❶ How to increase Niva’s cross-country ability

Installation of oversized wheels on NIVA vehicles

Installation of oversized wheels on NIVA vehicles

Post by Vlad_aka_SoHm » Jan 25, 2012, 05:44 pm

Sooner or later, every off-road enthusiast thinks about installing more wheels on the Niva. At first glance, what could be simpler - remove some wheels and install others? In fact, this is a very difficult and, most importantly, not always necessary procedure, associated with a number of questions that we will try to answer in this topic.

Why do people change the standard tires of their SUVs to larger ones? The goals are completely different. The main one is, of course, improving driving characteristics. Sometimes large wheels are mounted to give the car a more brutal look or to install beautiful wheels, due to which the car will benefit from the exterior. It happens that the owner himself does not really understand why he is doing this. It’s just that a person’s herd instinct kicks in: everyone has big wheels, and I’ll do the same - what am I, a redhead, or what?

To finally dot the i's, let's try to figure out whether it is necessary to install larger tires in this or that case, what this will require and, most importantly, whether this should be done in principle. Let me make a reservation right away: with such wheels we will be considering an increase in tire diameter by two, four or more inches compared to the standard wheel. Installing such wheels will require labor and, as a result, capital investment. Here we come close to the second question.

In order for large wheels to fit organically into the car or, in simpler terms, not to cling to the suspension and body elements when driving, some design changes will be required. This applies, for example, to changing suspension parameters, changing the shape of arches, wings and the body as a whole. There is also such a tool as an elevator.

As the owner of a NIVA car, the first thing you should pay attention to is the change in the shape of the arches, etc. A. Changing the shape of the arches. (Cutting arches, sill wings).

The most correct way to install larger wheels is to change the geometry of the body, arches in particular. Main advantages: – the drive and drive shaft joints operate as normal – the behavior of the machine remains predictable – the center of gravity does not change – using just an angle grinder and welding, you can install wheels up to 31″ (combined with limiting the suspension travel to 35″) Cons: – You'll have to sacrifice paintwork.

There are two main types of lifts: body lifts (also called body lifts) and suspension lifts.

Body lift

The good thing about a body lift is that it rarely requires large financial outlays other than purchasing a set of spacers and extended mounting bolts. Another advantage of the “body kit” is a slight change in the car’s center of gravity, since only the body rises, and the frame and components are above the ground only due to the increased tire size. Unfortunately, such a simple scheme is not available to us, because... We do not have a frame, and the units are fixed to the body.

Suspension lift

Now what do we call a suspension lift? It would be more correct to call the lift the transfer of the entire suspension down the vertical axis, without changing its parameters. Including body suspension mounting points and relocation of suspension travel stops. Structurally, this is possible (moving the beam and everything else) but difficult. – drive joints and cardan shafts operate normally

But who just so happens to be calling Niva a suspension lift is a completely different list of technical measures. For example, installing stiffer or longer springs, installing longer shock absorbers, changing the length of the rear axle rods. spacers for ball joints, etc. An elevator is a lift = a transfer, nothing more.

c. Changing/replacing suspension elements

Now let’s talk about those technical activities that are mistakenly called “Lifting” - “Installation of elevator kits” and so on. As soon as we change one of the suspension elements, it is no longer a lift, and besides, we violate its parameters calculated at the factory (you should pay attention to this; changing the parameters must be approached seriously and individually).

Option #1. Installing long/stiff springs and shock absorbers

By installing a stiffer (longer) spring (or reducing the mass on the axle), we change the static position of the levers. Let's say 5 cm.

This increases ground clearance. It is necessary to understand that this increase is not the same at all points of the suspension and is not constant when the car is moving. A fundamentally important point for understanding is that after installing another spring, the previous upper possible position of the wheel is maintained (as we remember, it is still limited by the buffer). This means that when hitting an obstacle, hanging diagonally, etc. etc. the spring from the “lift kit” can be compressed to the same length as the standard one (we do not take into account the collision of the spring coils), the suspension arms rest against the bump stops, and the wheel actually takes the upper position in the arch, exactly corresponding to the position of the wheel on a car without a suspension lift and with a regular spring. The ground clearance of the car thus constantly changes - from increased by 5 cm when the car is standing to standard - in dynamics. Main conclusion: Do not install screw springs.

Plus, installing longer springs and shock absorbers “just like that” won’t work. Let's say the front shock absorber can still be installed from 21214 (21214M) instead of 2121, but when installing a 2123 shock absorber - at maximum compression stroke, the shock absorber itself will become a rebound buffer, which will lead to its breakdown or breakage of its fasteners. because its length in the compressed state is 1 cm longer than the standard one. (The solution is to limit the stroke. See below in the text.) It’s the same with the rear ones; installing shock absorbers whose length in the compressed state is longer than standard, will also lead to breakage of the shock absorber or its fasteners. Plus, we shifted the middle point of the suspension travel, which is also bad. So, if there is insufficient rebound pressure (the wheels go down), the car will fall into the hole without working out. Somehow you can compensate for the downward travel by changing the parameters of the suspension travel limiters; in the front, these are the upper rebound buffer, shock absorber, and ball joints. At the rear there is a shock absorber and, less commonly, a universal joint. Also, do not forget about the brake pipe (if the rebound stroke increases > 50 mm from the standard one, it must be lengthened).

