Do-it-yourself Niva tuning - 95 photos of new products with the best options!

The Niva is a legendary car of the domestic automobile industry, which, despite the fact that it was created quite a long time ago, is still popular. To fully satisfy the needs of its owner, the Lada-2121 4x4 can be modified. There are a huge number of types of tuning, and if desired, you can upgrade any part of the car - from the trunk to the suspension and doors. Thus, before tuning the Niva-2121, it is necessary to determine the purpose of the work being carried out.

There are a lot of options for tuning the Niva 2121. The main thing is to choose the right one for yourself

There are several types of tuning: you can improve the all-terrain qualities of the Niva-2121, modify the interior, doors, instrument panel, trunk, engine, improve the suspension, and modernize the headlights.

Let's consider each type of modification of the VAZ-2121 with our own hands. Let's start from the simplest.

Do-it-yourself tuning

With your own hands, you can install a camp trunk and a ladder on the rear wall on the Niva so that you can easily access its contents in off-road conditions.
Such measures are determined by the fact that the luggage compartment on this car is small, and for a hike there are many things that you simply need to take with you. A good trunk is made of durable steel tubes, may have holes for installing headlights, has reliable fastenings and the ability to carry up to one and a half centners of weight. Some companies even offer samples for cars with a sunroof. Modifying a Niva for extreme conditions with your own hands often includes installing thresholds (in jacks), which allow you to get support when getting out of a car that has gotten into the mud. A guard is installed on the front (behind the bumper elements or on the side members) to protect the radiator, crankcase and headlights of the car. A winch is also installed there in order to pull out a stuck car if necessary. And you can put additional lighting on the roof (on the arc). The rear bumper is often equipped with a gate for an additional spare wheel. All work is quite simple and can be done independently based on the instructions for a particular element.

But not every car enthusiast will be able to correctly calculate and install the electrical system when preparing the Niva for off-road use. In this case, you need to take into account that additional spotlights (or a powerful audio system) will require replacing the standard generator (for example, with a hundred-ampere), and you may need to update the wiring.

With their own hands, garage craftsmen organize such improvements for the Niva as branch guards. In off-road conditions, almost every driver experienced impacts from branches on the windshield, which cannot always adequately withstand the forces of nature. The simplest method of protection is considered to be tension on both sides of the cables from the expeditionary trunk and fastening to the bumper. But such a design can lead to the bumper being torn off when a heavy branch falls. Therefore, craftsmen insert a metal screw pin into the hole next to the headlights under the hoods, drill through the hood above it, fasten the pin to the screws and then attach a metal cable to the top trunk. This design is considered reliable, but creates some inconvenience when opening the hood.

For difficult-to-reach terrain, Niva tires should be different from those used in urban environments. However, owners often choose brands that are suitable for any season and quality of roads. These include inexpensive samples from the Volzhsky Tire Plant (VL-5), which have increased dirt resistance. The Kama Flame option from the Nizhnekamsk Tire Plant and I-511 tires with an aggressive tread pattern are considered good. The latter has proven itself in numerous tests as quite wear-resistant, all-season and all-terrain.

Tuning Niva 4x4. Replacing wheel bearings. How to do it yourself:

Remove the wheel;
Remove the pads;
Hang the caliper on the upper arm;
Unscrew the steering rack nut;
Knock the steering ball joint out of the bracket, tighten the nut back;
Remove the bracket itself from the steering knuckle;
Unscrew the upper and lower ball joints and pull out the steering knuckle;
Remove the caliper mount;
Remove protection;
Pull out the hub with the brake disc;
Pull out the old seals and knock out the outer races of the bearings;
Clean and remove old grease;

Next came the assembly:

Carefully drive in the outer race of the new bearings;
Lubricate and insert the inner race from the outside;
Fill with lithol and hammer in the external oil seal;
Wear full protection;
Insert the hub with the disk back;
Turn over and pour lubricant until it stops;
Next, I inserted the inner race onto the hub (with light tapping) from the inside (drive side);
Add lithol and hammer the oil seal;
Put on the caliper mount;
Put it back on the steering bracket and lock it;
Insert the grenade and balls into place;
Return the pads and caliper to their place;
Put on the wheel and new adjusting nut;

Upgrading the Niva requires, as a necessity, the installation of a power body kit, an expeditionary trunk and headlights on the roof of the car. A power body kit is, first of all, replacing the bumpers at the front and rear or installing a kangurin. The front bumper must be equipped with a winch. In addition to reinforced bumpers, you can also install reinforced sills, and there you can also make a special support for the winch. When tuning a Niva, it is extremely necessary to install underbody protection. This protection covers weak points such as steering rods, transfer case and crankcase.

