Off-road Niva tuning in advice from professionals

I will not exaggerate if I say that the Niva in our country is the most popular SUV. This is understandable: where else can you find a car at such a price and with such potential? Only by purchasing a Niva can you get increased cross-country ability, stable behavior on asphalt, and relative comfort. That is, it turns out that the Niva is the car that, on the whole, should suit the owner. If you don’t like something, then the car should be modified. I will tell you how to properly tune the Niva 2121 for off-road use. Of course, a serious transformation of even a field will require significant expenses on the part of the car enthusiast. Therefore, to begin with, I will give you one piece of advice:

Be sure to decide for yourself what exactly you want. Only if you have a real and clear idea of ​​what you expect from the field after tuning, everything will work out right for you. You will save yourself from unnecessary actions and expenses. As a result, you will be able to get true pleasure from your field.

Suspension lift

Modernization of the Niva 4x4 begins with the front suspension. When carrying out work, the car is driven into the lift. Then the spring spacers are installed at the top and bottom. During the work process, it will not be superfluous to carry out suspension maintenance - replace shock absorbers with the installation of extensions, change all rubber elements, adjust the position of the bump stop. To ensure that the performance of the suspension does not cause any complaints in the future, you can contact a tuning studio to carry out a lift.

tuning Niva 4×4 off-road

As for the rear suspension, new spring cups are installed here, and the shock absorber mounts will have to be moved somewhat. Next, the reaction rods are strengthened by welding amplifiers from a corner onto them or by doubling them. In some cases, the suspension is modified by installing an additional stabilizer, although this requires the digestion of some suspension elements.

Also, during suspension tuning, a split transverse link is installed, in which an adjustable coupling is installed. But after this, you will need to adjust the wheel alignment of the rear suspension, since when installing the tuning rod, the axle may shift.

After reworking the suspension, changes will have to be made to the brake system, which boils down to lengthening the brake pipes.

After such tuning, the Niva will become simply irreplaceable for fishing, since it will be able to drive on almost any off-road.

Technical tuning

Do-it-yourself towbar for a Priora sedan
The technical side of modernizing an SUV can be divided into several stages. Owners of this car model usually divide work into the following categories:

Tuning the Niva 4x4 engine. First of all, they are improving the engine on the Niva. The crankshaft, cylinders and piston system are replaced. This will affect the maneuverability and speed of the vehicle.

• Improved management. To modernize the control of the machine, power steering is installed. Both domestic and foreign analogues are used. When installing the hydraulic booster, it is necessary to resort to welding work on the body. Without this, it is impossible to install the shaft.
• Improved cross-country ability. All means are good here:

• increased clearance;
• alteration of side members and body;
• installation of wheels with a larger radius;
• suspension tuning (increasing).

To tune the Niva's suspension, a so-called lift is used. It is used to increase ground clearance and raise the car above the ground. It is after this procedure that it becomes possible to install wheels of increased diameter.

Using a homemade elevator is not recommended. It is better to buy factory components or contact a specialized workshop. The craftsmen are familiar with all the intricacies of their craft, and their work will not cost that much.

Improving machine endurance. Oddly enough, domestic spare parts are best suited for this: compared to foreign ones, they are stronger and more reliable. We are talking about parts to strengthen the front and rear drives. Thanks to this, the Niva will become more durable off-road.

Advantages and disadvantages

Installing a lift kit has an ambiguous effect on the driving performance of the car. The advantages of this type of tuning include:

• Increased ground clearance.
• Improved machine design.
• Possibility of installing larger wheels and mud tires with large lugs.
• Improving cross-country ability on rough terrain.
• Reduces the likelihood of damage to the engine crankcase, exhaust pipe or transmission.

However, the suspension lift not only has a positive effect on the characteristics of the Chevrolet Niva.

A change in the factory design manifests itself in the form of the following disadvantages:

• The breaking angle of CV joints increases. This reduces the service life of the drives.
• The center of gravity rises. The car's behavior when cornering worsens and the likelihood of capsizing increases.
• The load on the transmission and chassis is growing. As a result, parts wear out faster.

Tip: a suspension lift improves off-road traction and worsens the car's performance at speed. Therefore, increasing the ground clearance only makes sense if the Niva is regularly used on a primer, in mud or sand.