Here we come to the next aspect of changing suspension parameters.

Option #2. Limitation of moves.

To prevent the wheels from touching the body during compression, you can limit the compression stroke by increasing the bump stops or moving them to the desired amount.

Suppose you can place washers made from engine mount 2121 or other suitable materials under the front and rear bump stops (inside the spring). Limiting the compression stroke would reduce the overall stroke; if you overdo it, it may turn out that the car will stand on the bump stop without any compression stroke at all, and when hitting a bump, the suspension will not work and the body will tip.

Option No. 3 Partial movement of elements to bring (partial lift). This option involves mixing the suspension elements in order to shift the suspension strokes, while maintaining their overall total stroke.

Pros: Minimum costs, standard shock absorbers and springs - suspension stiffness does not change, total travel does not change.

I would recommend raising the car no more than 3.5cm. Because without using other technical methods (even if you increase the lift from 3.5 cm to 5, etc.) this will not allow you, while maintaining the operation of the suspension, to install wheels of a significantly larger size than 27-29″.

I think the most correct lift is moving the beam and moving the rear suspension mounting points. You can see how to implement this by clicking on the link: Beam Transfer

Pros: The operation of the suspension is completely preserved, the operation of the steering is completely preserved. Cons: Labor-intensive execution.

When installing a modified suspension on an SUV, the SUV rises above the ground to the height we need. By replacing the suspension elements in order to get better articulation on the terrain, we also get a deterioration in directional stability on the highway, as well as increased body roll when cornering.

How to spin the wheels? (Or why doesn't the car drive?)

We installed the wheels of the size we needed, but we don’t like something that we rubbed during acceleration, in the dirt there is not enough engine power, the clutch burns. what to do ?

The answer to this question can be found by following the links:

In a nutshell, the larger the wheels, the greater the transmission ratio required. The simplest way is to increase the low gear ratio in the gearbox, and then in the axle gearboxes.

Source: www.niva-club.net

Do-it-yourself Chevrolet Niva lifting

Work begins from the front part of the suspension, installing directed washers under the lower spring pad, creating the required angle. An additional spacer washer is installed under the upper arm to reduce the load. The steering knuckle arms are swapped, so the tie rod ends go from top to bottom.

Tuning the rear suspension is carried out by attaching new rear spring cups to standard bolts. To move the mounting points of the rear shock absorbers upward by 5 cm, brackets are installed. The upper rods of the rear axle are extended or made adjustable. Then the reaction rods of the rear axle are strengthened or doubled, and a rear axle stabilizer pre-fitted for a specific vehicle is installed.

To independently increase ground clearance, there are various types of lifting kits. According to many car owners, one of the most successful kits is the factory-made lifting kit of the Russian club “Korovka”. The lifted Chevrolet Niva in this version handles well both on the highway and in complete off-road conditions.

Also interesting: Car air conditioner for Niva VAZ-21213

Which road should I take?

The modification of cars for operation on low-pressure tires is usually carried out by specialized enterprises: auto repair shops. They have special equipment and staff responsible for a specific process. But for most car owners, turning to specialized workshops is associated with material costs.

There is another way - this is a saving option when the vehicle owner does the work with his own hands. In this case, you must have the desire, be technically savvy and have the means.

You need to understand that a Niva on low-pressure tires is something different than a standard car. After the rework, a technical component may remain in it. In most cases, incomplete composition.

Important! The pressure in such rubber does not exceed 2–4.25 kg/cm², and the efficiency (efficiency factor) increases by 20% in comparison with standard tires!

How to choose new tires

Large, low-pressure wheels are ideal for the swamp vehicle. They do not sink into soft soil, while maintaining the necessary adhesion to the soil.

Types of tires for swamp vehicles:

1. Arched.
2. Toroidal.
3. Wide-profile.

The tires have the required pattern. They are distinguished by their long service life and high strength coefficient. Some models are equipped with systems that provide operational pumping. The driver has the ability to adjust tire pressure depending on the quality of the road.

Without cutting arches

If you install wheels with a diameter of 29 inches on a Chevrolet Niva, then there is no need to cut the arches. In rare cases, the corners on the bumper (front) are processed. A few years ago, special “Lapter” extensions were made for the pre-restyling Chevrolet Niva, but then their production was curtailed.

With the need for cutting

To install low-pressure wheels, a large amount of work must be carried out:

• lifting suspensions or body;
• cutting arches;
• removal outside the body.

