Siani and her Suzuki

By Chris Morton Photos by LensNation

As a nation we love to explore and we are extremely fortunate to have such amazing landscapes and opportunities in our own backyard. My 4WD My Story is a series that seeks out everyday 4WDs and their owners to discover what makes their fourby the 'ultimate adventure vehicle' and the places they have been. We are running this series in both Western and Australian 4W Driver magazines, with videos featuring on the Australian 4WD Driver YouTube channel.

Check out Siani and her Suzuki on Australian 4W Driver's My 4WD, My Story series on YouTube. Subscribe today!

From the custom rear bar through to the upgraded engine and right down to the handmade mud flaps, Siani has a love affair with her little Suzuki.

The Suzuki Sierra has been on our roads for nearly 50 years. First produced in 1970, the Sierra offers a very light-weight, capable and affordable 4WD. With their relatively low cost and excellent off-road performance, the Sierra quickly became the vehicle of choice for many off road enthusiasts wanting to put their own stamp on a vehicle. Siani’s 'HellYeah' (a reference to the number plates) quickly grabbed our attention when we put the initial call out for vehicles to feature in My 4WD My Story. Siani purchased her 2010 Suzuki Sierra Jimny in 2013 and soon after started her love affair with the car, spoiling it with upgrade after upgrade to suit her style of off-road adventures. The list is long: • 1.8L Suzuki Liana Engine conversion • Heavy Duty Exceedy Clutch • 25% Reduction gears in Transfer Case • Custom built Aluminium Radiator (Browns Radiators) • Electric 14” Thermofan with in cab remote kill switch • RTC Tough Dog Steering Dampner • Lightforce spotlights, front Lightforce rock spotter lights, rear worklights • GME CB Radio and Antenna • 3” Custom load rated Dobinsons coils/shocks • ORA Radius arms • Extended brake lines • 31” Mickey Thompson P3 ATZ Tyres (31x10xR15) on Sunraysia rims • ARB Bullbar • Safari Snorkel • Rhino Roof Rack • On Track Fabrication custom made scrub/slider bars • On Track Fabrication custom made rear bar with tyre swing and dual jerry holder • Bushwhacker flares modified to fit • Bonnet scoop from GU Nissan Patrol • ARB Front and Rear Airlockers • Air compressor under bonnet • Redarc dual battery system • Smittybilt 10,000lb Winch • Custom Installations interior rear toolbox/flat flooring with tie downs (can be lifted and refixed to utilise rear seats underneath), • Aftermarket centre console • Antenna and cradle for mobile phone signal extension.

When we quizzed her as to why she chose the Suzuki in the first place she responded with, “I find its maneuverability its biggest asset. It has great approach and departure angles making almost any climb effortless, and its lightweight construction means it floats over any obstacle.” Long time readers of Western 4W Driver will be more than familiar with other reviews we have done on the Sierra and already aware of its ability to go where other 4WDs fear to tread. Siani goes on to reveal the darker side of her Sierra, “The unfortunate drawback for all short wheelbase vehicles is its unending suffering at the hands of corrugations. This particular road type has caused way more expensive repairs than I would like to admit, and despite its abilities in most situations, this is the one time I would happily jump in any vehicle that isn’t going to require moderate dental surgery shortly afterwards.” You can’t help but notice the impressive custom rear bar with a dual jerry can holder. Siani says that this was instrumental in providing more range for the vehicle. “Suzuki’s are not commonly known for their touring abilities. With a 40L fuel tank and small size, it’s not the primary choice for many. I chose certain modifications to make my space work better and smarter. The rear bar takes the weight off my back door from the larger tyre and also doubles my fuel capacity with dual jerries, allowing me to carry another 40L of fuel or water.” Siani has also spent considerable time ensuring that the interior of the vehicle is as functional as the rest of it. “The rear interior setup was an unusual idea but allows me the benefit of a fixed rear toolbox, and a flat top with moveable tie downs for fridge/storage crates. This can then be transformed by undoing some straps and lifting out the flat top to reveal the original rear seats. Should the need arise, the car can be quickly restored to its original four seat configuration.” We pressed her as to what was next on the modification list. She confessed that a diesel conversion, with the added benefits of better fuel economy, increased torque and improved reliability was number one on her wish list. A little more dramatic however was her desire to see the little Suzuki chopped into a ute. She did confess however that this would open up a whole new can of worms in terms of build challenges and considerations. HellYeah, a tribute to her favourite heavy metal band (which is itself made up of members from other active heavy metal bands), has travelled extensively around the south west. Siani says that we are spoilt here in Perth as you do not need to venture far to find fantastic locations to explore. Of all the places she has been down south her favourite spot is the Harvey Dam. “No matter what stresses there are in daily life, it is only a short trip south and yet feels so removed, with beautiful scenery, pristine waters and some varied tracks. It’s also a short drive or pit stop to so many other tracks and locations if a day off really needs to turn into a weekend or week away!” We loved meeting Siani and were impressed with her bubbly and happy personality. She has become a friend of the magazine and recently helped us at the Perth 4WD and Adventure Show with some on screen antics. Check out My 4WD My Story at:

www.youtube.com/Australian4WDriver

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