The most significant disadvantage of the 2121 car is the engine power. Moreover, this drawback has come into the modern model since the time of the first cars produced in the USSR. The Niva is an SUV, but its horsepower remains stable at 82. This data is enough to successfully use the car for a long time. But it is worth noting that with an increase in horsepower, the functionality of the car becomes even more efficient.
Replacement problem
The fact is that to replace the engine on a VAZ-2121, you can choose almost a dozen different engines, but they are all from foreign cars. But the main problem is that you will have to do some additional work during installation, for example, install or change fasteners, add new parts. Because of this, it is not so easy to find a budget replacement option. The choice is significantly narrowed down to just a few options. For an engine to be suitable for installation, it must meet several conditions:
Which engine should you consider first?
Installation of the power unit
Having completed all the preparatory work, you can begin installing the motor. For a professional repairman, this process rarely takes more than one day. Personal participation will require more time and effort.
The greatest amount of work will have to be done with the modification of the cooling and exhaust systems. An old manifold from a VAZ of early production will not fit the “Prior” engine, as well as connecting pipes and some elements of the cooling system. It is difficult to purchase the parts in question ready-made, but they can be made to order or using gas welding.
The fitting of the products in question is carried out after the new power unit with the cylinder block is installed on the cushions. Experts recommend moving the neck for pouring oil into the engine, since it rests against the partition, which complicates the process of filling the mixture and installing the valve cover.
From Priora
One of the most popular tuning options for domestic classics and Nivas is the installation of a 16-valve engine from Priora. Thanks to the unification of many spare parts, installation problems are minimal. Even with a 1.5 liter engine there is a good increase in power, but it is worth considering the fact that the gearbox is not designed to work with such loads, and the axles will not be very happy either.
That very moment: test drive of LADA 4×4 with LADA Priora engine
I just want to exclaim: “Well, AVTOVAZ, why the hell couldn’t you do this yourself?!” But we won't shout. Because, firstly, we roughly know what the hell (about a billion different reasons), and secondly, we are not going to ask stupid questions. It’s much more interesting to ride and understand whether the mutant turned out to be suitable.
The flocked panel no longer looks so orphan-like, the leather steering wheel is a little more comfortable to grip, and it’s more comfortable to sit on the seats, which, in addition to the leather upholstery, have a reinforced frame. It’s just a pity that such a seat cannot fundamentally change the driving position of a Niva anyway. The “tuning” combination is also not bad (it’s certainly more interesting than the standard one), and the only thing that infuriates it is the blue background of the trip computer display. The fuel remaining indicator is incredibly simple - just a stupid arrow, no red zones or buzzer. Thanks to this, we returned from the test with one liter of fuel on board - we only noticed the shortage at the very end.
Needless to say, we got carried away by the trip! A steel roof rack would be useful on a long journey, but power bumpers (the front one has a built-in winch) and a “ski” for protecting units made of five-millimeter metal may well come in handy even on a short outing. After all, the car is a real provocateur: the rear self-block, suspension lift, toothy off-road tires and arches cut out for this purpose are enough for Niva to gain almost complete freedom on the roads.
Where on a stock car you will definitely “throw away”, on this one you can fly almost without looking back. The car swallows huge holes, does not nod and does not “goat”. Calmly passes mind-blowing “diagonals”. Cheerfully flies into brutal climbs. Exactly cheerfully - so that you clearly understand: a standard car would have “died” even in the middle of this ascent. And the reason for the cheerfulness is the VAZ-21126 engine, mated to a completely standard Nivov transmission.
And the VAZ is still there
This 1.6-liter 98-horsepower sixteen-valve engine is found on the LADA Priora, Kalina and Granta, and along with the eight-valve engine from front-wheel drive cars, AVTOVAZ engineers have long been trying on the LADA 4×4. However, things would still be there (read - the project would remain a project), if not for the world of tuning. In the case of the presented “patient” we are dealing with a completely serious approach to the matter. The guys who built the car have an engineering staff and a production workshop with modern equipment. The car was built to order in a single copy, but the solutions found on it are planned to be replicated and offered to customers, both in the form of a turnkey car, and in the form of a kit for self-installation.
The engine was placed longitudinally under the hood, and so that it would not rest against the engine shield, it had to be moved forward a little. As we can see, there is minimal space at the engine shield, but there is even plenty of space left for the radiator. It would be possible to move the box forward, but then it would rest against the steering rods. Therefore, the box remained in place, a spacer appeared between the crankshaft and the engine flywheel, and the box is connected to the engine through another spacer, consisting of three parts. Such solutions are not new, but subsequent reliability, as a rule, is greatly affected by the level of execution.