In addition to auto make-up, a salon upgrade is required. Reupholster it, install a new heater, computer, controllers. Change the steering wheel to a sports type, order sports covers, install aluminum pedals, install additional lighting next to the passenger seat, make an LED control panel for better readability.

Illustrative examples

Do-it-yourself tuning of the VAZ 21099
There are a large number of Niva tuning videos, where you can get step-by-step instructions for performing the work. This will allow:

perform all planned work technically correctly;
avoid possible difficulties;
save significant money.

This opportunity to get a clear example will be of great help in planning appropriate improvements.

In some respects, this SUV outperforms renowned foreign cars of this class, while its cost is significantly lower. Experiment and enjoy the work done!

Niva engine chip tuning

Tuning a UAZ 469 car with your own hands

Recently, chip tuning has become very popular, which allows you to significantly increase the power indicator in the shortest possible time. However, this tuning method should be treated with some caution, which we will discuss in more detail later.

Not all SUVs of domestic origin have an on-board computer. At the same time, we should not forget that some on-board computers are in poor condition and in fact do not affect the operation of the engine.

When considering this tuning method, we note the following points:

You can increase the power by about 10-30 hp. or more. It all depends on what parameters were set before tuning.
It is recommended to entrust this type of work to specialists who provide services in this field of activity. This is due to the fact that incorrectly carried out chip tuning can cause various problems with engine operation.
The technical condition of the internal combustion engine design largely determines whether chip tuning can be carried out. If the motor is in poor technical condition, then increasing the load causes rapid wear. Therefore, if the process in question is carried out correctly, a complete diagnosis is first performed.
As a rule, the automaker sets minimum power values, leaving a margin. If chip tuning has not been carried out previously, the programmer will be able to configure the engine to increase its power. If the modification in question has already been carried out previously, it will no longer be possible to carry it out again.

In general, we can say that chip tuning is carried out in many cases when it is necessary to increase engine power. However, in order to significantly increase traction, it is necessary to improve the geometry.

Refinement of the 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.

Headlight modernization

Most often, Niva owners install bi-xenon lenses on their car. They have several advantages:

instant switching of low and high beam with curtain;
clear light border;
The lenses dazzle oncoming drivers less.

If you want a cut-in lens that is pure white and reviews say it rarely breaks, consider an option like the Philips Original Plus D2S 4300k.

If you decide to tune the Niva by improving the headlights, then it makes sense to get rid of the factory hydraulic corrector, which quite often freezes in winter and does not work well. Instead, it is worth installing an electric corrector.

So, the modification of the Niva begins with the acquisition of the following things:

selected lenses;
new electric corrector;
thin ignition blocks, which we will embed under the sidelights (it is better to choose the fifth generation);
the lamps themselves (the cheapest cost up to 1000 rubles).

After installing new lenses, we get better road illumination, height adjustment, low power consumption and a clear light boundary.

Tuning the Niva 4x4 continues with the removal of the original headlights - driving in the city with additional light is not very convenient.

The Niva's original headlight is small in depth, so in order to install lamps and blocks under it, you will have to redo the connector and abandon the auto-corrector wiring, otherwise the blocks risk not fitting inside the headlight.

After assembly, we get a sealed structure, which is a big plus. The headlights are difficult to fit into the body of the Niva due to the platforms for the standard units, but they can be safely removed and the problem will be solved. You can also get rid of the hydraulic corrector by attaching the headlight directly to the body. As a result of such useful modifications to the Niva, good bi-xenon optics were obtained.

Tuning Niva for off-road

Particular attention is drawn to Niva tuning for off-road use - the roads in our country have long left much to be desired, often ending at the most inopportune moment. This event can be very expensive, but on the contrary, it can be very economical

It all depends on your approach and the scale of the intended tuning.

Where to start tuning a car with which you are going to conquer endless spaces without looking for easy ways? You should determine for yourself what exactly you plan to achieve with tuning: just decorating the car or simultaneously improving its qualities and characteristics? If we are talking about enhancing driving characteristics that will help cope with off-road conditions, then the preparation will be quite long. The car cannot be prepared in one go, but you will feel the result as soon as you go “to the fields”.

We install a lift kit for Niva in order to lift the car. The low seating position turns driving into a real torture even in the city, not to mention traveling outside the city. When carrying out preparatory operations, it should be taken into account that changes need to be made to other car systems in order to get not just a high, but a functionally high car.

We will equip the Niva with larger wheels - this move will automatically make your car the most noticeable on the road and give an additional advantage off-road. In addition, it becomes possible to install mud tires.

We install an expeditionary trunk on the Niva. It is significantly different from the usual trunk of a Niva 2121 or a Chevrolet Niva and will allow you to take the essentials for your trip. For Niva, these improvements are especially relevant, because the car’s own trunk is not large

Expedition racks vary in size and load capacity; it is worth paying attention to the protection of the rack from corrosion.

