Rebirth of an aging station wagon: tuning the VAZ 2111

Lada 111 is a family station wagon. When creating it, AvtoVAZ did not focus on style and originality. The model is urban, running, everything is done to the minimum, nothing superfluous. But over time, the owners strive to improve the car and make it stand out from its brothers from the 11th family. This is possible with the help of tuning.

How do drivers see their VAZ 2111 tuning? Everyone strives to complete modifications to car parts in their own way. The best option is comprehensive tuning. First of all, you need to work on the body and its coloring. Refinement of the interior will highlight your individuality and create comfort inside the car. If over time you begin to lack the power of this device, then the engine is tuned to a sports one. Let's look at how to do tuning a VAZ 21110 with your own hands.

Let's start with body transformation

The manufacturer did not set out to create an original design. This car is an average urban station wagon from the 90s. The shapes are smooth, the body lines are straight, there are no bulges. Compared to modern models, Lada 111 remains unnoticed.

We begin tuning the VAZ 2111 with our own hands by installing new bumpers. We replace the civilian front bumper with a tuned one. The car accessories market is replete with all kinds of bumpers, stuffed with body kits, stampings and original parts. There are many options specifically for the standard mountings of the VAZ 2111. Installing front protection will instantly transform the frontal projection of the Lada.

Depending on the concept of tuning the Lada 2111, there are 2 main types of bumpers:

• sports;
• classic.

The first option is the details with which the appearance of the car becomes dynamic and aggressive. In this case, there are massive bumper shapes, body kits, original stamped transitions and a lowered design.

The classic style implies a solid low bumper without sharp inserts. This bumper has convenient large recesses for fog lights, radiator grille and air intake. An ergonomic location for the license plate seat must also be ensured.

After installing the front protective element, modifications are made to the side skirts and rear bumper. Leaving only the front bumper is unaesthetic, because when looking in profile, differences in ground clearance are visible. You can customize the parts included or combine styles. When installing tuned body elements, do not forget about the quality of Russian roads. Bumpers and skirts that are too low are impractical.

To begin with, we recommend bringing your ideas to life on the screen. Today there is a special 3D tuning for the VAZ 2111, which allows the driver to see the final picture and make adjustments where necessary.

Power plant modernization

Tuning the VAZ 2111 power unit is usually carried out in one of two directions. In the first case, the goal is to increase power and traction characteristics. In the second case, the main task is the desire to reduce fuel consumption without significantly deteriorating dynamic characteristics.

The easiest way to change engine power is to reflash the electronic control unit. Chip tuning allows you to return to factory settings in case of an undesirable result. This is the main advantage of flashing.

The disadvantage of chip tuning is the narrow range of power changes.

The cost of flashing an ECU starts from 3 thousand rubles.

Another simple way to increase the power of a VAZ 2111 engine is to use a zero-resistance air filter and a direct-flow exhaust system. This modernization does not require serious intervention in the design of the vehicle. The cost of alteration starts from 1500 rubles.

A more complex tuning of the power unit is to overhaul the engine and replace some components and parts with stock ones. This method of modernization requires certain skills. The cost of tuning with engine overhaul starts from 15 thousand rubles.

A radical way of tuning a power unit is an engine swap from a foreign car. Usually, for these purposes, contract engines are purchased from foreign car dismantling yards. The price of such tuning is usually more than 60 thousand rubles.

Interior decoration

The original tuning of the VAZ 2111 interior includes several stages.

1. Modernization of the dashboard.
2. Interior finishing.
3. Replacing seat covers.
4. Replacing or processing the steering wheel.
5. Noise insulation.

First, we make the dashboard look more modern. It is not necessary to change the numbers and arrows, because the design of the Lada 2111 instruments is not that old. It will be enough to improve the illumination of the panel elements. To do this we use LED strip. We dismantle the panel, cut the tape to form a circuit, and connect the diodes.

Next you need to do the exterior finishing of the dashboard, doors and ceiling. For the best effect, first perform soundproofing of the interior. It is necessary to dismantle the entire front panel and cover the space under it with a layer of vibroplast. Then we install everything back and cover the interior with new material. The most common types of materials today are leather substitute or carbon or vinyl films. The latter are available in different colors and textures.

