Niva-21214 is one of the popular domestic cars. Among the advantages of this vehicle, one can with great confidence highlight reliability, maintainability and absolute unpretentiousness. This explains the amazing survivability of this model.
However, like other cars, Niva 21214 can also be subject to tuning.
Engine modification
The Niva perfectly combines the qualities of an SUV and a family car capable of driving on public roads. This gives impetus to tuning the Niva 4x4 car. As a result:
- the owner receives a car that is distinguished by its uniqueness;
- the performance qualities of the SUV, its cross-country ability and smooth ride are improved;
- improves the appearance of the body;
- The functionality of the interior is improved and the comfort of movement increases.
It all depends on the owner's goal. Thanks to the strength of the body and the reliability of the chassis components, this car is widely used by athletes. It was used to set many records, including world-wide ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcA2P_3tDNs
The first models had a gasoline engine with a volume of 1580 cm³ and a power of 80 horsepower. Subsequently, factory designers began to use a gasoline engine with a volume of 1690 cm³ and a power of 81.9 horses.
When tuning the Niva engine, the following options are possible:
- installation of a modern injection engine with more power;
- increase in engine displacement;
- vehicle equipped with a diesel engine;
- carrying out technical work on waterproofing attachments;
- protection of the engine compartment from the ingress of water and unwanted natural precipitation.
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.
Engine chip tuning
One of the popular tunings of this brand, as the improved power unit is characterized by increased dynamic characteristics and reduced fuel consumption. It's no secret that most Niva models have an injection engine. And many are familiar with manually adjusting the idle speed, which takes time and nerves.
You can improve engine performance using so-called chip tuning. However, it is not recommended to do it yourself - it is better to seek help from professionals who have experience in flashing control units.
Also, before visiting a car service center, you should get your car in order. This is especially true when the motor is faulty. If it is not repaired, none of the “computer specialists” will do their work, since it will be pointless.
And also interesting: Tuning Niva 2121 with your own hands: body, interior, suspension
Finally, the owner of Niva-21214 needs to select the chip option in advance. There are three main types of firmware:
- dynamic;
- economical;
- urban.
Additionally, the firmware has off-road and highway modes. As a result of tuning, it becomes possible to switch to 92-octane gasoline, while power and fuel consumption will remain at the original level.
The most popular firmware is city-highway. It will give results like:
- improving speed performance;
- increase in torque;
- reduction in fuel consumption;
- Troubleshooting a cold engine;
- possibility of using two types of gasoline - AI-95 and AI-92.
By choosing this type of firmware, you can avoid problems with the oxygen sensor and catalyst.
What can be improved in the Niva 4×4 model
Most representatives of the domestic automobile industry require high-quality improvements, and Niva is no exception.
Tuning can significantly improve many parameters of an SUV, from the interior to pumping the chassis. Changing the suspension helps increase the vehicle's passing ability. You can also change the external design of the body, making it more modern and original. Many people try to increase the power of the power plant by tuning the engine.
Most often, supporters of updates turn to professionals for help, although tuning a Niva 4x4 with your own hands is quite possible. You just have to take into account that remodeling a car will require significant costs and certain skills.
The small SUV went into mass production in April 1977. Today the VAZ 2121 is a passenger car with increased cross-country ability. Available in two body types: a three-door hatchback and a five-door station wagon. It has permanent all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission.
Two-stage transfer case with center differential lock. High cross-country ability of the car is ensured by significant ground clearance (220 mm). The wheelbase is 2.2 meters. Earlier modifications were equipped with engines based on the engine of the sixth VAZ model.
When new modifications were released, the previous engine was replaced with a more powerful four-cylinder unit producing 81.9 liters. s., having a working volume of 1.69 liters. Average fuel consumption in mixed mode is 10 l/100 km.
“Niva” is not a random choice, since there is nothing else like it among domestic models. Of course, there are products from the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, but the VAZ is much better suited in terms of versatility (city and countryside), and the Niva is much more comfortable inside. “Patriot” is not much better in terms of cross-country ability, but costs much more.
The classic “Kozel” is an example of asceticism, and the quality of manufacturing of these UAZs and the spare parts for them lately is such that you will be forced to constantly rebuild the car. When should we go for rides?! Considering that tuning a Niva off-road with your own hands will cost you at least 200 thousand rubles, it is better to approach the issue from an economically sound point of view!
