Tuning a Niva 2121 with your own hands, traditionally for the “classic” model range, is a relatively simple process. The result is the creation of exclusive modifications of the all-terrain vehicle, which in appearance, interior and technical characteristics are not inferior to foreign middle-class models. Do-it-yourself car tuning can be turned into a profitable business, and Niva 2121 will become a training ground and will allow you to gain the necessary knowledge and skills.
DIY tuning of Niva 2121 for off-road
Initially, the Niva 2121 was created as a universal all-terrain vehicle that feels comfortable off-road and in the city. Therefore, it is logical that off-road tuning of the Niva 2121 is especially popular.
This is due to its relative simplicity. To create, or rather, enhance the image of an SUV, you need to install on your car:
- Larger diameter wheels with tires designed for extreme off-road use. It should be recalled that low-profile tires are not relevant in this case. It is also necessary to take into account that installing large-diameter disks requires impressive torque figures. Ignoring this rule will lead to premature wear of the power unit
- Installing arch extensions on a Niva will solve several problems at once: get rid of splashes of dirt on the wings and doors, expand the possibilities in terms of choosing the diameter of the disks, and complement the tuning composition
- Power kit. It consists of a powerful kenguryatnik. It is easy to make it yourself from pipes. A structure is installed on the rear door, onto which the spare tire is attached. It will also perform a protection function. A winch must be installed. It will help off-road and give the car an aggressive, masculine look.
This is all that is needed to create a car designed for participation in sports competitions or outdoor activities. This external tuning of the Niva 2121 combines aesthetic and practical functions. Therefore, the efforts and resources invested in it will quickly pay off.
You can do an easy tuning of the Niva 2121 - install new wheels and tires and apply stylish airbrushing with a 3D effect. To carry out the last operation, it is necessary to attract specialists.
What to change
Do-it-yourself tuning of a Chevrolet Niva (and older models too) should begin by identifying the most important priorities. That is, it is necessary to determine what needs to be replaced first, and what can wait a little.
In general, modification of the machine may include such fundamental changes as:
- Complete replacement of lighting fixtures;
- Replacing conventional wheels with models with a larger diameter in order to be able to travel on domestic off-road conditions;
- Complete rework of the interior trim (replacement of the dashboard, steering wheel, trim, etc.);
- Improving the suspension by adding new automotive elements;
- Installation of arch extensions. This function will help overcome several problems at once - the doors and fenders will not get too dirty, plus the tuning composition will become noticeably wider;
- Taking engine power to a whole new level;
- Adding more efficiency to the trunk.
Based on these key changes, you can build a competent strategy for pumping up your car.
Many improvements can be done yourself; some more complex ones can be left to an experienced professional. And it will not be superfluous to search for information that could be useful in this work.
Tuning the Niva 2121 engine
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.
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.
Changing vehicle height
Increasing the elevator is considered the most common and necessary tuning for driving over rough terrain. For serious changes in ride height, it is better to contact specialists. To install new shock absorbers, springs, lever stands and other parts, you will need an inspection pit, or better yet, a professional lift. The disadvantages include a reduction in service life during a radical modernization. An easier way to increase clearance is to replace the wheels with larger diameter models.
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 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. It is much easier to use a subframe - a special design that is attached to the bottom and greatly simplifies the alignment of the transfer case.
Self-locking differential
This is indeed an excellent option that really helps solve the question: how to increase the cross-country ability of the Niva. The vehicle's handling, as well as its maneuverability and stabilization, almost entirely depend on what type of differential the vehicle owner prefers. It is the differential that determines the main parameters of the transmission. The most efficient and productive is the screw-type self-locking differential. The main task of this part is to accurately distribute torque and transfer power from the engine to each wheel of an SUV.
Self-locking differential for VAZ 21214, 2123 screw 3-piece (24 splines) SV-PARTS
Art. SV.23.2303018
7750.00
— +
Buy
Why is it important? When a car makes a maneuver, the wheels move along a different path: the inner wheel travels a shorter distance than the outer one. If the connection is rigid and the angular speeds are equal, then the inner wheel will begin to slip, the tires will wear out faster, and controllability will decrease.
A self-locking differential allows you to intelligently distribute torque and synchronize wheel movement, maintaining vehicle stability. How to improve the Niva's cross-country ability in snow? Choose a composite differential design, which has three parts that ensure the accuracy of the original parameters, minimize losses due to friction and greatly extend the life of all transmission elements.
The self-locking differential provides:
- improved controllability and maneuverability of the car on any road surface;
- a noticeable increase in the cross-country ability of an SUV on difficult terrain;
- improved dynamics during acceleration.
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Tuning the interior of Niva 2121
Tuning the interior of the Niva 2121 is carried out according to the standard scheme. It is necessary to replace the interior trim and doors, as well as upgrade the seats. They can be replaced with new sports ones or improved upon the original ones. The second option is expensive and takes a lot of time, so a complete replacement of the seats would be a rational alternative.
To reupholster the interior, you can use your own materials or buy ready-made specialized kits. The interior of the SUV, made in light colors, looks great. It is recommended to do it yourself under the guidance of an experienced specialist. As a last resort, you should study some course or master class on this process.
