Let's start with a definition: tuning is a change in the scope of the vehicle's characteristics permitted by law, aimed at improving its consumer qualities. The purpose of tuning may be to optimize or improve such important characteristics as engine power, suspension functionality, and braking system efficiency. Or you can limit yourself to changing the exterior, improving the quality of interior trim and installing more modern multimedia systems.
It must be taken into account that each car model in terms of the direction of tuning production should be assessed based on its class and purpose, so that changing some parameters in order to improve performance does not lead to the opposite result or, as often happens, success at the cost of deterioration of other qualities. For example, installing wheels with an excessively large offset value on a sedan will not only not make it a car, but will also deprive it of the dynamism inherent in cars of this class, not to mention the absurdity of the exterior after such tuning.
The possibilities for tuning, especially those not related to the critical components of the car (engine, transmission, body architecture), are very wide and are constantly being supplemented by car enthusiasts, so it is impossible to fit them into a strictly defined framework. Let's consider some promising operations in relation to the Lada X Ray crossover, the tuning of which has been successfully carried out by car enthusiasts for the second year of its presence on Russian roads and, judging by the car's sales volumes, is popular.
Engine tuning
The most powerful internal combustion engine installed on the Lada X Ray is the 16-valve VAZ-21179 with a volume of 1.8 liters and a power of 122 hp. The design of the engine allows its power to be increased to 150 hp without compromising its service life.
To do this, a sports receiver is installed on the engine to optimize the flow of air into the cylinders
with the replacement of standard camshafts and valves with sports components.
The engine also has the technical ability to install a turbine and compressor, but their use will only be effective when replacing the VAZ gearbox, which does not allow it to produce more than 180 Nm of torque.
We increase technical indicators
All work related to the technical part is aimed at improving the driving performance of the car. First of all, the improvements concern the power plant.
The engines installed on this crossover are borrowed from earlier VAZ models. This means that they have already proven themselves well. But the technical performance of these installations leaves much to be desired.
The easiest way to improve the performance of a power unit is to perform X-Ray chip tuning.
This will increase power and dynamics, while consumption, if it increases, will be insignificant. This tuning will make the engine more stable in all modes. And the most important thing is that nothing needs to be changed in the design.
Related link:
Maintenance of Lada X-RAY
The essence of such tuning comes down to flashing the ECU with the corrected system operating parameters inserted into it. But having decided on such a modification, it is important to use only proven and well-proven firmware.
For those for whom the engine performance provided by chip tuning seems insufficient, it is necessary to slightly alter the power unit and install tuning spare parts.
Installing a sports intake manifold and timing tuning elements - camshafts and valves - will significantly increase the power of the power plant. Note that making design changes to the motor will necessarily require chip tuning in order to adjust the operation of the power system to new conditions.
Let's move on to the transmission. There's not much to improve here. The only thing is that you can install a self-locking differential on the version with a robotic gearbox.
This modification of the pseudo-crossover will not turn it into an SUV, but it will slightly increase its cross-country ability.
The suspension used also does not require improvement, since on X-Ray it is quite reliable and works well. But as its components wear out, you can replace them with similar ones, but with increased reliability. This will increase the suspension life.
Also, in the process of improving the technical part, you can do a little work with the brake system. Its tuning comes down to installing tuning discs and pads.
Flashing the internal combustion engine
Tuning the Lada X Rey engine does not end with the installation of the above components - it is necessary to perform chip tuning of the ECU (electronic control unit), that is, reflashing the “brains”.
For Lada X Ray, it is advisable to choose one of the already tested firmware: Ledokol, Adact or Paulus. Chip tuning will add dynamics to the car with a slight increase in fuel consumption and reduce the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases.
If the car owner independently makes changes to the ECU, it will result in early termination of the dealer’s warranty obligations.
Exterior (body tuning using accessories)
Structural transformations of the body include:
- Replacement of bumpers, exterior side mirrors, radiator grille.
- Spoiler installation.
- Installation of side panels.
- Installation of more advanced lighting equipment.
- Adding protective elements.
- Installation of non-standard rims also applies to external, structural tuning.
Photo x Rey on 17 discs
I set myself the goal of improving my new XRAY as much as possible, so I will take the advice of one well-known tuning bureau in the Russian Federation. Experts recommend installing the following accessories that are commercially available:
- headlight covers;
- gas struts and hood deflector;
- chrome deflector, pillars and mirror caps;
- linings: on the gas tank cap, handles, arches, rear lights, hatch;
- door protection (including windshields);
- spoiler, first of all, so that during country trips on the highway the rear window remains clean by redirecting air flows. My choice is “Sport” YUAGO, elegant and moderately expensive.
