Idiot's MX-5 V8 Build Ends In Flames, Bad Decisions & 1st Degree Burns

Watch the chaos unfold as this V8 build goes from bad to worse. Nb - this post includes skin burns images

18 May 2015

Despite the engine being in flames, this kid continues to try to start the thing.

Mazda MX-5s with V8 conversions are no new thing. A couple of weeks back, you'll remember this guy who stuffed two V8 engines into the front of his.

Anyway, an MX-5 with a V8 is a wonderful thing and one that makes for a rather excellent drift car. But you have to build it first. And things can, and often do, go wrong. Very wrong. As in 1st degree burns wrong.

Below is a video created by 23 year old Shawn Prince. It's a video of the first time he's about to start his throbbing V8 conversion, despite the engine still being in a hoist, a plastic can full of a fuel beside the engine, and the most shocking disrespect of fire we've ever seen - blowing on flames is never a good idea, people!

The moment Shawn moves his makeshift fuel tank, flames engulf the car. And him.

But first, read Shawn's account of what happened. Oh, and apparently we're allowed to pay for his medical expenses...

My name is Shawn prince and i am 23 years old. I was/am building a Mazda miata drift car powered by a small block Chevy 350. I was super excited to start it.... I could not start with exhaust manifolds because they would not fit. I have to make my own.... But aside from that, I mounted in the car, via modified subframe and hooked a hoist on the rear to keep the engine level.... I hooked up all the fuel lines and gave it a go.... Resulted in a horrendous fire where I got 1st and 2nd degree burns all over my left arm and leg.

Horrendous fire resulted in 1st degree burns to his left arm and leg

Shawn continues:

The reason for the fire is ignition timing was off and fuel pressure at the regulator was too high.... I killed fuel and spark and I kept turning the engine over so it would suck the fire back into the engine therefore extinguishing the fire but that didn't work and I did not have a fire extinguisher so I grabbed the hose. I do not have insurance with my employer til september so that is why I am creating this.... to help me pay the burn clinic to treat me for my misfortune and for the time I am missing at my job to make money so I can live. Any donations are more than welcome and much appreciated. Thank you.

Video