Comfortable seats directly characterize the comfort of the cabin. Standard seats for VAZ require improvement. You can go two ways: replace all the seats with new ones or cover the factory seats with covers. The first option is more effective, but it is much more expensive.

When using covers, you need to decide on the material. Leather cases look the most presentable. This is the most expensive option. Cheaper analogues are leather substitute and eco-leather. Eco-material is the “know-how” of recent years. It is actively used for tuning, is relatively inexpensive, and is highly practical.

Fabric covers will not look good if you have reupholstered the rest of the interior with leather substitute.

External tuning

You can significantly transform the VAZ 2111 station wagon using elements of the aerodynamic body kit. With their correct selection and installation, it is possible to achieve not only an aesthetic transformation of the car, but also better handling. The cost of the body kit starts from 3 thousand rubles.

It is important to pay due attention to the selection of the deflector wing, windshields, sills, and arch extensions. The wrong choice will lead to deterioration in vehicle dynamics and increase fuel consumption. As a result, the body kit will only improve the appearance of the car.

Another popular option for external tuning is airbrushing. It is being slightly replaced by silk-screen printing and typography. Drawing an image costs from 2 thousand rubles. The price depends on the complexity of the design and its size. You can see an example of airbrushing in the photo below.

Installation of steering wheel from Vesta

Another quite popular way to change a car is to install a non-standard steering wheel, for example, from Vesta. The approximate cost of the design option that was obtained after analysis is 7,500 rubles.

At first glance, the changes in question are quite simple to implement. However, it is not. The fact is that the diameter matches, but the spline pitch does not match. That is why it is practically impossible to do without more thorough refinement

Please note that the bushing located on the steering wheel is made of a fairly soft alloy. However, the steering shaft is made using stronger steel

In this case, a simpler solution is to press the steering wheel onto the steering shaft - the softer bushing is deformed, and the steering column can withstand the force exerted.

The work procedure is as follows:

1. To begin with, set the steering wheel to a level position. In this case, you should make sure that most of the splines match. This point will significantly simplify the pressing procedure. 2. After several blows, the softer alloy is applied, and the steering wheel is mounted on the steering shaft.3. The next step is to screw the steering wheel using a nut. The clamp is held with a wrench.4. After this, you should remove the steering wheel back. In the place of the splines that do not match, there will be notches. They should be partially cut down using a file.5. After carrying out such work, you should put the steering wheel back on the steering shaft, after which, if necessary, the procedure is repeated again.

Work should be carried out until the steering wheel is firmly attached to the shaft. The metal can be removed quite easily, as it is soft. The whole procedure will take a little time.

Price policy

No frills

The Russian station wagon looks quite attractive from some angles, especially its front part - with nice headlights and a laconic radiator grille.

However, the heavy rear introduces serious disharmony into the appearance of the car - it “squats” to the ground even when the interior is unloaded, and when fully loaded it completely outweighs the front end.

Despite the acceptable ground clearance of 175 millimeters, you should be careful when driving on bumpy terrain. The reason lies, again, in the low overhang of the stern.

Familiar motives

The trip computer, which is located on the center console, provides an indication of unlocked doors and warning lamps, and a clock is installed to the right of it. The air conditioning system has intuitive and clear controls, but the sound of its fan is very intrusive.

The driver's seat with a flat profile and weak lateral support distributes body weight unevenly, which is why the limbs may become numb and discomfort may appear in the back on a long journey.

Moreover, the range of seat adjustment in the longitudinal direction will seem insignificant for a tall driver. It’s also a bit cramped on the back sofa - if you’re 180 centimeters tall, you’ll have to accept the fact that your knees will have to be spread apart so as not to rest against the backs of the front seats.

The luggage compartment volume is 423 liters - not the most outstanding figure. However, when folding the second row seats, you can achieve a quite acceptable 1420 liters.

By roads and directions.

One of the most interesting engines in the power range of the VAZ 2111 is a 1.5-liter eight-valve unit that produces 93 power. With such an engine, the Russian station wagon accelerates well and allows you to feel confident in city conditions, as well as make safe overtaking on the highway.

At low speeds there is not enough traction, but at medium and high speeds there is a vigorous pickup, and the response of the accelerator pedal to touch is sharpened. However, not everything is so perfect - the manual transmission, which has mediocre selectivity and clarity of switching, is disappointing.

