Tuning Niva 2121 with your own hands (photo+video)

Tuning a Niva 2121 with your own hands, traditionally for the “classic” model range, is a relatively simple process. The result is the creation of exclusive modifications of the all-terrain vehicle, which in appearance, interior and technical characteristics are not inferior to foreign middle-class models. Do-it-yourself car tuning can be turned into a profitable business, and Niva 2121 will become a training ground and will allow you to gain the necessary knowledge and skills.

DIY tuning of Niva 2121 for off-road

Initially, the Niva 2121 was created as a universal all-terrain vehicle that feels comfortable off-road and in the city. Therefore, it is logical that off-road tuning of the Niva 2121 is especially popular.

This is due to its relative simplicity. To create, or rather, enhance the image of an SUV, you need to install on your car:

Larger diameter wheels with tires designed for extreme off-road use. It should be recalled that low-profile tires are not relevant in this case. It is also necessary to take into account that installing large-diameter disks requires impressive torque figures. Ignoring this rule will lead to premature wear of the power unit
Installing arch extensions on a Niva will solve several problems at once: get rid of splashes of dirt on the wings and doors, expand the possibilities in terms of choosing the diameter of the disks, and complement the tuning composition
Power kit. It consists of a powerful kenguryatnik. It is easy to make it yourself from pipes. A structure is installed on the rear door, onto which the spare tire is attached. It will also perform a protection function. A winch must be installed. It will help off-road and give the car an aggressive, masculine look.

This is all that is needed to create a car designed for participation in sports competitions or outdoor activities. This external tuning of the Niva 2121 combines aesthetic and practical functions. Therefore, the efforts and resources invested in it will quickly pay off.

You can do an easy tuning of the Niva 2121 - install new wheels and tires and apply stylish airbrushing with a 3D effect. To carry out the last operation, it is necessary to attract specialists.

Where dreams lead, or How to spend $30,000 on improvements to the Niva

180 horsepower sounds quite ordinary until you find out that we are talking about a Niva. Yes, we are aware that now it is called Lada 4x4, but out of habit, “Nivka” still breaks out. So, specifically in this seemingly unremarkable Niva, about 180 hp is hidden under the hood. And for this we had to gradually “bury” about 30,000 dollars!

Why "bury"? Because the car owner was dissatisfied with the result of the work carried out by one well-known Moscow tuning studio specializing in Nivas. Firstly, the improvements took a long time - the latest documents are dated at the beginning of 2018, and the machine went into operation oh-very long before that. And secondly, the combination of the money invested and the result achieved turned out to be not as ideal as originally dreamed. But, as they say, you can’t erase words from a song, so we’ll tell it as it is.

It all started by chance: our hero lives outside the city, but in a specific place - on the way home, an excellent highway gives way to a broken dirt road, and then also to rather steep hills, which are very difficult to deal with in winter and in the off-season. Since the modern crossover in the family, due to such roads, periodically required substantial “investments” in the suspension, when choosing a second car, the new Niva appeared among the options. Sorry, new Lada 4×4 Urban.

By the way, fate’s smile - that day we accidentally met the hero of the material in the dealer’s showroom, and he asked: how is the car? “Quite specific, but with its own merits,” I answered, confident that after the crossover, a modern person is unlikely to switch to an Urban. And I was wrong. And twice!

“I bought myself another one! The same!" - I heard the enthusiastic exclamation of the “nivovoda” when a year later we met again. “What about the first one?” — I’m cautiously interested. “I sent it to Moscow, they will tune it. I’ll make a normal interior, “music”, a trunk lid closer... And we’ll install a turbine - they promise 200 “horses”!” Even then it sounded too crazy to be true, but we agreed that “as soon as possible.” And they began to wait: the owner of the car - news from Moscow, I - this unusual test drive.

And here she is, beauty. But from the outside, only the beauty created back in 1977 attracts attention, because the owner fundamentally refused any external tuning, even subtle ones. But in the salon he “went wild” in full. Noise and vibration insulation of the engine shield and interior, heated seats, an electric tailgate, parking sensors, a new audio system, an armrest, a rear courtesy light and even a button to start and stop the engine - a total of 30 positions of varying degrees of complexity and cost. The final amount turned out to be almost equal to the cost of the new Lada 4×4 Urban - 545,961 Russian rubles. But if you already want to make some comment on this matter, take a deep breath: a separate line includes interior trim with German Monza leather (all panels and plastic parts in the cabin) for 550,000 Russian rubles.

