Off-road Niva tuning in advice from professionals

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:

Be sure to decide for yourself what exactly you want. Only if you have a real and clear idea of ​​what you expect from the field after tuning, everything will work out right for you. You will save yourself from unnecessary actions and expenses. As a result, you will be able to get true pleasure from your field.

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!

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.

DIY tuning of Niva 2121 for off-road

Initially, the Niva 2121 was created as a universal all-terrain vehicle that feels comfortable off-road and in the city. Therefore, it is logical that off-road tuning of the Niva 2121 is especially popular.

This is due to its relative simplicity. To create, or rather, enhance the image of an SUV, you need to install on your car:

• Larger diameter wheels with tires designed for extreme off-road use. It should be recalled that low-profile tires are not relevant in this case. It is also necessary to take into account that installing large-diameter disks requires impressive torque figures. Ignoring this rule will lead to premature wear of the power unit
• Installing arch extensions on a Niva will solve several problems at once: get rid of splashes of dirt on the wings and doors, expand the possibilities in terms of choosing the diameter of the disks, and complement the tuning composition
• Power kit. It consists of a powerful kenguryatnik. It is easy to make it yourself from pipes. A structure is installed on the rear door, onto which the spare tire is attached. It will also perform a protection function. A winch must be installed. It will help off-road and give the car an aggressive, masculine look.

This is all that is needed to create a car designed for participation in sports competitions or outdoor activities. This external tuning of the Niva 2121 combines aesthetic and practical functions. Therefore, the efforts and resources invested in it will quickly pay off.

You can do an easy tuning of the Niva 2121 - install new wheels and tires and apply stylish airbrushing with a 3D effect. To carry out the last operation, it is necessary to attract specialists.

How to prepare arches for installing large wheels

Such an operation cannot be performed in every workshop, and will cost 5-6 thousand rubles. However, you can cut the arches with your own hands. To do this, you will need the following tools: an angle grinder with cutting and flap discs; jigsaw; pins; hammers with different weights; pliers; welding machine; metal brush for cleaning the anti-corrosion coating. Preparing the Niva for the “operation” begins with dismantling the existing “glamor” - wheel arch liners, arch extensions, and cleaning the parts from dirt. Then you need to hang the car on a jack and remove the wheel. In the cabin, you will need to remove the seats and side trims, since gasoline vapor exhaust pipes are often located at the end of the wing, and wires from the car audio installation are usually located there, which can catch fire during welding. The body of the Niva car in the area of ​​​​the protruding edge of the rear wing must be cleaned with a small allowance and the lowest part at the edge must be cut off. Then, using pliers, you need to bend the inner slope of the wing with a bending depth equal to the edge of the wing in order to determine the direction. After which the inside needs to be “finished” with a hammer. The outer side of the hem must be welded to the flap with a continuous seam. Next, you need to go over the entire rear arch with a heavy hammer to roll it out a little in the right direction. On the front arch you need to trim more than on the rear arch, we also bend it so that there is a 1.5 cm edge left. Then you can treat the surfaces with an anti-corrosion coating, prime them and paint them with anti-gravel. Preparation of the Niva for off-road use in the area of ​​the arches is often complemented by soft fender flares, which do not break and come off with difficulty somewhere on a forest road. Wheels on the Niva with such arches can now be 32-33 inches. Many car enthusiasts, in addition to them, install forged wheels that will not break on the road, and some take a cheap stamped version (Kremenchug plant or FMZ) with small holes that protect the wheels well, but quickly rust.

It is known that corrosion is a sore spot in almost all Soviet and Russian cars, so users of Niva SUVs either add additional anti-corrosion protection or cover it, for example, with kelp film (produced in the USA), which withstands mechanical damage and gives the car an unusual look.

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.

And also interesting: ✅ What is the diameter of the Chevrolet Niva steering wheel - auto-parts.su/

Tuning the Niva 2121 engine

Traditionally, upgrading the power unit of a domestic SUV should begin with reworking the carburetor. A simple solution would be to install an advanced modification with an enlarged diffuser, also called a throttle. This spare part can also be replaced on a standard injector model. If you completely change this unit, it is recommended to install an electronic ignition system.