Controllability is ambiguous. The uninformative steering wheel with low sensitivity, as well as significant roll and sway, are alarming. All this forces you to move with extreme caution on the road at high speed, and also not to make sudden maneuvers.

On the other hand, we can praise the good ride smoothness on small and medium-sized bumps - the car overcomes such bumps very smoothly. Although there is an unpleasant laxity, vibrations are still present. On large bumps, the likelihood of breakdown of the shock absorber struts increases significantly.

Do-it-yourself VAZ 2110 tuning is the dream of many VAZ 2110 car owners. And although the technical characteristics and appearance of the VAZ 2110 satisfy the requirements of many car enthusiasts, still doing high-quality tuning of the VAZ 2110 with your own hands remains the dream of most of them.

Tuning a VAZ 2110 with your own hands is not an easy task for the owner of this car and will require appropriate technical training and the necessary knowledge from its owner.

If you don’t have such qualities, then it’s better to turn to specialists or be patient and learn to do everything yourself.

Installing additional keys

Please note that additional control units may be required when installing additional accessories. It is possible to install keys on the central panel

This can be done quickly and easily. The procedure for performing the work is as follows:

1. The front panel is disassembled.2. Excess plastic is cut off.3. The edges of the frame are processed to a minimum size.4. To place the keys, you should create a special base made of plastic.5. In order for the structure to be sufficiently rigid, stiffening ribs should be created.6. The buttons can be taken from any car. It is worth noting that, if necessary, you can make the buttons backlit as an indication.7. If necessary, you can repaint the color of the key to match the interior design features.

The result of the above changes is a significant increase in the functionality of the car interior. The keys can be responsible for various additional functions. If necessary, you can create a niche for a multimedia system, which will be responsible for many functions in the car: playing music, watching videos, navigation, and so on. You can purchase various multimedia systems, the cost of which varies from several tens to hundreds of dollars. If necessary, you can modify the front panel almost beyond recognition.

In conclusion, we note that before carrying out work you should always create a work plan. It will eliminate the possibility of problems and errors during tuning.

General look at the car

Beautiful tuning of the VAZ 2109 interior on your own

The first front-wheel drive station wagon from VAZ, namely 2111, immediately gained popularity thanks to its spacious luggage compartment of 426 liters in standard condition or 1420 liters with the rear seats folded down. The model is positioned as a roomy family car with five seats and a large luggage compartment. Someone saw the station wagon as a good workhorse. As a result, there is demand for the eleventh model.

Subsequently, as is customary, modifications with different engine sizes appeared, which fundamentally only affected the power and maximum speed.

Standard, norm and luxury configurations are available. They combine in various combinations the parameters of the above models, except for the VAZ 21111. All models on average produce similar fuel consumption, differing only by tenths.

Changes in modifications affected only the engine, without in any way affecting the external appearance of the car, which means that in matters of external tuning, all models are absolutely equivalent.

Tuning of VAZ 2110 interior elements: painting, ceiling covering

Over time, the ceiling in the VAZ 2110, and frankly speaking, in any other car, gets dirty, damaged, and generally becomes unsightly and spoils the appearance of the interior. Reupholstery or restoration costs a lot of money, and it must be admitted that it is quite labor-intensive.

The photo shows the process of painting the ceiling

Therefore, now many drivers decide on such tuning as painting the ceiling, especially since you can choose a color and tone to suit every taste. What are the options for ceiling paints?

• Universal paint in aerosol cans (you will need about five pieces). You can choose matte paint or shimmer. The only thing you need to remember is that the top may “crumble” a little, plus the interior must be ventilated for several days.
• Universal and water-based paint. They are mixed to soften and better adhere the paint to the soft ceiling material.
• Paints for velor, suede, textiles in the form of aerosols. These types are best used for the ceiling, since painting with them will not make it hard, and the paint will apply more evenly and without stains.

Painting result

Suspension tuning

The VAZ 2111 suspension has average characteristics and is designed for the average driver. Therefore, many car owners strive to remake it for themselves. Suspension tuning has a wide range of prices. So, for example, installation of interturn spacers will cost from 100 rubles, and air suspension can cost 140 thousand rubles.

Table - VAZ 2111 suspension tuning.