Also an integral part of interior modernization is the installation of a new steering wheel. It is possible to improve the original one by reupholstering it with various materials and installing additional elements.
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!
Tuning the instrument panel of Niva 2121
Traditionally, domestic designers developed the Niva not as a luxury, but as a means of transportation, and equipped it with an instrument panel that looks dull and sad. There are many tips on how to bring it to mind with your own hands. In this case, it will be transformed, but its functionality will remain at the same level. Therefore, the best tuning of the Niva 2121 panel is its complete replacement.
A good option would be to install a Flash electronic instrument cluster. This is a futuristic design, complemented by a number of functional features:
- Arrows replaced with LED arcs
- Oil and fuel level indications via scales and digital values
- Built-in trip computer with excellent viewing angle
- Availability of diagnostic service
- Ability to update software versions by simply uploading a new assembly in place of the old one without dismantling the panel
Tuning the Niva 2121 torpedo is often due to the need to install a new modification. Standard minimalism is quite difficult to modernize. The only effective option is to cover the torpedo with various materials or cover it with carbon film.
Lockers
It would seem that the sound insulation should end in the interior, but no, we recommend not stopping there and gluing the fender liners. If you don't have them, we recommend purchasing them. They are inexpensive, and they will be more than enough use.
We remove the old fender liners and thoroughly wash them from dirt. Over the years of operation, a lot of it accumulates there. After this, we degrease it in the same way as the hood. Now we apply the remaining sheets to them, measure and cut.
Sound insulation glued to the fender liners gives a very good effect. It’s enough to imagine winter tires that make terrible noise on the highway. 60% of sounds come from winter tires, so soundproofing the fender liner is a very useful thing. The material should be glued to the part that faces the car, not the wheel.
After gluing, we install the fender liners in place. If you don’t want to bother with standard fender liners, you can buy a more prestigious set. Fender liners with good sound insulating properties are made of a special fabric that absorbs sounds and impacts of small stones against it. Such fender liners are usually used on expensive cars, but you can make them yourself.
Tuning Niva 2121 doors
In addition to replacing the door trim, you can enhance the interior lighting, in particular the thresholds. To do this, it is necessary to install lamps. They will become a useful element and emphasize the high level of comfort of the tuning car. To make this improvement you will need:
- Ceiling lamps
- Edging for lampshades
- Switches, sensors
- Light bulbs. They can be of bright colors, which will make the car bright and respectable
- Wires
- Isolation
Installing additional lighting will not take much time, but it will become a useful and stylish element of the interior.
We install new seats
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.
Tuning the trunk of Niva 2121
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.
How to check whether the gearbox is noisy or not
While the car is moving, extraneous sounds can be produced by absolutely any components and assemblies. They are often confused and automatically classified as transmission. Since the manual transmission is a gear mechanism, it is not possible to make it completely silent. To check whether the transmission is noisy or not, just follow these steps:
- Choose a section of road with smooth asphalt to eliminate unnecessary sounds emitted during rolling and reduce the level of resonant noise inside the car.
- Warm up the engine and other systems to normal operating temperature.
- Record the gear and speed of the vehicle at which the howling and hum is observed.
- Check the noise level when the engine is running at idle speed and in neutral gear.
How to create a favorable atmosphere in the salon yourself? One of the simple solutions is to soundproof the outputs of the gearshift knob and transfer case. Under the transfer case lever and gearbox there are two holes covered with anthers. By installing sound insulation in these places, it is easy to eliminate high-frequency noise that appears at a car speed of 110-115 km/h. In general, the Chevrolet Niva interior has good sound insulation when compared with the Lada Niva 4x4. But it’s best to work on the tunnel with the checkpoint separately. A high-quality floor sizing with a vibration damper would not hurt.
Tuning headlights of Niva 2121
Tuning the optics of the Niva 2121 sets the tone for the overall modernization concept. For example, installing headlights from Mercedes Gelandewagen will create the ambience of a powerful, aggressive SUV. Sports modifications of the headlights will add dynamics to the appearance and emphasize the streamlined shape. High power LED headlights can be installed to increase visibility. Another good option is to install lensed, crystal or bi-xenon headlights.
Helpful advice Standard models have virtually no potential for modernization, so it is better to replace them with new ones.
Tuning the rear lights of the Niva 2121 is carried out according to the same scheme as upgrading the optics. It is easier and more efficient to replace standard lights with new modifications.
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.
Conclusion
In general, by spending fairly reasonable money, you can significantly improve the comfort indicators, increase the cross-country ability and power of the VAZ-2121. Of course, you can’t carry out a radical redesign of the car yourself, but every motorist is quite capable of making the Niva more friendly towards the driver and passengers.
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Where to begin?
To practice a little and understand the essence of sound insulation, we strongly recommend starting with the hood. To do this, open the hood and remove the factory sound insulation. This process will be long, but you will be able to determine your abilities and learn a little. It is best to remove old insulation with a plastic scraper so as not to damage the paint on the part.
After the old material has been removed, you need to wash the part well. First, with water (preferably under pressure), then we treat it with degreasers. Alcohol or brake cleaner, which is sold in aerosol form, is ideal for this.
