VAZ 2101 (“kopeck”) is a Soviet passenger car, the very first model produced at AvtoVAZ. The prototype of the domestic car was the Italian Fiat-124. This is evidenced by the striking external similarity between the domestic model and the foreign car. Despite this, the “kopek” has undergone large-scale modernization. The car received a completely modified chassis, the car's braking system was improved, and the engine was also improved. Despite this, the “firstborn” of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant is outdated, both from a technical and moral point of view. Therefore, such a thing as tuning a VAZ 2101 car is now popular.
External tuning
You can change the appearance of the VAZ 2101 using tapography, airbrushing and silk-screen printing. The price of applying an image directly depends on its size and complexity. Prices start mostly from 2 thousand rubles. A cheaper option is to use a sticker. Its main drawback is that it does not look as impressive on the car compared to other methods of applying a pattern.
Owners try to give their car an aggressive and sporty look using a plastic grille on the rear window. It can be found on sale at prices starting from 500 rubles. You can see the appearance of the plastic grill in the photo below.
During external tuning, the bumper is often replaced. Instead of the standard one, a wider sports version is installed. The car can also be upgraded with a body kit. Owners install a wing, wind deflectors, stock sills, deflectors and wheel arch extensions on the VAZ 2101.
Car history
The creation of “2101” was preceded by a whole chain of organizational and technical measures, from the founding of the plant itself, to cooperation with various foreign companies and, first of all, with the Italian FIAT plant.
It was the FIAT 124, which was recognized as the most popular, that was supposed to become the prototype of the new Soviet car. But in the process of developing a new concept and testing the FIAT 124, a discrepancy between the technical characteristics of the latter and the road conditions in the Soviet Union was revealed:
- With intensive use, the body and weak suspension did not provide the required strength;
- The ground clearance was low and did not meet off-road requirements;
- There were no elements that would ensure towing the car if it breaks down on the road.
As part of close cooperation, Italian engineers took an active part in the development of the new model and more than eight hundred changes were made. For example:
- The rear wheels received drum brakes, suitable for bad roads;
- The rear suspension design has been completely changed;
- The front suspension has been strengthened;
- The clutch has been strengthened and the operation of the synchronizers of the “2101” gearbox has been improved;
- The salon could become a sleeping area, thanks to the transformation of the seats;
- A new overhead shaft engine was installed.
As a result, only the appearance remained in the new car from the Italian one. Tests carried out with the first six vehicles showed reliability and good maneuverability, so subsequent improvements were minor.
2101 - received the official name “Zhiguli” after the name of the small mountains beyond the Volga not far from the automobile plant, which is located in the city of Tolyatti. The people gave the car a simple, respectful, memorable name “unit”. Later in the 80s, amid a decline in prestige, it received the name “kopek”. Years of production: 1970 - 1982. In total, more than 2.7 million copies were produced during this time.
Power plant modernization
The native power plant has low power, which car owners try to increase through tuning.
The simplest method, which will not be difficult to implement with your own hands, is to install a zero-resistance air filter and bore the standard intake manifold. The cost of this tuning is from 500 rubles.
Another way to increase engine power is to install a direct-flow exhaust system. Its installation will cost from 1000 rubles.
The cardinal method of tuning is to replace the standard engine with an engine from a foreign car. The cost of a contract power unit starts from 60 thousand rubles.
VAZ-2101 with a wide body kit
This project started out as an ordinary drift car in night parking lots. But at some point everything changed, and improvements began to be taken much more seriously. The place under the hood was taken by a 1.7-liter power unit, and the body received a set of aggressive linings.
The interior was taken from an old BMW, the suspension was modified, and a custom exhaust was installed. All this made this project quite interesting both externally and from a technical point of view.
Suspension tuning
Suspension tuning allows you to adjust the chassis to the desires of the car owner. The cost of modernization ranges from 70 rubles for spacers to 120 thousand rubles for a pneumatic system.
Table - VAZ 2101 suspension tuning
| Suspension tuning option | The main advantages of modernization | Negative sides of suspension tuning |
| Increased clearance | Improving cross-country ability and overcoming obstacles on the road | Reduced handling at speed |
| Reducing ground clearance | Getting a sporty look for your car. | Risk of impact from the bottom |
| Increased rigidity | The ability to hold the car at speed when turning and increase the load capacity | Reduced comfort when driving on bumpy roads |
| Adding softness | Increased comfort | The rolliness of the car, which is especially noticeable in corners |
| Air suspension | Possibility of adjusting suspension parameters | Low reliability and high price |
Engine
Most people think that remodeling should start with the appearance. In fact, the first thing you should pay attention to is the engine. It just so happens that AvtoVAZ has approvals for the production of parts for its power units. Even a simple adjustment of the dimensions and ideal balancing of the crank mechanism will allow you to achieve a slight increase in power. And if you add lightweight pistons, crankshaft and flywheel to this, the engine will become more revving and will be more sensitive to the accelerator. But simplifying the details is not enough. Now it’s time to think about filling the cylinders. The standard air filter in VAZovodov circles is called a “filter pan”.
