1998 DEFENDER 110 Td5

SAMUEL HILLARY (AON 4X4), CIVIL ENGINEER, BOURNE, LINCOLNSHIRE

How did you find this project?

I am a member of AON4X4 and we had just raced our first season in the Ultra4 Stock Class and rolled over a few times so needed a new car for the new season. We found this little gem on Facebook.

Story so far?

We have stripped it down to the chassis and then we repaired and replaced anything and everything that we were not happy with. It had a lot of rusted bolts that needed cutting away.

We then swapped over to Discovery 2 axles. I had a word with King Shocks in the USA to get them on board as suspension is so key in off-road racing. Next up were the power issues, we sat down with Alive Tuning and discussed the turbo. We opted for their GTB450 package as it offers all that extra power, we also got some other bits from them so as to maximise what we could get from our Td5.

We have been busy with this project for about seven months now and it is ticking along nicely.

What about the engine?

We currently have three Td5 engines to pick from and plan on getting one of them rebuilt and race-ready for when the car is back from fabrication at Midland Motorsport Fabrication.

What are the plans once done?

We are going to race the three UK events in the Ultra4 British Championship as a start. Then we have also had discussions about the European races and we will revisit those at a later date. We first need to get through the UK events and hopefully we will achieve some good results.

List all you have done so far

Axles and spring cups were swapped to D2, and we repaired the rust, brake lines and engine mounts. We then installed and painted the body, swapped to Ashcroft 300m shafts, fitted 13-inch travel remote reservoir King shocks, hydraulic bump-stops and lots more.

Next jobs?

Our project is currently away at MMF having the roll-cage installed but while that is being done, we are rebuilding the engine and servicing the gearbox and transfer box.

Hardest part of the project?

Stripping it down was an absolute nightmare, every bolt was rusted. I’ve never used so many grinding discs before.

When will it be finished?

Hopefully by the middle of April so that we can get out for some all-important testing. In the type of events we will be doing getting the shock setup right is key, so that will take some time, too.

Who is helping with the project?

I’m lucky to have such a committed team behind me. Scott is my co-driver and a seasoned winch challenger. Just having someone with his experience in the co-seat makes everyday a school day. Angry Dee (as he is commonly known) is my trusty spanner; he is up at the workshop two to three times a week busy with the truck. He’s always coming up with fresh ideas that help give the team the edge once the season kicks off.

Any other projects?

I have a Series III in the shed but that won’t be touched for a few years.

How can people follow you?

We are on Instagram (see AON_4X4) where we post about racing as an amateur team and the struggles associated with that. There are loads of videos of us having fun so do check it out.

Anything to add?

I think the Ultra4 is an amazing event and I would urge LRM readers to come and take a look, it’s a great day or weekend out for the family. Just Facebook Ultra4 Europe and check it out.