Modernization of optics and installation of backlights

To improve the safety and appearance of the car, many owners perform optics tuning and installation of backlights. Installing stock headlights and lanterns costs from 5 thousand rubles.

The imperfection of the products of the domestic automobile industry makes every owner of a Russian car an active supporter of all kinds of modifications and alterations of the vehicle. Owners of the affordable VAZ-2111 are no exception. Below we will tell you what owners usually fix when tuning VAZ-2110, 2111, 2112. The listed models are practically the same car, made in different body styles: sedan, station wagon and hatchback.

Lada Vesta SV cross - bumper tuning

External tuning can change the exterior of a car; most often it begins with modifying the bumpers, especially on sports cars. Body kits not only add individuality to the car, but also can significantly reduce friction between air masses while driving. To install the parts, use cream or double-sided tape. If we are talking about heavy elements, they can be mounted using clamps or self-tapping screws. You can purchase a body kit from a dealer company.

For the Lada Cross station wagon, tuning can be done using standard linings, protective fragments of headlights, body panels, wings, skirts, rear and front spoilers. Colors and options can always be found on the manufacturer’s catalog pages.

Tuning taillights - main options

Tuning tail lights on a VAZ is most often:

• painting rear lights;
• use of tint film;
• installation of LEDs.

The surface is covered with glossy or matte vinyl film. It can be applied completely, partially in a certain place on the glass and removed at any time. Tinting material is produced in different colors and shades. The film has a protective function and can be used to protect the element from mechanical impacts of small stones.

The film is applied to the outer surface of the headlight in stages:

1. Wash and dry the headlight unit.
2. Wet the surface with soapy water.
3. Cut the film to the required size.
4. Remove the backing and apply it to the surface of the lampshade.
5. Carefully smooth out from the center to the edges.
6. Dry with a hairdryer.
7. Remove excess film.

Varnish or paint is an economical option, but not always effective if you apply it yourself. To use, you need to wash and dry the lanterns well, then degrease and varnish.

Tinting should not reduce the brightness of lights by more than 15%. Although the traffic rules do not contain clear instructions on tuning rear optics, questions from the inspector may arise.

Tuning LED headlights have increased brightness and clearly define the dimensions of the car. More often, diode strips are used, which are installed around the perimeter of the rear stop.

Using LEDs

To tune the rear lights of the VAZ 2110, installing LEDs and painting the lampshade are most often used. LEDs are mounted in plastic reflectors after dismantling the headlight unit. For the VAZ 2110 it is recommended to choose two colors: red and yellow. The tapes are soldered and placed on the base inside the headlight unit.

To make the light as bright as possible, the base of the headlight is painted black. Tuning procedure step by step.

1. Dismantle the headlight, remove the glass, remove the lamps.
2. Fill the inside of the block with a thin layer of polyurethane foam.
3. Give the foam the desired shape by determining the areas for installing the LED strip.
4. Glue the LEDs onto the base inside the headlight.
5. Install glass, connect wiring.

When installing LEDs at 6 Volt dimensions, stops and turns at 12 Volt, capacitors are installed, this prevents overheating of the optics.

LED characteristics

Modern single LEDs, matrix blocks, diode strips produced by well-known companies are distinguished by their high service life and reliability. Technical characteristics of LED blocks:

• service life more than 4000 hours;
• operate at minimum on-board voltage;
• good light data;
• no overheating occurs;
• are not subject to vibration and mechanical effects;
• variety of colors.

The luminous flux of such lamps does not dazzle the eyes and is visible from a great distance. Availability allows for inexpensive and high-quality repairs.

DIY LED tuning of rear lights

To perform LED tuning of rear lights you will need a minimum set of tools and an LED strip of the required length. Do-it-yourself tuning of rear lights on a VAZ 2110 step by step:

1. Disassemble the headlight.
2. Pull out the diffuser.
3. Paint the reflectors black.
4. Prepare the site and glue the LEDs.
5. Solder stabilizers and wires from old lamps to the tape.
6. Place the reflector on top of the diodes.
7. Assemble the tuned spotlights and install in the reverse order.

LED pinout

Before connecting the wires, you need to pinout the LEDs. To make them glow, you need to pass an electric current through them in the direction from the anode to the cathode. To do this, a positive charge must be applied to the anode, and a minus charge must be directed to the cathode.