The trunk on the Niva has a very convenient design, allowing you to transport all the necessary equipment for long off-road travel. Some models even suggest the presence of a sunroof in the car

The trunk must be made of durable steel tubes and can withstand a load weighing up to one hundred and fifty kg.

At the end of the tuning, your car will need to have underbody protection installed, because the standard protection is a purely nominal element and cannot cope with off-road conditions. The crankcase protection should not be made of plastic or thin metal; only durable steel is acceptable for it. Otherwise, you risk experiencing oil leakage from the engine when the sump splits.

From all of the above, we can conclude that it is possible to carry out a full-fledged tuning of a field with your own hands only if you have all the necessary skills and equipment.

By the way, Niva is not always tuned only for off-road use, sometimes just for beauty, as in this video:

Budget tuning VAZ-2131. Final part

Looking back at the year of my life completely spent on the Niva, I remember what was done and what should have been done differently... And some things, probably, we did in vain...

I DON'T HAVE TO DO IT AS BEST, DO IT AS WELL!

Lada 4x4, VAZ-21214, as well as all other SUVs that we historically call “Niva”, have several obvious advantages and no less obvious disadvantages, most of which are revealed only during operation. For some time now, the main advantage of the Niva has been its price. Let me remind you that this was not always the case and, for example, in Soviet times, a VAZ-2121 cost 9,900 rubles, only slightly inferior to the Volga in this indicator. In fact, it was the only versatile SUV on the market. LuAZ was completely utilitarian, and buying a UAZ for private ownership was extremely difficult, that is, almost impossible. At the same time, if we remember that a Zhiguli, say, the fifth model, cost 5,300, then it becomes clear why there were no queues for the Niva. In the late eighties, the VAZ-2121 was even sold in installments (as, by the way, was the Moskvich). Now try to find a Niva of that time in decent condition! And especially in determining this decent condition is the body. This is the first thing I strongly recommend that a young man who is planning to buy a VAZ SUV pay attention to. And I don’t even mean the presence of rust, the strength of the side members and other strength elements, but the mandatory and indispensable anti-corrosion treatment. Even if the body is strong and the “red plague” is not visible, believe me, half of the winter it will appear even in a five-year-old car. The body of the Niva is load-bearing - that is, each element is, in fact, a force-bearing one. Any corrosion, especially advanced corrosion, especially through corrosion, plus vibration, plus loads when driving off-road - and then only expensive body repairs with reinforcement, welding, aluminum linings and scary-looking “extenders” of wheel arches. So, the first stage is anti-corrosion. You may ask, is it worth filling your car with popular and varied protective coatings? Yes, if you have money and the first stage is completed perfectly. This is beautiful, practical and well complements the preservation of the body, since the paintwork scratches easily and blooms instantly (you can read about a similar experience with our Niva and Titan in issue No. 12/2016 of our magazine).

Just step on the gas a little and damage is inevitable.

THE NIVA'S BODY IS SUPPORTING - THAT IS, EVERY ELEMENT IS, IN ESSENCE, POWER-BASED

The second thing to do is replace the main pairs. Even if you spend most of your time on the pavement, you may need a little more traction on one of your longer trips. For example, somewhere in the mountains or foothills. You press the gas, press it some more - it seems to be going, acceleration, impact... the cardan splits in half, the journey is over. You won't get far with front-wheel drive. And if you took your time, carefully, then perhaps you would see not a picture of a broken cardan, but the Lago-Naki plateau. Which specific pairs are needed depends on the circumstances: universal 4.1, if the wheels remain within 28 inches, starting from 29 and larger - 4.3. It is important to remember that it is not only the search for quality parts that causes difficulties, but also their installation. If possible, take assembled gearboxes. Better than the Soviet ones. They are found at showdowns and in “penny for spare parts” advertisements. It’s even better to supplement the traction main pairs with a tuning kit for the transfer case with a lower 2.95. But such a reduction will require the driver to think more with his head than to work with the pedal, since axle shafts and CV joints are also not eternal.

