Despite the fact that the car has a large set of excellent driving characteristics, such as high cross-country ability, reliability, and easy control, many owners want to improve all the indicators to the maximum possible.
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.
How to improve the trunk
Improvements to the Niva-2121 include improvements to the luggage compartment. The trunk has a large volume, which can be considered an advantage, but the technical performance of this part of the car leaves much to be desired. Most often, complaints are caused by two disadvantages of the trunk:
- A rib at the bottom of the trunk that interferes with loading things.
- A folding shelf that divides the trunk crosswise into two parts.
A tuned Niva, at a minimum, should be rid of these unnecessary elements. By the way, they are absent in the latest models - the technicians took into account the numerous complaints of Niva lovers.
Instead of a rib and a partition, it is worth installing a box in the trunk. It can have any shelves, dividers, pockets that allow you to organize the things you transport. You can do it in the following way:
- We make the frame of the box from tubes or corners.
- We cover it with plywood, thick fabric, cardboard or other suitable material.
- We attach partitions or pockets to it according to our taste.
In addition, the trunk can be improved by covering it with thermal insulation, sound insulation and waterproofing film.
Some people install a TV, speaker system or other gadgets in the trunk, but this is not very functional if the car is often driven off-road. When shaking, the contacts fly off, and the equipment quickly fails.
Illustrative examples
Do-it-yourself tuning of the VAZ 21099
There are a large number of Niva tuning videos, where you can get step-by-step instructions for performing the work. This will allow:
- perform all planned work technically correctly;
- avoid possible difficulties;
- save significant money.
This opportunity to get a clear example will be of great help in planning appropriate improvements.
In some respects, this SUV outperforms renowned foreign cars of this class, while its cost is significantly lower. Experiment and enjoy the work done!
Niva engine chip tuning
Tuning a UAZ 469 car with your own hands
Recently, chip tuning has become very popular, which allows you to significantly increase the power indicator in the shortest possible time. However, this tuning method should be treated with some caution, which we will discuss in more detail later.
Not all SUVs of domestic origin have an on-board computer. At the same time, we should not forget that some on-board computers are in poor condition and in fact do not affect the operation of the engine.
When considering this tuning method, we note the following points:
- You can increase the power by about 10-30 hp. or more. It all depends on what parameters were set before tuning.
- It is recommended to entrust this type of work to specialists who provide services in this field of activity. This is due to the fact that incorrectly carried out chip tuning can cause various problems with engine operation.
- The technical condition of the internal combustion engine design largely determines whether chip tuning can be carried out. If the motor is in poor technical condition, then increasing the load causes rapid wear. Therefore, if the process in question is carried out correctly, a complete diagnosis is first performed.
- As a rule, the automaker sets minimum power values, leaving a margin. If chip tuning has not been carried out previously, the programmer will be able to configure the engine to increase its power. If the modification in question has already been carried out previously, it will no longer be possible to carry it out again.
In general, we can say that chip tuning is carried out in many cases when it is necessary to increase engine power. However, in order to significantly increase traction, it is necessary to improve the geometry.
Refinement of the gas distribution mechanism
The timing also largely determines the power and other technical features of the engine. Tuning the gas distribution mechanism consists of increasing the diameter of the valves followed by sealing. As practice shows, such modernization allows increasing power by almost 10%.
In many cases, when improving the engine part in question, the pushrod is replaced. Its improvement consists in increasing the intake and exhaust tappets, which can significantly increase the engine power rating.
The modifications under consideration make it possible to improve the smoothness of the ride, reduce wear of parts, and significantly increase the power rating. Of course, there are other methods of engine modification that can achieve attractive values. An example is the case of modifying the oil pump, which also makes it possible to make the engine more torquey.
Refinement of the instrument panel
Do-it-yourself tuning gas 24
Refinement of instrument panels is the second most difficult tuning of Niva 4x4. The Niva has always been considered, and is still considered, a workhorse, so there is no need to talk about a spectacular panel.