It is necessary to cut the arches of the Niva in order to install elements with a diameter of 28-30 inches. This requires a special tool, as well as experience in performing such work.

The front arch is redesigned relatively simply, but with the aft block the situation is somewhat more complicated. The arch is formed from 2 elements (internal and external). After trimming, the 2 parts need to be brought together and bent correctly.

Advantages:

1. The strength factor is high.
2. Looks aesthetically attractive.
3. The straightening and cutting of the arches is done together with the installation of the Lapter extensions.

The difficulty of the work lies in the fact that the strength and rigidity of the body material must remain practically unchanged.

For snow and swamp vehicle

The best tires for swamp vehicles have the following characteristics: VID 20, dimension 1300 x 530-330, can operate at pressures up to 0.5 atm. Sometimes they make tires for Niva with their own hands.

Karakat is also equipped using a similar algorithm. Used sources are taken from trucks, helicopters or airplanes; standard car tires are used.

Who uses extravagant technology?

In principle, anyone can drive a car with low pressure tires. This type of equipment is in greatest demand:

• for people who prefer active and extreme recreation;
• fishing enthusiasts;
• hunters;
• and travel lovers.

Low pressure rubber is also used on agricultural machinery and special equipment involved in the military industry.

Low tire pressure makes it possible to properly distribute the weight of the car on the wheels.

Which, in turn, reduces the pressure of the vehicle on the ground.

Interior tuning

By upgrading the interior, many car owners try not only to increase the level of comfort of the vehicle, but also to emphasize their individuality. There are many options for improving the interior of your car.

This is the easiest way to tune the interior of a Niva 4×4. With prolonged use of the car, the seat upholstery becomes dirty, wears out and loses its aesthetic appearance. Reupholstery requires a lot of time, certain skills and considerable costs. Today, car shops offer a wide range of car covers made from high-quality materials in various shades, which greatly simplifies the selection of the necessary accessories.

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.

What tires can and should be used?

You can take on:

• used aircraft wheels;
• used tires from agricultural machines;
• There is an option to use wheels from trucks. The most popular tires for independent work are tires from GAZ-66 and ZIL-31 cars.

All rubber in question must be prepared: remove excess from the tread and sides. Release the inner part from the core. In certain cases, it is necessary to remove part of the cord.

What problem is being solved in this case? Make tires for the Niva as light as possible! It must be remembered that before starting work, all wheels must be thoroughly washed and dried.

Improvements for carbureted SUVs

If you have a carburetor Niva, off-road tuning must necessarily involve the installation of electric fans with sensors for radiators. In modern, injection models, they are installed directly at the factory, but before there was no trace of such “luxury”. Original, with forced activation - be sure to remove it. Why?

It’s simple - when you slowly and carefully “sneak” along deep ruts in the summer, the engine will overheat greatly from the load, and the antediluvian mechanical fan will spin slowly at this time, unable to cope with cooling the hot engine. You understand that in this mode the engine will not last long.

And further. It is highly not recommended to go into the water with a mechanical fan, as it will simply fill the entire engine compartment with liquid, while the electric unit can simply be turned off before doing so. This is how you get a “Niva”. Tuning for off-road, in principle, can be considered complete.

Tool and workspace for creativity

There are no problems here. The workplace can be a garage or an open area. To remake, you need to prepare a knife with a double-sided cutting edge, a hammer, wire cutters, and an awl. You definitely need to get a sharpener for sharpening knives. And one more device is a “drag”. Essentially, this is an electrically driven winch. With its help, you can quickly remove the desired layer of rubber.

Self-production of low-pressure tires

The first step is to remove the outer wire cord bundle. It is necessary to cut through the window with a sharp knife, and use wire cutters to cut through the coils. Then wrap the wire around the pliers and pull it out. And so on around the entire perimeter of the wheel. Next, from the cord to the tread, at a distance of approximately 100 mm, we make slots along the entire sidewall. Direction: from cord to tread.

Attention! The depth of the slot should reach the initial layers of the cord!

Using wire cutters we undermine the fang. Using a knife, carefully trim it.

Remember that this operation is performed clockwise, and not vice versa!

Then, by cutting the rubber, it creates a pattern for the future tread. The simplest and best option is a Christmas tree.

Many people take truck tires as a basis: the best option is GAZ-66 truck tires as shown in the photo.

Having finished with the drawing, you should decide on the contours. Using a knife, which must be at an angle, we create a trapezoid of the correct shape.

Having cut through the ends, according to the intended drawing, we carry out peeling work. This operation will require perseverance and patience from you. Speed ​​is not needed here. Quality matters!

Then, using wire cutters, we secure the fang and gradually, without jerking, increase the load on the winch cable, and use a knife to cut the edges. This process, in principle, is not difficult, but it will require attention and concentration of your actions.

Where can you buy everything you need?