Indeed, its performance is not worth talking about. Therefore, it is worth installing a zero-resistance filter at the inlet. Naturally, the cast intake manifold creates a fair amount of resistance, so its inner walls need to be polished. This will allow the flow to be more evenly distributed throughout the volume. The main part that regulates the movement of gases is the camshaft. It serves to lift the valves. The standard valve lift (the gap between the seat and the valve itself) is 9.6 mm. The upgraded camshaft allows you to increase this parameter to 10.1. The main problem is that the power peak shifts towards higher revs, so it's worth considering whether this modification is needed. Now about the release. The VAZ 2101 has a intake pipe diameter of 48 mm “in stock”. The tuned exhaust system is 6 mm larger in diameter. From this many will conclude: “The more, the better.” In fact, this is far from the case.
Yes, an increase will lead to a decrease in exhaust gas resistance, which will consequently lead to improved cylinder ventilation. But if you dig deeper, you can define such a moment as “valve overlap.” This is the moment after the exhaust stroke when both valves are open. If you reduce the resistance in the exhaust system, the speed in it will decrease significantly. When the valves close, the movement in the exhaust system creates a certain vacuum, which helps to better fill the cylinders. A “spider” is also installed - an exhaust manifold with special geometry. In principle, these are only the main points for refining a “penny” engine; there are many more techniques.
Interior tuning
Interior tuning is usually aimed at improving safety or comfort. In the first case, a welded or prefabricated frame is installed inside the machine. It prevents the car from being crushed in the event of an accident. The cost of spacers starts from 1000 rubles.
The stock dashboard is also often used during interior tuning. It allows not only to improve the appearance inside the car, but also expands the possibilities for the driver. Installing a new dashboard will cost from 25 thousand rubles.
To maximize the appearance of the interior, drivers cover it with leather. The color can be very different. The cost of such alterations starts from 80 thousand rubles.
What is needed to implement the plan?
VAZ 2101 interior tuning can take quite a lot of time and effort, and the final cost of the work can be significant.
In order to completely change your car, you can use the services of auto repair shops that specialize in tuning - an option for those who have extra money. To do the work yourself you will need:
1. Quite a lot of free time. 2. Garage, preferably with a lift or pit. 3. A complete set of mechanic tools. 4. Money that will be spent on the purchase of consumables: insulation, cables. 5. Devices that will be installed additionally, as well as accessories for them. 6. Measuring tools. Without precision, it is almost impossible to carry out work related to changing the interior of a car. 7. Assistants. Some jobs simply cannot be completed without help. An example is the wrapping of the luggage compartment, measuring the linear dimensions of complex shapes.
Sidebar: Important: First, you need to carefully work out your plan. A plan that outlines almost every stage allows you to complete the job faster and eliminate the possibility of errors. According to the plan, the necessary parts and consumables are being purchased.
In addition, do not forget that the plan must contain a visual part - a sketch that will reflect the final result. You can create it yourself using various templates on the Internet.
In conclusion, we note that in many cases the problem arises at the time of creating a plan for upcoming work. In order to develop your imagination, you can view various images on the Internet of already completed projects. Based on the information received, you can create your own project.
Modernization of optics and installation of backlights
Standard headlights do not illuminate the road well enough. Therefore, drivers resort to tuning optics. The installation of xenon lamps is popular. Their installation costs from 5 thousand rubles. Such modernization, when installed correctly, significantly improves the safety of driving a car at night.
When tuning optics, not only rational goals are pursued, but also aesthetic ones. An example would be “angel eyes”. They look very impressive at night. Their cost starts from 200 rubles
201001131919_4
Alexander and Yulia bought this “penny” a little over six months ago. Despite such a short period of time, the car can already serve as a visual aid for beginning restaurant fans.
Rhythmic basis
The author of M. Jazz (this car has such a melodic name today) had a good idea of what he was getting into when he thought about buying a “penny”... By that time, he was already the “lucky owner” of a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. At one time I had to tinker with the old “Beetle” a fair amount - it was not easy to restore it. Now - a “penny” in the “resto” style. The desire to tune it outweighed all rational considerations: Alexander was asleep and saw himself driving a Zhiguli, crouched on the asphalt.
Tinting
One of the interesting elements that give a car a more important look is window tinting. This work is absolutely easy to do with your own hands. To do this you need to prepare:
- regular knife;
- hair dryer;
- spatula (preferably rubber);
- spray;
- soft cloth.
The tint coating is applied in several stages:
- stage number 1 – preparation of a soap solution;
- Stage No. 2 - take a soft rag and thoroughly soap the glass (carefully ensure that “foam clouds” do not form);
- Stage No. 3 – cut the film to size and carefully stick it on;
- Stage No. 4 – carefully smooth out the formed bubbles;
- Stage No. 5 – dry the tint coating.
To get the best results, it is better to remove the glass from the machine and carry out the work in a damp room, such as a bathtub. For a visual example, you can look at photos of self-tuning of glass on a VAZ on the Internet.
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