Modernization of the dashboard can be of two levels: in the first case, we modify the existing panel, and in the second, we completely change the panel to a qualitatively better one.
Installation of new devices
One of the best options may be a combination of Flash electronic devices. They not only have a bright futuristic look, but also differ in functional features. For example, instead of arrows, Flash instruments have LED arcs, fuel and oil levels are shown in digital values and on a special scale, and there is a built-in trip computer with a decent viewing angle.
At any time, you can check the operation of the devices in the Flash diagnostic center, where specialists will update all software without disassembling the panel.
Installation of the trauma panel
You can continue tuning the Niva-2121 by installing a trauma panel with a lampshade. Trauma panels are sold at any auto parts store, however, to save money, you can purchase this part by removing it from the VAZ-2106.
To do this kind of tuning of the Niva yourself, you will need a lampshade, tubes with diodes, wires, glue for acoustic fabric and the acoustic fabric itself.
First of all, we cut a hole in the trauma panel from the VAZ-2106, with a diameter slightly smaller than our ceiling. We try on the acoustic fabric to the Niva panel, and then cut out the material so that there is a margin of 1 cm at the edges.
We stretch the wires to the battery, connecting the lamp to them. We glue the lamp to the material. Next, we install the product on top of the existing instrument panel and fix it again with glue.
The final part of the panel tuning of the VAZ-2121 is the installation of the trauma panel on the fabric so that the lampshade fits into the previously made hole. Next, we just have to check the operation of the lamp. To get rid of small gaps along the edges of the resulting panel, use LED tubes that will easily close all the gaps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg12PVkfiEs
Replacing the standard beard
Another option for modifying the instrument panel is to replace the “beard” of the car. Thus, tuning a Niva 4x4 with your own hands allows you to modernize the space between the driver and front passenger seats.
In the Niva, this part is quite functional, since the design features of the “beard” allow the driver to place small objects that should always be at hand on a special pad. This is very convenient, but only until the driver begins to turn. At the time of a U-turn or any other sudden maneuvers, things can fly all over the cabin. Tuning a VAZ (Niva) allows you to solve this problem by installing a tunnel lining from a VAZ-21213 and a heating “beard” from the same.
In the white light, like a pretty penny
Lighting devices are one of the weak points not only of the VAZ mini-SUV, but also of most domestic cars of that period in general. And many foreign models of that time also cannot boast of sufficiently good lighting devices.
In the case when tuning a VAZ 2121 Niva is carried out, the main problem in altering the lighting is the small internal volume of the “native” headlight. This often does not make it possible to improve the quality of road lighting with little expense by installing bi-xenon lamps - the lamps themselves, the starter and the corrector simply do not fit in the Niva’s miniature headlight.
There are two ways out of this situation. The first is the selection of the smallest possible devices that will fit into the limited space of a standard headlight. In addition to the difficulty of searching, this option is also fraught with problems during operation of the improved lighting device. The fact is that a small space will lead to significant heating of the device - excess heat will not have time to be removed. So it is possible that xenon lamps or the control unit will quickly fail.
A more complex, but also more reliable option is to completely replace the standard lighting fixtures with others - larger and more powerful. True, such work also requires preparing a seat for them, replacing the radiator grille and some work on connecting the electrical circuit of the headlights. However, as a result, having performed such tuning of the Niva 2121, the owner will receive fairly high-quality light - both low and high.
Tuning Niva for off-road
Particular attention is drawn to Niva tuning for off-road use - the roads in our country have long left much to be desired, often ending at the most inopportune moment. This event can be very expensive, but on the contrary, it can be very economical
It all depends on your approach and the scale of the intended tuning.
Where to start tuning a car with which you are going to conquer endless spaces without looking for easy ways? You should determine for yourself what exactly you plan to achieve with tuning: just decorating the car or simultaneously improving its qualities and characteristics? If we are talking about enhancing driving characteristics that will help cope with off-road conditions, then the preparation will be quite long. The car cannot be prepared in one go, but you will feel the result as soon as you go “to the fields”.