Total: a new Urban for $8,500 and another 1,095,961 Russian rubles, for a total of $25,641. That's exactly how much was spent on improving ONLY the interior. Well, then it was time to tune the engine and chassis. And here there is no such price extreme anymore; all the improvements cost 378,200 Russian rubles. This amount includes: modification of the cylinder block and cylinder head, a new piston group, Bosch 360cc injectors, an enlarged Masuma MPU-103 fuel pump, a Garrett GT-17 turbine from Honeywell (Chinese analogues are not used), new fuel consumption measurement sensors , front intercooler, etc. If the car has an electronic gas pedal, then it is replaced with a mechanical accelerator drive, and for those who like to “burn out” there is an option in the form of an electronically controlled thermostat. The general list of alterations and improvements to the internal combustion engine alone includes almost 30 items.

Based on the results of the entire tuning process, the studio promises the following characteristics: at a boost pressure of 1 bar, the engine should produce about 180 hp. and 285 Nm (for comparison: the “stock” has 83 hp and 129 Nm). They promise to reduce the acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h by half, from the “Old Testament” 17 seconds to 9 or even less on fuel no lower than AI-95. And now, when we are already sitting behind the wheel of this super-Niva, I just want to ask: “So?..”

I’ll disappoint you right away: we didn’t measure the acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h. Cause? Every “nivovod” knows her. To ensure at least 2-3 absolutely identical measurements, you need to drive the Niva for at least a week. Inconvenient seating position, non-optimal location of controls, archaic gearbox and all-wheel drive system... It’s impossible to “cleanly” accelerate several times in a row, no matter how hard you try, so we just made sure that the acceleration really became “hurricane” (against the background of ordinary “Nivas” and “shniv”), and left the measurements for later.

But it feels like the modified car is in the top ten, although it brings little pleasure, since you have to use all the tricks, from starting with the handbrake and ending with shock gear changes. The car roars, twitches, clicks its crosspieces... It looks more like a murder than a “fan.”

Acceleration within one gear, ideally second or third, is another matter. After a very “short” first one, they allow you to fully taste the character of the modified engine and feel the very dynamics for which everything was started. The character has really changed: if in a regular Niva you rush between weakness at idle and “at least some” power at medium and high speeds, then here there is only one task - to get into the turbo zone. There are still few “bottoms”, but starting from two thousand it’s already very good! You really don’t expect such agility from an old (structurally) SUV: the acceleration greatly surprises the driver, passengers and neighbors downstream. If you switch to third correctly, you can surprise them once again - it is in these gears that the main gain in dynamics is obtained.

But “Niva” is “Niva”, no matter how you call it or modify it. A powerful engine puts a lot of strain on the transmission (the weak point is the gearbox, but due to its low cost this is not at all critical), you need to be careful with sudden starts and maneuvers. The perfect storm is the same acceleration within one gear, then a fairly smooth shift and acceleration again. And here, again, it is important not to “miss” the revolutions, because the engine pulls to the “cutoff”, but treasured seconds can be quickly lost while you reach for the gearshift lever located near the panel. That is, if you keep yourself and the Niva in good shape all the time, everything is ok, but if you are relaxed and want to drive both quickly and comfortably, nothing will work out: turbo lag will ruin the whole impression.

And the chassis here is not ready for flight - the Niva has remained the same, with its rolls, a rather wide dynamic corridor and the habit of strongly “nodding” when braking. Despite the fact that there are disc brakes at the rear, the deceleration cannot be called stable: the slightest movement of the steering wheel makes the heart beat faster. Well, when turning, of course, you have to hold on to the ceiling handles - the rolls are very strong.

But on the off-road, as usual, go wherever you want. Excellent “geometry”, decent suspension travel and high energy intensity: rally-style driving suits the Niva perfectly. But if you need to drive under tension... Alas, the whole point of the comedy is that the bottom end of the engine is no longer more than twice as powerful as the power. Yes, the engine has become more torquey compared to the stock one, but not enough to say: “Well, finally!”

What happened in the end? In this form it is a weekend toy. Admire the timeless design, listen to the characteristic click of the door handle, feel the vibrations of the gear lever... And then go out on the highway and slightly “punish” the presumptuous crossover, so that its driver looks at the Niva in surprise and wonders how it can stay close during acceleration. Toy as is. Moreover, if the owner limited himself to only modifying the engine and chassis, then the toy would also turn out to be relatively inexpensive. Although, as for me, it would have been easier not to mess around and “swap” the ageless all-terrain vehicle with a normal modern engine...