Tuning the Niva 2121 carburetor will be most effective together with replacing the camshaft. This gives an impressive increase in power. And here, to avoid overheating, it is necessary to install a radiator with a larger surface area.

Tuning the Niva 2121 engine also includes correcting the engine geometry. This is done by increasing the diameter of the valves. About 10% of the power comes from sealing them. It wouldn't hurt to do the same with the intake and exhaust manifold pushers. To increase the power of the power unit at high speeds, a turbine should be installed. At the same time, it is advisable to replace the intake and exhaust manifolds with advanced modifications.

Useful advice If the car will be used in extreme off-road conditions, it is necessary to install a snorkel. It will allow you to overcome water obstacles without consequences for the engine.

Chip tuning of the Niva 2121 is ineffective, since the car is equipped with an atmospheric engine. There is no need to waste money on purchasing equipment or time on re-flashing. This will only give small improvements to the driving characteristics of the SUV.

Tuning the VAZ 2121 engine involves improving its parameters, in particular, increasing the power of the power plant.

There are two main ways to improve the unit:

1. Chip tuning.
2. Mechanical modification of the engine.

For injection engines, the first option is best suited. Reflashing the electronic control unit allows you to increase engine power by 8%, reduce fuel consumption and eliminate failures at low speeds. But this will require the help of specialists, because incorrect tuning can lead to a number of problems in engine operation. The second option is possible on any SUV, which determines its popularity.

Engine tuning using mechanical modification is carried out in several stages:

1. Carburetor modernization. Here it is necessary to replace the pump accelerator and old jets with an indicator of 2 kam.
2. Modification of the gas distribution system by increasing the diameter of the valves and sealing them.
3. Installation of a crankshaft with increased stroke.
4. Replacing the piston.
5. Increasing the cylinder diameter (boring).

A high-quality exhaust system can also increase the efficiency of the power plant by optimizing the process of air supply and exhaust gas removal. To do this, it is recommended to replace the intake and exhaust manifolds with more modern options.

Installing a turbine is the most common way to increase power. It has a fairly simple structure, and its installation does not cause much difficulty. Therefore, such a tuning solution is far from uncommon.

Tuning Nissan Navara D 40 Fabtech – 4x4 Tuning

And here, in order not to get tedious with repetitions, we will indicate the main components of the kit: long-stroke shock absorbers, a set of enlarged levers and a powerful front subframe, which ensures that the front axle “goes down”. A set of fasteners and extended stepladders for the rear springs are a given. And for certain reasons, springs as such are absent in the American tuning kit, which is why the “Ironman” appeared.

Under this protection there is something else interesting: an additional stainless steel tank with a capacity of 110 (!) liters, made by the hands of our craftsmen. Separately, we emphasize that we didn’t try to “tinker” with another fuel neck: a transfer pump was attached to the frame and both tanks are filled into the standard hole in the wing.

We installed an additional fuel tank instead of a spare wheel under the cargo compartment of the pickup truck, and the enlarged spare wheel now “lives” on the gate of the RIF rear power bumper. In it, instead of a license plate that has moved to the tailgate, there are the “lips” of the Come Up 9000 winch. We made a special platform for it.

The ARB front bumper has the same winch, and you probably also noticed the additional IPF light. At this point, the modifications have been completed for now; in such a “combat body kit” you can already travel very far.

Having risen by 15 centimeters (which is 6 inches), you can safely drive along gullies and ruts; all sorts of bumps and logs are no longer scary. But for greater confidence in the safety of all the “lower” components, the bottom was covered with a solid aluminum “ski” made in-house by the 4x4 technical center.

All that remains to be mentioned is the Prology head unit that appeared in the cabin, the large display of which transmits images from the rear view camera.

