Sixteen-valve engine VAZ 21124: repair and tuning

The VAZ 2112 model began production more than 15 years ago. The car was a fairly successful project in terms of design, since it was due to it that it clearly carried out all the commands given by the driver through the steering wheel. Since then, this car has not ceased to be improved, equipping it with the best components and devices.

The year 2004 became very important for domestic manufacturers, since during this period the car engine was replaced with a more powerful one (124 hp). Its volume also changed – it was now 1.6 liters. At the same time, the height of the crankshaft was changed: it increased by 2.3 mm, which made it possible to improve the running capabilities of the piston by 4 mm.

Engine characteristics 21124

Years of production – (2004 – today) Cylinder block material – cast iron Power system – injector Type – in-line Number of cylinders – 4 Valves per cylinder – 4 Piston stroke – 75.6mm Cylinder diameter – 82mm Compression ratio – 10.3 Engine displacement VAZ 21124 – 1599 cm3 Engine power 21124 – 89 hp. /5000 rpm Torque - 131 Nm / 3700 rpm Fuel - AI95 Fuel consumption - city 8.9 l. | track 6.4 l. | mixed 7.5 l/100 km Oil consumption - 50 g/1000 km Engine 21124 oil: 5W-30 5W-40 10W-40 15W40 How much oil is in the VAZ 21124 engine: 3.5 l. When replacing, pour 3.2 liters.

Engine life 21124: 1. According to the plant - 150 thousand km 2. In practice - 200-250 thousand km

TUNING Potential – 400+ hp. Without loss of resource - up to 120 hp.

Cylinder head (cylinder head)

It is cast from aluminum and performs the functions of injecting fuel into the cylinders and removing combustion products. Inside there are channels for pumping oil and coolant, which enter through several holes at the junction with the cylinder block.

The casting is completed with the following parts: valves, their guides and springs, hydraulic compensators, 2 camshafts (inlet and outlet) and their bearings. At the ends of the shafts on one side there are gears with a diameter 2 times larger than the crankshaft. On the other is a phase sensor operating on the Hall effect.

The main innovation in the cylinder head 21124 compared to eight-valve engines (2111 and 21083) is the automatic adjustment of the gaps between the valves and the camshaft cams. This was achieved by adding hydraulic compensators to the cylinder head design.

Engine malfunctions and repairs 21124

AvtoVAZ continues to develop 16 valve engines and in 2004 the VAZ 2112 engine was replaced with a 124 engine. It uses a Kalinovsky high block, it is 2.3 mm higher compared to the old block 2112, the piston stroke has increased from 71 mm to 75.6 mm, due to this the volume has become 1.6 liters. On the same block, behind the air filter, above the gearbox casing, there is a platform on which the VAZ engine number 21124 is stamped. By adapting the 124 engine to Euro-3 standards, its environmental performance has increased, low-end traction has appeared, the engine has become quieter and a little noisier than the twelfth . Engine 2110 124 1.6 l. injection in-line 4-cylinder with overhead camshafts, the gas distribution mechanism is belt driven. The service life of the 21124 motor, according to the manufacturer’s data, is 150 thousand km; in practice, the motors run about 200 and even 250 thousand km. This engine solves the problem of 16-valve engines - the VAZ 21124 engine does not bend the valve, for this purpose there are holes on the bottom of the piston and with standard shafts or sports ones with moderate lift, the owner has nothing to fear. Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to tighten the timing belt once every 15 thousand km. If the VAZ 21124 engine is troublesome, there is a knocking or noise, do not be afraid, this is a common situation for AvtoVAZ, read the description of the problems HERE, there is also an answer to the exciting question why the VAZ 21124 engine is overheating According to general reviews, the 124 engine is considered one of the best VAZ engines and is recommended for purchase, especially if serious modifications are planned. In 2007, a new engine was released, replacing the 124th engine - the well-known Priora engine. In addition, based on the 124 engine, the Super-Auto company produced a 1.8 liter VAZ 21128 engine, something is also said about it)

Design features

The main part of the engine, the cylinder block (catalog number 11193-1002011), also differs in size from its predecessor. It is factory painted blue. Its height, the distance from the crankshaft axis to the upper plane, became 197.1 mm, versus 194.8 mm on the 2112 model.

The dimensions of the holes for the block head mounting bolts have changed; they are from the hoist with M10×1.25 threads. The main bearing supports on the 124th engine, from the second to the fifth, are equipped with channels designed to supply oil that cools the piston during operation.