You can significantly simplify your task of tuning the SUV in question by purchasing a wide variety of kits. On the Internet you can find a large number of sites dedicated to the sale of various elements for tuning.

There are two main methods of carrying out work:

• Self-production of everything you need. Only with special equipment and certain skills can you independently produce the necessary parts for tuning.
• Purchase of ready-made kits. As previously noted, you can find a variety of kits on sale: body kits, engine and transmission tuning kits, various decorative elements for the interior.

By purchasing ready-made kits, you can significantly simplify your tuning work, since their size and other parameters are most suitable for installation. However, in some cases it is necessary to modify the design. In conclusion, we note that all of the above work can be done independently, but for this you need to have an equipped garage and a fairly large amount of combined time. The cost of modifications depends on their complexity, as well as how they will be carried out. Let's take the work of changing a motor as an example: you can replace some elements, which will be inexpensive and take a little time, but boring and other work are difficult to perform.

A few words about disks

For non-standard wheels I use wheels of a certain size. You can make them yourself using two basins and secure them with belts.

Self-made disk from two aluminum cans with rivets

But this is a separate topic for a more detailed discussion. We will return to it a little later.

Source: korchim.ru

Galey-su › Blog › IMHO on preparing a field for off-road use

I'll leave it here so as not to lose it.
0. Zero level of training: - bring the car into serviceable technical condition. condition - check the presence and reliability of the towing eyes from the front (it is highly desirable that 14-16 shackles can easily be pushed into them) - install a normal towbar (so that its fastening is “airplane” - put a shovel in the car - get boots (knee-high) and/ or ankle boots (normal), which you don’t mind wearing clothes... - buy a car navigator (whatever with a 4.3″ screen up to 4 TR) Everything now you can do geocaching, start participating in polishing... you can also go on rides with others nivami (if you are ready to be pulled out all the time).

0.5. Let’s say a prepared stock (for participation in Niva competitions in “standard”;): - to the above described we add: - snatch cable - roof rack/roof bars - ladders/send trucks (can be made from boards) - hijack - hand winch, corrosion protection , extension - saw, ax - we strengthen the bumpers (it is optimal to “place” a thick pipe/profile/channel inside the original bumpers) - if you want to participate in the Niva competitions in stock - then some AT tires of standard size... - but IMHO it’s not worth it... Now you can apply to the standard to gain experience... + participate in the Niva and Shniva club competitions in the standard category... and go off-road on your own...

1. Prepared drain i.e. normal nivovod: everything is the same as in the case of 0.5 + mud tires (optimally Cordiant Off Road 205/70 R15 (From me: the cords are small. Or Forwafd Safari 205/75 or Kumho KL71 215/75)

, it’s also worth buying normal 15″ wheels (unless, of course, there are free ones): either VIKOM 106 (2 tr.) - if you want to go into maniacs, or VSMPO forging (3 tr.) - if not. It is mandatory to have a good compressor - because according to a science unknown to the species, mudas begin to “ride” only at a pressure of less than 1 atmosphere... The most optimal option for fishermen/mushroom pickers/nature lovers)... also on rides it will often be you who are jerking, not you (although this will remain)…

2. No longer stock - a “sick in the head” nivovod... to the above described we “add”: - a lift (2-4 cm) and/or cutting arches (usually a lift is chosen) - mud wheels (MT class) size 235/75R15 ( here I would recommend either the “bears” I-569 or the Cordiant Off Road 235th) - replacing the main pairs with penny ones (4.3) - power thresholds. — spare RPM cover + everything necessary to replace it in the field) — basic waterproofing of the engine + transfer of the air intake to the battery + optional “plumbing snorkel”… — removal of the breathers of axles, gearboxes, transfer cases + regular oil changes in the tanks The machine is optimal for participation in “standard” of the Saratov races... cross-country ability increases compared to option 1... but breakage also increases... in general, it’s time to master the basics of car repair.

3. Prepared - a maniac at an early stage, a novice athlete: add: - iron/steel sand trucks - electric winch with a thrust of at least 3 tons, installed on the front bumper + block + extension... - full-fledged snorkel and engine waterproofing - engine at least 1.7 liters ... - waderers (they are also “Teletubbies” - self-blocks are fully possible and justified... - a large number of spare parts... and tools You can start participating in the “open field” or TR1...

4. A full-fledged maniac/athlete... - RPM steel body - lowered transfer case - electric winch with 4 tons of thrust, installed "in the trunk" - body reinforcement, all kinds of protection... - welded rear differential, self-locking front... - maximum lightening of the interior - larger ( 30-31″;) or more evil (Simex) wheels... - hard lift (possibly switching to another type of rear suspension) and/or brutal cutting/correction of arches (in principle, 31″ wheels climb into the field without a lift at all...) - transition 24 splines at least in the front... better in the rear too... searching for reinforced axle shafts/drives... Niva ceases to be a car... but becomes sports equipment... with all that it implies... and the driver is a full-fledged maniac...