It is recommended to check the LED strip before installing it on the car.

Do-it-yourself VAZ 2111 tuning: car design

At the first stage, they are looking at replacing the bumpers. Finding a replacement is not particularly difficult, and therefore no car enthusiast has ever had any problems. For this purpose, they visit car stores and car markets in order to find a suitable option.

At the same time, you can purchase a stylish, sporty type air intake.

In addition, it is mandatory to purchase tinted type deflectors. They are placed on door windows. Such elements will significantly improve the outer shell, creating an aura of comfort for both the passenger and the driver. Such a simple element will give a chance to redirect air flows, improving the ventilation system, blocking the path of dust, and therefore it will not end up in the cabin.

It is important to choose the appropriate body color, based on your personal preferences. Basically, the most saturated and contrasting colors are selected

Subsequently, it’s worth going to the interior and taking a closer look at which of its elements is worth upgrading. As one of the options, you can install a rear view camera inside. Equipment of this kind emphasizes the impressiveness and respectability of the car, but the advantages do not end there, since the device will be very useful in case of road accidents.

The process of creating a new car design is very interesting and exciting, and therefore for many, tuning the VAZ 2111, and other cars, has become a real hobby. You can create a truly stylish salon on your own, without highly specialized professionals.

The Lada will immediately be transformed if you cover the dashboard with a special, fashionable film, which can also be used for the door elements, steering wheel and other elements.

The best option would be vinyl and carbon type films with a variety of colors and textures.

It's important to make sure the color scheme is appropriate

Another important element of the car that requires the motorist’s close attention is the steering wheel. It is better to install it small and lightweight, or choose a sporty-looking pad for it.

Selecting new car seats is an extremely fascinating and addictive task due to the abundance of all kinds of variations. The most attractive for the eleventh model are leather seats. Its advantage is its relevance and it never goes out of fashion.

It is an imperishable element of automotive decor, creating a very attractive design. But it is expensive. You can find more affordable options.

This material is similar in structure to suede, is resistant to moisture, is not susceptible to the sun, is not wipeable, and does not react to chemicals. With their upgrade, you can install stiffeners and heating or massage elements.

When decorating, it is important to keep the little things in mind, as they play a huge role and can ruin the overall picture. In our case, it is necessary to change the gear knob, floor mats and interior lighting

It is worth choosing bright overlays for dashboard dials

It is also important to pay attention to the acoustic system. Having dealt with all of the above, we begin to solve the issue of noise insulation, which was not a thoroughly developed element not only of the model under consideration, but also of other representatives of the concern. If we talk about standard acoustics, then it can satisfy few people, and sometimes even causes discomfort

Therefore, it’s worth going to the store and choosing the best, high-quality and modern sound insulation. You can look at the various tuning photos of the VAZ 2111 on many portals, since there are quite a lot of car enthusiasts practicing tuning of this model

If we talk about standard acoustics, then few people can be satisfied with them, and sometimes even cause discomfort. Therefore, it’s worth going to the store and choosing the best, high-quality and modern sound insulation. You can look at various tuning photos of the VAZ 2111 on many portals, since there are quite a lot of car enthusiasts practicing tuning of this model.

Lada can rightfully be considered a successful project of the domestic automotive industry. The designers carefully thought out many aspects of the car.

The overall picture is spoiled by a weak car engine.

Tuning of VAZ 2110 interior elements: painting, ceiling covering

Over time, the ceiling in the VAZ 2110, and frankly speaking, in any other car, gets dirty, damaged, and generally becomes unsightly and spoils the appearance of the interior. Reupholstery or restoration costs a lot of money, and it must be admitted that it is quite labor-intensive.

The photo shows the process of painting the ceiling

Therefore, now many drivers decide on such tuning as painting the ceiling, especially since you can choose a color and tone to suit every taste. What are the options for ceiling paints?

• Universal paint in aerosol cans (you will need about five pieces). You can choose matte paint or shimmer. The only thing you need to remember is that the top may “crumble” a little, plus the interior must be ventilated for several days.
• Universal and water-based paint. They are mixed to soften and better adhere the paint to the soft ceiling material.
• Paints for velor, suede, textiles in the form of aerosols. These types are best used for the ceiling, since painting with them will not make it hard, and the paint will apply more evenly and without stains.

Painting result