Snorkel for VAZ 2121 with carburetor

Car owners install a snorkel on a Niva when it is expected that the car will be operated in extreme conditions. These include frequent trips over rough terrain, fording water obstacles, across sand dunes and other methods of “combat” off-road conditions.

This circumstance is connected with the fact that for normal operation of an internal combustion engine, oxygen must constantly flow into it, and when crossing, for example, a river, such access can be blocked, causing the engine to stall. A device such as a snorkel allows you to take air for this from the surface of a reservoir “without surfacing.”

Installation on Niva

The entire system is assembled from two parts, which, in turn, are also assembled from component elements.

The first part is the engine compartment

The process looks like this:

Remove the air filter;
We disconnect the standard tip of the cold air intake from it;
We replace it with a sealing coupling (the inner and outer diameters are selected experimentally, but the coupling must be such that force must be applied to install it in the filter).
We lay the corrugated tube so that one end can enter the air filter coupling, the other is in the area of the battery under the left cab pillar.
We install the air filter in place, connecting all previously released contacts.

This completes the under-hood preparation. The tube may have a small margin.

Installation of external outlet tube and inlet

We will place the outer tube along one of the cabin pillars. Where exactly depends on how the tube is laid under the hood. On a regular Niva, the outer part of the snorkel is located on the front passenger side; on a Chevrolet Niva it may also be near the left pillar. We try on the tube, simultaneously deciding how to attach it. These can be screws, glue or sealant

When trying on, we pay special attention to the outlet hole. We need to decide how, and most importantly, where it will be directed.

It is not allowed to leave an open hole directed vertically upward. The first heavy rain will lead to a major overhaul of the engine.

If we are going to fasten it using self-tapping screws, we cover the stand with masking tape, mark the fastening points with a marker and make holes with a 4 mm drill.

Connecting both parts

The location of the pipes will tell us where the hole will be: in the hood, in the upper gasket between it and the windshield, or in the side part - on the fender. We glue masking tape to the future location and draw a circle on it with a diameter of 62 mm (slightly larger than the outer tube). If the place turns out to be far from the nearest edge - for example, in the middle of the wing - you can use the original solution and drill it out.

You can also cut a circle with a drill

We treat the edges of the circle with Anticorrosive to prevent rust. We fill our outer pipe by filling the cavities around it with sealant. Next, under the hood, we insert one pipe into another, and use either O-rings or sealant to secure it tightly. The snorkel is ready.

Design options for the upper snorkel hole

Each master can decide for himself how to direct the upper hole. Here are some examples:

turn the tube and direct it along the roof rails (if there are any);
can be installed with an outlet on the cabin roof (direction from top to bottom with a small gap for air access);
put on the “mushroom” from the tractor exhaust pipe (the only option when the pipe can be left pointing upward);
bend and point forward in the direction of travel (this option will require attaching an additional grid to the hole).

The latter option has one undoubted advantage - the wind stream generated when the car moves will be directed towards the engine. But in this case, you should think about securely fastening the grille. In the case of a metal tube, you can resort to welding.

This is what the final version might look like

Pros and cons of a snorkel

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Despite the obvious advantages of the snorkel, I will list the additional advantages of the air intake:

Excellent motor protection against water hammer. Thanks to this, you can drive through shallow bodies of water with the engine completely submerged under water.
Protects the engine air filter from dirt and dust. The benefits of this are obvious, especially if you often travel over rough terrain.
Reduced fuel consumption at average speed. This is due to the direct air flow into the engine, which increases efficiency. The savings, although small, are still nice.
Effective removal of moisture and snow through drainage grooves, which will prevent precipitation from getting inside the engine cylinders. Thanks to this, you can ride safely even in heavy pouring rain.