We install a lift kit for Niva in order to lift the car. The low seating position turns driving into a real torture even in the city, not to mention traveling outside the city. When carrying out preparatory operations, it should be taken into account that changes need to be made to other car systems in order to get not just a high, but a functionally high car.
We will equip the Niva with larger wheels - this move will automatically make your car the most noticeable on the road and give an additional advantage off-road. In addition, it becomes possible to install mud tires.
We install an expeditionary trunk on the Niva. It is significantly different from the usual trunk of a Niva 2121 or a Chevrolet Niva and will allow you to take the essentials for your trip. For Niva, these improvements are especially relevant, because the car’s own trunk is not large
Expedition racks vary in size and load capacity; it is worth paying attention to the protection of the rack from corrosion.
The trunk on the Niva has a very convenient design, allowing you to transport all the necessary equipment for long off-road travel. Some models even suggest the presence of a sunroof in the car
The trunk must be made of durable steel tubes and can withstand a load weighing up to one hundred and fifty kg.
At the end of the tuning, your car will need to have underbody protection installed, because the standard protection is a purely nominal element and cannot cope with off-road conditions. The crankcase protection should not be made of plastic or thin metal; only durable steel is acceptable for it. Otherwise, you risk experiencing oil leakage from the engine when the sump splits.
From all of the above, we can conclude that it is possible to carry out a full-fledged tuning of a field with your own hands only if you have all the necessary skills and equipment.
By the way, Niva is not always tuned only for off-road use, sometimes just for beauty, as in this video:
Making the salon more comfortable
Of course, it won’t be possible to radically redesign the interior. A fairly short wheelbase, chosen for cross-country ability, significantly limits the scope for tuning. But some improvements can be made and, moreover, necessary.
First of all, you should take care of sound insulation. The laying of a special material, cut to the size of the bottom, significantly improves the sound comfort in the cabin, because the car shaft “sings” quite loudly when driving on asphalt roads.
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 elevator - 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.
Appearance
At first it seems that the passenger car has not changed at all. But you just have to look a little closer and you will notice a new lighting system, design of doors, rims, etc. Externally, the Niva Taiga has changed due to the widening of the wheel arches. If you install a winch, pneumatic tires and a mud plug, you will get a real aggressive “SUV”. By the way, it is also important what wheels will be installed on the Niva; the off-road capabilities of the car will largely depend on them. The design of the rear door in the car has been changed - it is extended to the bumper itself. The rear headlights are square - borrowed from the VAZ 2106. And the front headlights are round, so you can easily make angel eyes with your own hands.
Chassis tuning
- The entire chassis has been rebuilt
- Vacuum brake booster 21214m
- New pedal assembly
- Hydraulic handbrake
- Clutch slave cylinder from 2123
- Clutch VALEO
- Gearbox link from Chevy Niva
- Electric transfer case
- 2-row transfer case bearings
- Stretcher
- Uncoupling the front gearbox
- Cardan shafts with CV joints
- power steering
- Rear disc brakes
Often, Niva-21214 owners perform wheel tuning. Standard wheels are only good for driving on dirt roads. Therefore, usually, wheels with an increased diameter are installed instead. For the work to be successful, it will also be necessary to lift the suspension and widen the wheel arches.
Another option for increasing ground clearance is installing Y-192 “mud” tires on standard wheels. As a result, the ground clearance of the Niva-21214 increases significantly, making it possible to drive on rough terrain. Finally, by lowering your tire pressure, you won't have to worry about your car accidentally getting stuck in deep sand.
Engine improvement
As in the case of the suspension, a radical improvement of the engine can only be achieved by changing the unit itself. The family of VAZ engines installed on the Niva is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, sufficient reliability and relatively moderate appetite.
The engine tuning available for the Niva 2121 should begin with replacing the ignition system with a modern electronic version. This will simplify starting the car and improve its performance, especially in cold weather.