An example of installing gas struts on x Rey, price 1850 RUR.
Instead of off-road body kits for tuning, you can install protection in the form of stainless steel pipes. An example of tuning bumpers and thresholds. The issue price is 33,000 rubles.
A few more examples of body kits
Today, I started with exactly those elements that allow me to protect the “weak” structural parts of the body from mechanical stress, including the door sills (I chose an analogue of the original AISI 304, made of stainless steel). For the amateur, LED, plastic and carbon-look door sills are offered in the range of 600-2800 rubles.
I didn’t have any particular complaints about the sound insulation, so I left everything as is. The technicians advised us to keep an eye on the tires, which have a significant effect on noise levels.
Lada X Ray suspension tuning
Structurally, it makes no sense to change anything in the crossover’s suspension – the platform is reliable and quite advanced. But as the mileage increases, its elements, also of good quality, fail. And they can be replaced with components with the appropriate characteristics, but from other domestic or foreign cars. For example, it is better to replace the rubber bushings of the anti-roll bar with polyurethane ones from Niva 4x4, and the vertical struts of the same suspension element can be selected from KIA, Hyundai or Toyota models, the service life of which is longer than standard spare parts.
Installing a tow bar
The standard configuration of the crossover does not provide for equipping the car with a towing device, which is indispensable when towing a trailer. Therefore, a kit manufactured by AvtoVAZ is available for sale, including a towbar with all the necessary fasteners, designed for installation at the standard location without additional drilling or other modifications. The design of the device allows you to easily dismantle only the tug mounting hook without dismantling the entire assembly.
The maximum weight of the towed trailer must not exceed the value specified in the Lada X-Ray operating instructions - 1100 kg.
Installation of roof rails
Installing roof rails on a crossover will allow you to use a modern, streamlined trunk when traveling - a desirable accessory for owners of cars of this class.
Since December 2016, roof rails for Lada X-Ray can be purchased in online stores along with a set of fastenings that allows you to install them without drilling the roof.
When installing roof rails, it should be taken into account that the installation location is not designed for additional load and does not contain reinforcement, so the inside of the car roof must be somehow reinforced with steel plates or stiffeners.
Since the Lada X Ray is based on the Renault Sandero Stepway, the roof rails of this car are also quite suitable for the X Ray.
In addition, the Infiniti FX 37, which has the same roof characteristics, can also become a donor of these accessories.
Changing appearance
Let's consider external tuning. Here, improvements to the Lada X-Ray crossover can be aimed at:
- Increased body protection;
- Improved functionality;
- Car decoration;
The best option for external tuning, which increases protection from damage, is the use of overlays - on the sills, bumpers, hood ("fly swatters").
But pipe protective structures - “knuckle guards” and bumper covers, due to the peculiarities of their location and installation, have a negative impact on ground clearance, although they make the car more stylish.
In the “stock” version, the ground clearance of the X-Ray is 195 mm, which is a good indicator for our roads. Installing a “knuckle bar” can reduce ground clearance, and significantly. In some cases, the clearance is reduced to 135 mm.
Related link:
Lada Xray – back to service
The functionality of the car can be increased by installing a tow bar and roof rails.
In the first case, it becomes possible to tow a trailer, and in the second, installing an additional luggage box on the roof.
We also recommend using tuning crankcase protection. The crossover has it as standard equipment, but it has a significant drawback - there is no hole for access to the drain plug of the pan. And this makes car maintenance difficult. Purchasing a tuning pad eliminates this drawback.
The same applies to the gas stops on the hood and trunk. The standard elements cope with their task only at first, but over time they stop holding the lids. But you can replace them with more powerful similar products.
All that remains is decorative tuning of the exterior. Now kits of body kits are sold for this crossover, but installing them is usually accompanied by a decrease in ground clearance, although they change the appearance of the car significantly.
Wheels play an important role in the appearance of a car. Installing alloy wheels with good tires on a car increases its presentability.
But here it is necessary to correctly determine the wheel size. The best option is 17'' wheels. To install larger wheels, you will have to either select low-profile tires or make changes to the wheel arches so that nothing in them interferes with the wheels.
Additionally, you can use all kinds of small decorative elements - exhaust pipe trims, door handles, etc.
