Most male motorists dream of cars with high cross-country ability. There are a lot of offers on the foreign automobile industry market, but, unfortunately, the cost of their products is so high that not everyone, not every second person, or even every third person can afford to purchase it. But there’s no harm in dreaming, and that’s probably why, with the help of the domestic auto industry, these dreams are destined to come true.
Russians, albeit not with great pleasure, are purchasing a Chevrolet Niva. But to say that this car can go off-road immediately after purchase would be premature. The car requires special modification, which is commonly called tuning.
Wheelbase improvement
The first important stage of off-road tuning of the Niva-Chevrolet will be the selection of the optimal wheel configuration. There is an opinion that the larger the diameter of these elements, the higher the cross-country ability. There is some truth in this judgment, but not everything is so simple. Installing larger wheels in standard arches will result in friction between the mating parts. Therefore, installing large modifications will require work on the arches.
They can be cut out or wheels selected that will fit into standard protection sizes. This category includes:
- 215/75/R15 from Forward Safari or Goodrich;
- 205/70/R16 from Cordiant;
- 205/80 R16 from Kumho.
After installing the specified tire sets or their analogues, the difference between standard tires will be noticeable.
When installing something more substantial, trimming the arch protection will be required. In some cases, they get out of the situation by bending these elements outward. The second option looks aesthetically more beautiful. In addition, at this stage it is necessary to carry out lifting correctly (increasing the ground clearance to the required level).
Wheels
The tires installed on it have a great influence on the vehicle's cross-country ability. And here everything is important: the hardness of the tire, the shape of the pattern, and the diameter of the wheel. A very important point for off-road driving is the “washing out” of the tread; this occurs when dirt sticks to the tire in the spaces between the treads. Special mud tires do not have this effect, so they have better cross-country ability. But off-road wheels do not behave well on public roads, and some wheels are completely prohibited for use on asphalt.
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.
Preparing the car for extreme off-road conditions
For unusual off-road conditions, owners stock up on a certain list of equipment.
Winch
The range of professional winches for this model is not so widely presented. There are several on the market that have proven themselves.
Operating principle and cost
The cost of a high-quality winch can reach 60,000 rubles. The winch is mounted on the front of the car and is a reel with a high-strength cable driven by an electric motor.
The principle of operation is to pull out a car stuck in mud, a puddle or a swamp. The cable from the reel is connected to a tree or other hard surface, and the electric motor pulls the car until it cannot get out on its own.
But how you can do chip tuning of a Chevrolet Niva engine is described in great detail in this article.
High-quality winches are capable of pulling loads weighing up to several tons (with the Niva Chevrolet weighing 1.7 tons). Products must be made of high-quality materials, the cable must be made of high-strength steel and the engine must have a safety margin. When choosing a winch, you should not save money, since the ability of the car to move depends on the operation of this equipment.
The most common breakdown is a cable break or jamming and engine failure. When using a quality product, such problems are less likely to occur.
Chevrolet Niva power body kit
Off-road tuning of the Niva-Chevrolet also involves equipping it with a power body kit. This is one of the important and frequently used methods applicable to domestic and foreign cars. Preparation for the main work in this direction will take a little time; all manipulations can be carried out independently without any problems. The main thing is to remember some rules and have the right tool at hand.
First, the standard bumper is replaced with a reinforced version, if possible, with a built-in winch structure. The rear of the car is also reinforced with a powerful bumper. These elements will protect the body from possible collisions with natural obstacles (stumps, branches, flying stones, etc.). Additionally, reinforced sills are installed on the sides, which perform the same function as the updated bumpers.
Lighting
For driving on public roads, the standard Niva light is barely enough; in the absence of roads, the requirements for light become even higher, and standard headlights become insufficient.
- Installing an LED strip on the top or front of the machine will help. LEDs provide a bright beam of light, allowing you to navigate on rough terrain.
- Installing a headlight finder will give the driver the opportunity to direct the light stream to the place he needs without leaving the car.
Also an important addition to cross-country ability will be the installation of additional equipment in the form of an electric winch, this will significantly expand the range of obstacles to overcome. To go off-road, you need to equip the car with several cables of different lengths.
Most of the changes described above can be done with your own hands and without a significant investment. And remember: the better the vehicle’s cross-country ability, the further you have to go behind the tractor.
Peculiarities
In addition, perform the following actions:
- The exhaust pipe is placed on the roof, which avoids exhaust gases from entering the cabin if the car gets stuck on a water obstacle. This placement of the outlet element complements the external modernization, making it more impressive.
- Installation of branch cutters (trophy cutters). These elements prevent sudden impacts of branches on the windshield and help navigate through wooded areas. The structure consists of steel cables stretched from the corners of the hood to the roof. They are purchased at specialized retail outlets or made with your own hands.