Despite the real benefits, the snorkel still has disadvantages:

Some people don't like the appearance of the snorkel, which can ruin the appearance of the car. Although an SUV with an air intake looks more brutal than without it.
When installing, you will have to drill a hole in the hood/fender.
If the quality of the snorkel is poor, it may crack at low temperatures, which will lead to a leak.
When driving in a forested area, there is a possibility that leaves and branches will become clogged with it. Severe damage to the air intake can also occur if it gets caught on a larger branch.
Some snorkel designs can severely restrict the air flow to the motor. The device will begin to “choke” the engine.
If the air intake and nozzle are installed poorly, water may get inside the engine.
There is no point in using the device during city driving.
When installed on fast passenger cars, the snorkel can be torn off by air flow at speeds exceeding 150 km/h.
A slight decrease in car dynamics.
The price of a snorkel can reach 30 thousand rubles. and more + installation cost.

For those who often drive in extreme conditions, the advantages of a snorkel outweigh all its disadvantages.

Considering that the price of a snorkel can be quite high, let’s look at how you can make it yourself.

Types of snorkels

The literature on the selection, installation and operation of snorkels identifies several varieties. Moreover, those of them that are designed to supply the power unit with oxygen under water are, in any case, installed on the car so that they can take air from the surface of the reservoir for this purpose.

From a technical point of view, they represent an air intake pipe placed on top of the car. In some cases, a snorkel can power an SUV’s engine from a depth of up to two meters, which significantly expands the capabilities of your Niva when driving in extreme conditions.

Depending on the conditions under which the owner of the Niva intends to operate it, the following types of this air intake are distinguished:

"safari". This version of the device is intended for installation on SUVs operating in desert conditions or in sandy areas. A design feature of the snorkel is that its upper part is positioned towards the movement of the machine. This technical move prevents sand from penetrating into the power compartment and engine due to the rarefaction of air created at the air intake while the car is moving.
"swamp". In this case, the engines do not receive dust, but this is precisely where it is necessary to overcome water obstacles and wet sections of roads. To do this, the upper part of the snorkel is turned against the movement of the car, and the pipe is supplied to the filter secretly, for which the hood or wing is cut. As a result, the device is protected from damage when moving from contact with tree branches, as well as when falling to one side.

In addition, it is worth noting that there are both homemade snorkels and industrially produced devices. So, for example, if you purchase a “hundred-fold” snorkel, then all you have to do is install it on your Niva, since it is produced in a ready-made form. If you are going to make this air intake yourself, you will have to spend additional money and time on it, but the accessory will fully satisfy all your needs.

Technical characteristics of snorkels

Snorkels are used to prevent water hammer when the car is immersed in water, as well as to supply the engine with oxygen while the SUV is in the water. Naturally, for the normal performance of these functions, the air intake must meet certain requirements. Usually, when choosing it, pay attention to the following characteristics:

the material from which the product is made;
type of head nozzle;
main pipe diameter;
mounting options.

Snorkel for VAZ 2121 with carburetor

How to convert a carburetor to an injector? Is it possible to install an injector instead of a carburetor?

If the car moves through a ford, then the engine may experience water hammer. To avoid this, you need to install an external air intake or snorkel on your car. A snorkel is an important part of tuning any domestic SUV, because with it, the car immediately improves its appearance and becomes aggressive. When installing this device on 1600 and 1700 engines, most drivers leave the engine compartment unchanged; they just install additional sealing for the standard device that supplies air. It should be noted that it is almost impossible to completely seal factory parts.

You need to try to make a seal on the VAZ 2121 (NIVA) using standard parts.

When installing the air intake, you need to have the following parts available: the snorkel itself, a filter housing with the ability to be fixed, various brackets for the housing, a broken mass air flow sensor, air pipes, a carburetor cover, one and a half meters of pressure and suction hose, several pieces of plastic fittings, an air filter housing pipe , expansion tank with bracket, washer reservoir with bracket and various clamps.

When all the spare parts are in place, you can start working. From a VAZ 2121 (NIVA) car we remove the washer reservoir and also the expansion tank for coolant. You also need to remove the air filter along with the housing from the carburetor. We extend the entire wire using the washer pump and move it to the left side of the engine compartment, so the reservoir is now washed on the left side.