For perfect docking, the engine had to be slightly “placed” on the right side in the direction of travel of the car - the level of rotation around the longitudinal axis was one degree. The docking was designed with the aim of leaving a maximum of standard parts in the transmission - clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing - and minimizing the distance between the flywheel and the crankshaft. The flywheel was installed modified from Vesta; its gearing is like that of a “classic” one, but the connecting dimensions are like those of a “prioromotor” flywheel. The docking area is protected from dust and dirt by an original steel casing.
Technical characteristics of engines on Niva
Since the domestic car has been so advertised, let's take a look at the technical characteristics of the Niva 2121 internal combustion engine. They are all recorded in the table.
Parameter | Meaning |
Power | 87 horses |
Engine capacity in liters | 1,7 |
Ecoclass | Different models have different classes. For example, 21214-41 – Euro 3. 21214-30 – Euro 4. |
Torque | 129 Nm |
Number of cylinders | 4 |
Number of valves | 8 |
Max speed | 142 mph |
Cylinder diameter in mm | 82 |
Piston stroke in mm | 80 |
Nutrition | Distributed |
BC | Cast iron |
cylinder head | Aluminum alloy |
Lifetime of the power unit | 150,000 km |
Fuel for operation | AI 95 |
Cylinder operation | 1-3-4-2 |
Tact | 4 |
Attention! The closer the Niva engine is produced to the year in which it lives, the higher the environmental class.
The Niva's fuel consumption is as low as all small cars. Car owners often change their gasoline engine to a diesel engine for their Niva Chevrolet. Let's take a look at the advantages obtained by installing this engine and the negative aspects that the owner has to face.
Why power unit 21126
Engine 21126 from Lada Priora is rightfully considered one of the best products of the domestic automotive industry. The option of installing it on other cars is most preferable for a number of reasons:
- The unit itself is a high-tech product and has good performance in terms of power, torque and fuel consumption per 100 km.
The 16-valve power unit turned out to be so successful that they began to install it on newer cars, for example, on the VAZ 2114 and VAZ 2109. In this case, there are even fewer problems when replacing the engine - for obvious reasons.
Return to contents
What is the best engine to install in NIVU to replace the original one?
Every motorist dreams that the engine in his car would be more reliable and stronger. Owners of NIVA
They know firsthand that sometimes just a little bit of power is not enough to pass some obstacle.
In the standard NIVA,
the engine is rather weak and everyone knows this; in one of the posts I talked about how to inexpensively increase the power on a NIVA by 40%.
Someone like this tuning
It seems unreliable and tedious.
Therefore, Niva
go a different route and install engines from other cars.
So, 3 engines with better qualities than the original Niva engine.
1.
Probably the most
reliable and budget
option is to install a
Toyota
2-liter 3S
petrol .
Perfectly fits the NIVA
with minimal modifications.
are also installed from this engine .
reviews of such a converted
NIVA
; everyone who has this internal combustion engine installed, I think that this engine was created for
the NIVA
.
2.
This motor is very easy to install and
does not require
huge investments and effort for installation.
For this motor, the Russian market already has all the necessary spare parts for a “swap”
.
Yes, you understood correctly, this is a VAZ 16 valve engine
.
The advantages of the engine are more powerful and lower fuel consumption. Niva
owners with such
a “heart”
recommend changing
camshafts “for traction”
.
3.
Diesel engine from
PEUGEOT.
XUD 9 is a 1.9 liter engine that NIVO drivers really loved.
This unit is installed on NIVU at the factory
, but these models are exported (read here).
This engine is also installed on the car practically without modifications
.
Only in price it will be more expensive than the internal combustion engines
presented above.
We would like to know your opinions:
Is it worth changing the engine on Niva?
What alternative should I buy instead of NIVA?
Share your opinion in the comments.
Source
Side effects from replacing the motor
But installing a Priora engine in a field does not always mean only the above adjustments. Since there are not enough of them and difficulties begin during operation. It will be necessary to remove the coolant each time the timing belt is replaced. This happens, as a rule, due to the fact that there is no other way to get to him. Work related to changing the vehicle sump can lead to insufficient oil, which affects engine functions as speed increases. After carrying out this kind of modification in the vehicle, it is necessary to more carefully monitor the amount of oil. The clutch can also be a cause for concern for the car enthusiast. Due to its relatively rapid production, it is necessary to replace it in a shorter period of time. It is worth noting that on Chevrolet it functions without any problems and for much longer. Before installing a Priora engine in a field, the driver, as a rule, learns about these replacement shortcomings. But despite this, the vehicle’s power remains his priority. Therefore, any, even the most non-standard, adjustments to the machine are perceived as necessary changes to achieve the final goal.