Tuning the grille allows you to transform your appearance well. You can find something interesting on the accessories market, or simply purchase and install a fine-mesh protective mesh under the grille, providing better protection for the radiator from damage.
Installing Larger Tires
Instead of standard 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels, the wheel arches of the Lada X Ray allow you to install 17-18- and even 19-inch wheels that are more impressive for a crossover, the tire sizes for which will be as follows:
- R17 – 185/55, 195/50, 205/50;
- R18 – 175/50, 195/45, 215/40;
- R19 – 175/45, 185/40, 195/40.
It should be noted that 19-inch wheels require low-profile tires, which make them vulnerable to road imperfections.
Installing bumper protection
It's no secret that Lada X-Ray bumpers are more of a decorative element of body equipment than a protective one. In addition, the complexity of the configuration creates problems during its restoration, and minor damage during parking reduces aesthetics. Therefore, installing additional protection for the bumpers, and to some extent the body, is a completely rational solution, especially if it is of good quality. There are enough options for bumper protection on sale to choose the right one for yourself. For example, stainless steel safety bars, single or double.
Threshold protection with platforms
The installation of these elements is especially effective in combination with the protection of the front and rear bumpers. The threshold protection is also made of stainless steel, and the platforms are made of duralumin. These tuning elements not only allow you to shake off dirt and snow from your shoes before getting into the cabin, but are also not afraid of vertical loads - steel support brackets are rigidly attached to the body.
Tuning crankcase protection
All versions of the Lada X Ray are equipped with engine protection from below, which performs its protective function well. But the standard product does not have a technological hole for draining the oil when replacing it, which forces you to remove and install the mudguard when performing this procedure. Therefore, installing a tuned, more functional protection will save time when changing the oil, and it is also possible to choose this element from steel of greater thickness.
Salon and optics
Tuning the interior allows you to increase comfort. And you can do a lot of things in it, namely:
- Carry out additional sound insulation;
- Install the armrest;
- Stick on the protective sill covers;
- Lay new rugs;
- Use covers on the seats, steering wheel, lever or gear selector;
- Replace the audio system with an improved one and add speakers;
Related link:
Comparison: Lada X-Ray and Reno Sandero
All this will allow you to well transform the interior of the car and make it comfortable and functional.
The last type of tuning concerns optical instruments. Here the improvements mainly concern the installation of better lighting elements in the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, etc.
In general, with the help of tuning it is possible to significantly transform the Lada X-Ray and make the crossover different from others. But all this requires money, and for some types of improvements it requires significant money.
Interior tuning
The interior of the Lada X-Ray, especially its spacious front part, allows you to increase the functionality of the finish.
For example, installing such a simple accessory as an organizer on the front panel will allow the driver to place many small things in visible accessibility, instead of looking for them by touch in the glove compartment, door panels or under the seats.
The organizer is secured with double-sided tape and allows you to quickly remove this accessory if necessary.
You can increase the comfort of the interior environment by increasing the efficiency of the heater fan. Structurally, the fan is located in front of the filter and drives debris onto it that gets through the air intake due to the lack of a protective mesh on it. The filter quickly becomes clogged, and heat does not flow well into the cabin through the deflectors.
The solution to the problem is simple - installing a mesh and simultaneously placing a sticker on the mandelin fan (to reduce the noise of its operation), but requires contacting an official dealer.
As already mentioned, the Lada X Rey has great potential for tuning, and it does not follow from this that the crossover has many shortcomings. You always want to make something good even better, and tuning the Lada X Ray only confirms its promise.
Brake system tuning
I decided to take the braking system especially seriously, since I often travel outside the city and often in unfavorable weather conditions. But in this case, I was advised to only change the brake fluid and discs on time, and also undergo a preventive inspection every 15 thousand km. This made me very happy.
In this case, you can add a fly in the ointment; while driving in reverse, you can pull the brake pipe out of the clamps due to an unsuccessful design - some work is required. It is recommended to carefully monitor the braiding of the handbrake cable, which can be chafed by the clamp. It may be worth immediately replacing the rear and front pads with more reliable and non-original ones, as they wear unevenly.
The braking system of the Lada X Ray is equipped with non-ventilated discs at the front and “drums” at the rear. For modern cars, drum-type brakes are the exception rather than the rule, especially for a car with increased power potential.
The recipe is generally simple - we replace the rear brakes with discs and install a vacuum brake booster with increased performance. If this is not enough, you can install brake discs at the front with a diameter larger than the standard ones.