We fix the bracket and the tank itself. The pipe must be installed in the air filter housing and placed on the sealant. We fasten the fitting on top and unfold all the connections in place. Everything must be done very quickly, because the sealant may dry out. We put the SHNVS hose on the pipe. We screw the mass air flow sensor onto the air filter housing, and put the air pipes on it. On the other hand, these pipes need to be placed on the cover of the air filter housing. We put the cover on the VAZ 2121 (NIVA) carburetor, and in this case it is necessary to install a gasket between them. The hose from the crankcase ventilation breather must be directed to the carburetor air pipe. We lay the shnvs along the outside of the engine compartment. The outer tube needs to be secured as specified by the manufacturer, so either the fender or the hood will need to be cut, so it will depend on the design. In this case, the appearance will improve and the engine will be protected from water. To summarize, we can say that the snorkel is an ambiguous thing. In a simple version, this device can be made with your own hands and it will be no worse. But in this case, the appearance of the car and its aerodynamics will suffer. There are specialists who make them from simple plastic pipes simply by connecting them. The design of the car is changing, it cannot be called aesthetic, and the noise level and fuel consumption are increasing by approximately 10-15%. It is much better to buy a ready-made version and not play for several days to make this device.

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.

Also interesting: Niva Chevrolet installation of air conditioning - Auto magazine MyDucato

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.

You can make the part yourself

How to install plastic arches on a cornfield. arch extensions for the field

It happens that the parts presented in the retail chain do not fit certain parameters. In this case, a car owner with experience and experience working with tools will make a snorkel for the Niva himself. To do this, you will need to visit a plumbing store where you can purchase a pipe with the following parameters:

D= 50 mm;
L=0.5 m.

A drain made of stainless steel will help to install it correctly. Screws with a diameter of 3 and 6 mm are used as the main fastening material. To prevent a homemade snorkel from falling off with a sudden flow of air, you should make metal fasteners in the shape of petals. They are installed in places where the structure bends.

Final fastening occurs using M3 screws and several nuts. Correct installations are checked in a garage.

A properly installed snorkel reduces the load on engine components, improving its performance. Even if the original package did not include such a gadget, the car owner is always able to buy or make it himself.

Purchase options

If you decide to install such a part on your Niva, you have several solutions:

buy a branded part;
buy from a Russian manufacturer;
do it yourself.

Everyone chooses their own option. A branded part will cost 15-20 thousand rubles, the same, but produced in Russia - 5 times cheaper (can be bought for 3-5 thousand).

Brand option

And the cheapest option is to do it yourself. To do this you will need several pieces of metal or plastic pipe and corrugation. Well, if you are used to digging into a car, and not just driving, the latter option is even more preferable. Let's consider it.

Power thresholds and bumpers

Thresholds are needed primarily for jacking with a hijack (see below for what this is). Power thresholds are plus 4-5 thousand.

Bumper - or, as it is also called, “silovik”. A power bumper is an indispensable attribute of any SUV that is being prepared for off-road use. You can cook it yourself or buy it at a specialty store. It’s better, of course, to get it from a store to avoid problems with the traffic police, but it won’t be cheap.

For example, a very popular front bumper costs 25,000 rubles. It comes with headlight protection and a hole for a winch. Looks cool and the quality is top notch. But protecting the headlights also sometimes annoys the traffic police, it turns out like a kangaroo, which they like to get to the bottom of. Therefore, it is better to take a model from the OJ company - it is cheaper, 18,000 rubles and the bumper is not as noticeable as the Rif one.

Also interesting: Choosing front springs for a Chevrolet Niva, recommendations on the AutoPasker website

Installing a snorkel on a Chevrolet Niva with your own hands.

The factory snorkel always comes with special instructions that contain complete information on its correct installation. You should adhere to this if you decide to install a snorkel on the Niva yourself.

If you don’t pick on the details, then in general terms the procedure for installing an external air intake on a Niva will look like this.