A good option for tuning carburetor versions is also to install a modified carburetor with a larger diffuser, which will give a slight increase in power. In addition, it is justified to replace the manifolds with more modern options, and especially to improve the sealing of the cylinders.
The camshaft is also often replaced with an option that provides more power. True, such tuning should be carried out simultaneously with the installation of a new, more efficient cooling radiator and a fan with more blades. Such measures will avoid engine overheating.
If you have the means, you can also try installing an atmospheric supercharger. However, it is worth considering that on the VAZ-2121, due to the design features of the car, such measures do not seem justified.
Replacing the camshaft will increase the car's power, but will also increase the likelihood of overheating. To prevent this from happening, you can install a radiator with a larger working surface.
You can also increase the diameter of the valves and strengthen the sealing, which will give an additional 10% of power. Installing a turbine further increases the power of the power unit. Take the time to replace the standard intake and exhaust manifolds with advanced modifications.
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH99pQLDECA
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.
Helpful 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.
Tuning the interior of Niva 2121
Tuning the interior of Niva 2121
is done according to an established and debugged system and is carried out in stages
First of all, all attention and effort should be directed to replacing the interior trim and doors, as well as reconstructing the seats. They can be remade in such a way that they become deeper and softer, or you can take them and completely change them to a sports model of “seats”
But it’s better to do the remodeling yourself and get it cheaply, angrily and with pleasure.
To remodel the interior, you can select your own materials or purchase branded kits, the range of which is quite wide. “Niva” really suits, or rather, it suits the interiors with a light color scheme. Upgrading the Niva's interior is best done with the participation of an experienced consultant. In any case, you need to be prepared and confident in your actions; you can go to YouTube and carefully study some video course on this topic.
An important element in transforming the Niva’s interior is the installation of a new steering wheel. You can remake the old factory one by re-upholstering it with a variety of materials and additional elements.
Large, extravagant wheels always look good on a Niva, and the car can also be painted. Airbrushing with a 3D effect is especially good on the eye. In this case, you are unlikely to cope on your own; you need the help of experts in this area of visual upgrade.
Or, to put it simply, making the necessary changes to a Niva is quite a popular phenomenon, since the car is ideal for traveling on vacation or to the countryside. It is the Niva, among other representatives of the VAZ, that has the largest selection in terms of adding various improvements and upgrades. Let's figure out what methods you can use to tune the VAZ 2121 Niva.
The following parts of the car can be improved:
- housings;
- salon;
- chassis;
- engine
If everything is done correctly, the VAZ 2121 can be transformed into an excellent SUV that will be somewhat similar to a jeep.
Let's take a closer look at improving car components.
Experts' opinion
Gena. The engine can be called the real heart of the car. Many people recommend starting tuning with it, since only by improving the engine can you make the car run over bumps and fords. I will say right away that the task is not an easy one. Improving an engine can take a lot of time and effort. Therefore, you should be prepared for difficulties. Comrades Belarusians, if you need a Belarusian diploma, then you will need to purchase a diploma, this means buy a diploma and thanks to the Belarusian diploma, you can always find a job in the CIS, buy Belarusian diplomas, comrades!
Stanislav. The Niva is a good car, even one of the best produced by the domestic auto industry. However, it has many disadvantages, among which we note the low engine power and its unstable operation. That is why, almost immediately after purchasing this car, I immediately upgraded the engine.
Vitaly. I decided to modify the standard Niva engine. There was a lot of work, so I decided to entrust it to professionals. Although I myself have some experience in engine repair, I did not undertake its complete modernization. As a result of the work done, the guys increased the power by 60 hp. Of course, not an impressive result, but still the traction has increased significantly.
Suspension. not radically improve?
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 elevator - 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.
The VAZ-2121 suspension was quite revolutionary for the seventies - before the Niva, such technical solutions were not used in off-road vehicles.
The front suspension is independent, on wishbones, equipped with springs working in pairs and hydraulic shock absorbers. The design includes a stability stabilizer.
The rear suspension is dependent, with mounting to the rear axle beam and a Panhard rod. The suspension is provided by hydraulic shock absorbers and springs similar to those used in the front suspension.