The crankshaft installed is the same as on models 21126 and 11194, with the marking 11183 cast on the sixth counterweight. Due to the crank radius of 37.8 mm, a piston stroke of 75.6 mm was provided. A toothed pulley is installed on the shaft for timing belt drive. The belt is 25.4 mm wide and has 136 teeth, parabolic in shape. Belt service life is 45,000 km.

The pulley is designed to drive additional units using a V-belt. Three types of belts are used, differing in length, depending on the equipment:

• If the drive is only for the generator, the belt length is 742 mm.
• With power steering - 1115 mm.
• With power steering and air conditioning 1125 mm.

The pulley is designed in such a way that it acts as a damper, reducing the torque loads acting on the shaft. Another function is to determine the position of the crankshaft using a sensor and a gear mounted in the damper.

The improvement affected the pistons. Their bottoms are made with valve recesses 5.53 mm deep to avoid the valves hitting the piston bottom when the timing belt breaks.

On previous VAZ 16v models without recesses or with recesses of shallower depth, in such a situation there was a risk of bending the valves, which led to expensive repairs. So, concerns and frequently arising questions about whether the valves bend on this engine have been removed.

Engine tuning 21124

There is no point in considering chip tuning of a 124 engine, it will not make any noticeable changes on a standard car, the firmware is needed for more thorough and correct tuning, after the engine has been modified, we will start with it. The simplest and most standard way to increase the power of the 21124 engine is to replace the camshafts with Stolnikov 8.9 280 or Nuzhdin 8.85, install a 4-2-1 direct-flow exhaust, a receiver and a 54-56 mm damper, this will give us a total of more than 120 hp, and for more efficient operation of the motor, we replace the piston with a lightweight Prior one. This will further increase power and reduce fuel consumption. If these numbers are not enough, it is recommended to modify the cylinder head and install wide-phase shafts, which will give an output of 150+ hp.

Meet the model

With a new engine, the unit was given the name VAZ 21124, this car actively fights against the ecology of the external environment. In addition to everything, when the car starts, the traction at the bottom has become noticeable, and the engine now runs calmer, without sudden jumps. We often hear questions from owners of 16-valve engines: “What needs to be done so that the valves do not bend in the piston?” In the VAZ 21124, this problem will not exist; in the bottom of the piston there are holes and sports shafts that control the rise of the piston, and don’t let the knocking and noise of the VAZ 21124 engine scare you, this is its normal environment.

Chip tuning

The most affordable method for increasing engine power, which does not involve making changes to the hardware, but working exclusively with electronics.

In most cases, the standard version of the software is replaced with a program for the racing characteristics of VAZ cars.

Results after chip tuning.

Changing these parameters is best left to specialized companies, since this work requires certain skills. If you own one, you can easily cope with this task. And after flashing the controller, you will immediately see an increase in dynamics and overclocking (about overclocking the stock version to 100). However, your consumption will definitely increase (about consumption rates here) and the level of emissions into the atmosphere will decrease.

In addition, you can consider online firmware of the system without fundamentally changing the program, but only making changes with minor adjustments to the operation of the engine.

Let's get inside the car

Tuning VAZ 21124 includes changes to the internal world of the car. Additional devices are installed in the VAZ interior and the old ones are improved; sports seats, a steering wheel and airbags are installed. For a chic look, the VAZ 21124 lacks door trim, new armrests, interior handles and wooden pockets.

In the world of car tuning design, there is a wide range of PVC fabrics for ceiling upholstery, many options for door cards and leatherettes, which differ in color and design.

beautiful in the new VAZ 21124 , especially in yellow, red or blue. Don't forget about podiums for speakers and columns; they come in different diameters, colors and models. If desired, corner trims, door inserts, sun visors, decorative floor coverings can be installed in the interior; it all depends only on your imagination.

Tuning VAZ 21124 photo

Tuning the VAZ 21124 changes most of the car’s system, so this car can rightfully be classified as a high-speed car. It’s so nice when on the road, your car easily bypasses other cars, moves easily and does not make noise when accelerating quickly. Installing a turbine on a VAZ 21124 , a high-quality braking system, steering, improved suspension for maneuverability and easy handling - all this is called car chip tuning.

Changing engine displacement

The most favorite tuner engine is 124

This method is one of the simplest and most convenient. Such tuning will significantly increase engine torque without changing your driving style. It can be increased by boring the cylinders or increasing the piston stroke.

• By increasing the cylinder capacity, you will immediately increase engine power . This is based on the fact that there is a reserve in the thickness of the cylinder walls and they can be bored using a special machine. Bored cylinders will burn the greatest amount of fuel in the same amount of time, thereby increasing the throttle response of the engine.
• increase the piston stroke by using a new crankshaft, which has a large eccentricity, and selecting appropriate pistons and connecting rods for it. As a rule, lightweight connecting rods in this case are installed, since weight in this case plays an important role. The new piston group allows to significantly increase efficiency and, accordingly, power. At the end of such tuning, it is advisable to install a lightweight flywheel in order to relieve the load on the crankshaft and clutch, which will certainly have a positive effect on the dynamics and acceleration of the car.