Now only expensive body repairs with reinforcement and welding will help

YOU DON'T NEED UNLOADED HALF AXLES, NIVA IS NOT A TRUCK

Strengthening the chassis - part three. You most likely do not need unloaded rear axle shafts. This is the prerogative of trucks with a large workload. Finding high-quality “reinforced” ones is also not easy. They complain about all manufacturers, but, in principle, forward - non-adjustable hubs with sealed bearings “like Iveco”, back - axle shafts, say, from Izhevsk. Of course, no one bothers to tighten the hub bearings every 30-40 thousand kilometers, however, after driving through fords, muddy ruts and puddles, we can face the rapid death of the mentioned bearings literally within a couple of hundred kilometers on the highway. Behind the general noise of the Niva, the roar of the transmission and the howl of mud tires, the sound of wear may not be noticed, and you will immediately get a replacement. Non-adjustable hubs are sealed, this is their main advantage. As for the rear axle shafts, it is a matter of faith that this will help. But it’s definitely worth strengthening the bridge. Especially on a long Niva, heavy load or gas equipment. Sometimes the bridge bends when driving onto a curb unsuccessfully, not to mention off-road use and expeditionary conditions, when the load on the car is maximum. Even a bend invisible to the eye can lead to permanent problems with axle shafts and gearboxes. Hypothetically, you can check the axle on a wheel alignment stand, or you can “clear it” by removing the axle shafts.

EXPERIENCED NIVA GROWERS SAY THAT NIVA IS GOOD IN STOCK, BUT ELEVATOR IS EVIL

The elevator is another popular reason for battles. Opinions are polar! We made a 40 mm lift, lengthened the bump stops and did not notice any negative consequences. Yes, maybe 8 cm spacers and springs from a Chevrolet Suburban are too much, but 40 mm is what you need. What's the point, you ask? Increased ground clearance in the base. For a long car this is critical. The maximum wheels that can be installed without cutting the arches are 215/75 R15, or, as in our case, 215/65 R16. More - cutting or lifting will be required, and more often both. Cutting arches is another stumbling block for Niv owners. But everything is simple here: if you are not going to resell the car for maximum profit, you are not going to install wheels larger than the ones above, then you don’t need cutting. But starting from 225/75 R16 or 235/75 R15, it is better to shorten the arches. At the same time, it is important that at the back, where the panels go end-to-end, there is not just sealant, but riveting or welding with the obligatory anti-corrosion agent.

Do you have to change rear axle bearings often? Check if the bridge is bent

We change the hubs to non-adjustable ones

It is very useful to install underbody protection. It is not necessary to “ski” from the bumper to the rear axle, but it is better to cover the engine compartment, transmission and, if you drive on rocks, the transfer case. We chose a light alloy, but steel will be cheaper. It is important to pay attention to ensure that dirt does not accumulate on the protection, which can significantly impair the cooling of units in the summer. What I categorically do not recommend doing is hanging the Niva with iron. Power bumpers, sills, an expeditionary trunk, a ladder, a bracket for a spare wheel, a mount for a canister, a jack, a shovel and sand trucks - that's an extra 200 kg for your car. And yet, even if you replace the generator, you should not abuse additional light. Fog lights, work lights, reverse gear - that's all. Needless to say, preference should be given to LED lights. In addition, I recommend replacing the standard headlights with sealed ones, they are available for sale. And you definitely shouldn’t mess around with xenon.

EVEN ON A SHORT “NIVA” YOU CAN PAINLESSLY INSTALL GAS EQUIPMENT

Of particular interest was the installation of gas equipment. We listed detailed pros and cons in the material on this topic (can be found on the website or in free archived issues on the App Store or Play Market). There were more advantages. A year and a half of operation confirms our conclusions. A kilometer of run is almost half the price, and the installation paid for itself a long time ago. Even a short Niva can be equipped with gas if you remove the cylinder under the bottom and protect it from behind with a tow bar. After the lift, there is almost 350 mm of ground clearance under the cylinder, and this does not interfere with off-road conditions. It is clear that if you are taking a car for sports, then it is better not to do this - in such a situation, every kilogram counts.

The Niva doesn’t need unloaded axle shafts, but reinforced ones won’t hurt

Wheels with a diameter greater than 29 inches require both a lift and arch cutting

CHIP TUNING IS USEFUL, BUT IT'S ALWAYS A COMPROMISE

Many Niva owners doubt the need for chip tuning and boosting the engine. I can’t recommend boring the block to 2.0 liters, but I fully approve of the low-level camshaft, the corresponding engine control program and the 4-2-1 exhaust manifold. Carburetor cars, in addition to the shaft and exhaust, definitely need to look for more high-torque main pairs. As for our Niva, I was quite satisfied with the chip tuning. And even though the car didn’t fly, it crawled much more confidently. By the way, the purchase of a snorkel can be timed to coincide with the work on the engine, and the installation of the protection units can be accompanied by the removal of unit breathers. Yes, and no one has canceled the snorkel from sanitary products yet. If you don’t want to cut the hood or fender, buy a corrugation from Priora and replace the standard pipe by bending the corrugation up towards the hood - you’ll get an additional thirty centimeters of fording depth for a hundred rubles. If funds allow, it is worth moving the generator higher, replacing it with a more modern and powerful one. The spare tire, however, will have to be removed from under the hood, say, onto the top trunk.