The simplest and very justified step for those wishing to tune the Niva 2121 is to replace sets of springs and shock absorbers. The latest devices are now gas-filled, they are more reliable and handle irregularities better.
You can also recommend strengthening the shaft supports and the front and rear axles by installing special steel inserts - boxes, as well as increasing the ground clearance by using special inserts between the suspension elements.
All these measures will somewhat reduce the discomfort of driving on a bad road, slightly improve the ride and off-road qualities of the car, but they will not be able to radically change anything.
If you need really serious changes, you should think about replacing the rear suspension of the outdated Panhard system with a more modern independent design. This will not only improve the smoothness of the ride, but also significantly improve the vehicle's handling characteristics, especially on hard road surfaces.
For greater cross-country ability
The features of the car body make the Niva a fairly good option for an off-road vehicle. A short wheelbase, small overhangs, increased ground clearance - all this helps to overcome even very serious obstacles. At the same time, the off-road qualities of the car can be improved somewhat without spending too much money.
A current improvement is the installation of a yoke - a bump stop, also called a “kenguryatnik”. This design serves not so much for beauty as to protect the units located in the front part of the engine compartment from damage. Therefore, an off-road yoke is usually a structure made of steel. True, there are lighter options made of special durable but elastic plastic, which also successfully serve as a buffer.
Another improvement that attracts attention in the Niva 2121 tuning photos is the expansion of the arches and the installation of large diameter wheels. Welded flares are used to make it possible to install wider rims. And large-diameter wheels with off-road tires can somewhat improve the vehicle's maneuverability, especially in mud and watery soils.
At the same time, thoughtless installation of such wheels can lead to engine overheating, because movement will require more power and higher torque. So, proper equipping of the Niva with off-road wheels should be carried out together with engine retuning by a competent specialist.
Retrofitting the trunk
The standard trunk of the pre-restyling Niva is quite spacious, but very inconvenient to use. This is due to the design features, including the presence of a transverse rib and a folding shelf, dividing the trunk in half and making loading and stowing luggage difficult. Therefore, it is worth getting rid of these elements by installing a special luggage compartment box. It makes the floor level and improves the ergonomics of the luggage compartment.
For its manufacture, metal tubes are used, welded or bolted together to form a frame according to the dimensions of the trunk. The frame is upholstered with fiberboard and covered with thick fabric.
Then the factory cover of the luggage compartment is removed, sound insulation is laid, and the frame is installed. After this, the trunk will become much more convenient.
Refinement of the “beard” in the VAZ 2121 interior
For those for whom installing a VAZ 2106 trauma panel is not enough, you can offer another option for tuning the Niva’s interior - replacing the car’s standard “beard”. This part of the instrument panel is located between the driver and front passenger seats. This design feature of the car interior is very convenient, because there is a special lining on it. It is designed so that the driver can put various small things on it - they will always be at hand.
However, everything will remain in place only until the car passes the first turn. Due to the lack of sides on the trim, all things will fly around the cabin of the VAZ 2121, which will spoil the mood of both the driver and passengers. Solving this problem is very simple. To do this, we will need to purchase a tunnel cover from a VAZ 21213, as well as a heating “beard” from the same car. The total cost of all elements for modernization fluctuates around 150–200 rubles.
Next, we proceed to tuning the interior. To begin with, we screw the trim into place, having previously installed the cigarette lighter on it. After this, we begin work with the “beard” for the VAZ 2121. We saw off all the unnecessary parts from it in the area of the lower wall of the recess. Next, cut off the protruding corners. We bend the resulting protrusions inward by 90˚.
After the panel has cooled, drill a hole in the body strut. At the same place we install a plate under the self-tapping screw. Then we take the “beard” from the VAZ 21213 and mount it on the Niva 2121 panel. This stage of installation must be carried out through a spacer bushing. At the end of tuning the interior, you should carefully check the condition of all elements: the ability to open the ashtray, the operation of the cigarette lighter, the position of the emergency light switch off button. If everything is in order, you can continue to use the Niva 2121 SUV without worrying that small things will fall out of the lining.
