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2005
Outback Challenge
This picture was taken just prior to shipping - as
ready as it'll ever be !
In
2003 a couple of friends competed in the Outback
Challenge. They enjoyed the event so much they decided
to go again in 2005 and I jumped at the chance to
share a container with them to get my 100 inch shipped
to Australia for the event.
The
Outback Challenge has got to be one of the worlds
toughest challenge events with over 6 days of competition.
All the vehicles entering have to be self sufficient
in food, water and spares.
In
preparing for this event I have embarked on yet another
round of modifications aimed at improving the vehicles
robustness, safety, reliability, performance and
storage. This applies to both the exterior and the
interior of the vehicle.
Robustness
My Defender will need to take the knocks without
sustaining any long term damage. With this in mind
I have been reinforcing the gearbox cross member, welding
6mm plate along the bottom of the chassis rails between
the radius arm mounts, improving the diff guards and
strengthening the suspension components.
Safety
I have fitted the FIA approved seats that
we used to use for off road racing in place of the Range
Rover seats. This has improved the sideways "hold" on
the occupants and allowed the fitting of the 3 inch wide
6 point harnesses and padded neck restraints from our
racing days. I've added diagonal braces between the
front and main hoops to provide better triangulation
between the two. This means that the roof escape
hatch will no longer be of use but that also saves me
cutting a hole in the new headlining ! In accordance
with the regulations for the event I've added two fire
extinguishers into the cab.
Reliability
I have stripped and rebuilt all the major
axle and steering components prior to shipping. All the
oils have been replaced with synthetics or semi-synthetics
thanks to Lucas Oils. The Megasquirt system
will run in parallel with the Land Rover systems, allowing
the other to be used if one fails. Both winches have
been rebuildt prior to shipping with a new motor on
the front winch (the old one is now carried as a spare).
Performance
I have fitted a new static GPS system for my
co-driver, Paul, to use. The Megasquirt system will allow
me to get the best performance during the sompetitive
stages and the best economy during the liaison stages.
Getting the best out of the stock 3.9 litre V8 engine.
I have a set of Simex Centipede tyres fitted, together
with SecondAir beadlocking system for all 4 road wheels
and the spare.
Storage
I had already fitted a large storage box in
the rear tub that was custom fabricated for me by Maddison
4x4 Time constraints have meant that we'll use the
existing ammo box system and a shed load of straps to
make sure everything is stowed away in a suitable place.
Pictures of the shipping day are available here....
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