Source

How to make a real SUV out of a Niva: off-road tuning

When you mention a Russian SUV, the VAZ-2121 always comes to mind. This is a unique car, which, although it belongs to the category of SUVs, many of its characteristics do not reach this level. Therefore, the Niva 4x4 needs serious improvement, which will allow it to successfully go off-road and even compete with more expensive SUVs.

The work will not be easy, so you need to be patient, have free time and be prepared to spend a certain amount of money. The result will not disappoint you - we guarantee that.

What can be improved on the VAZ 2121?

Having examined the features of this car, we note the following possible improvements:

1.Motor.

2.Transmissions.

3.Salon.

4. Body.

5.Chassis.

Of course, if desired, you can install all new units while changing the frame and body. But such tuning will cost the amount for which you can buy a new car. That is why many people seek to simply improve already installed power units.

Cross-country ability - what could be more important for off-road?

The Niva's cross-country ability is far from ideal, so it is in dire need of improvement. This can be achieved in several ways, from which you can choose the one that is most preferable for you and your car.

Suspension

The Niva’s suspension is not the best; off-road tuning should correct this oversight. You should start working on this important element of the car by installing differentials with a self-locking function. The front axle gearbox needs to be replaced, which must be independent.

This list of suspension improvements can be supplemented by increasing the travel on the front suspension. This solution can be implemented by installing a spacer, which will be placed under the upper ball joint of the car. Shock absorbers must be large and powerful.

Wheels

Large tires will only bring positive results if their selection and installation are correct. Here you need to turn on your mind, carefully calculate and think about everything. The problem with installing large tires on vehicles like this is related to the increase in torque. In other words, the car simply may not have enough traction. This situation will lead to more spinning of the engine and a high probability of transmission failure.

When choosing larger wheels, you can be guided by the following advice: replacing standard main pairs of wheels should be carried out with others, the gear ratio of which will be at 4.7. Factory ones with a gear ratio of 3.9 are not suitable in this case. By following this advice, you can achieve an increase in torque, which will compensate for the installation of larger wheels and protect the car from losses in speed and dynamics.

When installing wider wheels, you need to take care of purchasing wide rims. Their type does not matter much; you can be guided by your preferences and financial capabilities, the main thing is to choose the exact size.

Arches and springs

Installing large wheels entails the need to cut out the arches. For the wings you need to choose soft extensions. They will serve a decorative function, covering the cut areas, and a practical one, allowing you to conquer any off-road terrain.

Off-road tuning of the Niva also requires the installation of powerful springs in the front part. This solution will reduce workloads and increase ground clearance, which is insufficient in this car. At the same time, it will be necessary to enlarge the wheel arches, as a result of which the appearance of the car will become more masculine and aggressive, as befits a real SUV.

Engine

The engine also needs work. The factory version is too weak for our tuning, and a higher torque is needed. In this case, installing a low-level camshaft will help. With this solution, the torque will be increased to the required level, and the speed will be reduced. As a result of such manipulations, the engine will not be subject to overload.

You can replace the original engine of a Soviet car with a foreign one, but this is expensive and problematic. Therefore, most often the existing motor is modified. It will be necessary to install a new crankshaft, in which the degree of stroke will be increased. In addition, a sports receiver is required. If you have to deal with a carburetor engine, then you should think about replacing the carburetor. It would be more advisable to install a sports version, for example, Solex at 24-26 mm. The ignition system is another element of the car that is being modernized. The cylinder block can be taken from Lada Priora, it is more modern and modernized. In addition, it is necessary to adjust the gas distribution phases, strengthen the flywheel and perform other minor modifications.

Injection engines need chip tuning. It involves flashing the electronic control unit. As a result, engine power will increase by 7–8%, fuel supply will be adjusted in the right direction, and fuel consumption will decrease. To these advantages will be added the absence of dips at low speeds, and the accelerator pedal response will increase. Chip tuning can be ordered by professionals or you can buy diagnostic equipment and do everything yourself.

The motor must be protected from water, which is often found off-road. Therefore, installing a snorkel on a car is a mandatory process. This element will protect the valves from water. Another option is to route the exhaust pipe to the cover. A similar method is more practiced on UAZ vehicles, but can also be used for Niva. With this modification, exhaust gases will not enter the cabin when the car gets stuck in a puddle.

Upgrading the transmission to improve cross-country ability

Improving the engine will not improve the driving performance of an SUV. The transmission also needs to be improved. The Niva has one serious problem: the transfer case vibrates, and there is noise from the driveshafts. This problem brings quite a lot of discomfort, so you should work on solving it.

Another wish of the owners of this car is to disable front-wheel drive. The car comes from the factory exclusively with all-wheel drive, which causes a significant increase in fuel consumption. Full-time four-wheel drive causes many other problems.