Improved Niva
The injector installed on the Niva, although it reduces fuel consumption, is still not the most economical option in urban conditions with traffic jams and other delays. On the highway and during long trips outside the city, this is not felt so much, since the car works without stops and downtime. Due to the unprofitability of cars in urban environments, drivers are thinking about a good and effective replacement for the old injection-type engine in their car. The best option would be a diesel engine for the Niva. It has approximately the same power characteristics, but its fuel consumption is comparatively lower. Also, diesel is less capricious in terms of fuel quality. What options from this category of motors are worth detailed consideration?
The first and most worthy candidate is the XUD 9 SD from Peugeot. This engine was used to create a modified version of the Niva - model 212151 with a French engine. It can be installed on the Niva without any problems - the fastenings of the parts and the assembly are identical, the motor fits perfectly in size, and in addition, there are some advantages from its installation.
In fact, this is the only option that suits all parameters.
Swap
One of the popular types of tuning is SWAP.
In this case, the motor with poor performance is simply replaced with another, more suitable one. There are many options for such modification. First of all, you should decide what you need and what engine is standard. If you have a VAZ engine installed, you can try installing a Z18XE, in this case you will get an increase of almost 40 hp. and you won't have to redo anything at all. Well, if only the gearbox is changed. Also interesting: Engine tuning: Niva 4x4 - increasing power using common methods "
Also, quite often, drivers install the VAZ 21126, which is standardly intended for the Priora. As a result, you will get a longer resource, as well as slightly increased power. To install, you will need to modify the exhaust manifold; it is placed on a thick gasket of 2-3 cm, then the pants will not come into contact with the spar.
Few people know that it was planned to release a diesel version of the Chevrolet Niva. It was supposed to use an engine manufactured by Peugeot - XUD 9 SD. It is almost ideal for Shniva. To install it, no modifications are required at all, only flashing the ECU, after all, the engine is diesel.
For cars with Z18XE, the same recommendations are suitable as for the VAZ unit. The only caveat is turbocharging. The fact is that this engine was originally intended and used for Opel. For German cars there was an option with a turbine. So you can install it, increasing engine power and throttle response. No modifications other than additional tuning of the ECU will be required.
Advantages of the Priora engine
Based on all the characteristics and descriptions of the engine, we can say that it will be a reliable and efficient component of the vehicle, which will improve and increase its service life. It is worth noting that domestic manufacturers have been using the most modern techniques and developments for a long time, which allows them to create high-quality car components. That is why drivers have been making decisions to replace engines in their fields for a long time. Such a replacement increases the performance of the vehicle, and the costs relative to the purchase of a new car are not large.
How to increase engine power?
The most expensive way is to use the services of specialists to carry out complete tuning. But there are other, more democratic and affordable options. For example, installing a Priora engine in a field, or rather an engine with 98 horsepower, which has a volume of 1.6 liters and 16 valves. The most obvious disadvantages of such a replacement include bent valves if the timing belt breaks. But other vehicles are not immune from this, so we can classify this drawback as minor and not rely on it when carrying out work.
Which diesel engine is suitable for Chevrolet Niva
The dimensions of the engine compartment will not allow installing an engine with a volume of more than 1.5-2 liters . Therefore, diesel engines for the Chevrolet Niva are modifications of engines from passenger cars and small delivery trucks. Among the successful models there are both with and without turbocharging.
The most popular option for replacing a diesel engine is the installation of a Peugeot engine of the xud9 SD, xud11 SD models with a volume of 1.9 liters . A popular option is with a Toyota 3c series engine and a Noah gearbox. There are options for implanting propellers from Fiat, Toyota, Volkswagen and other foreign cars.
The main difficulty in installing an engine on a Niva is adapting the imported unit with a domestic gearbox and placing it in the engine compartment. The design features of the Chevrolet Niva (all-wheel drive, original transfer case) do not always allow the placement of the desired engine.
What should you prepare?
First of all, of course, the new engine itself. In the case when a used motor is purchased (as most often happens), there is no doubt about the need to disassemble and inspect it, so that you do not have to do this later and disassemble everything again. This approach provides one more advantage: if you decide to make the transitional fastening parts that are needed to install the 21126 engine in the body of a Niva or classic on your own, then in disassembled form it is easier to try on the cylinder block in place and find out the dimensions of the parts.