Preparation for work

Do-it-yourself car interior restoration

There are many options for how to do off-road tuning. Depending on financial resources, the car can be completely redesigned. Most car enthusiasts are not ready to spend a lot of money on modifications and are limited to a few options that allow them to knead dirt comfortably and without damaging the car. Serious work that requires changing the design of the SUV is excluded with these options. Not everyone can afford them, and most often it is impossible to make such an improvement in a regular garage. Any self-respecting owner who wants to prepare a Chevrolet for off-road use purchases good mud tires for this purpose. The cost can vary and reach several tens of thousands of rubles per set.

For the Chevrolet Niva, the maximum permissible tire size is taken.

The 15-inch option would be preferable. Handling is somewhat compromised, but it offers better ride quality and there are many different models on the market. When choosing mud tires, keep in mind that they are not suitable for winter, and when driving on asphalt, their service life is significantly reduced. In addition, the above dimensions can be supplied without lifting, installing arch extensions and other modifications.

The next required tuning attribute is a snorkel. The cost of a simpler option does not exceed one and a half to two thousand rubles; there are models that are more expensive. Some car enthusiasts prefer to make the element with their own hands. The main task of the snorkel is to prevent sand, dirt and water from entering the engine, preventing the risk of water hammer. Structurally, this is an air intake pipe that is carried outside, through which air enters the engine.

To look like a real SUV, Chevrolet Niva cannot do without a special trunk, which is called expeditionary. Some people are happy with a homemade one from scrap materials, while others buy a ready-made version. The cost of such a trunk can vary: from several thousand rubles to a couple of tens of thousands. The high price is explained by the better quality of materials, the presence of mounts for installing fog and additional headlights (the so-called “chandelier”), antennas, rack-and-pinion jacks and other devices.

To conquer off-road conditions, the Chevrolet Niva will need reliable and durable protection for the underbody and, in particular, the engine. When driving off-road, no one can guarantee the safety of components and assemblies under the bottom. Its reliability will depend on the thickness and width of the car’s protection. The use of steel sheets is not recommended due to their heavy weight. Duralumin up to 5 mm thick is suitable for these purposes. Factory options (cost up to 15,000 rubles) have all the necessary fasteners, holes for ventilation and technological purposes.

If desired, you can install a winch bracket on the front of the Niva and a tow bar on the rear.

A front or rear winch will always help you pull your car out of any mud. This is especially true for the Chevrolet Niva, where even the standard towing eyes cause a lot of trouble. If a towbar can be purchased for approximately several thousand rubles, then a winch will cost at least 15,000–20,000. Additionally, you can purchase reinforced shock-absorbing struts. Without a load, stiffer springs and longer shock absorbers will cause inconvenience when driving, but the ground clearance will increase by several centimeters. And in off-road conditions, every millimeter becomes decisive. Such modernization can be carried out by any car owner independently, and it will be possible to save money.

Strengthening the engine

Adaptation of the Niva to off-road conditions is also carried out in terms of increasing engine traction. To do this, the service station can increase the flow areas of the valves in the system and the gas distribution head, install lightweight valves, and install a carburetor, for example, with diffusers 24-26. To improve off-road performance, craftsmen change the standard ignition system to an electronic one, install a camshaft (in the head), which is designed for traction at medium and low speeds, and install power steering. To install the amplifier, in some cases it may be necessary to work on the body in the area of ​​the passage from the steering shaft. Here, you may have to move the vacuum booster to the bracket, and lengthen the rod from the master cylinder.

The modification of the Niva due to the increased engine power involves installing a radiator with an increased area (the cooling fan may need to be relocated). Elements of off-road modernization will also be required for the body, which will bear high loads. In this part, the front spar is usually strengthened (to the place where the rear seats are attached in front) with the help of steel plates several millimeters thick. Those who want to drive through forests comfortably change the sound insulation of the cabin. If the above conditions are met, you can expect that a tuned Niva in off-road conditions can show higher speed characteristics (up to 80 km/h after modifications, versus 40 km/h before them), and cope with obstacles more successfully. However, it must be taken into account that the cost of such work and spare parts in some cases exceeds the cost of the machine itself.

External tuning of Niva

Tuning options for a Chevrolet Niva all-wheel drive car

The most popular way to add zest to the appearance of an SUV is to install a power body kit. Of course, this matter must be approached responsibly and competently. Most often, kengurin is installed on the Niva. It gives the car a more powerful and fearless look.

Kengurin on Niva can be:

• small – for the lower part;
• medium - for the radiator;
• large - for headlights.