The design of the rear axle is also not technically thought out. It is not designed to receive rotation, which is why it begins to hum strongly after traveling a few hundred kilometers.

A competent approach to solving such a problem is to install a subframe that can untie the transfer case from the body. This solution can significantly reduce vibration and noise levels, and also prevents stones from getting into the transfer case.

Cardan shafts that are installed at the factory can be replaced without much regret. Instead of the original design, cardan shafts with CV joints are installed, which can significantly reduce the degree of vibration and noise. Due to such modernization, the balancing of the transmission is not disturbed; you can dismantle old elements and install new ones yourself without much difficulty.

Changing the external and internal appearance

An off-road vehicle should give its owner comfort and have rich functionality. Tuning the Niva-2121 for off-road use will not be complete if you do not take care of its appearance.

Trunk

The trunk in the original car is very small. There are two options to solve this problem - a trailer and a roof rack. Driving off-road with a trailer is not a pleasant experience, so all that remains is the trunk. The car accessories market is abundantly filled with a wide variety of models, from cheap Chinese ones to high-quality German branded luggage racks. It’s not worth saving on such an important addition, so you’ll have to fork out for a reinforced model with reliable fastenings. It will be more convenient to use the trunk with a ladder.

Getting ready for water races

Off-road driving involves driving through water areas, for which the car must also be prepared accordingly. To prevent such obstacles from having a negative impact on the car, care must be taken to seal the air filter, install the air intake system on the roof, install twin electric fans and waterproof the ignition system. With this modification of the Niva for off-roading with water obstacles, it will be an ideal car.

Winch

A winch is considered an essential element in a car that is expected to be used in harsh conditions. But it may not always be useful, because it is installed incorrectly. In order for the winch to have the full functionality that was originally built into it, you need to buy a reliable model and not try to save money. The winch should be located in front of the car and behind it, so that in any situation you can pull it out and continue your journey.

Branch cutters

Branch cutters are cables that run from the front bumper to the roof. In professional circles, such an element is called trophy rails. Cables protect the windshield from impacts from branches when the car moves through a forest. It's very convenient, practical and looks great. Trophy rails are sold ready-made, but can be made independently from 3–5 mm cable, lanyards, and anchors.

After such extensive work on the car, you can't afford to forget about the lights. It should be as powerful and expressive as the transformed car. An excellent option would be a “chandelier” that is installed on the roof of a car. A cluster of LED bulbs will not hit the battery hard, but the return from them will be maximum. The most effective is the “chandelier”, which is a single block. To install it, you will need to buy transverse rails, the strength of which will increase the low stability of the “chandelier” in relation to deforming loads. But the headlights that are installed on the hood will collect dirt and, accordingly, will not illuminate the path so well.

Power body kit

The correct choice of power body kit and proper installation will not only transform the appearance of the car, but also make it more durable and prepared for various off-road vicissitudes. Many car owners take the easiest route and choose kengurin. This element has a right to exist, but besides it, it is necessary to add several more important elements.

Previously, we wrote about a winch, which is an integral element for an SUV. To attach it, you will need to equip your Niva with a durable power bumper. Finding a decent model made of thick metal is a difficult task; mostly bumpers with 4 mm metal are offered. A good bumper is made to order using a special hot-formed channel.

Rapids also need good protection. Such body kits are easily attached and add brutality to the appearance of the car.

Interior improvements

The interior of a Soviet car also needs improvement, although this issue is often omitted and not given due attention. Internal tuning may consist of additional insulation, more reliable noise insulation, and improved vibration insulation. For driver safety, it is necessary to install a reliable and trouble-free navigation system. Traveling into the forest without navigation is dangerous. A pneumatic horn will help drive wild animals away from your car. When driving in convoys, you will need a long-range radio. The aluminum floor looks gorgeous, it just begs to be added to the updated Niva.

Tuning a Niva for off-road use is a troublesome task, but it is productive. The updated VAZ-2121 will become the king on the roads, putting any premium SUV to shame.

Source: remam.ru

About the gear ratio

After this, it is imperative to change the main pairs in the gearboxes. Please note that the gear ratio for 29″ is 4.3 (some people advise immediately setting it to 4.7). If you want to install wheels with a larger radius, you will need to read specialized literature. Actually, the axle shafts and drives will also experience a noticeably greater load, and they will need to be replaced with reinforced ones. Of course, if you don’t want to climb into completely impassable places, you can do without it. Of course, you should immediately take care of installing high-quality and most durable disks, since without this you can expect big troubles on the route.

Tuning Niva off-road from a professional

I will not exaggerate if I say that the Niva in our country is the most popular SUV. This is understandable: where else can you find a car at such a price and with such potential? Only by purchasing a Niva can you get increased cross-country ability, stable behavior on asphalt, and relative comfort. That is, it turns out that the Niva is the car that, on the whole, should suit the owner. If you don’t like something, then the car should be modified. I will tell you how to properly tune the Niva 2121 for off-road use.

