April 5, 1977 has firmly entered the history of the domestic automotive industry, since it was this date that launched the mass production of the popular Soviet SUV VAZ 2121. Reasonable price and ease of maintenance, coupled with the high cross-country ability of the vehicle (which many modern models still achieve today) and today keeps this car brand at the top of the car sales list.
Of course, it also has some technical shortcomings and some flaws. But who said they can't be improved? Moreover, tuning a VAZ Niva with your own hands will not require an injection of colossal financial resources, and will not take much time.
The most important argument in favor of improving the car is its age (after all, 40 years is a long time and a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then).
In addition, what was comfortable for a Soviet person is not entirely suitable for a person of modern times. This is especially felt during a long trip.
Not very good smoothness and clarity of steering, technical shortcomings of the engine, not very comfortable internal content - all this can be adequately improved with the help of other parts.
The updated Niva will receive new technical and aesthetic characteristics, which will immediately affect the comfort of movement in this car. It is in this direction that you should do tuning a Niva 4 x 4 with your own hands.
What can and should be done
Types of modernization work:
- Make noise insulation of the interior;
- Change seats;
- Re-upholstery;
- Install a “non-native” dashboard;
- Remodel or replace appliances;
- Cover with film (carbon, wood, aluminum);
- Make neon interior lighting;
- Install electric windows;
- Replace the rear side windows with opening ones;
- Install air conditioning;
- Cover the floor with aluminum;
- Carry out auto sound preparation;
You can read more about much of this list in the Interior Tuning section.
To imagine the entire scope of work on internal tuning and visualize the result of such changes, we recommend looking at the corresponding photos and videos at the bottom of the page.
Color options in the photo
Next, let's look at examples of each of the colors available today.
White cloud
Panther
Nessie-2
Terra
Coriander
The Snow Queen
Borneo
Baroque
Jungle camouflage
Interior improvements
Despite a wide range of modifications, the Niva's interior requires improvement. When tuning the Niva's interior you need to:
- produce high-quality sound insulation using modern technologies and materials;
- secure the torpedo better, eliminating squeaking when moving;
- improve the interior trim, it is advisable to get rid of the original plastic, which tends to crack;
- A good advantage for the driver will be an armrest, a comfortable steering wheel, and pedal pads.
It all depends on the wishes of the owner. You can improve the heating system and install seat heaters.
Trunk upgrade
The Niva's extensive luggage compartment is an advantage only at first glance. The large volume provides absolutely no functionality, and the rib at the bottom of the trunk is a completely unnecessary element that interferes with loading. On later modifications it is missing. Also in the way is the folding shelf, which divides the trunk into two parts in the transverse plane.
It is best to remove these disturbing elements and install a box with pockets, drawers, compartments, which will allow you to organize the loaded items. It can be made from wood and metal. Corners or tubes should be used as a frame; it is subsequently sheathed with plywood or other material and trimmed with fabric. Before installing the box, it would not hurt to install noise and thermal insulation on the body.
You can also go the standard route and install a speaker system, LCD monitor or other fashionable gadget in the trunk. The latter option is impractical if the car is being tuned for difficult off-road conditions.
An expeditionary trunk for the Niva wouldn't hurt. It will allow you to take a lot of things and save internal space. It will also be a harmonious addition to off-road style. An alternative would be to install an arc with headlights. This will increase the driver's visibility. It is a useful element when driving in bad weather conditions.
Tuning the Niva trunk with your own hands is also necessary. Despite the fact that the factory version of the trunk is quite spacious, the quality of workmanship is not entirely good.
This unpleasant moment occurred due to the fact that the trunk structure consists of a transverse rib and a folding shelf, which divide the opening in the car in half.
To overcome such a defect, it is best to make a special box and install it in the trunk. In addition to it, it will be possible to equip the trunk with:
- LED elements (bottom and top);
- A powerful subwoofer and a good music system (but this is only if the owner is a music lover, since such an installation reduces trunk space).
In the future, it will be possible to think about the placement of the organizer, because the luggage compartment is quite large, so no problems are foreseen.
Another example of cool tuning of a VAZ 2121 on your own
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.
Also interesting: Repair and replacement of Niva Chevrolet power windows, as well as connection methods without ignition
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.
Carburetor models also consume low-octane gasoline without much difficulty.
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.
Do-it-yourself Niva engine tuning should first begin with improving the characteristics of the carburetor.
The most correct and productive solution is to install a more modern model, which has a larger diffuser (or as it is also called a throttle).
When replacing this unit completely, the best option would be to install an electronic ignition system. It is both more convenient and more modern.
Replacing an old carburetor with a new one won't look as productive unless you also replace the camshaft. This is a very important point, since it is this combination that can give the car more power, and therefore more speed.
Of course, this will lead to strong heating of the parts, but this is not a problem either. A new radiator with a larger surface area and the problem is solved.
Correcting the engine geometry looks like an interesting approach. Indeed, on Niva it is quite voluminous. To perform this operation, it is necessary to increase the diameters of the valves.