Thus, they also serve as additional “protection” for the above-mentioned parts

When installing a kangurin, it is extremely important to choose a reliable power bumper. Often factory bumpers are only 3–4 mm thick

More durable samples are mainly made to order. In this case, it is better to spend money in favor of a more reliable option. So as not to get into trouble later.

In addition to kanguryatniks, Niva is often equipped with chrome-plated side steps, as well as expeditionary racks. The last thing is a real find for lovers of extreme sports and fast driving. You can give your friends a breeze on the roof in hot summer or spring weather (just don’t forget to weld the ladder to the frame). In addition, the trunk can be used to transport fishing rods, shovels or things that do not fit in the car.

Additional tuning elements:

• replacement of mirrors, headlights;
• installation of chrome footrests;
• car painting with modern design elements;
• installation of additional headlights on the roof.

Power bumpers and power sills - body protection and a beautiful view

Improving external characteristics is often considered the only important criterion for installing power body elements. In this case, you can buy cheap Chinese add-ons, which cannot even be called power ones. It is better to give preference even to homemade power bumpers that will clearly perform their functions. With the help of properly constructed bumpers and power-type thresholds, you can achieve the following effects:

• the car will be completely protected from troubles in the form of collisions with trees and stumps in forest areas;
• you can jack up the car behind the thresholds using a special jack for SUVs (HiJeck system);
• the appearance of the car really takes on new qualities and becomes an order of magnitude closer to the understanding of an SUV;
• The Niva receives really effective protection from minor collisions in competitions and can safely butt heads;
• power bumpers are a necessary addition to a modern SUV.

This is an important point that will not cost too much. We call for a refusal to install light chrome “power” thresholds and bumpers. It is better to make them yourself from pipes and profiles, giving them the required shape. Also remember that your colleagues will pull your car out of trouble using the power bumper, so it is better to make this element with high quality and fasten it securely to the body of the vehicle.

Car for hunters and fishermen

If it’s a pity for an imported jeep to drown in a swamp and scratch against bushes, this does not mean that you need to switch to an ATV or become a hiker, fisherman, hunter, and so on. Niva is an excellent option - inexpensive, passable, and, if desired, also comfortable and even cute. That is why Niva can be found in the forest more often than other cars.

Spare parts for VAZ are cheaper than for any other cars. This fact partially justifies the lack of reliability of domestic cars. But if you look after Niva, then the likelihood of failure at the most inopportune moment is negligible. Even if some kind of breakdown occurs, most likely it can be fixed right on the spot.

Interesting video: Niva tuning report

• Tuning options for a Chevrolet Niva all-wheel drive car
• Practice of tuning Chevrolet cars
• Passion for tuning domestic (Soviet and Russian) cars

Tuning the Niva 4x4 interior

Having finished with the appearance and technical parameters of the car, do not forget to pay the same attention to the “inner world” of your Niva. After all, interior tuning is also an important and no less labor-intensive process.

The interior of a domestic SUV has the following weaknesses:

1. Poor sound insulation;
2. Front panel, handles, rear view mirror and other interior elements;
3. Unpresentable (outdated) appearance of the interior.

The first problem - noise insulation - as many car enthusiasts know, is present in most models of the domestic automobile industry. On Niva, this can be solved by installing a special Noisebuster kit, which is installed under the interior trim.

Interior elements such as handles, mirrors, front panel and others can be easily replaced with more attractive analogues. All these parts can be found on the auto parts market. Replacing interior elements will give the “inner world” of the Niva the appearance of a foreign car.

Also, Niva owners quite often resort to the procedure of reupholstering the interior. This process of improving the appearance, as a rule, comes first in interior tuning. Reupholstering the interior can radically change your idea of ​​what your car can look like inside.

Experts' comments

Andrey. I often go fishing, but my everyday sedan is simply not designed for such trips. They can’t buy a new or used SUV of any foreign brand; they can’t afford a second car, but they really want to get to the fishing spot by car, and not on foot. So I decided to buy myself a Niva. Initially, it is not suitable for a comfortable trip, but with minor modifications you can make a very good car.

Maksim. I love driving on difficult off-road conditions. My friends are into this too. I spent a long time choosing what I could buy and use as a base. The choice fell on Niva. Firstly, it is not expensive, and secondly, it has high cross-country ability from the very beginning. It took about six months to complete the finalization. I am satisfied with the result.