Of course, a serious transformation of even a field will require significant expenses on the part of the car enthusiast. Therefore, to begin with, I will give you one piece of advice:

Winch installation

This is an indispensable attribute of every SUV. With it, the car will get out of any mud. The main thing is that there is a tree or some other stable object to which you can attach the winch cable. Therefore, if the car is primarily used for off-road use, a winch is an extremely necessary element.

Chevrolet most often has an electric winch. The bracket can be installed, if there is a standard bumper, on a reinforced bumper (kengurin) or on a special platform, which can be dismantled if necessary. The first and second options are most often used.

Installing the winch is simple and can be done with your own hands.

1. Remove the front bumper.
2. Attach a metal bracket to install the winch (use welding).
3. Drill holes in the bracket to secure the winch.

Next, all that remains is to fix the device on the bracket, connect it to the on-board network and check for functionality. After installation, all that remains is to make a slot for the cable in the bumper. If the winch is installed on a reinforced bumper, it’s even easier; you don’t need to hide anything.

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The Chevrolet Niva has become a real people's car thanks to its reliability and ease of maintenance and repair. For rural areas this is a very good option, relatively comfortable and with good cross-country ability. Not without its shortcomings. The main disadvantages are the engine being too weak for its weight and the lack of a frame, and the latter factor leads to a decrease in the durability of body parts.

How to improve the Niva's cross-country ability?

Instead of collecting various pieces of advice, some of which sometimes turn out to be simply useless, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following information. I assure you that all of the following provisions have been tested in real life and have proven their effectiveness. So:

1. First of all, you need to modify the suspension. How to do it? To begin with, I advise you to install self-locking differentials, as well as independent mounting of the front axle gearbox.

When modifying the suspension, it will also be useful to increase the travel of the front suspension. To do this, it is necessary to install a spacer under the upper ball joint, and also purchase and install powerful and large shock absorbers;

2. Many people install large tires. I must say that this has an effect, but you need to act wisely. If you just install big wheels, it will require a lot of torque, otherwise there simply won’t be enough traction. And when there is not enough traction, the engine spins up and the transmission can fly due to serious loads. Therefore, I always recommend replacing the standard main pairs of wheels with others, with a gear ratio of 4.7 (and not the factory 3.9). This, firstly, will increase torque, and therefore compensate for the installation of large wheels. And secondly, it will prevent losses in dynamics and speed.

Here I will immediately note that wide wheels will require wide rims. What kind of discs you install: maybe cast or not – it’s not so important; in any case, the new discs should be the right size;

3. Since we are talking about installing large wheels, you will also have to cut out the arches. Then I advise you to cover the wings with soft extensions. They will also be useful externally for hiding the place of the cut, and they are very durable; you can easily climb into any jungle;

4. Next, you can install more powerful springs at the front. On the one hand, this will reduce the load, and on the other, it will actually increase the ground clearance. At the same time, the wheel arches are usually enlarged to give the car a more masculine appearance;

5. It would also be good to modify the Niva engine, otherwise the factory one does not have enough torque. I recommend installing a low-speed camshaft: it will really increase the torque and shift it towards lower speeds, so you will no longer have to worry about engine overloads.

Experts' comments

Andrey. I often go fishing, but my everyday sedan is simply not designed for such trips. They can’t buy a new or used SUV of any foreign brand; they can’t afford a second car, but they really want to get to the fishing spot by car, and not on foot. So I decided to buy myself a Niva. Initially, it is not suitable for a comfortable trip, but with minor modifications you can make a very good car.

Maksim. I love driving on difficult off-road conditions. My friends are into this too. I spent a long time choosing what I could buy and use as a base. The choice fell on Niva. Firstly, it is not expensive, and secondly, it has high cross-country ability from the very beginning. It took about six months to complete the finalization. I am satisfied with the result.

Alexei. Many people choose Niva as a base. Considering the technical side of the issue, I note that many units and systems are outdated. Therefore, to get a real SUV you will have to carry out a large number of modifications.

Dmitriy. Niva 21214 is not suitable for the highway or comfortable movement in the city. However, the car is simply irreplaceable in case of poor traffic in rural areas. Many SUVs from foreign manufacturers do not have such high performance. Therefore, if you are looking for a base for tuning and obtaining an SUV with high cross-country ability, then you should pay attention to this particular car.

About the angle of longitudinal passability (ramp, roll)

The longitudinal flotation angle is the maximum angle at which a vehicle can move from a slope to the horizontal part of an overpass without hitting anything with its bottom. The ramp angle is the maximum angle between the tangents to the front and rear wheels and the bottom point of the car.

The longitudinal flotation angle directly depends on the wheelbase length. Cars with a small wheelbase and minimal overhangs have a large longitudinal flotation angle, which greatly facilitates their operation.

