Reducing ground clearance on a VAZ 2106 car

VAZ-2107 is a rear-wheel drive car manufactured by AvtoVAZ, developed on the basis of the classic VAZ-2101 model of 1972. The car is a sedan, structurally similar to the original Soviet car. However, the car has been significantly improved in terms of design. There was also a new engine and additional equipment. The VAZ-2107 has long remained the cheapest car in Russia, as well as in some CIS countries. VAZ-2107 is one of the latest models of the classic family. The car was produced mainly in Russia and Ukraine, as well as in Kazakhstan and Egypt. In the foreign market the car was known as Lada Nova, Lada Riva, Lada Signet and Lada 1500.

Like the VAZ-2101, the more modern VAZ-2101 is structurally identical to the Italian budget car Fiat 124, produced in the 1960s.

Owner reviews

• Igor, Irkutsk. A great workhorse for getting from point A to point B. A comfortable classic sedan, spacious inside and practical. The car handles quite predictably, but rolls a lot. This is understandable, given the soft suspension and ground clearance of 170 mm. Now the mileage is 115 thousand kilometers. The machine works excellently on the plains and in the mountains, as well as on rough terrain. The sedan is ideal for country roads - it is unlikely that an alternative to it for such conditions can be found. I don’t even mind damaging it or breaking it – the car is so cheap to maintain. As for the quality of workmanship, safety, finishing materials, this is a completely different conversation. The car is completely worth the money, at least when I bought it - it was in the late 1990s.
• Alexey, Yaroslavl. I have a 2011 sedan. The car is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with 74 horsepower. Nothing unusual. Currently the mileage is 46 thousand kilometers. I travel quite rarely. I like the VAZ-2107, this is my first car. Despite the outdated design and uncomfortable driving position, even a novice user can quickly get used to driving this car. Over the entire period of operation, it was necessary to replace the rear axle oil seal, the main brake cylinder, as well as the rear brake cylinders. These are the main major problems. Replacing consumables, fuel and oil - all this goes without saying. Ground clearance is 170 mm, like most modern crossovers. The car is rear-wheel drive, with excellent cross-country ability, soft and comfortable suspension. When making fast turns, the car rolls a lot, which is to be expected given the age of the car. Fuel consumption with a 1.6 engine is 10 liters.
• Yuri, Novosibirsk. I bought a VAZ-2107 in 2005. I have a version with a carburetor engine. The rear window is tinted with mesh, as was previously fashionable. There is also simple music, the body is painted in Baltika 420 color. At the moment, the mileage is 115 thousand kilometers. Two years ago I replaced the battery and fuse. Also, during the entire period of use, various components were replaced - front brakes, clutch (replaced with a Nivovsky one), muffler, shock absorbers, steering rod bracket, cooling system and heater. Over the past 10 months I have been driving the car without any major breakdowns, since all the most important parts are new. In the mixed driving cycle, the car consumes 8 liters per 100 km. I installed the DRL and connected it via a 5-pin relay from the dimensions. Switching between high and low beam is now much easier. The vehicle's cross-country ability is at a high level, even better than some single-wheel drive crossovers. This is due in no small part to the ground clearance of 170 mm, as well as the energy-intensive suspension.
• Dmitry, Penza. I have been using the car since 2016. The car is manufactured in 2011. Total mileage is 78 thousand kilometers. Breakdowns occur at intervals of two to three times a week. The car supposedly underwent pre-sale preparation, but already 3 thousand km after purchase the main gear oil seal suddenly leaked. I adjusted all the doors, tightened the upper arms in the suspension, but the knocking still persisted. We also had to replace the thermostat, which was stuck open. There are problems with the tightness of the hoses. I'm thinking of replacing them with polyethylene hoses with Euro connectors. The machine is used every day. The seven has a spacious trunk, three tall passengers can fit in the back seat, but it’s not very comfortable to sit - the seat is very soft, and it’s like you’re falling into it. The suspension is energy-intensive. The car drives great on rough roads, you don’t even need to slow down much.

Compressor or turbine for the “six”

You can increase engine power by installing a compressor or turbine, but first you need to figure out what is required for this. First of all, you need to understand that, due to its design features, it is possible to install a turbine on a carburetor engine, but it is quite problematic. The nuances include both large material and time costs. The most important points to think about when equipping a car with a turbine are:

READ Replacing the fuel pump mesh for VAZ 2107 injector

Mandatory installation of an intercooler. This part is a kind of radiator, only the air is cooled in it. Since the turbine creates high pressure and the air is heated, it must be cooled to obtain the effect of the installation. If you don't use an intercooler, there will be an effect, but much less.

If you are not such an avid racing driver, then you should look towards the compressor, which has the following differences from the turbine:

• Does not develop high blood pressure.
• There is no need to install an intercooler.
• You can equip a VAZ carburetor engine.