The necessary tools are being prepared; in addition to the standard kit, you will need: a drill (4×10 mm drill), a jigsaw, sealant, a marker and tape.
The left side of the car is jacked up
The protection from the wing, the air filter barrel and the wheel are removed.
The surface of the body is cleaned and prepared for further work (the body along with the cuts must be sealed with tape).
The outline on the wing is marked with a marker, then a cutout is made. As a rule, a factory snorkel always comes with ready-made markings, which you can simply apply to the surface and make a hole in the right place.
The pipe from the air filter is connected to the drilled hole.
The stand is covered with tape and marked with a marker in the places where the vertical part of the air intake will be attached to it. Next, holes are drilled at these points.
The snorkel is installed directly.
The last step is to install threaded rivets, all holes are treated with sealant, and all parts removed from the car are installed in their places.

That's all, the snorkel on the Niva is installed with your own hands and is completely ready for use.

Lada 4×4 3D panda › Logbook › Installing a snorkel

So my father and I decided to install a snorkel on the field ourselves.
I gave him a snorkel for his birthday and 10 days later he arrived. We liked the snorkel itself and all the materials - high quality, but there were no instructions in the box. Therefore, I downloaded instructions and a pattern from the Internet for installing a snorkel on 21214.

Let's get started

Removed battery and filter for more space

Apply masking tape

Glue the pattern and mark it with a pencil

We start cutting with a grinder

We put a seal in the place where we cut it and lubricate the ends with sealant

We take polyurethane sealant and coat the snorkel with it

Place the snorkel on the body and attach it with masking tape

Since the filter pipe is too long for us, we shorten it

We connect the corrugation and the filter with sealant and put a clamp on top

Then we also connect the corrugation and the snorkel itself

Put the filter and battery in place

Everything is ready, just wait 24 hours for the sealant to dry

All is ready! We finished it in 5 hours. The same installation in the service costs 6,000 rubles! Next time we will make branch cutters

Source

Additional actions

Although the engine is now protected from water, before going to the nearest pond to check, it is worth doing a few more steps.

Insulation and sealing of the electrical part

The first is contact insulation. To work, we will need silicone sealant (preferably quick-drying). First, the distributor and the ignition system coil are processed. Then all connectors and joints of the computer system pass through. Next in line will be the caps on the candles. If in doubt, it is better to replace them with high quality silicone wires.

Fan

The next component that will require your attention is the cooling fan. It is completely useless in water, moreover, it can fail. This issue can be resolved in two ways. Either install a switch that we can use to turn off the fan during a “swim”, or install a couple of viscous couplings - they are not cheap, but they will be able to turn it off themselves.

Headlights

The final thing to pay attention to is the headlights. When wading through bodies of water, they must be turned off.

Water getting into working lights may cause an explosion. There are models on the market today with grooves for draining water, and if you are serious about storming rivers, it is worth considering installing one of these.

The idea of using a snorkel for the Niva cannot be called a new solution. If desired, you can find recommendations on both the material used to create it and how to mount the device on the car.

Additional actions

Although the engine is now protected from water, before going to the nearest pond to check, it is worth doing a few more steps.

Insulation and sealing of the electrical part

Fan

The final thing to pay attention to is the headlights. When wading through bodies of water, they must be turned off.

The idea of using a snorkel for the Niva cannot be called a new solution. If desired, you can find recommendations on both the material used to create it and how to mount the device on the car.

Installing a snorkel on a Chevrolet Niva.

When purchasing a finished element, you should also take into account the features of its installation. Typically, the air duct is supplied as shown in the figure below:

Installation is carried out at the left pillar, on the driver's side. To carry out proper installation and make the necessary holes, you may need:

jigsaw
sealant
scotch
marker
drill
drills for 4 and 10 mm

The installation procedure includes several simple steps:

It is necessary to lift the car using a jack
The fender liner and protection are removed. The air filter is disconnected
The location of the incision is determined. It needs to be cleaned and covered with tape.
A special marking in the form of a stencil is applied to the wing. You need to attach it to the body and make a hole as indicated in the diagram
After this, the pipe is connected to the air filter and tucked into the hole
The holes in the rack are prepared. As in the previous case, you need to cover the drilling site with tape.
air intake is installed

If the work is done correctly, you can enjoy off-road driving.