Alexei. Many people choose Niva as a base. Considering the technical side of the issue, I note that many units and systems are outdated. Therefore, to get a real SUV you will have to carry out a large number of modifications.

Dmitriy. Niva 21214 is not suitable for the highway or comfortable movement in the city. However, the car is simply irreplaceable in case of poor traffic in rural areas. Many SUVs from foreign manufacturers do not have such high performance. Therefore, if you are looking for a base for tuning and obtaining an SUV with high cross-country ability, then you should pay attention to this particular car.

Traditional Niva improvements

If you want your old Niva to be able to show its tail off-road to more technologically advanced and modern foreign jeeps, it needs to be modernized a little. The suspension should be even higher so that it can easily move over fallen trees and not sit on its belly in the mud. Special tuning springs and shock absorbers, as well as larger radius wheels on high-profile tires, will help lift the car up. To install such wheels, you will most likely have to cut the arches and fender liners.

To protect the body from unwanted contacts with stones and trees, you will need reinforced bumpers, sills and the so-called “kenguryatnik”. Powerful sills will not only cover the sides of the body, but will also help jack up a car stuck in the mud. You can’t do without a winch - the most important device when pulling a car out of some swamp. To overcome deep fords, it will be useful to acquire a snorkel and carefully waterproof the wiring.

Tuning VAZ 2121 cars also provides for improved traction characteristics - large wheels with a thick tread are harder for the engine to rotate. To reduce the load, you can replace the main transmission pair with a shorter one, for example, from a VAZ 2102. Modifications to the cylinder head and exhaust system 4-2-1 will help add power to the engine.

Grind the cylinder head to increase the compression ratio, bore the intake ports and install an “evil” camshaft with a split gear. If the engine is fuel injected, you can also add improved ECU firmware, a 54mm throttle body and a modified receiver.

Please advise how to improve the field

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Re: Advice on how to improve the field

Post by boczman » Sep 12, 2012, 10:25 pm

Re: Advice on how to improve the field

Posted by miralde » Sep 12, 2012, 10:33 pm

Re: Advice on how to improve the field

Post by MNV » 12 Sep 2012, 22:44

Eh Pavel! It’s generally not easy to get a Niva to just drive normally. So that it doesn’t shake and break. Noises are generally its signature, unchanging feature. But comfort, precise handling, accelerating dynamics, smooth ride, these are not about this car. It will never even drive like a VAZ classic. Therefore, my IMHO, either you accept her as she is, or after traveling, you begin to look for a replacement. You can, of course, bring it to a satisfactory condition and start improving it. But in moderation, without fanaticism. The arches should be trimmed a little, the wheels should be a little bigger on the dirt, the steel gearbox of the front axle will be inserted, and the rear diff will be locked. These, by the way, are not cheap features at all. But we must understand that she will never become a Cruiser. Possibilities for improving Niva. very limited. By improving one thing, we automatically worsen the other. A classic example with increasing the wheel. People make an elevator, or cut arches, and all this only to understand that the Niva axle shafts have no reserve of endurance at all. heavy wheels are axle shafts as consumables. And more radical modifications of the Niva, in terms of their budget, are comparable to the purchase of a Vitara or Padzhik from the 90s. But the result is doubtful. The result is a tractor for shit. How to drive on the highway? So, think it over and weigh everything carefully first. I’m now a 97 Sportyag. I’m selling it, so I’ll tell you that in terms of comfort it is incomparable with the Niva. Comfort of a normal blouse. Only very high. You can't hear the engine at all. There is no noise from the transfer case. Quiet, soft, fast, comfortable. It’s a pity, I’m attached to Niva, otherwise I would have waved without looking.

Tuning Chevrolet Niva for off-road use. Making it a full-fledged SUV

• Boring the cylinders expands the volume from the 1700 cc intended by the designers. before 1900;
• From the previous paragraph it logically follows that the pistons are replaced. You can supply both forged and cast ones, here it is important to balance each piston individually, otherwise the center of gravity will deviate from the piston pin axis, which will lead to premature wear of the cylinder and a decrease in compression;
• The increased volume requires optimization of combustion chamber ventilation. The simplest and most affordable way is to bore the seat and replace valves with larger diameters. As an option, install a T-shaped valve (for many it unnecessarily raises doubts and mistrust);
• The mandatory list also includes replacing the camshaft. No all-rounders or high-end varieties – just low-end. It increases power at low speeds, due to which your tank will pull itself out even from the swamp;
• Installing a turbine will improve the Niva’s throughput qualities even more, but this step is the most expensive, so not everyone will decide to take it. All changes will inevitably entail reflashing the engine ECU of the gas distribution system.