What needs to be covered? You need to glue thin sheet metal. It is through it that vibrations are transmitted. There is no need to glue the stiffening ribs. They are not capable of transmitting so many vibrations. Therefore, we glue it as shown in the photo.
Don't forget to heat the material with a hairdryer before gluing it to the product. This way it sticks better and it won’t be easy to tear it off later.
Practical advice for installing a diesel engine
When deciding to install it yourself, you should pay attention to the following experience.
Among the possible units that the designers of both the classic car and the Chevrolet Niva considered was the Peugeot engine with the index XUD-9SD. Not the most powerful unit (from 69 to 75 hp) is highly reliable. When planning such tuning, you need to be prepared to make some modifications:
- Replace the gearbox. Among the options, a box from Fiat Polnes was offered, as it would work with such an engine. But it won’t be easy to find a unit from a car that is now rare.
- Clutch mechanism. When searching for a box, they immediately select a clutch mechanism, which must ensure transmission of rotation and match in size.
- Engine support points. When installing on the Niva, the front engine mounts required modifications.
- Pallet shape. Taking into account the dense layout of the Niva’s engine compartment, the pallet requires an original shape, and was often made individually.
- Exhaust system. Minimal modifications to the exhaust piping are required.
In some cases, to increase the safety margin, it is noted that it is necessary to install front-wheel drive parts from the Chevrolet Niva model. But with gentle operation, such modification is not necessary.
The serial Niva with this engine was produced until 2009 and was mainly exported. With a certain amount of luck, the car can still be found in advertisements for sale. A special feature of the car is its low dynamics. The car reaches the first hundred in only 25 seconds.
Tuning Nissan Navara D 40 Fabtech – 4x4 Tuning
And here, in order not to get tedious with repetitions, we will indicate the main components of the kit: long-stroke shock absorbers, a set of enlarged levers and a powerful front subframe, which ensures that the front axle “goes down”. A set of fasteners and extended stepladders for the rear springs are a given. And for certain reasons, springs as such are absent in the American tuning kit, which is why the “Ironman” appeared.
Under this protection there is something else interesting: an additional stainless steel tank with a capacity of 110 (!) liters, made by the hands of our craftsmen. Separately, we emphasize that we didn’t try to “tinker” with another fuel neck: a transfer pump was attached to the frame and both tanks are filled into the standard hole in the wing.
We installed an additional fuel tank instead of a spare wheel under the cargo compartment of the pickup truck, and the enlarged spare wheel now “lives” on the gate of the RIF rear power bumper. In it, instead of a license plate that has moved to the tailgate, there are the “lips” of the Come Up 9000 winch. We made a special platform for it.
The ARB front bumper has the same winch, and you probably also noticed the additional IPF light. At this point, the modifications have been completed for now; in such a “combat body kit” you can already travel very far.
Having risen by 15 centimeters (which is 6 inches), you can safely drive along gullies and ruts; all sorts of bumps and logs are no longer scary. But for greater confidence in the safety of all the “lower” components, the bottom was covered with a solid aluminum “ski” made in-house by the 4x4 technical center.
All that remains to be mentioned is the Prology head unit that appeared in the cabin, the large display of which transmits images from the rear view camera.
Rear washer
The short-lived rear washer nozzle has given way to a more serious detail. The short-lived rear washer nozzle has given way to a more serious detail.
While driving, the car continued to gain bonuses. The steering wheel is now sensitive and informative - most likely due to tires with a lower profile 215/65R16 (these are installed only on the “Lux” version). I really liked the smooth ride on asphalt. This is thanks to the updated shock absorbers and enlarged silent blocks in the front suspension arms; they came here from the Lada 4x4. But the best thing is that while driving the car has become much quieter, vibrations have practically disappeared. The transition to CV joints in the cardan shafts had an effect. The transfer case practically does not howl, the transmission does not clank, the clutch is soft and understandable.
The air conditioning successfully cools the interior in 30-degree heat, without particularly limiting the traction capabilities of the engine. By the way, the engine seemed quite peppy - either we were already accustomed to its modest 80 horsepower in the previous car, or it was due to the restrained driving style, which is mandatory during break-in.
In general, Niva has become more driver-friendly. We like!
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.
Alternator bracket diagram for VAZ 21213 (carburetor)
The author of the drawing made a bracket from a piece of metal 80x80 mm, 4 mm thick. The upper adjustment bar for the generator is borrowed from the Volga. It was cut in place and a new 8.5 mm mounting hole was drilled.
VAZ 2110 crankshaft pulley, GAZ 3110 pump pulley, 6RK1290 belt. A standard cooling fan is installed on the pump pulley. The location of the generator is top left. The lower mounting point of the fuel pump, at the front we attach it to a standard stud and bolt, and at the top there is an M8 cylinder head bolt. The lower long generator mounting bolt with an engraver and an additional locknut.
Another bracket drawing provides for a belt measuring 1375 mm. You will need to modify the plane on the head in the area of the M8 bolt with an angle grinder, and also change the studs and bolts securing the front cover.
Features of installing the bracket in the video:
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.
