{link=http://www.allpar.com/fix/engines/SRT-Prowler-project.html}Pictures: allpar.com{link}

Introduced in 1997 as a sort of “ultimate factory hot rod”, the Plymouth Prowler was the vanguard of the “retro” look that the Big Three would fully embrace in the 21st century. And the Prowler was definitely a winner in the looks department, a production car with hot rod looks…and an anemic minivan V6 under the hood. Chrysler got the Prowler 90% right before dropping the ball on the motor.

Trey Byrum sought to correct this egregious oversight by dropping a 6.1 liter, 425 horsepower HEMI V8 between the Prowler’s fenders. This project was documented over at allpar.com, and it has got to be the most badass Plymouth Prowler ever built.

Producing a maximum of just 253 horsepower, acceleration for the Plymouth Prowler never got any better than a 5.9 second 0-60 mph sprint. This, despite a low-weight and rear-wheel drive. Trey’s own Prowler put down a scant 196 horsepower at the wheels, even with modifications, which convinced him it was time for the HEMI swap.

As you might imagine, a lot of custom work goes into a project like this. The headers, motor mounts, bellhousing, and many many more parts had to be custom fabricated just to fit in the Prowler. This labor of love is due for its official unveiling at the Chrysler Nationals in July this summer, and we have to say, this is one labor of love well worth the effort.

If only Chrysler had done it right the first time. Make sure to check out the whole build for an idea of all the work that went into this project.