Tuning the suspension of Niva 2121

Since the Niva is an all-wheel drive SUV, when tuning it is necessary to pay attention to the suspension. The first step is the Niva lift - increasing the ground clearance. This will create an impressive reserve for overcoming various obstacles. The concept of tuning the Niva 2121 chassis, as well as a suspension lift, includes:

• Installation of spacers between suspension elements. You can make them yourself or buy them in stores.
• Installation of shock absorbers "Rancho"
• Installation of springs VAZ 2104
• Strengthening the front and rear axles using steel boxes

The Niva 2121 suspension lift is a simple process from a technological point of view that can significantly increase the vehicle's cross-country ability. It must be remembered that lifting is directly dependent on the size of the wheels; the larger their diameter, the more significant modifications will be required. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a balance so that tuning the Niva 2121 suspension with your own hands does not turn into a headache.

Tuning of the Niva 2121 transfer case is also necessary, although this process is largely a refinement. The main problem is the backlash of the front and rear axle shafts. It can be eliminated by installing new components:

• Bearings (it is better to install a double-row variety)
• Lids
• Valov
• Flanges

A good solution would be to strengthen the shaft support. To do this, instead of the original flange, install a modernized one, which has an additional bearing and oil seal.

The second common problem with transfer case is leaking seals. The solution here is extremely simple, you should correctly install high-quality oil seals and the childhood disease of the unit will be eliminated.

The third problem is the correct alignment of the transfer case in the horizontal and vertical plane. This is necessary to reduce vibration and, accordingly, wear of the moving parts of the unit. You can do the alignment manually, but it takes a lot of time, requires patience and the result does not always meet expectations.

Useful additions

This category of additions does not imply a decorative effect, but can provide invaluable assistance in difficult off-road situations. A typical set of such functionality may include a cage, a subframe and a winch

The first element of this trio is designed to protect the front of the body, which is especially important when driving through difficult terrain. Power tuning of the VAZ-2121 in the form of installing a subframe is aimed at reducing vibrations, noise reduction and protecting the aluminum base of the body from damage

The winch will be a useful addition if the Niva ends up in impassable terrain. The main thing is to choose a suitable model of winch device that will suit the SUV in terms of design characteristics and will be able to receive sufficient power for its function.

Initially, the VAZ 2121 Niva all-terrain vehicle was created for use on rough terrain. You can conquer any peak on it, and that’s a fact. However, despite the good ground clearance and all-wheel drive, real traction and power have to be achieved by motorists themselves. This is done with the help of multiple modifications (in other words, this is tuning). We will look at Niva and its technical characteristics in this article.

Refinement of the internal combustion engine

If you plan to conquer off-road terrain with this SUV, it’s best to start by modifying the engine. Such tuning of the VAZ Niva 2121 with your own hands is quite possible, but if you are not confident in your abilities, entrust all the work to professional craftsmen. The whole process consists of increasing the exhaust and intake channels of the cylinder head, as well as reducing the weight of the valves and their guides. All this will increase engine power by about 10-15 percent. This is a significant result, and on the road you will immediately feel the difference and feel how easily your improved Niva 2121 overcomes obstacles. Tuning at this stage can be continued. Additionally, to increase power, you should replace the carburetor and change the ignition system to electronic.

"Niva" 2121 - suspension tuning

The next step will be to finalize this particular part. Since the Niva is an all-wheel drive SUV, its suspension must be appropriate. In order to increase the travel at the rear, you should install Rancho shock absorbers and springs from the VAZ Four. Also, do not forget about strengthening the rear axle. The best material for this is steel boxes of 0.03 centimeters each. You can increase the front suspension travel in a similar way. As a result, you will get 4.5 centimeters more ground clearance.

Exterior appearance of the Niva 2121 car

Exterior tuning is an integral part of refining the Niva. And since our task is to make the car more off-road, the first thing we should take care of is installing a guardrail. This part will protect the car body and its headlights from various impacts. By the way, the lighting technology can also be improved. Install steel grilles at the front, and install tuned versions instead of standard brake lights. But this is not the end of the styling process for a domestic SUV.

VAZ Niva 2121. Tuning can be supplemented with some kind of airbrushing. The best thing, of course, is to completely paint the car. The best option for lovers of hunting and fishing is But in this case, you will have to include this modification in the registration certificate, and this will cost several hundred dollars more.

And finally, you can take care of the installation. Such parts are initially equipped with a powerful winch and are entirely made of metal. Unlike khaki paint, this part does not have to be included in the car’s registration certificate, and the effect of application can be felt on the first drive. So tune your Niva and share your experience with others.