I wanted to write about the salon, but stopped in time... I will limit myself to only recommending replacing the seats with foreign ones. In general, for any, the main thing is to get rid of the factory ones! Believe me, you won't regret it! And in general, I must admit, “Niva” provides amazing scope for creativity, not limited by anything other than technical regulations and budget. The main thing is not to forget that the best is sometimes the enemy of the good!

Even a short Niva can be equipped with gas if you remove the cylinder under the bottom and protect it from behind with a towbar

Tuning the suspension of Niva 2121

Since the Niva is an all-wheel drive SUV, when tuning it is necessary to pay attention to the suspension. The first step is the Niva elevator - increasing the ground clearance

This will create an impressive reserve for overcoming various obstacles. The concept of tuning the Niva 2121 chassis, as well as a suspension lift, includes:

Installation of spacers between suspension elements. You can make them yourself or buy them in stores.
Installation of shock absorbers "Rancho"
Installation of springs VAZ 2104
Strengthening the front and rear axles using steel boxes

The Niva 2121 suspension lift is a simple process from a technological point of view that can significantly increase the vehicle's cross-country ability. It must be remembered that lifting is directly dependent on the size of the wheels; the larger their diameter, the more significant modifications will be required. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a balance so that tuning the Niva 2121 suspension with your own hands does not turn into a headache.

Tuning of the Niva 2121 transfer case is also necessary, although this process is largely a refinement. The main problem is the backlash of the front and rear axle shafts. It can be eliminated by installing new components:

Bearings (it is better to install a double-row variety)
Lids
Valov
Flanges

A good solution would be to strengthen the shaft support. To do this, instead of the original flange, install a modernized one, which has an additional bearing and oil seal.

The second common problem with transfer case is leaking seals. The solution here is extremely simple, you should correctly install high-quality oil seals and the childhood disease of the unit will be eliminated.

The third problem is the correct alignment of the transfer case in the horizontal and vertical plane. This is necessary to reduce vibration and, accordingly, wear of the moving parts of the unit. You can do the alignment manually, but it takes a lot of time, requires patience and the result does not always meet expectations.

Chassis tuning

The entire chassis has been rebuilt
Vacuum brake booster 21214m
New pedal assembly
Hydraulic handbrake
Clutch slave cylinder from 2123
Clutch VALEO
Gearbox link from Chevy Niva
Electric transfer case
2-row transfer case bearings
Stretcher
Uncoupling the front gearbox
Cardan shafts with CV joints
power steering
Rear disc brakes

Often, Niva-21214 owners perform wheel tuning. Standard wheels are only good for driving on dirt roads. Therefore, usually, wheels with an increased diameter are installed instead. For the work to be successful, it will also be necessary to lift the suspension and widen the wheel arches.

Another option for increasing ground clearance is installing Y-192 “mud” tires on standard wheels. As a result, the ground clearance of the Niva-21214 increases significantly, making it possible to drive on rough terrain. Finally, by lowering your tire pressure, you won't have to worry about your car accidentally getting stuck in deep sand.

Engine improvement

As in the case of the suspension, a radical improvement of the engine can only be achieved by changing the unit itself. The family of VAZ engines installed on the Niva is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, sufficient reliability and relatively moderate appetite.

The engine tuning available for the Niva 2121 should begin with replacing the ignition system with a modern electronic version. This will simplify starting the car and improve its performance, especially in cold weather.

A good option for tuning carburetor versions is also to install a modified carburetor with a larger diffuser, which will give a slight increase in power. In addition, it is justified to replace the manifolds with more modern options, and especially to improve the sealing of the cylinders.

The camshaft is also often replaced with an option that provides more power. True, such tuning should be carried out simultaneously with the installation of a new, more efficient cooling radiator and a fan with more blades. Such measures will avoid engine overheating.

If you have the means, you can also try installing an atmospheric supercharger. However, it is worth considering that on the VAZ-2121, due to the design features of the car, such measures do not seem justified.

Replacing the camshaft will increase the car's power, but will also increase the likelihood of overheating. To prevent this from happening, you can install a radiator with a larger working surface.

You can also increase the diameter of the valves and strengthen the sealing, which will give an additional 10% of power. Installing a turbine further increases the power of the power unit. Take the time to replace the standard intake and exhaust manifolds with advanced modifications.

Traditionally, upgrading the power unit of a domestic SUV should begin with reworking the carburetor. A simple solution would be to install an advanced modification with an enlarged diffuser, also called a throttle. This spare part can also be replaced on a standard injector model. If you completely change this unit, it is recommended to install an electronic ignition system.

