Thread: OZ Safari '07

Originally Posted by justinc

HA! Thats more like it!
Thanks Rick130, I have some ideas too, and will be talking to our local rally prep boys in the new year... I have had trouble locating Eibach stuff, any pointers?

Keep em coming.

JC

Eibach in Sydney area (02) 9999 3655

Originally Posted by dobbo

Is it popular for comp Landrovers and Range Rovers to run ****an axles and difs or is this just propaganda...

Of my 3 Rovers, only the disco has Rover diffs, and only the rangie has cruiser/patrol diffs.

But the disco has Maxi-drive axles, 110 county cv's, truetracs and Ashcroft CW&P in the Rover housings - so not a lot of the Rover stuff left.

Originally Posted by dobbo

...If it is true why not Maxi's or similar upgraded axles, why the ****an's?

Maxi or Macnamara axles and lockers only overcome some of the weaknesses in the Rover drivetrain.

Theres a few blokes out here in Dubai who also want to do it this year, some on bike and others in cars, they are looking into the logistics of shipping etc. One of them had a very competitive 110 out here that did very well in the local rallies and Desert challenge, but flogged it to buy something faster, and is looking in OZ, Europe and South Africa for something very competitive to buy, before the start of the race.

Well, this is a problem, how far do you go? I could go all out, spend 18months building/ designing a race/ rally prep RR based special, big $$ and lots of time, or run a lightweight moderately powerful reliable RR classic, with good $ spent on suspension and brakes etc, and get it ready on time and for less $$$.

Its hard, I'd like to do both but just don't think I can justify the 'special'.

So for me, I think I'll be sticking with the RR base and lightening it, running good shocks etc, (No idea what yet, research begins soon) an auto, probably a 727, rover diffs with maxi guts. (No lockers though), and a fair bit of body strengthening.

COLS110; The competition in the UAE etc sounds good , I'd love to see some of the vehicles and $$ being spent- Any chance of some info and would any of them be thinking of selling overseas???

JC

oz safari 2007 , I'll sign up now? what's the web address , my choice of vehicle Disco tdi ,tyres BFG 245/75R/16 ,it was my obvious choice of tyres ,worked well going to cape york , my choice of suspension , OME springs , shocks and polyair springs. choice of Fuel is Diesel , only because of Economy and $$$ savings
but with the choice of Fuel I think I may lack in power where power is most crucial. with Rear Axle Laminated I had no issues with Axle housing getting delaminated etc. Maxi Drive worked like a charm at some areas , Mechanical Fuel Pump to keep the Aiding Electronics away,
I think my tdi disco will do the job adequately,Stock vehicle , Reashelf has a Steel Tubing with MDF sheets and Draws Built from MDF to keep the weight down , but the rear Swing away bar is added extra weight, had to put it in the keep Tyre of the back door, Corrugation wrecked the back door,
so I'm well Equipped but no where to go !

Originally Posted by justinc

Having a moment today. Actually found myself thinking about entering the OZ Safari again. LAst one was 14 years ago, and I am now a LOT older, but just as keen.

Opened the website, downloaded the expressions of interest form, etc etc.

Anyhow,,

Any one here care to start the discussion on your proposed vehicle if you were to do it?

We're talking about a 4500km event, over 4 to 5 days, in some pretty harsh environment. Lightweight reliable and powerful vehicles are the go, simplicity in design/ build and tyre choices are paramount. Suspension will get an absolute caning, and then more caning until it melts shock gaitors and collapses coil springs. Bump stops get pounded until cracks appear in the diff housings, or the body starts to break off the chassis. Fantastic stuff, can't wait. The preferred obvious choice is LR products, and less major mods the better I feel for reliability sake.
Come on, get typing. I might use some of your suggestions when building the thing...

JC

Originally Posted by rick130

Hmmm, Freelander based ?? Smaller, lighter.......

You know rick I think you may be onto something here. A Freelander is a lot lighter than an old Rangie. If the drive train could handle it, the engine bay is big enough to drop in a V8. That would achieve a very nice power/weight ratio

Im with Disco Owner
Enter the stock class,assuming there is one.With the limited mods allowed Im sure you would be able to prep an old Disco or Rangie strong enough to compete.Ie laminate diffs/maxis,upgraded suspension/suspension mounts and a few other tweaks that should be ok in a "standard class"
Ive seen a few of the "standard class" off-roaders over here,fairly tough looking bits of gear.
Andrew

Originally Posted by Disco_owner

oz safari 2007 , I'll sign up now? what's the web address

The website is http://www.australiansafari.com.au/default.aspx's=home

Maybe the link should be added to the first post for interested parties.