• Large ramps installed without additional “squats” will require increased torque, without which there will simply be a lack of traction. Overloading the motor will cause traction failure. In addition, the wheel arches will need to be cut to accommodate them. Experienced people advise changing the drive pair to ramps with a gear ratio of 4.7 (factory ones have 3.9). This will smooth out the consequences of installing large wheels and will prevent losses in speed and dynamics (see the article “How to make wheel arch extensions with your own hands”);
• Without cutting out the wheel arches, you can install 215/75/R15 from Forward Safari, or Goodrich, 205/70/R16 (Cordiant), or 205/80/R16 produced by Kumho, etc.

• Install a set of spacers on the springs at the rear and front. It is available at any tuning shop and includes the parts needed to extend the linkage and shock absorbers. It will raise the body by 5 cm, cost 4,000-5,000 rubles, you can install it yourself;
• Spacers, but installed between the frame and the body, allow you to increase the clearance by 7.5-10.5 cm. They are made of flexible metal or rubber, cost about 10,000 rubles, it is better to install them in a car service center.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qmkNIWsNhZE

• The factory front bumper is replaced with a power one, and with a winch installed on it;
• Do the same with the rear one. You can do without a winch, but you shouldn’t skimp: it will help out a lot if the car gets stuck almost hopelessly;
• The side sills are also being replaced with reinforced ones - they will protect the body from the inevitable stumps, stones and fallen trees;
• You also need to prepare for the inevitable water obstacles;
• The air filter is carefully sealed;
• The air intake is vented to the roof (Install Snorkel);
• The standard fans are replaced with electric twin ones, which are turned off manually when entering a flooded place;
• The ignition system is additionally waterproofed.

AutoFlit.ru

Exterior and interior

After the suspension, you can move on to external tuning of the Niva 4x4. To increase the security of the body and its functionality, we first select a 4x4 power body kit. This body kit includes reinforced bumpers that can withstand heavy shock loads, a guardrail, protective sills, arch extensions, and underbody protection. It would not be superfluous to install a winch and snorkel. To increase functionality, we install an expeditionary rack on the roof.

Tuning the Niva body also includes painting it in protective colors. The coloring of a Niva 4x4 can be very different, but the army style is best suited for a car intended for off-road use. Although this is not necessary, when tuning a white Niva, in order to avoid the need to re-register the car due to a changed color, it is better to leave the “original” paint.

Niva tuning

While working on the body, you can also tune the optics of the Niva 4x4 - install additional lighting equipment, as well as modify the standard one.

Next, tuning of the Niva 4x4 interior is done. Here all the work comes down to replacing the upholstery, covering the seats, installing additional equipment - another interior heater, all kinds of sensors and controllers. And then all that remains is to decorate the front panel with overlays and dashboard lighting.

Installation of additional lighting on the roof

In order to make the car more prepared for off-road travel, additional lighting should be installed. Note that such minor modifications will make the car safer in motion.

You can perform this kind of modification if you have the following elements:

• Only a set of wrenches and screwdrivers. To dismantle the trunk, it is enough to unscrew the fasteners. Therefore, it is enough to have a set of wrenches and a screwdriver.
• Wiring. Consider wiring that is well insulated and will withstand the environment. You can increase your protection by using
• Metal rod or rod.
• Bulgarian. To work with metal you will need a grinder. An example is cutting a supporting frame.
• Welding machine. The metal connection is carried out by welding.
• Drill. Installation of light sources is carried out along the created holes.

The features of installation work include the following points:

1. If a standard trunk is installed on the Niva, then it should be dismantled. In order for the structure to be installed, the front part is sawed off.
2. We connect the headlights to the rod, which will become a kind of supporting structure. To ensure reliable fastening of light sources, the distance between the holes in the rod must be at least 3 cm.
3. The pins from the headlights are inserted into the holes made.
4. The rod is welded to the front of the previously sawn-off roof rack, which was installed on the roof.
5. The wiring is connected to each headlight.
6. In order to reduce the likelihood of damage to the wiring, it is twisted with a clamp and then passed through the hole in the roof. Note that a hole of the required size may not be available. Then you will have to do it, and then seal it, since otherwise precipitation will get into the car interior.
7. The wiring is connected to the battery. If the headlights lit up when they were connected, you can proceed to attaching the structure itself directly.
8. The luggage compartment is secured to the roof with powerful bolts. It should be taken into account that due to the welding of additional optics, the load will be distributed unevenly. When driving at high speed, strong resistance arises, which can lead to the trunk, along with additional optics, being torn off.