Tuning the Niva 2121 carburetor will be most effective together with replacing the camshaft. This gives an impressive increase in power. And here, to avoid overheating, it is necessary to install a radiator with a larger surface area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH99pQLDECA

Tuning the Niva 2121 engine also includes correcting the engine geometry. This is done by increasing the diameter of the valves. About 10% of the power comes from sealing them. It wouldn't hurt to do the same with the intake and exhaust manifold pushers. To increase the power of the power unit at high speeds, a turbine should be installed. At the same time, it is advisable to replace the intake and exhaust manifolds with advanced modifications.

Helpful advice

If the car will be used in extreme off-road conditions, it is necessary to install a snorkel. It will allow you to overcome water obstacles without consequences for the engine.

Chip tuning of the Niva 2121 is ineffective, since the car is equipped with an atmospheric engine. There is no need to waste money on purchasing equipment or time on re-flashing. This will only give small improvements to the driving characteristics of the SUV.

SUV from Niva

Tuning the VAZ-2121 allows you to turn the car into a real modern SUV. To do this you need:

Install larger diameter wheels covered in off-road tires.
Install arch extensions.
Install a power kit.

However, for such tuning you need to have a very good understanding of what you are going to do. For example, you should take into account that low-profile tires will be irrelevant, and installing wheels with a large diameter will require high torque performance. The power unit will fail very quickly if you do not take all these points into account.

Installing arch extensions will expand the options for choosing wheels, and will also solve the problem of dirt flying onto the doors from under the wheels. The work on the power body kit primarily includes the installation of a kenguryatnik, made from metal pipes independently. The kenguryatnik not only enhances the protection of the car, but also gives it a more aggressive look.

Tuning the interior of Niva 2121

Tuning the interior of Niva 2121

is done according to an established and debugged system and is carried out in stages

First of all, all attention and effort should be directed to replacing the interior trim and doors, as well as reconstructing the seats. They can be remade in such a way that they become deeper and softer, or you can take them and completely change them to a sports model of “seats”

But it’s better to do the remodeling yourself and get it cheaply, angrily and with pleasure.

To remodel the interior, you can select your own materials or purchase branded kits, the range of which is quite wide. “Niva” really suits, or rather, it suits the interiors with a light color scheme. Upgrading the Niva's interior is best done with the participation of an experienced consultant. In any case, you need to be prepared and confident in your actions; you can go to YouTube and carefully study some video course on this topic.

An important element in transforming the Niva’s interior is the installation of a new steering wheel. You can remake the old factory one by re-upholstering it with a variety of materials and additional elements.

Large, extravagant wheels always look good on a Niva, and the car can also be painted. Airbrushing with a 3D effect is especially good on the eye. In this case, you are unlikely to cope on your own; you need the help of experts in this area of visual upgrade.

Or, to put it simply, making the necessary changes to a Niva is quite a popular phenomenon, since the car is ideal for traveling on vacation or to the countryside. It is the Niva, among other representatives of the VAZ, that has the largest selection in terms of adding various improvements and upgrades. Let's figure out what methods you can use to tune the VAZ 2121 Niva.

The following parts of the car can be improved:

housings;
salon;
chassis;
engine

If everything is done correctly, the VAZ 2121 can be transformed into an excellent SUV that will be somewhat similar to a jeep.

Let's take a closer look at improving car components.

Tuning 4x4 Niva. Engine modernization

The main thing in this matter, as in the case of most other cars, is to increase power. There are many ways to upgrade. You can change the engine to an imported one with similar characteristics, you can change parts of the unit.

In most cases, with such tuning, a new crankshaft with an increased stroke is installed. A sports receiver is being installed. The carburetor should be replaced with a sportier model, such as a Solex with a diameter of 24-26 mm. When upgrading the engine, the ignition system also changes. The cylinder block is modernized with more sophisticated elements or completely changed to a block from the Lada Priora. The valve timing undergoes serious changes, the flywheel and the engine camshaft are strengthened.

If the engine is injection, then it is best to carry out chip tuning. By reworking the electronic control system on the Niva, you can increase power by 8-10 percent, systematize the supply of the fuel mixture and reduce fuel consumption. Dips at low speeds are eliminated and the accelerator pedal response becomes greater. You can perform chip tuning of a VAZ Niva 4x4 with the help of professionals in this industry, or you can do it yourself, you just need to buy special diagnostic equipment and software.

When starting to tune a Niva, the car owner must make a choice. There are two possible options. One is budget, it involves not very serious alterations in the engine and changes in the direction of improving comfort in the interior of the cabin. The second method involves a serious investment in car tuning; it includes changing the Niva’s suspension and many other minor improvements.

Upgrading a car of absolutely any make and model must begin with changing the engine. This thesis also applies to Niva. This domestic jeep has a strong engine designed for driving on bad roads, but there are no limits to perfection and you need to strive for the ideal.

First, install an oil pressure indicator in the engine. The thing is very necessary and is a must-have in the set of important parts in every car. Installing it is not difficult and quite quick.