Interior tuning
Despite a wide range of modifications, the Niva's interior requires improvement. When tuning the Niva's interior you need to:
- produce high-quality sound insulation using modern technologies and materials;
- secure the torpedo better, eliminating squeaking when moving;
- improve the interior trim, it is advisable to get rid of the original plastic, which tends to crack;
- A good advantage for the driver will be an armrest, a comfortable steering wheel, and pedal pads.
It all depends on the wishes of the owner. You can improve the heating system and install seat heaters.
The standard interior of the Niva-21214 does not represent anything remarkable, so the choice of interior design depends solely on the driver’s imagination and capabilities.
In most cases, interior tuning begins with the seats. Many, without any regrets, throw out the old seats and install modern, more convenient and comfortable ones in their place. After the seats comes the turn of the steering wheel. You can also update the dashboard.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the lighting in the Niva-21214 interior leaves much to be desired. One of the possible ways to fix this is to install decorative overlays, LED lighting and finishing materials. Today, stores offer a wide range of similar items. As for installation, no special knowledge is required, and you can even do it yourself.
Also interesting: Niva tuning: 145 photos of ideas on how to improve the VAZ 2121 with your own hands
You can also improve the trunk lighting by running an LED strip along its contour. Usually it is carried out through the alarm circuit breaker, and the power is taken from the side lights.
Where to begin?
First, put on normal mud tires. At least 29″, no less. You can safely throw away the original tires from the factory, since you definitely won’t be able to drive them off-road. Yes, driving on asphalt with mud tires, to put it mildly, is not very popular - your ears are literally blocked from the noise (you can’t accelerate, alas), but as soon as you carry out such tuning of the Niva for off-road, you will be able to drive on quite serious roads with almost no problems. mud.
And everything would be fine, but this is where the manual work begins: the fact is that such wheels simply will not fit into standard arches, and therefore you will have to trim them. In principle, you can lift the car (or better yet, do both of these operations), but this is optional. If you decide to raise your “horse,” then the normal minimum is five centimeters. A lift kit will cost you about ten thousand.
Also interesting: Tuning a Niva 4x4 with your own hands: updating the interior of the Lada VAZ-2121
Chassis tuning
- The entire chassis has been rebuilt
- Vacuum brake booster 21214m
- New pedal assembly
- Hydraulic handbrake
- Clutch slave cylinder from 2123
- Clutch VALEO
- Gearbox link from Chevy Niva
- Electric transfer case
- 2-row transfer case bearings
- Stretcher
- Uncoupling the front gearbox
- Cardan shafts with CV joints
- power steering
- Rear disc brakes
Another type of tuning, which involves modifications to the fastening of the front axle gearbox and the installation of off-road tires. The front gearbox is mounted directly on the engine housing, which causes vibrations during acceleration.
Often, Niva-21214 owners perform wheel tuning. Standard wheels are only good for driving on dirt roads. Therefore, usually, wheels with an increased diameter are installed instead. For the work to be successful, it will also be necessary to lift the suspension and widen the wheel arches.
Another option for increasing ground clearance is installing Y-192 “mud” tires on standard wheels. As a result, the ground clearance of the Niva-21214 increases significantly, making it possible to drive on rough terrain. Finally, by lowering your tire pressure, you won't have to worry about your car accidentally getting stuck in deep sand.
Self-locking differential
This is indeed an excellent option that really helps solve the question: how to increase the cross-country ability of the Niva. The vehicle's handling, as well as its maneuverability and stabilization, almost entirely depend on what type of differential the vehicle owner prefers. It is the differential that determines the main parameters of the transmission. The most efficient and productive is the screw-type self-locking differential. The main task of this part is to accurately distribute torque and transfer power from the engine to each wheel of an SUV.
Self-locking differential for VAZ 21214, 2123 screw 3-piece (24 splines) SV-PARTS
Art. SV.23.2303018
7750.00
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Buy
Why is it important? When a car makes a maneuver, the wheels move along a different path: the inner wheel travels a shorter distance than the outer one. If the connection is rigid and the angular speeds are equal, then the inner wheel will begin to slip, the tires will wear out faster, and controllability will decrease.
A self-locking differential allows you to intelligently distribute torque and synchronize wheel movement, maintaining vehicle stability. How to improve the Niva's cross-country ability in snow? Choose a composite differential design, which has three parts that ensure the accuracy of the original parameters, minimize losses due to friction and greatly extend the life of all transmission elements.
