running gear to get it going. Valid assumption? 

 

Any things to be aware of before I start on the frame?  Any and all comments are most welcome, I look forward to becoming a bit more active, maybe start a build thread and see a project like this across the line with you good folks helping me along the way.

[Slonie]

Welcome to the forum! I'm not sure if anyone has tried that here! Of course, if you're starting from scratch, have you considered transverse layout and stick the motor in the back?  

 

(You might also consider asking around at https://www.locostusa.com/forums/ or https://locostbuilders.co.uk to see if anyone's tried it)

[anduril3019]

I was going to say the same thing. You've got a potential donor, why not go transverse mid engine? Check out the Midlana.

 

Very detailed book and knowledgeable designer:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana-second-edition-coilbound/paperback/product-22423869.html?srsltid=AU7gw4UBHCQPol2NNVB5QlGG80DLcUvRK6XBJQNU6J5LKYMhjSsV4PVP&page=1&pageSize=4

 

A few current build threads here: (Beware the Locostusa forum, tons of amazing information, sometimes difficult to access.

https://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=36

 

And the designer's own car here:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/turbocharged-k24a-powered-tube-frame-street-car/

[Krommie44]

Wow, what a build. Kurt's car came out so nice, and i can just imagine that k24 screaming behind you. Will need to order that book. No electronic version I can buy? Or is it just paperback? Didnt know the guys were putting motors in the back haha.

[Slonie]

You will find a lot about it if you google "midlana car". The official website for the project doesn't exist anymore but is on archive.org

 

https://web.archive.org/web/20260000000000*/www.midlana.com

 

The designer is also on Instagram at @midlana1, however his last post was 4 years ago.

 

There's also a thread on locostbuilders I believe. Another car to look at for possible inspiration is the DF Goblin. but the Midlana came out a lot more 7-like in the styling department, to be polite about it...

[Slonie]

Also, before he did the Midlana he wrote a book Kimini which is more of a general book about doing that type of project.

 

https://web.archive.org/web/20160614031923/http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html