Modified options
Since it is not always possible to supply an engine of a certain foreign car, it is worth considering imported production options that require a little modification:
- The first candidate will again be the French engine from Peugeot XUD 11 series. Since the power of this unit is higher than that of the previous model, some changes will need to be made to the design of the Niva - replacing the gearbox. An acceptable option is a gearbox from Fiat Polonez. In addition, a good solution would be to replace the front supports of the power plant fasteners, pan and exhaust system. It is also worth replacing the drive elements with similar parts from the Chevrolet Niva.
VAZ 341
Few people know, but VAZ had a limited production of diesel engines. They were installed on diesel “fours”. The engine turned out to be quite high-torque and economical, and given the original 2103 block, there will definitely be no problems with installation.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the very short resource of this motor, and it is not possible to find it now. But fans can try.
Malfunctions
FAULTS | CAUSES AND REPAIRS |
The appearance of a characteristic knock at the bottom of the engine. | This indicates problems with the main bearings. |
The car must be towed by a tow truck to a service center and the appropriate repairs must be carried out.
Repair in this case is carried out only after a comprehensive diagnosis.
It is necessary to carry out appropriate diagnostics and then replace the camshaft.
Preparatory work
You need to start by completely disassembling the flywheel, since it is important to adjust the elements related to the starter, or more precisely to its gear. The flywheel is updated due to the fact that the crown is replaced. Do not forget that when it comes to changes of this kind in a car, they are all carried out directly with regard to the engine itself. In this regard, there is a lack of checkpoint adjustments. To properly connect it to the future engine, an additional component is required, which is an adapter plate. It is available for purchase, but many specialists make it themselves. In some cases, another connection method is used. This way the motor block can be directly fixed to the gearbox. Quite often, drivers use just this method, since, from the point of view of practical application, it is considered stronger and, accordingly, more reliable.
Installation features
As a rule, for a professional, such work can take a day, maximum two, if all the necessary components are available. Often, drivers choose a motor for installation that has been in use for some time. In this case, it is necessary to approach its purchase extremely responsibly. Such an engine is rebuilt and all its components are checked, since in the future this will affect the functions immediately after its installation in the car.
Niva 3S automatic transmission, automatic (part 1)
Niva
21213. Installed ICE-3SFE (2l), automatic transmission (automatic transmission), steering rack, power steering, etc.
As was said, many engines from other cars can be installed on the VAZ-2121, but the most preferable are
: XUD9TE, D8A. 1.9 l, 90 hp, fits perfectly into the Niva, has 190 Nm at 2200 rpm, spins up to 4400 rpm, weighs a little more than 120 kilograms, will need heating of diesel fuel for the winter.
The second contender is an import diesel turbocharged FIAT-CMD with a volume of 1.93 liters. and 90 hp, the cost of a new engine ranges from 280,000 to 297,000 rubles, but this is not profitable and it is better to buy a used one.
Read
Another option can be used with BMW 1.6-1.8 liters; diesel is even much better.
Possible from a Mercedes 1.8 liter
. Many people have 2121 on their vase
engine
from Fiat Ducato 2.3 liters, however, this option is not the most budget-friendly and not the most powerful; the previous options are better suited for the Niva.
To finally tune the Niva, you can install a turbine, turbocharged Nivas, an incredible picture. However, the installed turbine can have a bad effect on the transfer case and it simply won’t hold up.
KEY-DOP
Installing a turbine on a Niva costs 35,000-50,000 rubles. It should also be remembered that the standard engine
Niva copes with the turbine, but its power is not enough; you can try to play it, but most often without success.
Basically, the work of the turbine is that, due to the exhaust gases, more friction is acquired, it brings a sensitive gain in horsepower and torque
.
Regarding driver safety
sitting in a VAZ 2121 car with replaced engines, we can say that there is a threat to him. In general, the Niva is a reliable car created according to Soviet GOST. However, by replacing the engine with a more powerful one, as stated, more than 120 hp, the car may simply fall apart on the road.
In general, VAZ- 2121
not a bad car, capable of conquering various roads and obstacles. As time shows, the modern automotive industry has not changed much. Replacing the engine with a Niva from a foreign car, and it will not be inferior even to modern SUVs! After all, it’s funny to see when an old, Soviet, shabby car overtakes a modern foreign car.