Remove the old sensor that shows emergency oil pressure in the Niva 4×4 engine. Instead, install a “tee” to which the previously removed emergency pressure sensor and the pressure indicator sensor from the “six” are connected. We take the “ground” wire and connect it to the “+” terminal on the Niva battery. To the negative terminal, which is located nearby, we connect the wires responsible for the backlight and indicator. The indicator itself can be placed anywhere in the cabin. The most important thing is that it can be seen from everywhere.

Many Niva 2131 4×4 owners are not satisfied with the performance of the standard stove. In winter, it barely warms up and the cabin is cold. And, of course, any car owner wants to change this state of affairs.

To modify the Niva stove, you need to find a “snail” from the “eight”. The Niva interior grille is removed, then at the “snail” all the protrusions are removed. 2 cuts are made in the upper casing. The “snail” is lowered so that its exhaust goes down. The air supply cover to the passenger compartment must be constantly open. After this, a tube is stretched from the “snail” to the air inlet, through which the air will move.

The second stage is warming up the “snail”. We need a hairdryer, use it to heat the part, then press it. To control the stove you need to attach a switch from an old radio station with ten positions. The heater is connected to the battery using a relay. After this, the stove will heat the interior well. Many drivers change the interior trim to more fashionable modern materials. There are those who install a centrifugal fan, remove it from the G8 and move it to the Niva.

If all these upgrade options do not suit you, then save up your money and then invest a tidy sum in upgrading the chassis. If you do this without the help of specialists, such work will take a lot of time and take a huge amount of effort. But it's worth it; with a reinforced chassis, the car turns into a road beast. Which has no equal. You can also replace the original springs with stronger and stiffer ones. Parts from the Volga, cut into 2 turns, may well be suitable. The price of such pleasure is not small - 15, or even 17 thousand.

As a result, there will be a strong inclination of the lower arms to the horizontal line, and the vehicle's ground clearance will increase. After all these modifications, the car will respond faster to the driver’s commands.

Installing additional shock absorbers is also an interesting thing. With their addition, the range of operating modes of the chassis will become several times larger. You should know that inexperienced drivers do not need to do these manipulations themselves. The craftsmen will set the price at least 20-25 thousand. But the result will not disappoint. The car's off-road capability will increase, because if one shock absorber breaks, another one will immediately take its place. If the suspension is in good condition, then for the Niva there will be no roads along which it cannot pass.

Suspension. not radically improve?

Since the Niva is an all-wheel drive SUV, when tuning it is necessary to pay attention to the suspension. The first step is the Niva elevator - increasing the ground clearance

This will create an impressive reserve for overcoming various obstacles. The concept of tuning the Niva 2121 chassis, as well as a suspension lift, includes:

Installation of spacers between suspension elements. You can make them yourself or buy them in stores.
Installation of shock absorbers "Rancho"
Installation of springs VAZ 2104
Strengthening the front and rear axles using steel boxes

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 VAZ-2121 suspension was quite revolutionary for the seventies - before the Niva, such technical solutions were not used in off-road vehicles.

The front suspension is independent, on wishbones, equipped with springs working in pairs and hydraulic shock absorbers. The design includes a stability stabilizer.

The rear suspension is dependent, with mounting to the rear axle beam and a Panhard rod. The suspension is provided by hydraulic shock absorbers and springs similar to those used in the front suspension.

The simplest and very justified step for those wishing to tune the Niva 2121 is to replace sets of springs and shock absorbers. The latest devices are now gas-filled, they are more reliable and handle irregularities better.

You can also recommend strengthening the shaft supports and the front and rear axles by installing special steel inserts - boxes, as well as increasing the ground clearance by using special inserts between the suspension elements.

All these measures will somewhat reduce the discomfort of driving on a bad road, slightly improve the ride and off-road qualities of the car, but they will not be able to radically change anything.

If you need really serious changes, you should think about replacing the rear suspension of the outdated Panhard system with a more modern independent design. This will not only improve the smoothness of the ride, but also significantly improve the vehicle's handling characteristics, especially on hard road surfaces.

Refinement of the “beard” in the VAZ 2121 interior

For those for whom installing a VAZ 2106 trauma panel is not enough, you can offer another option for tuning the Niva’s interior - replacing the car’s standard “beard”. This part of the instrument panel is located between the driver and front passenger seats. This design feature of the car interior is very convenient, because there is a special lining on it. It is designed so that the driver can put various small things on it - they will always be at hand.

However, everything will remain in place only until the car passes the first turn. Due to the lack of sides on the trim, all things will fly around the cabin of the VAZ 2121, which will spoil the mood of both the driver and passengers. Solving this problem is very simple. To do this, we will need to purchase a tunnel cover from a VAZ 21213, as well as a heating “beard” from the same car. The total cost of all elements for modernization fluctuates around 150–200 rubles.

