That would be a very cool project. So basically you take the FWD Honda powertrain, and install it as a mid-engine configuration in the MINI making it a RWD car, much like a Renault R5 Turbo? Very interesting. You could even make a nice frunk for the MINI.
Exactly. I think the front trunk would be pretty filled with gas tank, battery and such....I think it could be a fun, not too expensive project. I just heard that a consortium of investors bought out the city's interests in the Heartland Park track and it will be open again next season!
Looking out on the Interwebs, I found this site about building a mid-engine R53. Axis Of Oversteer: This Mid Engine Mini will eat your Porsche.... But they are using a MINI engine and making it a tubeframe silhouette MINI for track use only, rather than using a MINI bodyshell that can be used for street or track. There are no recent updates on the site, perhaps the project stalled? Looks like a lot of room back there for an engine
The RMW RX-1 is just about finished, and it looks ten times better than that... https://www.facebook.com/RCIAB The project you're referring to has had many stops and starts, it's kind of being done on the fly. They're back at it again after a 2 year hiatus. It won't be anywhere near the quality of the RX-1, not on the same page, not even in the same book.
I've been following the RMW story, and while I appreciate it for what it is - an all out racecar - mine would be more of a fun street project. And my budget would be WAY less than it would cost for wheels tires and brakes for that thing! My idea for using a Honda motor is simply availability of aftermarket hop up stuff like turbos and tuning resources, plus availability of engines and cost of same. Doing it with a Cooper S motor would be fun too But I think I can do it as well or better with a Honda motor for way less money. It's all just speculation at this point, one of many little projects I'd like to do in my little shop to keep me busy.