Pavel KOZLOVSKY ABW.BY Photo by the author

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Tuning the Niva 2121 engine

Traditionally, upgrading the power unit of a domestic SUV should begin with reworking the carburetor. A simple solution would be to install an advanced modification with an enlarged diffuser, also called a throttle. This spare part can also be replaced on a standard injector model. If you completely change this unit, it is recommended to install an electronic ignition system.

Tuning the Niva 2121 carburetor will be most effective together with replacing the camshaft. This gives an impressive increase in power. And here, to avoid overheating, it is necessary to install a radiator with a larger surface area.

Tuning the Niva 2121 engine also includes correcting the engine geometry. This is done by increasing the diameter of the valves. About 10% of the power comes from sealing them. It wouldn't hurt to do the same with the intake and exhaust manifold pushers. To increase the power of the power unit at high speeds, a turbine should be installed. At the same time, it is advisable to replace the intake and exhaust manifolds with advanced modifications.

Useful advice If the car will be used in extreme off-road conditions, it is necessary to install a snorkel. It will allow you to overcome water obstacles without consequences for the engine.

Chip tuning of the Niva 2121 is ineffective, since the car is equipped with an atmospheric engine. There is no need to waste money on purchasing equipment or time on re-flashing. This will only give small improvements to the driving characteristics of the SUV.

Fuel Games

The Niva is perhaps the only car among all VAZ products that has tried on almost all possible engine power systems. In addition to carburetors of two families - Ozone and Solex, there were also two different fuel injection systems. Cars with single injection were exported, and engines with distributed injection were intended for the domestic market starting from 2002. There was also a diesel.

A modification of the VAZ-21215 with a Peugeot XUD9 diesel engine was produced in small quantities, mainly for export, but also entered the domestic market in small quantities.

Tuning the suspension of Niva 2121

Since the Niva is an all-wheel drive SUV, when tuning it is necessary to pay attention to the suspension. The first step is the Niva lift - increasing the ground clearance. This will create an impressive reserve for overcoming various obstacles. The concept of tuning the Niva 2121 chassis, as well as a suspension lift, includes:

Installation of spacers between suspension elements. You can make them yourself or buy them in stores.
Installation of shock absorbers "Rancho"
Installation of springs VAZ 2104
Strengthening the front and rear axles using steel boxes

The Niva 2121 suspension lift is a simple process from a technological point of view that can significantly increase the vehicle's cross-country ability. It must be remembered that lifting is directly dependent on the size of the wheels; the larger their diameter, the more significant modifications will be required. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a balance so that tuning the Niva 2121 suspension with your own hands does not turn into a headache.

Tuning of the Niva 2121 transfer case is also necessary, although this process is largely a refinement. The main problem is the backlash of the front and rear axle shafts. It can be eliminated by installing new components:

Bearings (it is better to install a double-row variety)
Lids
Valov
Flanges

A good solution would be to strengthen the shaft support. To do this, instead of the original flange, install a modernized one, which has an additional bearing and oil seal.

The second common problem with transfer case is leaking seals. The solution here is extremely simple, you should correctly install high-quality oil seals and the childhood disease of the unit will be eliminated.

The third problem is the correct alignment of the transfer case in the horizontal and vertical plane. This is necessary to reduce vibration and, accordingly, wear of the moving parts of the unit. You can do the alignment manually, but it takes a lot of time, requires patience and the result does not always meet expectations. It is much easier to use a subframe - a special design that is attached to the bottom and greatly simplifies the alignment of the transfer case.

Suspension upgrade

When performing off-road tuning of Niva Chevrolet, a couple of methods for installing a lift suspension are noted. They can be mastered and implemented independently, having the necessary equipment and appropriate tools. In the first case, it is assumed that the ground clearance will be increased by 50 millimeters by installing special insert spacers. They can be purchased to order in specialized workshops or stores. The kit includes parts to increase the length of the rods and shock absorbers, as well as the inserts themselves for the front and rear springs. The asking price is about 5-6 thousand rubles per set.

Factory kits come with detailed instructions detailing the installation process. After such a “lifting”, it will be possible to use off-road wheels of 28-30 inches, which will allow for a decent margin in terms of conquering off-road conditions.

