Tuning 5-door Niva

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Tuning Niva 2131 , like all other types of upgrades for other cars, exists in the plane of development of modern, latest technologies. This means that any craziest technical fantasy can be realized in the material world. If you think about it, at first glance, you can come to the conclusion that nothing can be changed in the standard, familiar Nivushka, which has been an eyesore for more than one generation of car enthusiasts, but this is a big mistake.

So, let's talk about the features of tuning the VAZ 2131

But the Niva may or may not arouse the love of motorists. But we can only say one thing: there are no, no, and never will be, indifferent to this model. “Niva” for many has remained a crazy passion, regardless of age and type of activity. Whatever you say, this is one of the best SUVs in world auto history, one of the first in the list of off-road vehicles. The cool “mastodons” of foreign manufacturers enjoy well-deserved popularity in this area of the auto world. But the very difficult situation of the last few years does not condone the acquisition of these very worthy four-wheeled friends. And in such a difficult moment, the domestic one extends a helping hand - the choice is not accidental, since this domestic model is unique, unique and inimitable.

Although the Niva does not bring satisfaction to a fairly large number of car enthusiasts. There are many disadvantages. A standard factory heater does not provide sufficient heat in severe frosts and sometimes does not even maintain the optimal temperature inside the cabin. All car enthusiasts deal with this problem differently. First of all, you need to seal the cracks using foam rubber or silicone.

Look where the nozzle that blows on the windshield is located. Seal the duct leading to the grille. Throw away the factory fan and replace it with a fan with ball bearings or a centrifugal fan from a VAZ-2109.

Buy a “snail” from a VAZ 2108. Let’s start working. Remove the upper grille, cut off all the protruding parts on the “snail” (profiles, ears for fastening. Make two cuts in the upper casing of the car with a knife, and lower the “snail” with the exhaust down, while the air intake cover must be open.

The “snail” must be pressed with a hairdryer in such a way that the hood lid closes without problems. Control can be organized using a relay; the switch can be borrowed from a radio station with a radius of ten positions. As a result, the sound insulation in the cabin will be much better and the stove will heat up 50% more.

There is also such an upgrade model: on the radiator of the heater of a VAZ 2131 car, install two fans like computer fans, in the end, when the temperature is -10 -20, this will be enough.

To regulate the fan, you need to install an additional switch. Simultaneous operation of fans is possible. The air flow that occurs is sufficient to blow glass and heat the interior.

The original fan needs to be removed and a centrifugal one installed instead. But if you implement this option, you need to prepare the lower casing.

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.

Also interesting: What to choose: Chevrolet Niva or UAZ Patriot

Instead of the factory carburetor, you can install a modification of it with an enlarged diffuser called a throttle. You can also install an injection model. It is worth considering installing a new electronic ignition system.

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.

Thus, with the help of modifications and tuning, a Niva can be made into a car that fully meets the requirements of its owner.

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.

Niva 2131 tuning. Installing a pressure sensor

An oil pressure indicator is an extremely necessary device. It is very easy to install on your own. In your hands you should have the “tee” of the oil pressure sensor from the “six”, the pressure sensor itself and the indicator from the kit from the same car.

To connect the indicator, no additional devices, systems or circuits are needed.

One contact is “ground”, we connect “+”, one wire should go to the Niva sensor, two more should go to the lamps. If you start connecting the emergency oil pressure lamp in parallel to the one you already have in the instrument panel, you need to make diode isolation. We put the indicator on the panel and connect it. The indicator can be placed anywhere on the dashboard.

The interior of the VAZ 2131 is uncomfortable and uncomfortable. Start tuning the interior of 2131 , remodeling its interior space with noise, heat and waterproofing. If you get this, it means you will not die from frostbite or pneumonia.

You can make the interior of the Niva more fashionable by re-drawing the doors and side panels. The front panel must be re-drawn, additional toggle switches and buttons must be introduced, and some devices must be duplicated. There is an option to change the entire panel and instead of the old one, install, for example, a similar part from the Opel Vestra. It would be nice to change the seats to more comfortable ones, change the stereo system and change the heating system. After that, as a cool hyper-experiment, install an on-board computer in the car. Then, reupholster the seats with leather and introduce a heating system, change the front panel by introducing plastic and wooden linings into it.

Refinement of the instrument panel

The next stage is finalizing the dashboard. The way to minimize costs is to improve the existing panel by installing new instrument sensors and installing a special trim on the center console. This relatively simple tuning of the Niva 2121 will make the panel more ergonomic and the instrument readings better readable.