To equip a VAZ 2106 with the unit in question, you will need a compressor kit - a kit that includes everything necessary for converting the engine (pipes, fasteners, supercharger, etc.).

The product is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Refinement of the intake and exhaust system

Upgrading the cylinder head and manifolds, if desired, can be done by anyone who owns a “six” or another classic Zhiguli model. The main goal pursued is to increase power. It is achieved by reducing the resistance when supplying the fuel-air mixture at the inlet, i.e. by removing roughness. To carry out the procedure, the cylinder head must be removed from the vehicle and disassembled. After this, it is recommended to wash the unit. For these purposes, you can use modern means or ordinary kerosene or diesel fuel. From the necessary list of tools and materials you will need:

• drill with the ability to adjust speed;
• drill;
• flexible rod;
• rollers;
• skins of different grain sizes;
• rags;
• calipers;
• exhaust valve and set of washers for boring over 32 mm;
• graphite lubricant;
• vice.

Replacing the crankshaft

The engine of the VAZ “six” has a VAZ 2103 crankshaft with a piston stroke of 80 mm. In addition to increasing the diameter of the cylinders, you can increase

stroke of the piston, thereby boosting the engine. For the purposes under consideration, the engine is equipped with a VAZ 21213 crankshaft with a piston stroke of 84 mm. This way it will be possible to increase the volume to 1.65 liters (1646 cc). In addition, such a crankshaft has eight counterweights instead of four, which has a positive effect on the dynamic characteristics.

Russian Mercedes "VAZ-2107": the pros and cons of the model

Eternal, economical, dear - this is how drivers speak of the VAZ-2107, which was released in 1982. Production of the model, produced only in a sedan body, ceased in 2012, but it is still in demand in the secondary market. We'll find out why in the article.

Salon "VAZ-2107"

The “Seven” was created on the basis of the “VAZ-2105”. It was a modified luxury version of the Five, aimed at wealthy people. People called it the Russian “Mercedes”. The interior of the car was luxurious for those times. Inside, there were seats with integrated headrests and a special dashboard that notifies you about the speed, fuel and oil levels, and engine heating temperature. The heating system has also been modernized. It directed air flows not only to the windows, but also to the driver’s feet.

Modern drivers won’t be surprised by the 7’s interior or trim levels. The car has no airbags, not to mention ABS and other electronic assistants. In the “top” versions you can adjust the angle of the headlights and headrests. For 10-15 thousand rubles, the equipment can be supplemented with multimedia, tinting and alloy wheels.

The cabin is comfortable for four passengers of average build; it will be a bit cramped with a fifth in the back seat. The trunk holds 379 liters of cargo. You can’t hide large luggage there - there’s enough space for several bags of groceries from the supermarket and a bag with tools.

Engines and transmission

“Sevens” are available with 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 liter engines with power from 64 to 75 hp. With. These are models aimed at the domestic market. For export, the models were supplied with a 1.7-liter engine producing 80 horsepower. However, under the hood of a used VAZ-2107 you can find another unit. Amateur mechanics often test these machines and replace the original engine with one with different power characteristics. Such a replacement is popularly called “swap” (from the English swap - exchange).

The gearbox is a four- or five-speed manual, depending on the year of manufacture of the model, the drive is exclusively rear-wheel drive.

The model is economical in consumption and is not picky about fuel. In the combined cycle, the “Seven” consumes 7.5-8.5 liters per 100 km. You can fill the fuel tank not only with AI-92 and 95, but also with AI-80, if you can find it.

Installing a ready-made set of elements

If the owner decides to use a ready-made set of elements, after preliminary preparation of the car, you can begin installing it. The modern car market provides a huge selection of parts and manufacturers, hard and soft springs and shock absorbers, to suit any lowering. The problem is that not everything fits the VAZ “classic”. But you can find it. The main thing is to clearly decide how much you want to lower the car and in what conditions the car will be used.

Professionals recommend 50 mm as optimal, taking into account the standard of the car. What's good about this option:

• the machine is given sufficient rigidity;
• The car's suspension remains working, the car will not jump over uneven roads.

When selecting finished parts, you should take into account the number of turns of the spring. Fewer turns means lower height, which is important when lowering a car. There are sports sets that have the appropriate characteristics. Among them it is quite possible to choose the right one.

In addition to purchasing a ready-made kit, there is the option of ordering parts with the required characteristics from a specialist. After installing the updated suspension, all components are assembled in the reverse order.

Ride quality

When creating the car, AvtoVAZ engineers cared little about the dynamic performance of the Seven. The sedan reaches the first hundred in just 16 seconds, and you can accelerate to a maximum of 150 km/h.

The suspension is soft, and this is a big plus for driving on bad roads. Ground clearance is average - 154 mm. You can't go off-road, but it's enough for the city.