The second method of upgrading the suspension unit involves installing liners between the base of the frame and the body. The manufacturing material for such inserts is rubber or flexible metal. The design will make it possible to raise the vehicle up to 10 centimeters. Self-installation of these elements will take 2-3 days; in a professional workshop the work will take several hours. The cost of the kit is about 10 thousand rubles.

Tuning the interior of Niva 2121

Tuning the interior of the Niva 2121 is carried out according to the standard scheme. It is necessary to replace the interior trim and doors, as well as upgrade the seats. They can be replaced with new sports ones or improved upon the original ones. The second option is expensive and takes a lot of time, so a complete replacement of the seats would be a rational alternative.

To reupholster the interior, you can use your own materials or buy ready-made specialized kits. The interior of the SUV, made in light colors, looks great. It is recommended to do it yourself under the guidance of an experienced specialist. As a last resort, you should study some course or master class on this process.

Also an integral part of interior modernization is the installation of a new steering wheel. It is possible to improve the original one by reupholstering it with various materials and installing additional elements.

What can and should be done

Types of modernization work:

Make noise insulation of the interior;
Change seats;
Re-upholstery;
Install a “non-native” dashboard;
Remodel or replace appliances;
Cover with film (carbon, wood, aluminum);
Make neon interior lighting;
Install electric windows;
Replace the rear side windows with opening ones;
Install air conditioning;
Cover the floor with aluminum;
Carry out auto sound preparation;

To imagine the entire scope of work on internal tuning and visualize the result of such changes, we recommend looking at the corresponding photos and videos at the bottom of the page.

Tuning the instrument panel of Niva 2121

Traditionally, domestic designers developed the Niva not as a luxury, but as a means of transportation, and equipped it with an instrument panel that looks dull and sad. There are many tips on how to bring it to mind with your own hands. In this case, it will be transformed, but its functionality will remain at the same level. Therefore, the best tuning of the Niva 2121 panel is its complete replacement.

A good option would be to install a Flash electronic instrument cluster. This is a futuristic design, complemented by a number of functional features:

Arrows replaced with LED arcs
Oil and fuel level indications via scales and digital values
Built-in trip computer with excellent viewing angle
Availability of diagnostic service
Ability to update software versions by simply uploading a new assembly in place of the old one without dismantling the panel

Tuning the Niva 2121 torpedo is often due to the need to install a new modification. Standard minimalism is quite difficult to modernize. The only effective option is to cover the torpedo with various materials or cover it with carbon film.

Do-it-yourself tuning

With your own hands, you can install a camp trunk and a ladder on the rear wall on the Niva so that you can easily access its contents in off-road conditions.
Such measures are determined by the fact that the luggage compartment on this car is small, and for a hike there are many things that you simply need to take with you. A good trunk is made of durable steel tubes, may have holes for installing headlights, has reliable fastenings and the ability to carry up to one and a half centners of weight. Some companies even offer samples for cars with a sunroof. Modifying a Niva for extreme conditions with your own hands often includes installing thresholds (in jacks), which allow you to get support when getting out of a car that has gotten into the mud. A guard is installed on the front (behind the bumper elements or on the side members) to protect the radiator, crankcase and headlights of the car. A winch is also installed there in order to pull out a stuck car if necessary. And you can put additional lighting on the roof (on the arc). The rear bumper is often equipped with a gate for an additional spare wheel. All work is quite simple and can be done independently based on the instructions for a particular element.

But not every car enthusiast will be able to correctly calculate and install the electrical system when preparing the Niva for off-road use. In this case, you need to take into account that additional spotlights (or a powerful audio system) will require replacing the standard generator (for example, with a hundred-ampere), and you may need to update the wiring.

With their own hands, garage craftsmen organize such improvements for the Niva as branch guards. In off-road conditions, almost every driver experienced impacts from branches on the windshield, which cannot always adequately withstand the forces of nature. The simplest method of protection is considered to be tension on both sides of the cables from the expeditionary trunk and fastening to the bumper. But such a design can lead to the bumper being torn off when a heavy branch falls. Therefore, craftsmen insert a metal screw pin into the hole next to the headlights under the hoods, drill through the hood above it, fasten the pin to the screws and then attach a metal cable to the top trunk. This design is considered reliable, but creates some inconvenience when opening the hood.

For difficult-to-reach terrain, Niva tires should be different from those used in urban environments. However, owners often choose brands that are suitable for any season and quality of roads. These include inexpensive samples from the Volzhsky Tire Plant (VL-5), which have increased dirt resistance. The Kama Flame option from the Nizhnekamsk Tire Plant and I-511 tires with an aggressive tread pattern are considered good. The latter has proven itself in numerous tests as quite wear-resistant, all-season and all-terrain.

