Brainstorming for new project - V8 Mini Cooper????

[gerno]

Not so much the pro-touring old school stuff but I assume you guys might find this interesting. While I'm waiting on my heads to get back from porting so I can finish the latest stage of my project I've been looking around craigslist at various higher mileage cheap commuter cars to play with since my daily driver is currently a 03 F350 powerstroke on 37" tires. Great for the highway and pulling the trailer but a bit rough on a daily basis....

In looking around I found a 2003 Mini Cooper S with 164K miles. It still runs and looks pretty good and is very cheap. Owner is moving to NYC next week and needs to get rid of it so I'm low balling him. Earlier this year I paid more to replace the trans in my truck than I offered for this car.

One big advantage is I can still use it to autocross while I get my car back together. This got me to thinking how I could add more power..... Easiest thing would be to turn up the boost but that's a bit boring...

How possible do you guys think a rear mounted 5.3 LS would be in the car if I pull the back seat and add a cage? Any thoughts on what transaxle and rear uprights that could be used?? Any better combos for drivelines you guys think would fit? This is all very much in a dreaming stage since I heaven't even bought it yet but I figured I'd throw it out there to get some ideas.