- They install lattice protection for the light elements, protecting the optics from mechanical stress.
Salon
- Off-road tuning of the Chevy Niva interior involves installing a safety cage to protect the driver and his passengers, since when driving in off-road conditions there is a high probability of the car tipping over. The frame can be installed both inside and outside; it gives the body additional rigidity and protects all people in the car from injury.
- When operating a car in off-road conditions, after forcing a ford, there is a need to quickly get rid of water in the cabin. To do this, you need to make holes in the floor and equip them with rubber plugs. To quickly get rid of water, all you have to do is take out the plugs and wait until it is all drained.
Working with the engine
This is one of the most subtle stages of tuning a Niva-Chevrolet for off-road use. You will need to delve deeply into the design of the motor, so without the necessary knowledge, it is better to skip this process or entrust it to a specialist.
Modernization is carried out as follows:
- New piston rings and crankshaft are installed. This will make it possible to increase the volume of the “engine” by about 100 milliliters, which will have a positive effect on the technical characteristics of the machine, provided that all work is carried out competently and accurately.
- A new control unit is being introduced, helping to expand the capabilities of subsequent chip tuning.
- They replace the standard injectors with a higher quality and more economical option, which has a positive effect on dynamics and power.
- Increase the diameter of the intake and exhaust valve wells.
To improve the dynamics and operation of the exhaust system, standard catalysts are replaced with flame arresters.
Headlights
"Chevrolet Niva": low beam lamp.
Chevrolet Niva: types of lamps used on a car 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 ambiance 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
The standard models have virtually no potential for modernization, so it is better to replace them with new ones.
The front optics on the Niva can be replaced with standard light produced by Wesem. The parts are not inferior in quality to Hella brand products, but are much cheaper. Wesem products look similar to factory ones, the difference is in the shape of the glass - it is flatter
This company is chosen by car enthusiasts who care about the quality of light. When using Polish-made models, the cut-off boundaries when the low beam is on are quite clear
An alternative from Wesem provides bright light sources that are protected from water. They can be used when moving through streams, rivers, ponds, and swamps.
High-quality PTFs should illuminate the space in front of the car and on the sides, and the distribution sector is about 60°. Vertical dispersion should not be greater than 5°. The shape of the fog light sources does not matter. To install the optics, use a special bracket for mounting additional Niva headlights. It is placed on the front bumper.
H1 halogen lamps are often installed in fog lights on Niva, but H2, H3 and H7 are also acceptable. It is prohibited to install gas-discharge products in such devices, since they blind drivers of both oncoming and passing cars. In halogen optics, the light source is a static filament, so the light beam is focused.
Trouble-free installation of rear optics is only possible when choosing the factory option. Any similar solutions most often turn out to be larger or smaller in size. When purchasing Niva taillights, you should focus on the products of the following manufacturers:
- OSVAR, DAAZ. , and the consumables they sell are characterized by optimal brightness.
- ProSport - crystal headlights that provide bright illumination of the road surface due to the glass configuration.
You can change the rear lights in the following order:
- Remove the wiring harness.
- Unscrew several "8" nuts from the inside.
- Repeat the procedure outside.
- Pull the released optics towards you.
- Remove the bulbs from the headlight housing by pressing them and turning them counterclockwise.
- Replace the headlights with new ones and install in the reverse order.
Chip tuning
Another secret of tuning the Niva-Chevrolet is reprogramming the ECU. To improve the standard factory firmware, you can use two methods: with or without dismantling the unit. In the first option, you will need an additional power source with a suitable connector for connection, as well as a matching information input unit.
In diagnostic mode, by connecting a laptop to the ECU, you can identify problem components and get rid of problems with the catalyst and oxygen indicators. Reflashing the system is carried out only on working equipment. The new program itself will indicate “sore spots” in red. Among the advantages of chip tuning:
- reduction of fuel consumption;
- increasing the power parameter up to 10%;
- adjusting the operation of the “engine” on all ranges;
- low financial costs compared to replacing parts.
Body reinforcement
It would be illogical to believe that tuning the Niva for off-road use will be limited to just this. It will be extremely necessary to strengthen the body, and serious strengthening will be required. At a minimum, you will need to install power bumpers and sills. Without this, the body is unlikely to withstand the enormous loads that will certainly arise on serious off-road conditions. Protection of the crankcase and transfer case is a must, otherwise the first stump or stone you encounter will force you to stop your journey.
By the way, without a power bumper there is no point in even thinking about installing a winch, without which there is absolutely nothing to do in the forest or field! It will come in very handy to scald the side members: you don’t want the body to bend like a screw due to wild overloads, do you? This is especially important if you have a Niva 2131. Off-road tuning of this car should take into account that the body of the “five-door” is significantly weakened! By the way, about the distribution
We strongly advise you to install one with a distribution ratio of at least 3:1. For the standard one, this value is only 2:1, so you will feel the difference already on your first ride!
