A 2021 Chrysler Pacifica once written off as flood damage has been transformed into one of the most unconventional performance projects in recent memory. A Tennessee fabrication shop, documenting the year-long effort online, turned the van into a Hellcat-powered sleeper nicknamed the “Pacifi-Cat,” blending family-hauler practicality with the output of Dodge’s most ferocious V8.
The project started with a Pacifica purchased from auction as a complete loss, originally equipped with a V6 and loaded with factory amenities. Rather than restoring it to stock, the builders sourced a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat Redeye engine from a wrecked Challenger. The result is far more ambitious than previous online fantasies about Hellcat-swapped minivans, as this version was engineered from the ground up to function as a real, drivable machine.
While the van’s exterior and interior remain unmistakably Pacifica, nearly everything beneath the surface has been reimagined. The chassis was stripped down to its bare structure before a custom front subframe was fabricated to accommodate the massive V8. New upper and lower control arms were created for the redesigned suspension, and a compact rack-and-pinion steering system was developed to clear the engine’s size.
Cooling presented another hurdle due to the limited space in the front end. Transmission, oil and supercharger intercoolers were relocated into areas such as the wheel wells to ensure airflow. A custom fuel cell was integrated at the rear while maintaining the factory filler location, preserving both functionality and the van’s unassuming appearance.
What emerged is a near-stock-looking Pacifica hiding Redeye-level performance, complete with custom fabrication throughout the vehicle. Once final tuning and electronic integration are complete, the build stands to become one of the most formidable sleepers on the road—a minivan capable of outrunning true performance cars while appearing ready for a school run.
The project illustrates how a discarded family vehicle can become a showcase of ingenuity and enthusiasm, proving that even the most unlikely platforms can inspire over-the-top creations when imagination and engineering align.