Suspension lifting

Reinforced shock absorbers and larger radius wheels will not be able to increase ground clearance to overcome serious obstacles. In this regard, lifting is indispensable. In addition to high ground clearance, you can get:

• possibility of installing wheels and tires of large radius;
• protection of the bottom from mechanical damage (including parts of the exhaust system, engine, etc.);
• aggressive appearance of the car.

Special ready-made kits are sold for lifting the Chevrolet Niva. Their cost varies and can be up to hundreds of thousands of rubles. But the suspension lift also has disadvantages. The main disadvantage is a reduction in the service life of the car and a decrease in road handling (it falls over when cornering). Due to the higher load, the life of the transmission and suspension elements is also reduced. Therefore, if the car will not be used off-road every day, then lifting is not recommended.

Considering that special kits are sold, you can carry out this operation yourself

But it is important to follow the instructions. Otherwise, there is a high risk of permanently damaging the suspension

A standard lifting kit consists of the following elements.

1. Springs and shock absorbers (for front and rear struts).
2. Rubber spacers.
3. Spacers for ball joints.
4. Bolts and washers.

The ready-made kit already contains everything you need. If you do a homemade lift, you will need to order spacers to increase the ground clearance of the Niva Chevrolet.

All further actions can be performed using two good jacks.

Front suspension lifting of Niva Chevrolet

Briefly, the instructions for independent work look like this.

1. Loosen the front wheel bolts and lift either side with one jack. The second jack under the ball raises the spring until it compresses. Additionally, the bolts of the silent blocks should be loosened. The springs must be compressed with special ties.
2. Remove the ball joints and anti-roll bar.
3. Remove the spring and move the strut to the side.
4. Replace the two outer bolts from the wheels with the long ones from the kit.
5. A spacer in the form of a washer is installed between the lower arm and the bowl.
6. Install spacers under the springs.
7. The stabilizer, strut, hub and wheel are mounted in place.

The other side is lifted in the same way. After working with the front part, it is necessary to do a wheel alignment.

Body upgrade

There are many ways to improve the body, and the driver himself chooses the direction of tuning work to give unique qualities to his car.

Headlights and fog lights

The Niva's standard optics quickly fail and require replacement. But such a need can be considered as an opportunity to improve the appearance of the car. It is recommended to install similar lighting devices of higher quality from other manufacturers.

Installing xenon, lens or diode optics radically changes the appearance. Fog lights will organically complement the image of the car and increase the safety of the vehicle.

Moldings

Such elements are installed mainly to protect the body from various contaminants, damage and to evenly distribute the load during impacts. Properly selected moldings can give the car a more presentable appearance.

When tuning, different types of structures are used, which differ not only in the material of manufacture, but also in their functions.

Main types:

1. Overhead. The most popular option, installed on the body frame, doors and fenders. Made from rubber, plastic and chrome steel. Thanks to the elasticity of the part, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the body, thereby increasing the maneuverability of the vehicle.
2. Hidden. Covers the gaps between the glass and the body, preventing dust and moisture from entering.
3. Threshold covers. Moldings protect elements from mechanical damage and give a stylish look to the car.

Radiator grille

There are many ways to make your car more original.

But the first thing that attracts attention in the car is the radiator grille. The choice of material, color and shape depends on the purpose pursued when tuning

Grilles made of carbon look attractive and stylish. A piece made of aluminum or stainless steel will add originality to the car. Considering the cost of the material, many use fiberglass to make this element.

Particular attention should be paid to the shape of the updated radiator grille. It should smoothly continue the outline of the car, harmoniously fitting into the design

This helps improve aerodynamic properties by directing the air flow over the hood.

Off-road features

To overcome off-road conditions, Niva Chevrolet uses:

First of all, all-wheel drive capabilities. To overcome difficult off-road conditions, the driver can engage a lower gear, thereby directing the torque to the traction capabilities of the vehicle.