Tourism and rides

Preparing the car for long off-road expeditions and rides. You will no longer have to doubt whether to turn off the road.

Includes preparation for the installation of 29-30-inch wheels, preparation for fording, strengthening the suspension and transmission.

After all the work is completed, the car will be ready for long journeys, conquering mountain passes, crossing shallow streams, and driving along clearings.

Also interesting: Lada 4×4 Taiga (photos and differences) » Lada.Online

The package includes:

• Suspension lift 2 inches;
• Cutting arches and installing extensions;
• Snorkel installation;
• Exiting breathers into the engine compartment;
• Bottom protection;
• Main pairs 4.44;
• Reinforced tow bar for towing another car;
• Reinforced rear links;
• Reinforced rear axle;
• Reinforced cardans;
• Reinforced steering knuckles;
• RK subframe;
• Steel front gear housing;

Price: 178,000 (including materials and work)

Features of installation on the injector and carburetor

Installing a Chevrolet snorkel on a Niva has its own characteristics when it is done with your own hands. The fact is that cars of this brand are produced with both injection and carburetor engines. Connecting a new air duct to them has its own characteristics and is usually done using adapters. So, for example, if you are installing a snorkel on a Niva 2121, you will have to install the carburetor body with just these adapters. They should be selected depending on the specific engine model installed in your car.

Usually the snorken on the Niva is installed by experienced car enthusiasts who know how to perform such an operation.

Beginners should be advised to pay special attention to sealing the entire system. So it is imperative to seal the hole in the hood through which the air duct will be inserted into the engine compartment, as well as all pipe joints

Such an improvement will cost you very little, and as a result, you will be able to overcome fairly deep bodies of water with a hard bottom on the Niva as standard.

When your car has to drive off-road or cross shallow bodies of water, there is a danger of water getting into the engine. What could this mean for the car? Destruction of the cylinder block and failure of connecting rods. There is no point in delving into the calculation of the funds that will need to be paid for expensive long-term repairs. Moreover, not every service station can competently remove a car after a water hammer on the engine.

Prudent car owners install an external air intake for the engine, that is, a snorkel, which can be purchased not only branded, but also made with your own hands. In our article, we will try, together with experts, to figure out what the correct installation of a snorkel on a Chevrolet Niva and UAZ “Patriot” should be, after which your car will not be afraid of either a road without asphalt or concrete, or mud with water and sand.

The snorkel looks like a tube leading from the engine to the roof of the car. If you put some effort into its appearance, you can give your car a unique design style that no one else will have.

Let's look at the benefits of installing a snorkel:

cooling the engine with a flow of cool air without foreign objects;
protection of the engine compartment from the ingress of various types of debris from under the wheels of vehicles in front, especially on bad roads;
the motor is reliably protected from water;
the pick-up point has been moved from the lower position to the upper one.

How can you equip a car with a snorkel? You have only two options: buy a branded one or make your own snorkel. It's no secret that when buying a factory snorkel, you will receive not only a high-quality device with an excellent service life, but also a factory warranty, and also:

stylish design;
excellent mechanical characteristics, thanks to the unique composition of linear polyethylene;
durability;
resistance to body cracking.

Niva: what is a snorkel, how much does it cost and how to install it

A snorkel is a device necessary for operating the engine underwater; it is a structure in the form of a pipe with an air intake.

What is it and what is a snorkel for?

A device such as a snorkel appeared during the war and was intended to enable submarine diesel engines to operate underwater without surfacing, supplying air from the surface and removing exhaust gases. Then the same principle was used to supply air to engines during safari in Africa, trying to reduce the entry of dust into the engines, which rises in huge quantities when the car is moving. Well, now such a device is most often used to eliminate water hammer when moving through water. Water hammer occurs when water enters the cylinders of a running engine through the air intake system. The consequence of this may be deformation of the connecting rods and the appearance of cracks in the block. This can be avoided by taking air for engine operation at the level of the car roof, for which a snorkel is used.

What is it like?

There are several possible options for equipping a car with such a device.