The minimalist design of the Niva’s interior will also be refreshed by the installation of a front trauma panel equipped with a courtesy lamp. Such products are produced specifically for interior tuning; they can be offered by a Niva 4x4 tuning-oriented store or website. They are easy to install and connect, and they are not too expensive.

However, you can further reduce the cost of this stage of tuning and install a trauma panel, which is used on serial VAZ-2106. This option will be the most economical, but no less practical in terms of ensuring sufficient illumination of the interior if necessary.

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.

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.

Also interesting: Niva Chevrolet installation of air conditioning - Auto magazine MyDucato

Tuning Niva 2131. Changing the chassis

When upgrading the Niva 2131, tuning the chassis should begin with installing a subframe to protect the transfer case.

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“Niva” 2131 is the dream and reality of every village resident. You simply cannot do without such a car in the Russian outback. That is why all types and subspecies of Niva are so popular in their native land. On Russian roads you need to drive either tanks or tractors. “Niva” is a cross between this and that, only with a certain amount of comfort and a claim to external aesthetics. Since absolutely all jeeps are designed for off-road driving and what is often so seriously called cross-country driving, these cars regularly encounter destruction of the transfer case and the area of the floor where it is attached. All these troubles come from banal luck - constant vibration. If you install a subframe on the power base of the body, you can solve the following problems and achieve the following results:

The frame becomes solid;
The load-bearing qualities of the body are enhanced;
Vibration waves are reduced and noise is reduced;
The load on the floor is reduced;
The transfer case housing is closed from below.

To move well, or rather fly through the mud, what do you need to do? Right. Install cool mud tires. At least 29″, and no less. Take your original tires straight to the landfill. Not only off-road, but on smooth roads, it’s better not to risk driving it. And it’s absolutely best not to drive on asphalt with mud tires; your eardrums will burst from the noise. After tuning the Niva 2131 with your own hands for off-road use, you can forget about all the difficulties of driving in places where there are no roads and glide as if on oiled skis through the most hopeless mud.

But in order to achieve such a brilliant result, you will have to sweat and put a lot of effort into your hands. This cannot be done without manual work. This difficulty can be explained simply - wheels of this kind simply will not fit into classic arches, and they will have to be trimmed. You can simply lift the car, or better yet, with a doublet, so to speak, hit it with two barrels and do both of these operations.

If you decide to forge your “iron monster” in full, then the optimal minimum is five centimeters. A very expensive experiment, the money will come out to nine thousand, or even twelve.

Mirrors and glass

Replacing standard mirrors is not only a desire to improve the appearance of the car, but also to increase traffic safety by increasing visibility. For greater comfort, electrically adjustable mirrors are installed. This allows you to adjust them if necessary, even while driving. Mirrors of various shapes can become a distinctive feature of the car and emphasize its individuality.

You can enhance the tuning effect by using side and rear windows. Various tinting, especially with a spray effect or mirror, will best complement the appearance of the SUV.

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VAZ 2131 gear ratio tuning

The difficulties of a great redesign and excellent tuning of your favorite “four-wheeled horse” essentially never end. What else absolutely needs to be checked? The answer is simple - change the main pairs in the gearboxes. Keep in mind that the gear ratio for 29″ is 4.3 (some people advise immediately setting it to 4.7). Do you like big sizes? And accordingly, do you want huge wheels? Whereas the unforgettable grandfather Lenin taught “study, study and study again.” This is not the place for you and this is no joke for you. Don't miss the point. It is fraught with serious negative consequences. Go to the store or go online to buy or download special literature. The first thing you will learn from the pages of these respected books and training manuals will be that the axle shafts and drives will begin to experience a noticeably greater load, and from this irrefutable fact a logical conclusion suggests itself - they urgently need to be replaced with reinforced ones. True, provided that you are not an extreme sports enthusiast and will not climb into gullies - rivers - crayfish, such a need may not arise, but then another question arises - why do you need such a super car if you are not a car crazy???

Think with your head! Use your imagination! All attention to the discs! They should not be ordinary and from the best of the best manufacturers. Characteristics: high quality, durability, stylishness, attractiveness and branding! If you don’t find and install exactly as written on the road, WHAT awaits you? Well, you probably guessed it yourself!

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: Instructions for rewinding the mileage of NIVA 4x4 URBAN with ABS

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.