The factory all-wheel drive system is somewhat imperfect, which is why some people are upgrading it. The main components and assemblies are replaced with similar ones, but with an enhanced resource. In rare cases, the entire system is replaced with a more reliable and high-quality one (a very labor-intensive process);

short wheelbase and small overhangs. Geometric cross-country ability is the most important factor when overcoming off-road conditions. In this regard, the Niva Chevrolet is second only to the classic Niva. Having a short body length, combined with small overhangs, the car can easily overcome steep climbs that are inaccessible to conventional vehicles. The base of the car cannot be changed, but the overhangs can be changed by installing different thresholds and trims, thereby increasing the “off-road” capabilities;

high ground clearance

This figure is 205 mm, which also greatly contributes to the cross-country ability of the model. An increase in ground clearance will have a positive effect on cross-country ability, but when traveling on the highway, the car will lose stability and acquire excessive “windage” on the road surface.

Maybe

Modification of the motor: replacement of the throttle and standard filters

All fundamental improvements to the classic SUV in question are primarily aimed at significantly increasing its cross-country ability. Not only the ground clearance and the features of the installed all-wheel drive system determine how high the cross-country ability of an SUV is. In the absence of proper traction, the car will simply stand on a difficult section of the road and will not move. That is why the possibilities of increasing the thrust of the installed engine or replacing it completely should be considered.

Many people consider installing a turbine to be the most effective way to modify an engine. When considering this option for improving the motor, you should pay attention to the following points:

• The cost of a turbine can vary over a fairly wide range. In the store you can find offers for 40,000 rubles or so.
• Do not forget that installing a turbine yourself is quite difficult. As a rule, such tuning involves the involvement of specialists, due to which the cost of work increases significantly.
• Mistakes made during turbine installation can lead to a fairly large number of different problems.
• A turbine is not always the ideal solution to increase the power of an internal combustion engine. If the engine itself is in poor technical condition, then the turbine can aggravate the current situation to an even greater extent.

When considering simple ways to increase the thrust of a standard engine, attention should be paid to the possibility of replacing standard filters and choke.

You can significantly increase the performance of an installed engine by replacing standard filters. The important points include the following information:

• Standard filters are not very efficient. In addition, they create additional resistance to the fuel current, due to which the efficiency value drops significantly.
• To increase power, it is recommended to purchase sports filters, for example, from the manufacturer Pro Sport. They have increased efficiency and can significantly increase engine output.
• Filters are consumables that should be replaced periodically. If wear is too high, the structure no longer retains foreign elements.

The filter replacement process can be characterized as follows:

1. When choosing a filter, you should pay attention to the fact that the mounting diameter should be less than 75 mm.
2. To remove the old filter, all pipes and the throttle channel are disconnected and the standard protective cover is dismantled.
3. You can eliminate the possibility of rapid wear of the structure by blowing out the seat. It should be borne in mind that a fairly large amount of debris may remain after the old product. If it gets into the system, it can damage the filter.
4. The tightness of the joint can be increased by adding motor oil to the joint.
5. The throttle is switched off. It is located directly below the filter itself. Disconnection is carried out by turning off the fuel system channels and air supply.

Considering the features of replacing the throttle, we note the following points:

• It is recommended to give preference to dampers with a diameter of 52 mm. This kind of device can pass a fairly large amount of air, due to which the power of the installed engine increases by 18%. With such a high rate of increase in power, the cost of modification is relatively low.
• To install a new damper, the old one must be removed. As a rule, there are no problems with carrying out such work.

Due to such minor modifications, the power of the installed motor can be significantly increased. Greater traction makes it easier to overcome holes and various obstacles.

Niva with open top

Of all the Soviet cars, the Niva was considered the most popular abroad. This is an absolutely independent development of the Tolyatti people, and it was not copied from any Fiat or Opel. Niva was cheaper than its competitors, and even in well-fed Western Europe its sales were significant.

Promoting the Soviet automobile industry for export, VAZ offered the Niva in various versions, which were not supplied to the domestic market. These were:

• vans;
• pickups;
• models with a removable top, that is, convertibles;
• models with a fabric sunroof (panoramic roof).

These cars can become models for tuning.

There was no special convertible body. It was made by cutting off the rear half of the roof and strengthening the front part to meet safety requirements. Under the hoods of such cars there were both standard engines and diesel engines (Renault). However, over the entire period no more than a thousand convertibles were produced.

At one time, the German studio GWS was also involved in tuning the Niva, which created the Lada Niva Cabrio model on its basis. It had no roof at all; for protection, a frame welded from pipes was installed on top. At the rear, the trunk lid was changed, and the lights were moved to the bumper. Domestic Niva owners would be happy if their cars had the same cool anatomical seats as the Cabrio.