The self-locking differential provides:
- improved controllability and maneuverability of the car on any road surface;
- a noticeable increase in the cross-country ability of an SUV on difficult terrain;
- improved dynamics during acceleration.
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Doing the work yourself
This car is distinguished by its simplicity of design, easy accessibility to all components and mechanisms, as well as its increased reliability.
If you wish, you can do the tuning of the Niva yourself. To do this you will need:
- have your own garage for work;
- purchase the necessary tools, become familiar with the production process that should be performed;
- consult with specialists; advice from a highly qualified specialist can protect you from possible troubles.
By completing modifications to a car on their own, a person can verify the quality of the work performed, receive great pleasure from the achieved result, and save his money.
If you have insufficient experience, you can involve a master in performing important operations, and become his assistant yourself.
In this case, high-quality work will be done at minimal cost to the family budget.
Also interesting: Cables for winches of all lengths and sections: prices, descriptions, technical characteristics of models - online store VseInstrumenty.ru
Body upgrade
There are many ways to improve the body, and the driver himself chooses the direction of tuning work to give unique qualities to his car.
It would be illogical to believe that tuning the Niva for off-road use will be limited to just this. It will be extremely necessary to strengthen the body, and serious strengthening will be required. At a minimum, you will need to install power bumpers and sills. Without this, the body is unlikely to withstand the enormous loads that will certainly arise on serious off-road conditions. Protection of the crankcase and transfer case is a must, otherwise the first stump or stone you encounter will force you to stop your journey.
By the way, without a power bumper there is no point in even thinking about installing a winch, without which there is absolutely nothing to do in the forest or field! It will come in very handy to scald the side members: you don’t want the body to bend like a screw due to wild overloads, do you? This is especially important if you have a Niva 2131. Off-road tuning of this car should take into account that the body of the “five-door” is significantly weakened!
Also interesting: Connecting PTF via relay and button
By the way, about the handout. We strongly advise you to install one with a distribution ratio of at least 3:1. For the standard one, this value is only 2:1, so you will feel the difference already on your first ride!
Additional tuning options
Additional useful off-road devices include:
- installation of a power bumper;
- new taillights and xenon headlights;
For example, a power bumper with an adapter for a removable electric winch would look good on a Niva-21214. In addition, such tuning is quite functional, because it will help pull the car out of dangerous abysses. However, you need to make sure that the radiator grille is not damaged in any way.
In the end, it should be said that the Niva-21214 is a car with a long history, so the modernization of this vehicle must be approached wisely.
About overcoming water obstacles
A snorkel is another integral part of a car that will overcome water obstacles. Without it, the engine will probably drink water, and your car will turn into real estate for a long time. What other elements are installed when tuning the Niva for off-road use? An expedition-type trunk and an overhead light are something you definitely won’t be able to do without. Why are the light and trunk together? Yes, because the lighting fixtures are placed precisely on the “chest”.
We think that there is no need to talk at length about the benefits of an additional trunk (and even above the expected flood level) in a car in which you are going to tackle serious off-road conditions. This is especially important if you are tuning the Niva 2121 for off-road use with your own hands. This model is “nice” precisely for its tiny trunk, the volume of which is only enough for very moderate people.
Overhead headlights are sometimes the only way to cross a ford normally in the twilight or darkness. No one guarantees that standard lighting that is flooded with water will remain operational!
Illustrative examples
There are a large number of Niva tuning videos where you can get step-by-step instructions for performing the work. This will allow:
- perform all planned work technically correctly;
- avoid possible difficulties;
- save significant money.
This opportunity to get a clear example will be of great help in planning appropriate improvements.
Niva is an amazing car with excellent technical characteristics.
In some respects, this SUV outperforms renowned foreign cars of this class, while its cost is significantly lower. Experiment and enjoy the work done!
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We install new seats
The first thing you should do in your car so that daily trips in it within the city (and not only) do not lead you into a sad state of a squeezed lemon is to carry out comprehensive sound insulation of the interior.
Before disassembling the entire interior, find the front seats from a foreign car. Seats from Japanese cars have proven themselves well in domestic SUVs. The fact that you need to find rather rare seats from a coupe car should not confuse you.
Any front seats from a foreign car can be easily converted into folding angle grinders with a slight movement - you just need to cut off the stop that limits the forward movement of the backrest.
For safety, we strongly recommend that you do not weld new seats into the body of the Niva, but redesign the slide of the seat itself in order to integrate the lower rails from the original ones. Then the new comfortable chairs will become standard installation locations.