Tuning the VAZ 2121 engine involves improving its parameters, in particular, increasing the power of the power plant.
There are two main ways to improve the unit:
- Chip tuning.
- Mechanical modification of the engine.
For injection engines, the first option is best suited. Reflashing the electronic control unit allows you to increase engine power by 8%, reduce fuel consumption and eliminate failures at low speeds. But this will require the help of specialists, because incorrect tuning can lead to a number of problems in engine operation. The second option is possible on any SUV, which determines its popularity.
Engine tuning using mechanical modification is carried out in several stages:
- Carburetor modernization. Here it is necessary to replace the pump accelerator and old jets with an indicator of 2 kam.
- Modification of the gas distribution system by increasing the diameter of the valves and sealing them.
- Installation of a crankshaft with increased stroke.
- Replacing the piston.
- Increasing the cylinder diameter (boring).
A high-quality exhaust system can also increase the efficiency of the power plant by optimizing the process of air supply and exhaust gas removal. To do this, it is recommended to replace the intake and exhaust manifolds with more modern options.
Installing a turbine is the most common way to increase power. It has a fairly simple structure, and its installation does not cause much difficulty. Therefore, such a tuning solution is far from uncommon.
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.
Also interesting: Niva Chevrolet installation of air conditioning - Auto magazine MyDucato
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH99pQLDECA
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.
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.
Useful 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.
- Automatic chain tensioner Pilot
- Nulevik
Modern tuning of Niva 21213
Not so often, but still among Niv owners there are those who do not ignore such “noticeable parts of the interior” - such as the instrument panel, dashboard and the instruments themselves. Which, in turn, can either be slightly modified (for example, changing the color of the scales or the backlight of standard sensors), or completely replaced with others, both from domestic cars and parts from foreign cars.
How to make a dashboard with your own hands?
The process of making a homemade dashboard from plywood is literally “on the knee”.
This instrument panel can be purchased from sellers of tuning parts and accessories. It seems that the choice of alternative plastic dashboards for the VAZ-21214 in online and online stores is relatively large. And if you search, you can find some pretty decent panels.
Often, fans of tuning a domestic SUV decide to completely replace the dashboard or instrument panel with appropriately sized panels from foreign cars. And more often than not, such a replacement is completely justified. Since, in addition to a clear improvement in the visual perception of the interior, comfort and ergonomics are significantly improved.
The first thing you should do in your car so that daily trips in it within the city (and not only) do not lead you into a sad state of a squeezed lemon is to carry out comprehensive sound insulation of the interior.
Before disassembling the entire interior, find the front seats from a foreign car. Seats from Japanese cars have proven themselves well in domestic SUVs. The fact that you need to find rather rare seats from a coupe car should not confuse you.
Any front seats from a foreign car can be easily converted into folding angle grinders with a slight movement - you just need to cut off the stop that limits the forward movement of the backrest.
For safety, we strongly recommend that you do not weld new seats into the body of the Niva, but redesign the slide of the seat itself in order to integrate the lower rails from the original ones. Then the new comfortable chairs will become standard installation locations.
For high-quality sound insulation, you will also need to remove the front panel. Here you will find another key point included in high-quality tuning for Niva 21213 - the dashboard. It can be replaced with a more modern version. A radical solution to changing the appearance of the interior would be to completely replace the front panel with another one.
There is a “comfort” version of the front panel on sale. Its advantages are that there is no need to redo the fasteners, adjust them to size, etc. It has space for both an on-board computer and a tape recorder. The new dashboard and steering wheel will create the complete feeling that you are driving another car. Moreover, every car enthusiast can do such tuning of Niva 21213 with his own hands (photo above).
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.
A common tuning option is also the installation of additional devices - on the bumper, or on a special ramp mounted on the roof. This solution allows you to improve the illumination of the front plane without completely changing the design of the standard headlights.
When choosing this type of tuning, two points must be taken into account. Firstly, the power of the new headlights should not create unnecessary load on the on-board electrical equipment. Secondly, we must not forget about the correct adjustment of the luminous flux of such devices. They should illuminate the space ahead, and not blind oncoming drivers like air defense searchlights.
Therefore, the presence of a corrector in their design is mandatory.
Accessories for interior tuning
Steering wheels, pedal covers, non-standard transfer and gearbox shift knobs, as well as other controls. This is only part of the list of accessories to improve the interior, the installation of which instead of standard ones already transforms the interior, and sometimes makes the operation of the car more ergonomic and comfortable.
The sports steering wheel is an excellent replacement for the standard one. Metal pedals with rubber inserts. A set of knobs for the gearshift lever and transfer case.
In addition, the list of accessories can be supplemented with door sill covers, all kinds of shelves, fasteners, bottle holders and other small things, sometimes useful.
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.
Another example of cool tuning of a VAZ 2121 on your own
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.
Niva is an amazing car with excellent technical characteristics.