Work on the suspension
Full tuning of the Niva-2121 is impossible without improving the properties of the suspension. Let's look at the most popular DIY Niva tuning. It includes:
- Installation of spacers (store-bought or home-made) between suspension elements.
- Replacing shock absorbers - for example, you can install Rancho shock absorbers.
- Installing new springs.
- Installation of steel boxes to strengthen the front and rear axles.
Refinement of the suspension lift during tuning of the Lada depends on the size and diameter of the wheels. The larger it is, the more significant modifications will be required.
Refinement of the Niva may also include tuning the transfer case. Problems with front and rear axle shaft play are solved by installing new components (that is, covers, bearings, flanges and shafts).
You can also strengthen the shaft supports by installing an upgraded flange with an additional oil seal and bearings in place of the factory ones. High-quality installation of the oil seal will reduce the risk of leakage.
To reduce vibration and wear of the suspension in its lower part, it is necessary to correctly align the transfer case in the horizontal and vertical plane. We perform alignment manually or use a subframe.
Tuning a VAZ-2121 with your own hands includes installing higher springs, which allows you to significantly increase ground clearance. However, in order for the ground clearance to be increased by as much as 10 cm, it is better to install a full lift kit.
In order to slightly increase the ground clearance, it is advisable to use a factory lift - a kit for Niva-2121, sold both in company stores and in car markets. Using the included instructions, you can carry out the desired tuning in just 1 day. However, there is one significant drawback: the suspension lift is produced exactly as much as the manufacturer considers necessary.
At the same time, if there is an urgent need to tailor the car to specific needs or the specifics of the road, you can make a lift kit for the Niva on your own.
You just need to prepare the following set of tools:
- rear and front springs (the best parts on a Chevrolet Niva are 31.5 cm long and 1.57 cm thick, but these parameters can easily be changed according to the owner’s requirements);
- rubber spacers for springs with special metal cups;
- shock absorbers;
- spacers for the upper ball joint (not sold in stores, so they can only be made to order);
- brackets for rear shock absorbers;
- washers for the Niva-21214 cup of an enlarged type with an internal diameter of 1 cm and an external diameter of 3 cm;
- jack;
- boards;
- spring ties.
When choosing spacers for springs for rear shock absorbers, you don’t have to go too deep into the search and make them yourself from an ordinary metal corner. The internal diameter of the product is 13.2 mm, the external diameter is 32 mm.
In addition, during the work you must refer to the diagram (Fig. 1).
And, if all the subtleties of the technical stuffing of 2131, as well as 2121, are agreed upon and ordered, you can immediately get to work. Just a few hours of painstaking work, and the Niva tuning will be completed.
This car is distinguished by its simplicity of design, easy accessibility to all components and mechanisms, as well as its increased reliability.
If you wish, you can do the tuning of the Niva yourself. To do this you will need:
- have your own garage for work;
- purchase the necessary tools, become familiar with the production process that should be performed;
- consult with specialists; advice from a highly qualified specialist can protect you from possible troubles.
By completing modifications to a car on their own, a person can verify the quality of the work performed, receive great pleasure from the achieved result, and save his money.
If you have insufficient experience, you can involve a master in performing important operations, and become his assistant yourself.
In this case, high-quality work will be done at minimal cost to the family budget.
Niva with turbine
The most common way to add power to an engine is to install a turbine or compressor, which will significantly increase the volume of air entering the power plant.
Installing a turbine is not a complex tuning solution, since the turbine itself has a fairly simple structure. The supercharger and turbine impellers are mounted on the same shaft, and the exhaust gases are the drive. Thus, we can observe the most efficient use of energy from combustion products in a car. The absence of interaction between the crankshaft and the turbine shaft also increases the efficiency of the power plant.
In general, the Niva engine can and should be modified, and then your car will become more powerful and last much longer. This is what we should strive for!