Next, we proceed to tuning the interior. To begin with, we screw the trim into place, having previously installed the cigarette lighter on it. After this, we begin work with the “beard” for the VAZ 2121. We saw off all the unnecessary parts from it in the area of the lower wall of the recess. Next, cut off the protruding corners. We bend the resulting protrusions inward by 90˚.

After the panel has cooled, drill a hole in the body strut. At the same place we install a plate under the self-tapping screw. Then we take the “beard” from the VAZ 21213 and mount it on the Niva 2121 panel. This stage of installation must be carried out through a spacer bushing. At the end of tuning the interior, you should carefully check the condition of all elements: the ability to open the ashtray, the operation of the cigarette lighter, the position of the emergency light switch off button. If everything is in order, you can continue to use the Niva 2121 SUV without worrying that small things will fall out of the lining.

Upgrade of Niva 4x4 interior

The Niva's interior is not the best car interior in the world. There is something to work on and something to bring to mind. First of all, you need to replace or improve sound insulation. You need to remove the door trim and dashboard and insert plates from modelina, vizomat, bitoplast. To work with sound insulation, you need classic tools: - screwdrivers, knives, wrenches of various sizes, a hair dryer and insulation. Remove the seats, floor covering, fasteners and add insulation there. Apply the first layer of insulation using a hair dryer. And then the same places are covered with a second layer of insulation (stizol).

Work on the suspension

Full tuning of the Niva-2121 is impossible without improving the properties of the suspension. Let's look at the most popular DIY Niva tuning. It includes:

Installation of spacers (store-bought or home-made) between suspension elements.
Replacing shock absorbers - for example, you can install Rancho shock absorbers.
Installing new springs.
Installation of steel boxes to strengthen the front and rear axles.

Refinement of the suspension lift during tuning of the Lada depends on the size and diameter of the wheels. The larger it is, the more significant modifications will be required.

Refinement of the Niva may also include tuning the transfer case. Problems with front and rear axle shaft play are solved by installing new components (that is, covers, bearings, flanges and shafts).

You can also strengthen the shaft supports by installing an upgraded flange with an additional oil seal and bearings in place of the factory ones. High-quality installation of the oil seal will reduce the risk of leakage.

To reduce vibration and wear of the suspension in its lower part, it is necessary to correctly align the transfer case in the horizontal and vertical plane. We perform alignment manually or use a subframe.

Tuning a VAZ-2121 with your own hands includes installing higher springs, which allows you to significantly increase ground clearance. However, in order for the ground clearance to be increased by as much as 10 cm, it is better to install a full lift kit.

In order to slightly increase the ground clearance, it is advisable to use a factory lift - a kit for Niva-2121, sold both in company stores and in car markets. Using the included instructions, you can carry out the desired tuning in just 1 day. However, there is one significant drawback: the suspension lift is produced exactly as much as the manufacturer considers necessary.

At the same time, if there is an urgent need to tailor the car to specific needs or the specifics of the road, you can make a lift kit for the Niva on your own.

You just need to prepare the following set of tools:

rear and front springs (the best parts on a Chevrolet Niva are 31.5 cm long and 1.57 cm thick, but these parameters can easily be changed according to the owner’s requirements);
rubber spacers for springs with special metal cups;
shock absorbers;
spacers for the upper ball joint (not sold in stores, so they can only be made to order);
brackets for rear shock absorbers;
washers for the Niva-21214 cup of an enlarged type with an internal diameter of 1 cm and an external diameter of 3 cm;
jack;
boards;
spring ties.

When choosing spacers for springs for rear shock absorbers, you don’t have to go too deep into the search and make them yourself from an ordinary metal corner. The internal diameter of the product is 13.2 mm, the external diameter is 32 mm.

In addition, during the work you must refer to the diagram (Fig. 1).

And, if all the subtleties of the technical stuffing of 2131, as well as 2121, are agreed upon and ordered, you can immediately get to work. Just a few hours of painstaking work, and the Niva tuning will be completed.

This car is distinguished by its simplicity of design, easy accessibility to all components and mechanisms, as well as its increased reliability.

If you wish, you can do the tuning of the Niva yourself. To do this you will need:

have your own garage for work;
purchase the necessary tools, become familiar with the production process that should be performed;
consult with specialists; advice from a highly qualified specialist can protect you from possible troubles.

By completing modifications to a car on their own, a person can verify the quality of the work performed, receive great pleasure from the achieved result, and save his money.

If you have insufficient experience, you can involve a master in performing important operations, and become his assistant yourself.

In this case, high-quality work will be done at minimal cost to the family budget.