As we sit here and reminisce about some of our adventures in 2019, Holley’s LS Fest West came to mind mainly because it’s right around the corner again, and it was a blast. From there, we thought back to the LS-swapped Jetboat, Dick Hamm’s Project PaceMaker, and finally, Dario Gaiga’s 1977 Austin called Infamous. As one thought led to another, we found ourselves perusing youtube, trying to find a video of Infamous working over the rear tires in the burnout contest at LS Fest. Much to our satisfaction, we did find a great video of the monster tire-shredding machine doing work.

It’s hard to believe that it only took Dario a measly 3-months to build this awesome Mini. The only thing more impressive than the build time is the fact that the 6-foot 7-inch Canadian can fit in this machine, and according to him, quite comfortably.

For a powerplant, the Autin Mini utilizes a stock LS 4.8-liter engine with a decent cam, Holley Hi-ram lower intake manifold, and a B-series 6-71 blower off of a diesel engine. When the dual stock 78mm throttle bodies topped off with a mailbox open up, Dario says the combination is good for 600 horsepower, which is plenty of power to get the 1,500-pound car to ignite the tires. Other modifications include a custom transmission tunnel to make room for the TH350 trans, which is connected to a Ford 8.8-inch rear end. The rear axle has been narrowed a staggering 22-inches to get the tires tucked under this micro-sized ride.

Dario drove 18 hours from Calgary Alberta Canada to make the event, and the spectators and our staff were glad he did. The little car was terrific during the competition as it performed effortless burnouts. In the video, the steering wheel actually comes off not once but twice. Even with the malfunction, Dario is calm and simply puts the wheel back in place, whacks the throttle, and continues shredding the tires.

Somehow the 6-foot 7-inch Canadian is able to fit in this micro machine.

We hope to see this little beast at LS Fest West again this year, and others just like it. Be sure and check out LSfest.com for more information on this awesome upcoming show.