Tuning Niva 2121 doors

In addition to replacing the door trim, you can enhance the interior lighting, in particular the thresholds. To do this, it is necessary to install lamps. They will become a useful element and emphasize the high level of comfort of the tuning car. To make this improvement you will need:

Ceiling lamps
Edging for lampshades
Switches, sensors
Light bulbs. They can be of bright colors, which will make the car bright and respectable
Wires
Isolation

Installing additional lighting will not take much time, but it will become a useful and stylish element of the interior.

Urbanization of the village

The new bumpers did not significantly worsen the geometric cross-country ability of the Lada 4x4.

In 2014, production of the Lada 4x4 in the Urban configuration started. There are new plastic bumpers and a stylish radiator grille. The car is equipped with power accessories, air conditioning and heated seats. In addition, there are longer windshield wiper blades and dual-jet windshield washer nozzles.

The legendary Niva, having lost its real name, did not lose face, did not betray itself and remains one of the best light SUVs, both in our country and throughout the world.

Lada 4×4: the best thing that happened to it in 42 years

Tuning the trunk of Niva 2121

The Niva's extensive luggage compartment is an advantage only at first glance. The large volume provides absolutely no functionality, and the rib at the bottom of the trunk is a completely unnecessary element that interferes with loading. On later modifications it is missing. Also in the way is the folding shelf, which divides the trunk into two parts in the transverse plane.

It is best to remove these disturbing elements and install a box with pockets, drawers, compartments, which will allow you to organize the loaded items. It can be made from wood and metal. Corners or tubes should be used as a frame; it is subsequently sheathed with plywood or other material and trimmed with fabric. Before installing the box, it would not hurt to install noise and thermal insulation on the body.

You can also go the standard route and install a speaker system, LCD monitor or other fashionable gadget in the trunk. The latter option is impractical if the car is being tuned for difficult off-road conditions.

An expeditionary trunk for the Niva wouldn't hurt. It will allow you to take a lot of things and save internal space. It will also be a harmonious addition to off-road style. An alternative would be to install an arc with headlights. This will increase the driver's visibility. It is a useful element when driving in bad weather conditions.

Boring the cylinder block of an installed engine

Rarely, but still, cylinder boring is carried out. Today, not many people carry out such tuning, which is associated with a fairly large number of various disadvantages:

The complexity of the work determines not only its high cost, but also the likelihood of a defect, due to which the work period is reduced. Of course, modern equipment allows you to check the correctness of the geometry, but this indicates that it is impossible to do without the intervention of specialists.
Due to boring, the volume of the cylinder block increases, which means that much more fuel is burned over a certain period of time. In other words, the tuning in question causes an increase in fuel consumption.
When boring, other structural elements of the internal combustion engine are also replaced. This also causes a significant increase in the cost of work performed.
When metal is removed, the walls become thinner and the load increases. This leads to the fact that the engine lasts much less, and the heat transfer process worsens. Therefore, with such tuning, problems may arise with the operation of the motor under load.

With so many different problems that arise when boring an engine, power increases insignificantly. Many other tuning methods can also increase this figure without reducing the service life of the structure or increasing fuel consumption.

Tuning headlights of Niva 2121

Tuning the optics of the Niva 2121 sets the tone for the overall modernization concept. For example, installing headlights from Mercedes Gelandewagen will create the ambience of a powerful, aggressive SUV. Sports modifications of the headlights will add dynamics to the appearance and emphasize the streamlined shape. High power LED headlights can be installed to increase visibility. Another good option is to install lensed, crystal or bi-xenon headlights.

Helpful advice Standard models have virtually no potential for modernization, so it is better to replace them with new ones.

Tuning the rear lights of the Niva 2121 is carried out according to the same scheme as upgrading the optics. It is easier and more efficient to replace standard lights with new modifications.

Length is a variable quantity

Another parameter that has been tried many times to change when creating new modifications of the Niva is the length of the car. For those who found the regular Niva too compact, there were several options:

VAZ-212180 Fora - Niva extended by 300 mm.

VAZ-2129 (popularly known as Kedr) is a Niva extended by half a meter with a three-door body.

VAZ-2131 is a five-door version extended by 500 mm based on the VAZ-21213, which is still in production. The car has good cross-country ability, it can comfortably accommodate four adult passengers, and the trunk of the car is quite spacious.