Boring cylinders on a machine.

Compression ratio

• The very concept of compression ratio implies the ratio of the combustion chamber to the total volume of the cylinders. This will simultaneously significantly increase efficiency, engine power and reduce fuel consumption.
• These indicators can be achieved by installing a new camshaft with completely different geometric parameters. Thus, the new element is able to increase the volume of the combustion chamber, while the engine volume remains unchanged. Such work is best carried out together with the installation of a turbine (see below - note). However, remember that this work is not cheap.
• You also need to know that when installing such a camshaft, the octane number of the gasoline being poured must be increased, as well as improving the engine oil being poured, which has the lowest friction coefficients. When carrying out such tuning, compression units can increase to 10 units.

Change of oil

To replace, you will need a few tools and a special container for old oil. Procedure for draining old oil:

• Unscrew the special plug located under the power unit. To do this, you can use a 17 key or just your hands.
• You need to drain it very carefully so that the oil does not get on the floor or your skin, as it is very hot. If you are careless, you can get a serious burn and other troubles.
• After unscrewing, you should wipe the oil pan and the 2112 engine itself. This is necessary to keep everything clean. We wrap the cork and move on.
• We unscrew the oil filter located under the hood of the car. This action should be done using a special screwdriver or puller.
• After this, you can coat the gasket of the new filter with oil and screw the latter onto the fitting. You need to be very careful about the force applied so as not to damage the thread.

Procedure for filling:

• Remove the cap from the filler neck;
• We take high-quality oil and fill it in an amount of 3.4 liters. You should monitor the level very carefully so that the VAZ 21128 engine receives its amount of special fluid;
• After all this, you can start the power unit and let it run for a few minutes. This is necessary so that the oil passes through all systems and creates a protective film. Next, turn off the unit and check the oil level.
• If it is necessary to add, then add;
• You should also look at the dashboard. If the VAZ 21128 engine is running stably, then the check engine light should not be on.

Installation of a zero resistance filter

A zero-resistance filter, or simply “zero filter,” is mounted instead of the air filter and its housing. It is designed to reduce the resistance of incoming air into the system. Large filter throughput allows you to increase engine power by a couple of percent. Remember that the correct choice of filter and impregnation for it is the key to proper engine operation.

This tuning is one of the most affordable.

Channels and valves

• The exhaust and inlet channels are supposed to be ground , increasing the diameter at the inlet, and not changing the diameter at the outlet. We remove all irregularities and various joints that can in any way slow down the flow.
• Valves - it is better to use special lightweight or increased diameter ones. It is also expected to use the stiffest or sportiest springs, as well as lightweight valve plates.

The difference between the lightweight valve (left) and the regular one.

An exhaust manifold

This system is designed to improve the release of exhaust gases. People call this system “spider”, and there can be mainly two options: “4-1”, “4-2-1”.

Three types of collectors

It is advisable to install the exhaust system after working with the gas distribution mechanism, pistons, “nulevik” or chip tuning. Single-purpose installation of this system will not bring the desired results.

Fuel supply

Conventional injectors are not enough to operate the engine at high speeds. Since they are constantly in operation, the working pressure in the ramp is simply not enough. In order to increase engine power, you should install the most efficient nozzles, which can increase the volume of sprayed liquid several times. Such changes work most effectively with the 4-2-1 release technology.

Turbocharging

• The most effective, widespread and most expensive type of tuning is the installation of a turbine. After all, it is known that in order to increase engine power, it is necessary to supply the largest amount of a mixture of air and fuel into the cylinders.
• However, to increase the volume of fuel, a mandatory increase in the amount of air will be required, which is what the turbine does. The exhaust gases enter the turbine impeller, then it rotates and drives the compressor, which in turn pumps air into the cylinders.
• Since the air is pumped under pressure, its quantity increases significantly, which leads to an increase in fuel combustion, which results in an increase in power.
• Remember that installing a turbine will lead to a mandatory upgrade of the cooling system (diagram of a standard cooling system here).

The most expensive method of tuning a VAZ-2112.

Results

As you can see for yourself, there is nothing complicated about tuning the engine on a VAZ-2112 yourself. However, remember that independent modifications that somehow increase its power have the greatest impact on its gradual wear. Therefore, on a modernized engine, much more attention should be paid to the quality of maintenance, engine oil and fuel used.