By the way, about the handout. We strongly advise you to install one with a distribution ratio of at least 3:1. For the standard one, this value is only 2:1, so you will feel the difference already on your first ride!
How to legalize off-road tuning and modifications of the Niva-Chevrolet?
A very big pitfall in the implementation of conceived ideas for improving the machine is the legislative framework. According to the changes made to the technical regulations, almost any intervention in the design of a car can be regarded as illegal. In addition, the installation of reinforced bumpers, winches, kangaroos and other external “gadgets” requires compliance with certain dimensions. Those who decide to carry out all the transformations will have to copy a certificate confirming the technical parameters for each element. In addition, all serious transformations during off-road tuning of the Niva-Chevrolet require approval from the automobile inspection authorities.
What can be improved in the Niva 4×4 model
Which is better Chevrolet Niva or Niva 2131
Most representatives of the domestic automobile industry require high-quality improvements, and Niva is no exception. Tuning can significantly improve many parameters of an SUV, from the interior to pumping the chassis.
Changing the suspension helps increase the vehicle's passing ability. You can also change the external design of the body, making it more modern and original. Many people try to increase the power of the power plant by tuning the engine.
Most often, supporters of updates turn to professionals for help, although tuning a Niva 4x4 with your own hands is quite possible. You just have to take into account that remodeling a car will require significant costs and certain skills.
The small SUV went into mass production in April 1977. Today the VAZ 2121 is a passenger car with increased cross-country ability. Available in two body types: a three-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon. It has permanent all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission.
Two-stage transfer case with center differential lock. High cross-country ability of the car is ensured by significant ground clearance (220 mm). The wheelbase is 2.2 meters. Earlier modifications were equipped with engines based on the engine of the sixth VAZ model.
When new modifications were released, the previous engine was replaced with a more powerful four-cylinder unit producing 81.9 liters. s., having a working volume of 1.69 liters. Average fuel consumption in mixed mode is 10 l/100 km.
“Niva” is not a random choice, since there is nothing else like it among domestic models. Of course, there are products from the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, but the VAZ is much better suited in terms of versatility (city and countryside), and the Niva is much more comfortable inside. “Patriot” is not much better in terms of cross-country ability, but costs much more.
The classic “Kozel” is an example of asceticism, and the quality of manufacturing of these UAZs and the spare parts for them lately is such that you will be forced to constantly rebuild the car. When should we go for rides?! Considering that tuning a Niva off-road with your own hands will cost you at least 200 thousand rubles, it is better to approach the issue from an economically sound point of view!
Which film to choose?
For work, stock up on a hair dryer, a cutter, a meter ruler and a flexible centimeter, and soft spatulas of various sizes. If you are pasting for the first time, then start with a small part that has a minimum number of bends and concave parts.
Carry out work in a low-dust environment. If the film is glossy, then the slightest speck from afar can be visible on the pasted surface. Do not skimp on film, it is the key to the durability of the coating.
Please note products from the following manufacturers:
- Japanese company 3M. An excellent option if you plan to cover carbon-look film, polished metal, or unpolished steel. The special Comply layer has microgrooves that help remove air during pasting. The Scotchprint 1080 series is worthy of interest.
- French manufacturer Hexis. The most popular pearl effect film. The color of the car changes depending on the viewing angle. It can be from golden to purple in color. The collections feature many types of films that imitate leather, plastic, and metal. It is also used for tuning the Chevrolet Niva interior.
- Orafol - originally from Germany, the company produces high-quality premium film. You can choose not only different textures, but also colors. The popular Oracal 8830/8860 Diffuser Premium – Cast series, which has a light-diffusing effect.
In addition to the required amount of film, you will have to purchase a primer - a special adhesive composition designed for pasting difficult places with negative angles. It reliably glues the film to the edges of the parts and gives additional strength to the connection. Don't forget the degreaser.
Changing appearance
To achieve a quick effect, start by upgrading your appearance. It can be changed radically. One way to tune a Niva is to change the color, but repainting takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money.
There is an excellent alternative - filming. The whole process takes significantly less time. If you successfully choose a color or a combination of several shades, a worthy film manufacturer and do everything carefully, then your Chevrolet Niva tuning in the photo and in real life will look awesome.
To do this, choose a high-quality vinyl car film that has microchannels. They are responsible for the possibility of gluing curved surfaces, otherwise money and time will be wasted. Also, do not pay attention to reviews and look towards Chinese film manufacturers. They often do not correspond to the declared characteristics and are not suitable for external pasting. It is possible to use them only to transform the interior of the car.