Difficult to prepare, but easy off-road. Through deep and not very surgical interventions, the domestic all-terrain vehicle smoothly turns into an impressive SUV, capable of storming rivers, lakes, swamps, ravines and hills. And even if there is an opinion that the five-door version of the VAZ 2121 is not the best choice when it comes to country trips in difficult terrain, the problem is, nevertheless, greatly exaggerated. Tuning a Niva for off-road use is a practical guide that can turn your car into an analogue of an armored personnel carrier in a passenger format.

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: Changing the oil in a Chevrolet Niva gearbox

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!

Let's sum it up

With a small investment, a Niva car can become a very attractive off-road vehicle. Today this machine is considered quite adequate in technical terms, but very unprepared in terms of details. Niva is one of the cheapest ways to get an SUV. On the secondary market you can find dozens of excellent Niva offers that have not been redesigned from the factory, which means they have not seen much off-road use. Such cars can be profitably converted and used to their full potential.

If you want to get a productive car for use in forests, fields, hunting or on expeditions, take advantage of the offers listed above and equip your Niva in the best way to perform all the tasks. Such additions will make the car optimal in all respects and will make it very easy to achieve high cross-country ability and increased efficiency. Which of the above add-ons would you install on your Niva?

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.

Other improvements

You will also need to buy hijacks and sandtrucks.

Without them, you will have a very difficult time off-road. By the way, what is this anyway? In general, a hijack is a reinforced rack and pinion jack. With its help, you can raise the car a meter (or even more) above the ground. In addition to its useful off-road function, the rack can also be used as a hand winch.

Of course, it is unlikely to be able to replace a full-fledged electric winch, but it can easily help it when pulling your all-terrain vehicle out of the mud. Sandtracks are plates made of durable metal with hooks over the entire surface. Simply put, iron slats. They are placed under the wheels when the car is pulled out. The simplest devices, and how much effort they can save!

Tuning the instrument panel of Niva 2121

Traditionally, domestic designers developed the Niva not as a luxury, but as a means of transportation, and equipped it with an instrument panel that looks dull and sad. There are many tips on how to bring it to mind with your own hands. In this case, it will be transformed, but its functionality will remain at the same level. Therefore, the best tuning of the Niva 2121 panel is its complete replacement.

A good option would be to install a Flash electronic instrument cluster. This is a futuristic design, complemented by a number of functional features:

• Arrows replaced with LED arcs
• Oil and fuel level indications via scales and digital values
• Built-in trip computer with excellent viewing angle
• Availability of diagnostic service
• Ability to update software versions by simply uploading a new assembly in place of the old one without dismantling the panel

Tuning the Niva 2121 torpedo is often due to the need to install a new modification. Standard minimalism is quite difficult to modernize. The only effective option is to cover the torpedo with various materials or cover it with carbon film.

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!

Preparation for work

Do-it-yourself car interior restoration

There are many options for how to do off-road tuning. Depending on financial resources, the car can be completely redesigned. Most car enthusiasts are not ready to spend a lot of money on modifications and are limited to a few options that allow them to knead dirt comfortably and without damaging the car. Serious work that requires changing the design of the SUV is excluded with these options. Not everyone can afford them, and most often it is impossible to make such an improvement in a regular garage. Any self-respecting owner who wants to prepare a Chevrolet for off-road use purchases good mud tires for this purpose. The cost can vary and reach several tens of thousands of rubles per set.

For the Chevrolet Niva, the maximum permissible tire size is taken.

The 15-inch option would be preferable. Handling is somewhat compromised, but it offers better ride quality and there are many different models on the market. When choosing mud tires, keep in mind that they are not suitable for winter, and when driving on asphalt, their service life is significantly reduced. In addition, the above dimensions can be supplied without lifting, installing arch extensions and other modifications.

The next required tuning attribute is a snorkel. The cost of a simpler option does not exceed one and a half to two thousand rubles; there are models that are more expensive. Some car enthusiasts prefer to make the element with their own hands. The main task of the snorkel is to prevent sand, dirt and water from entering the engine, preventing the risk of water hammer. Structurally, this is an air intake pipe that is carried outside, through which air enters the engine.