In some respects, this SUV outperforms renowned foreign cars of this class, while its cost is significantly lower. Experiment and enjoy the work done!
Upholstery with alternative materials
Tuning the interior of a VAZ-2121 will be incomplete if you do not transform the door cards and the headliner. From the factory they do not differ in particular aesthetics and are made of inexpensive materials. These elements can be upholstered with a material that suits you (in color and structure). This is a simple job, and you can do it yourself. You can also change the shape and material of the door handles, making them suitable for the design of other elements.
Also interesting: Relays and fuses for Lada 4×4 (VAZ 21214, 21314) » Lada.Online
In addition to the materials that are used for upholstering seats, ceilings, door panels and, in some cases, dashboards - fabrics, leather, Alcantara, etc., other upholstery materials are also used for internal “upgrades”. For example, carpet (with a higher pile than the pile laid at the factory) or corrugated aluminum are chosen to cover the floor.
At the same time, the carpet covering, in addition to improving the appearance, also provides additional sound insulation, and the aluminum covering makes the interior more suitable for cleaning, which is very important and practical in case of off-road use. Also, it will not be superfluous to have plastic trunk upholstery with a rear parcel shelf, upholstered in carpet (fleecy material), which will also make the interior more comfortable, quieter and more attractive.
Define priorities
In order to make improvements as efficiently as possible, you need to decide in which direction the tuning of the Niva 2121 will go. The following improvements are possible:
- Improved lighting
- Interior improvements
- Suspension upgrade
- Engine improvement
- Enhanced off-road performance
- Retrofitting the trunk
Tuning the VAZ 2121 Niva in accordance with each of the options has its own characteristics. Some improvements are quite simple to make, other modifications can only be done by an experienced motorist, and some are better left to the car service workers. It would be useful to find out what can be done during modernization in each area.
Installing and connecting music in the cabin
To one degree or another, it is difficult to do without this with any approach to improving the interior (starting from ascetic options and even more so in the case of serious alterations). Car audio and multimedia in Niva are real, although in some cases it is extremely irrelevant, taking into account the peculiarities of off-road operation.
Therefore, during internal tuning, in any case, you will have to deal with the installation of music. Moreover, not only the head unit of the system itself, but also all the accompanying car audio components - amplifiers, acoustics, subwoofers and other “bells and whistles”. Usually a simple Niva gets by with a minimum of such equipment, but there are exceptions that amaze with the originality and power of the equipment.
Amateur and professional approach to car audio installation.
Various aspects of this type of modification can be found in the Car Audio section of our article catalog.
Other improvements and changes
- Sliding or lifting sunroof;
- Opening side windows;
- Electric windows;
- Air conditioner;
- Neon lights;
You can read about all these areas in the following materials. .
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.
Taiga base
VAZ 21213 “Niva” is a classic representative of a bygone era of the Soviet automobile industry. The main difference from earlier versions of the SUV is the rear brake lights and the design of the third door. Everything else in the car is an echo from the past. It is not surprising that many owners, instead of buying a more “dressy” Niva Urban car, prefer to tune the Niva. 21213 is the model that replaced the first version of the domestic SUV.
“Niva Taiga” (this is the additional name the car received) had a number of advantages that distinguished it from its predecessor:
- new engine and transmission;
- efficiency.
All the beneficial aspects of the car immediately catch the eye where the road ends. On rough terrain, it is capable of performing miracles of maneuverability, limited only by the courage of its driver.
But as soon as you go on a long road trip on the highway, within an hour you will understand that you simply need to do tuning of the Niva 21213. You will be annoyed by the noise of the interior, the constant creaking of various decorative trims, and the not-so-comfortable driver’s seat. It's not easy for the rear passengers either - they feel all the unevenness of the road, and the inability to stretch their legs even a little leads to rapid fatigue.
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Improving the engine
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 lift - 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.
Also interesting: Penalty for kangaroo bars in 2022 and is its installation allowed?
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.
Most representatives of the domestic automobile industry require high-quality improvements, and Niva is no exception. Tuning can significantly improve many parameters of an SUV, from the interior to pumping the chassis.
Changing the suspension helps increase the vehicle's passing ability. You can also change the external design of the body, making it more modern and original. Many people try to increase the power of the power plant by tuning the engine.
Most often, supporters of updates turn to professionals for help, although tuning a Niva 4x4 with your own hands is quite possible. You just have to take into account that remodeling a car will require significant costs and certain skills.
The small SUV went into mass production in April 1977. Today the VAZ 2121 is a passenger car with increased cross-country ability. Available in two body types: a three-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon. It has permanent all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission.
Two-stage transfer case with center differential lock. High cross-country ability of the car is ensured by significant ground clearance (220 mm). The wheelbase is 2.2 meters. Earlier modifications were equipped with engines based on the engine of the sixth VAZ model.
When new modifications were released, the previous engine was replaced with a more powerful four-cylinder unit producing 81.9 liters. s., having a working volume of 1.69 liters. Average fuel consumption in mixed mode is 10 l/100 km.
