Thread: Offroad Racing a Defender - Ideas please!

Originally Posted by justinc

Class 8, small block Chev engine, LT95 4 spd, 110 hardtop with ute cab, detroit rear and open front (Upgraded centre though) and GOOD axles/cv's.

Biggest rule, KEEP IT LIGHT!!!!!!!!!

Suspension doesen't have to be ridiculously complicated etc, twin shocks at all corners, don't run much of a lift just need heaps of dampening especially rebound control. Hydraulic bumpstops will help any untoward damage.

Don't get caught up with mega buck injection etc etc, a decent carb fed 350HO crate engine will give you reliable and simple 350HP (290KW) and not destroy the drivetrain and the wallet.

LT95 is plentiful for spares, but start with a taper roller TC version and you won't be fitting intermediate shaft thrusts every meeting. There is also quite a few high ratios available and easily changed over.

Autos are a good idea, but keeping the TH400 cool would be a mission, the TF727 would be a better prospect because they are already available connected to a LT230 t/f case, and all that would be required is an adapter kit chev to RRC, and some creative crank/spigot adaption as the TF727 in the RRC already utilises an adaptor plate..

Anyway, have a great time with it, this is a vehicle I have thought about for many years but will never get to build.

Ring me if you would like any more advice, I'll PM my number.

JC

This is my road registered version of that concept....

Originally Posted by JBM770

Britparts use a 90, the link to Youtube has been posted before. I think its called "Britpart V8 at full bore".

A shorter wheelbase will give you better change of direction when cornering, all of the WRC cars are short arse hatches for this reason.

Only if the courses have long straight sections will the longer wheelbase be an advantage.

You should think of it the other way,,
"top speed safety is compromised by shortening the wheelbase."
You wont die mis-dodging trees at 60 kays,,
You may die not hitting anything but a bump at 200kph,,

and I've raced off road in long and short w/b cars,,

and i know which I'd rather be in,,