Another foreign version produced for the German market is the Niva Kosak. And again a limited edition - only 200 copies. The car was produced in both open and closed versions. This series could be immediately recognized by its brutal body kit made of black plastic, on which the NIVA brand is embossed in large letters.

In 1985-1990, Deutsche Lada sold Niva convertibles in two budget versions: Cabrio UT and Cabrio L. The first option was a two-seater convertible (without rear seats). For an additional fee, this model was offered with a plastic kung that covered the rear part, separated by a partition.

The L version had rear seats, and in appearance it differed from the regular Niva only in the absence of a roof. There was a safety bar between the B-pillars, and the headlights were equipped with headlight washers. Some of these machines later found their way back to Russia.

The Dutch importer supplied a modification of the convertible called Lada Niva Savanne to the Benelux countries. In essence, these were the same “German” Convertibles, which were then sent to different markets, where they were tuned in accordance with local customs. People liked to use these cars for going out into nature, for hunting and fishing and other outdoor activities.

There were also English (Cossack) and Canadian Niva convertibles. In Europe, the Niva California was also sold with a “panoramic” roof, where its role was played by a fabric hatch. This model was significantly cheaper than a full-fledged convertible, but also gave a feeling of open sky.

Snorkel for Chevrolet Niva

If the car in everyday use moves along a dusty dirt road or periodically overcomes water obstacles, then a snorkel will be useful. In addition to protecting the power unit from water ingress and subsequent water hammer, this element performs a number of other useful functions:

• supply of clean and cool air;
• reducing the concentration of exhaust gases in the air from cars ahead;
• air intake from the upper part, a kind of supercharging is formed.

Many people buy a snorkel in a store, but you can make it yourself - whatever suits you best. If you choose a device manufactured by a reputable company, you will receive a high-quality product that will last for many years. Buying a snorkel is half the battle; you also need to install it correctly. The factory item kit always contains detailed instructions.

On the Chevrolet Niva, the snorkel is often installed on the left side. In addition to conventional tools, you may need a drill with drills, a jigsaw, and silicone sealant. The snorkel installation process is as follows.

1. Raise the left side of the car with a jack.
2. Remove the wheel, wheel arch liner and air filter box.
3. Prepare the wing for the hole cutout (cover the cutout area with tape).
4. There will be a template included with the snorkel; you need to attach it to the wing and mark the outline with a marker.
5. Drill a hole of the required diameter and insert the air filter pipe into it.
6. Make outlets in the windshield pillar for attaching the vertical air duct. All holes must be filled with sealant to prevent corrosion.

Next, all that remains is to mount the snorkel on the Chevrolet Niva according to the instructions. There is nothing complicated in this procedure. And it is not at all necessary to contact specialists with this question. You can do everything yourself and save a couple of thousand rubles.

Read news about the new Niva

• Chevrolet Niva lifting - preparation for the hunting and fishing season
• Chevrolet Niva: off-road tuning - is it worth doing, why is it needed, which spacers to choose, instructions for performing the work
• External tuning of Chevrolet (Lada) Niva 2123 | Motorring online store
• Tuning Niva with goods from Aliexpress
• Aerodynamic body kit for Niva: pros and cons
• The modernized Lada Niva Legend (4x4) 2021 was shown on the Internet
• Lada 4×4 Bronto - sales stopped, new details » Lada.Online - all the most interesting and useful about LADA cars
• Description of the instrument panel Lada 4×4 (VAZ 2121, 2131) » Lada.Online - all the most interesting and useful about LADA cars

Bottom line

Of course, car enthusiasts are capable of more sophisticated ways to modernize a Niva 4x4, but it’s unlikely to cover them all in one article. Good luck on the roads and know that for a real motorist there are simply no unsolvable tasks to improve his car!

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Off-road qualities of the Niva car

For the pleasure of Chevrolet Niva owners, we note that this car differs from all those produced in Russia in its off-road qualities. It may be inferior to its foreign counterparts in many respects, but at the same time it is designed specifically for Russian roads, and for their absence.

And its interior is comfortable enough not only to move around, but also to work, travel, compete, hunt, fish, and just relax - in a word, the car is universal.

But for the harsh realities of off-road tuning it cannot be avoided. Let’s be clear right away – it’s not just expensive. It is very expensive. But it is not necessary to carry out all the work in a complex. This can be done if you have money and time.