To look like a real SUV, Chevrolet Niva cannot do without a special trunk, which is called expeditionary. Some people are happy with a homemade one from scrap materials, while others buy a ready-made version. The cost of such a trunk can vary: from several thousand rubles to a couple of tens of thousands. The high price is explained by the better quality of materials, the presence of mounts for installing fog and additional headlights (the so-called “chandelier”), antennas, rack-and-pinion jacks and other devices.

To conquer off-road conditions, the Chevrolet Niva will need reliable and durable protection for the underbody and, in particular, the engine. When driving off-road, no one can guarantee the safety of components and assemblies under the bottom. Its reliability will depend on the thickness and width of the car’s protection. The use of steel sheets is not recommended due to their heavy weight. Duralumin up to 5 mm thick is suitable for these purposes. Factory options (cost up to 15,000 rubles) have all the necessary fasteners, holes for ventilation and technological purposes.

If desired, you can install a winch bracket on the front of the Niva and a tow bar on the rear.

A front or rear winch will always help you pull your car out of any mud. This is especially true for the Chevrolet Niva, where even the standard towing eyes cause a lot of trouble. If a towbar can be purchased for approximately several thousand rubles, then a winch will cost at least 15,000–20,000. Additionally, you can purchase reinforced shock-absorbing struts. Without a load, stiffer springs and longer shock absorbers will cause inconvenience when driving, but the ground clearance will increase by several centimeters. And in off-road conditions, every millimeter becomes decisive. Such modernization can be carried out by any car owner independently, and it will be possible to save money.

Tuning Niva 2121 doors

In addition to replacing the door trim, you can enhance the interior lighting, in particular the thresholds. To do this, it is necessary to install lamps. They will become a useful element and emphasize the high level of comfort of the tuning car. To make this improvement you will need:

• Ceiling lamps
• Edging for lampshades
• Switches, sensors
• Light bulbs. They can be of bright colors, which will make the car bright and respectable
• Wires
• Isolation

Also interesting: How to bleed the brakes of a Niva Chevrolet

Installing additional lighting will not take much time, but it will become a useful and stylish element of the interior.

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.

Off-road features

To overcome off-road conditions, Niva Chevrolet uses:

First of all, all-wheel drive capabilities. To overcome difficult off-road conditions, the driver can engage a lower gear, thereby directing the torque to the traction capabilities of the vehicle.

The factory all-wheel drive system is somewhat imperfect, which is why some people are upgrading it. The main components and assemblies are replaced with similar ones, but with an enhanced resource. In rare cases, the entire system is replaced with a more reliable and high-quality one (a very labor-intensive process);

short wheelbase and small overhangs. Geometric cross-country ability is the most important factor when overcoming off-road conditions. In this regard, the Niva Chevrolet is second only to the classic Niva. Having a short body length, combined with small overhangs, the car can easily overcome steep climbs that are inaccessible to conventional vehicles. The base of the car cannot be changed, but the overhangs can be changed by installing different thresholds and trims, thereby increasing the “off-road” capabilities;

high ground clearance

This figure is 205 mm, which also greatly contributes to the cross-country ability of the model. An increase in ground clearance will have a positive effect on cross-country ability, but when traveling on the highway, the car will lose stability and acquire excessive “windage” on the road surface.

Maybe

Tuning the trunk of Niva 2121

The Niva's extensive luggage compartment is an advantage only at first glance. The large volume provides absolutely no functionality, and the rib at the bottom of the trunk is a completely unnecessary element that interferes with loading. On later modifications it is missing. Also in the way is the folding shelf, which divides the trunk into two parts in the transverse plane.

It is best to remove these disturbing elements and install a box with pockets, drawers, compartments, which will allow you to organize the loaded items. It can be made from wood and metal. Corners or tubes should be used as a frame; it is subsequently sheathed with plywood or other material and trimmed with fabric. Before installing the box, it would not hurt to install noise and thermal insulation on the body.