Those who like to drive need to be careful. On the highway, at a speed of more than 100 km/h, the car will have to be “caught”, and when entering turns, slow down so as not to fly into a ditch. Caution is also important when overclocking. During a rapid detonation, the rear end of the car is pulled away.

The VAZ's steering wheel is heavy and lacks power assist. Fragile girls may experience discomfort when twisting the steering wheel. Not everything is smooth with the brakes either: the pedal needs to be pressed carefully and in advance.

Preparatory work for suspension tuning

The static suspension of the “six” is not adjustable and has constant height and stiffness parameters. The static suspension best meets the requirements of city driving for cars whose landing is within “reasonable” limits. Its advantage is the relative cheapness of installation, and the disadvantage is the need to change elements without the possibility of regulation.

Whatever option the VAZ 2106 owner decides to use to lower his car, he needs to carry out preparatory work. They require taking tools, a grinder and a blowtorch. After this, the following steps are carried out.

1. They conscientiously wash the space between the wheel arches from dirt, freeing up free access to the suspension and its parts.
2. All wheels of the car are removed. The caps are disconnected (if any), the bolts are unscrewed, and the wheel rims are removed from the hub. The nuts are twisted in pairs, so that one of them is opposite the other diagonally.
3. Use your hands to pull the wheels towards you, removing them from the hub. It is wise to check the brake pads and rotors at the same time. If they are worn or defective, they are immediately replaced with new ones.

4. On the classic VAZ 2106, special spacers are sometimes installed that increase the height of the car. They are removed immediately. If they are installed at the top or bottom of the springs, then they are simply removed. When these elements divide the spring in two, it is replaced. It is advisable to take into account the factory recommendations when purchasing new ones.

After first unscrewing the fastening bolts, carefully remove the strut along with the spring from the wheel arch, the car is ready for work.

Pros and cons of "VAZ-2107"

The main advantage of the “Seven” is its adaptation to Russian operating conditions. With a working engine and electrical system, the car starts even in severe frost.

Compact dimensions allow even beginners to park confidently. The owners of the VAZ-2107 are not worried about the safety of the vehicle. Old Zhiguli cars are of little interest to car thieves.

Drivers rarely complain about engines and transmissions. They are mainly concerned about leaking rear axle seals, breakdown of the solenoid relay, malfunction of the fuel pump and generator. If something breaks, don’t go broke on repairs. Replacing the fuel pump assembly will cost 650 rubles, reinstalling the generator - 1,500-2,000 rubles.

Spare parts, as well as mechanics, capable of bringing the “Seven” back to life can be found in any outback. But you need to be careful with the details, there are a lot of counterfeits on the market.

The weak point of the Tolyatti “Seven” is the body. Even if the machine is stored in a heated and ventilated area, corrosion cannot be avoided. According to reviews from VAZ-2107 owners, the thresholds and doors rotted after 5-7 years of operation. The latter also sag. The problem is solved by replacing or adjusting the hinges.

And another minus of the “seven” is poor sound insulation. The dashboard, central air duct, or heating system control cables may rattle. Some drivers installed sound insulation themselves, so you can find a “quiet” car on the secondary market.

What to consider when buying a Russian Mercedes

Fans of Russian classics have plenty to choose from. Currently, 8,515 “sevens” are sold on the secondary market at an average price tag of 93 thousand rubles. For 70 thousand we found a 2006 car with a 1.6 75 liter engine. With. and an attractive mileage of 11,400 km:

We checked the car through the avtocod.ru service and realized that the current owner had embellished the car’s characteristics.

The mileage of the car is more than 45 thousand km, and there is also a duplicate title, unpaid fines and registration restrictions, due to which the car cannot be registered with the traffic police. It’s better to look for another option, preferably a “fresher” one, one that was released closer to the “sunset” of the model.

These days, the “Seven” has lost its halo as a luxury car for wealthy people. This is a simple, unprepossessing car that looks like a freak in city traffic. But it will be a good simulator for beginners, which you won’t mind breaking and repairing inexpensively.

Method of sawing off springs

A cheaper, quick and easy way to lower a VAZ 2106 is the method of sawing off the springs. After preliminary preparation of the machine, the springs are cut down with a grinder into the required number of turns so that the landing of the machine becomes the required height. You can use either the stock version or use springs from a different brand of car. It is often recommended to use Niva springs for these purposes, since they are stiffer and more durable.

Before walking with an angle grinder, you should make the necessary height calculations so that the front and rear bumpers of the car are the same height (or the rear is slightly higher). Professionals advise cutting the springs by a maximum of 2 turns. This will help lower the VAZ 2106 enough so that it is both visually visible and the suspension retains its properties at least partially. After cutting, it is recommended to install a Panhard rod. This will allow you to correct the rear axle in the center, because after landing the axle often “leads” to the side.

You can successfully combine a ready-made set of shortened shock absorbers and cutting the springs. This will be a more expensive method than simply cutting the coils, but also safer.