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Installation of additional lighting on the roof

In order to make the car more prepared for off-road travel, additional lighting should be installed. Note that such minor modifications will make the car safer in motion.

You can perform this kind of modification if you have the following elements:

The features of installation work include the following points:

Sidebar: Important: It is worth considering that after carrying out the tuning in question, some headlights may stop working. This is due to the wiring moving away from the power source and many other issues.

External transformation of Chevy Niva

As a rule, Chevrolet Niva needs proper technical improvements. By studying basic skills, you can improve the comfort of the driver and passengers and increase cross-country ability in difficult climatic conditions.

Tuning the Chevy Niva can be done in three options, which are classified into the following types:

• technical specifications;
• appearance of the vehicle;
• combined approach.

Visual tuning of Chevrolet Niva is the most successful option for quickly achieving effective results. If we consider a dramatic change, this is due to a change in color. To do this you will have to spend a lot of money and effort.

Another alternative method is to use high-quality film. Thanks to professional pasting, you can increase the service life of the body. This material perfectly protects the surface from any damage such as scratches.

To improve the external condition of the car you will need such spare parts as:

• bumper;
• cover for the lamp;
• spoiler;
• side mirrors;
• radiator grilles and so on.

Film selection

The procedure plays the most important role in transforming a car. It is recommended to approach this issue with special responsibility. Experts do not recommend buying products from a Chinese manufacturer. The quality of such a film is only sufficient for interior decoration.

Before purchasing material for a car, consider the following recommendations:

• It is better to buy Japanese-made film - it has the effect of unpolished steel or polished metal. The younger generation prefers carbon film.
• French-made products are also popular. Experts especially highlight the film that has a pearl effect. As an alternative, you can choose imitation leather, plastic or metal. It all depends on the client’s taste preferences.
• The German manufacturer produces products aimed at the premium level. Among the wide range you can choose both different color options and unusual textures.

Work order

Many Chevrolet Niva car owners, when purchasing a new film, do not know how to properly glue it. Before you begin, you should initially practice on a small, flat area. In addition, the room must be well cleaned and ventilated so that there is no dust anywhere.

Experts recommend purchasing a primer. This is an adhesive that will help glue hard-to-reach sharp areas. Tuning a Chevy Niva with your own hands is easy and simple.

The step-by-step instructions for performing the actions are as follows:

Completely clean the selected element; the pattern is created in a mirror image. Correctly select the area between the middle and edge of the part. Vinyl must be fixed with extreme caution. Initially, you will need to eliminate all kinds of bubbles

A soft spatula is used for this. The primer will allow you to fix the film in hard-to-reach areas. By using a hair dryer, it is easy to give the material elasticity. Accordingly, the film will take the shape of the surface. In addition, you should pay attention so that the material does not overheat.

Bleeding the brake system

An assistant presses the brake pedal three to four times at intervals of one to two seconds and holds the pedal down. Using an “8” wrench, unscrew the bleeder fitting 1/2–3/4 turn. In this case, part of the brake fluid and air are forced into the vessel, and the pedal is lowered to the floor. Air bubbles are clearly visible in the transparent hose. We tighten the bleeder fitting and repeat this operation until the release of air bubbles completely stops.

When removing air from the system, monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and add it if necessary.

We pump the left rear wheel cylinder in the same way. Then we remove air from the upper fittings of the left and right cylinder blocks of the front wheels.

Remove the cap of the upper fitting of the front wheel brake cylinder block (for clarity, the wheel has been removed).

To pump another circuit, remove air from the lower fittings of the front wheel cylinder blocks in random order.

Remove the cap from the lower fitting of the front wheel brake cylinder block.

If there is no air in the system, the brake pedal should be “hard”, i.e. when pressing, go no more than half the distance to the floor.

Video

How to bleed brakes alone, without an assistant

Source

Modification of the motor: replacement of the throttle and standard filters

All fundamental improvements to the classic SUV in question are primarily aimed at significantly increasing its cross-country ability. Not only the ground clearance and the features of the installed all-wheel drive system determine how high the cross-country ability of an SUV is. In the absence of proper traction, the car will simply stand on a difficult section of the road and will not move. That is why the possibilities of increasing the thrust of the installed engine or replacing it completely should be considered.

Many people consider installing a turbine to be the most effective way to modify an engine. When considering this option for improving the motor, you should pay attention to the following points:

When considering simple ways to increase the thrust of a standard engine, attention should be paid to the possibility of replacing standard filters and choke.

You can significantly increase the performance of an installed engine by replacing standard filters. The important points include the following information:

The filter replacement process can be characterized as follows:

Considering the features of replacing the throttle, we note the following points:

Due to such minor modifications, the power of the installed motor can be significantly increased. Greater traction makes it easier to overcome holes and various obstacles.