AutoNews / Reviews / Tests
What kind of diesel engine can be installed on Niva
Diesel for Niva: solving problems of self-installation
Features of installing unit 21126 on other models
Recently, models 2114 with a Priora 16V engine have become not uncommon. Car enthusiasts who are striving to improve their “iron horse” appreciated all the advantages of this power unit and began installing it on their VAZ 2114. Such a rearrangement can actually be carried out without any major changes, since the model is more compatible with the Priora than the classic. The mounting flanges of the block and gearbox are quite compatible, and the equipment connections are identical. Nuances arise when assembling the clutch; there is some incompatibility. It is recommended to replace the flywheel together with the crown and install a clutch from a VAZ 2108.
On the VAZ 2114 there are two types of starters: BATE and a gear-type unit KATEK. With the latter, the problem is easily solved - you will need to replace the coupling and head. You will have to say goodbye to a BATE type unit and buy a new one; there is nothing you can do about it.
The fuel line will also need to be replaced, the ideal option is to purchase one ready for the VAZ 2112, its ramp is compatible with the Priorov 16V engine. All further operations must be performed the same as in the case of the classic: it will be necessary to modify the exhaust gas and engine cooling systems.
The first modification is quite simple: the exhaust “Spider 4-2-1” is available for sale, but in the cooling system it will be necessary to manufacture and install pipes to the radiator. The fan also needs to be changed, since its blades will touch the receiver. There is a comprehensive solution to the problem: take a radiator with a set of pipes from a VAZ 2112.
In 2015, a new version of the Lada 4×4 SUV will appear on the market, reports the Russian Automobile portal.” The new product will receive a 1.6 four-cylinder engine from the Priora family, derated from 98 to 90 horsepower, and a modernized steering system. Now the 4x4 model is equipped with an 81-horsepower 1.7 unit.
The new engine in the VAZ SUV will be located longitudinally and will be able to work together with the currently used gearbox – a five-speed manual. In addition, the unit will be adapted to run on gasoline with an octane rating of 92. In this case, a flat “shelf” of torque will be achieved already at around 1400 rpm.
The modernized Lada will have a new subframe and steering rack, which will be borrowed from either Renault Logan or 4x4 produced in Egypt. The oil pan and universal joints in the transmission will also be replaced. The latter will give way to CV joints.
Today there are a couple of prototypes of the new 4x4 version. Both of them are at the disposal of the scientific and technical department. However, Russian Automobile reports that the shareholders and partners of the domestic automaker - the Renault-Nissan alliance and the General Motors concern - may block the implementation of the project for the sake of Renault Duster and Chevrolet Niva. The publication also notes that the new president of AvtoVAZ, Swede Bo Andresson, may block the release of the model to please shareholders.
AvtoVAZ previously announced changes planned for the Lada 4×4. In 2013, the company changed the process of painting the body of an SUV; in 2014, the interior of the model will be finalized, and in 2015, modifications to the front suspension, braking system and transmission are planned.
What parts are needed for assembly?
The engine was disassembled, washed, new parts were ordered and are ready to be put back together. When assembling the engine block, the following parts were installed:
- Crankshaft oil seals sizes 70x90x10 and 40x56x7
- Main repair inserts 0.25 article 2101-1000102-11
- Connecting rod bearings standard article 2101-1000104-01
- Goetze rings article number 08-269906-00
- Gasket set for engine 21213 is also suitable for engine 2101-07
- Luzar pump article number 2101-1307011
- Tensioner and idler rollers for the generator belt from Ina, article number 531 0760 10
- The clutch kit was also replaced. Installed by Sachs, article number 3000 951 003
From a foreign car
Do you want to install the engine in the Niva without modifications? Then try another diesel from Pegout XUD9SD with a volume of 1.9. The motor is very reliable and high-torque, and what’s most interesting is that it fits perfectly into the Niva using almost all fastenings.
After this modification, the Niva will become very dynamic, and it will definitely not let you down off-road. There will be no problems with spare parts.
In conclusion, I would like to say that absolutely any engine can be installed in any car. The most important thing is desire, without it you can’t go anywhere. And love your car.
Photos taken from the Internet!
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Geometry improvement work
Features of replacing the timing chain in a Chevrolet Niva with your own hands
Due to the low engine efficiency and low wear resistance, mechanical tuning of the Niva 4x4 engine is almost mandatory. Such work is called work to change the geometry of the power plant. You should start modifying the power plant by upgrading the carburetor. We do the following:
- We change jets with an indicator of 1 kam to a jet with an indicator of 2 kam;
- Renewing the accelerator pump nozzle.
If you are the owner of an injection Niva, then independently modifying the injector is unacceptable. Only a professional with knowledge of software can perform such tuning of the Niva engine.