You can also go the standard route and install a speaker system, LCD monitor or other fashionable gadget in the trunk. The latter option is impractical if the car is being tuned for difficult off-road conditions.

An expeditionary trunk for the Niva wouldn't hurt. It will allow you to take a lot of things and save internal space. It will also be a harmonious addition to off-road style. An alternative would be to install an arc with headlights. This will increase the driver's visibility. It is a useful element when driving in bad weather conditions.

Niva with open top

Of all the Soviet cars, the Niva was considered the most popular abroad. This is an absolutely independent development of the Tolyatti people, and it was not copied from any Fiat or Opel. Niva was cheaper than its competitors, and even in well-fed Western Europe its sales were significant.

Promoting the Soviet automobile industry for export, VAZ offered the Niva in various versions, which were not supplied to the domestic market. These were:

• vans;
• pickups;
• models with a removable top, that is, convertibles;
• models with a fabric sunroof (panoramic roof).

These cars can become models for tuning.

There was no special convertible body. It was made by cutting off the rear half of the roof and strengthening the front part to meet safety requirements. Under the hoods of such cars there were both standard engines and diesel engines (Renault). However, over the entire period no more than a thousand convertibles were produced.

At one time, the German studio GWS was also involved in tuning the Niva, which created the Lada Niva Cabrio model on its basis. It had no roof at all; for protection, a frame welded from pipes was installed on top. At the rear, the trunk lid was changed, and the lights were moved to the bumper. Domestic Niva owners would be happy if their cars had the same cool anatomical seats as the Cabrio.

Another foreign version produced for the German market is the Niva Kosak. And again a limited edition - only 200 copies. The car was produced in both open and closed versions. This series could be immediately recognized by its brutal body kit made of black plastic, on which the NIVA brand is embossed in large letters.

In 1985-1990, Deutsche Lada sold Niva convertibles in two budget versions: Cabrio UT and Cabrio L. The first option was a two-seater convertible (without rear seats). For an additional fee, this model was offered with a plastic kung that covered the rear part, separated by a partition.

The L version had rear seats, and in appearance it differed from the regular Niva only in the absence of a roof. There was a safety bar between the B-pillars, and the headlights were equipped with headlight washers. Some of these machines later found their way back to Russia.

The Dutch importer supplied a modification of the convertible called Lada Niva Savanne to the Benelux countries. In essence, these were the same “German” Convertibles, which were then sent to different markets, where they were tuned in accordance with local customs. People liked to use these cars for going out into nature, for hunting and fishing and other outdoor activities.

There were also English (Cossack) and Canadian Niva convertibles. In Europe, the Niva California was also sold with a “panoramic” roof, where its role was played by a fabric hatch. This model was significantly cheaper than a full-fledged convertible, but also gave a feeling of open sky.

Tuning headlights of Niva 2121

Tuning the optics of the Niva 2121 sets the tone for the overall modernization concept. For example, installing headlights from Mercedes Gelandewagen will create the ambience of a powerful, aggressive SUV. Sports modifications of the headlights will add dynamics to the appearance and emphasize the streamlined shape. High power LED headlights can be installed to increase visibility. Another good option is to install lensed, crystal or bi-xenon headlights.

Helpful advice Standard models have virtually no potential for modernization, so it is better to replace them with new ones.

Tuning the rear lights of the Niva 2121 is carried out according to the same scheme as upgrading the optics. It is easier and more efficient to replace standard lights with new modifications.

Niva-Gelendvagen

The six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle is made in the image and likeness of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 6x6, which was once developed for the needs of the Australian army.

A little about Chevrolet

What if you have a Chevrolet Niva? Off-road tuning of this model is also quite possible. Firstly, you will have to change the pistons to forged ones, modify the block head, install a new camshaft, as well as a direct-flow exhaust system. It is also necessary to flash the electronic “brains” of the car, which will increase the engine power by about a dozen “horses”. What are all these events related to?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68OSADkgmNs

The thing is that the engine of this model is not good for such a mass, so its power will have to be increased. You can install double shock absorbers, improve and strengthen the suspension, and install good tires. This is how the Chevrolet Niva is processed. Off-road tuning will allow you to overcome really serious obstacles on it.

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