1. Purchase a product manufactured by well-known companies. As a rule, it is characterized by high quality workmanship, a well-thought-out design and a guaranteed result. But the cost of such a snorkel will be hundreds of dollars. It is true that it is better to install a device for five hundred dollars or to repair the engine due to its absence - this is everyone’s personal choice. 2. Buy a domestically produced snorkel. Now there are many manufacturers of such devices, but in this case there is no guarantee how effectively such a product will work. But the price will be quite acceptable - several thousand rubles, and it will depend on the snorkel model. You can take thousands for 3-5.

3. Make it yourself, in this case the price will be minimal, but what you get in the end is an open question.

What is a snorkel, how can it help you overcome fords on the Niva, and how to choose and install it. How much does this whole thing cost? In addition to the above, it should be noted that the installation of the snorkel can be done both in the workshop and on your own. And it must be taken into account that in most cases the snorkel is located on the right side of the windshield, and to connect it to the standard air filter you will have to cut an additional hole in the hood or in the left fender. True, there are separate snorkel models for some car models that do not require such modifications, but usually to install such devices it is necessary to cut the car body. The material used in manufacturing can be either plastic or metal. Its use is preferable due to its increased strength.

What to look for when choosing and installing

In this case, regardless of all other factors, the cross-section of the air ducts is decisive. In no case should it be less than the diameter of the pipe running from the air filter to the engine. Otherwise, the running motor will not receive the required amount of air and will begin to “suffocate.”

However, the fact that a car is equipped with a snorkel is not enough for off-road driving. It is necessary to ensure the tightness of the entire air supply system. Despite the fact that it is taken from the height of the car roof, neither the air filter itself nor the air ducts are airtight. After installing the snorkel, it must be provided additionally, first of all this concerns the air filter.

Useful observations and conclusions

Having done all of the above - choosing a suitable snorkel and correctly installing it on the car, it is worth remembering that you have received a car capable of moving on water and traversing deep swampy areas, and not a submarine. Of course, this is already a lot, especially if you plan to go on rally raids or off-road runs. It would be more accurate to say that equipping a car with such a device is part of preparing the car for participation in such trips. Without this, you simply cannot go anywhere further than the nearest suburban forest. But we must remember that you have a gasoline engine and for its operation you need a successfully functioning ignition system, for which you will need to take some additional measures to protect power supply units. Therefore, under any circumstances, try to avoid a situation where water floods the generator and spark plugs. To do this, it is not necessary to go to great depths; when driving even through a relatively shallow puddle in front of the car, a wave is formed that raises the overall water level. And don’t forget about the engine cooling fan. If during its operation water gets under the blades, it will splash all over the engine compartment.

Video of Niva wading (without a snorkel such actions will be impossible):

There is nothing unexpected in this approach to the snorkel. This is just an additional device that significantly expands the capabilities of your Niva, but in no case is it a magic wand that can turn your car into a tank, plane or submarine at will.

A snorkel can be considered an indispensable element of a car that has to overcome water-filled areas, ford or participate in rally raids. Without it, it’s best not to try to cope with serious off-road conditions. Therefore, the selection, installation and operation of such a device must be taken responsibly, and this approach will allow you to realize the hidden capabilities of the car.

Installing a snorkel on Lada 4×4 (kit)

If you are not going to remove the snorkel, then it is recommended to consider ready-made kits. We'll tell you about installing one of the popular models.

Lower snorkel mount:

Cover the edge of the hood with masking tape. Place the snorkel on the hood and mark the cut lines;
We cut off part of the hood with a grinder. We process the edges with a file.

We cover the edges with anticorrosive. We put the door seal from the “classic” on the cut edge;
We make a hole in the wing using a drill. We secure the snorkel using a self-tapping screw. Under the snorkel we treat it with anticorrosive.

Upper snorkel mount:

Option No. 1: Attach the snorkel with sealant to the windshield pillar or roof;
Option No. 2: We attach the snorkel to the roof using bolts and nuts, making holes in the ceiling;
Option #3: Attach the snorkel to the roof rails (see photo).

We secure the snorkel corrugation with clamps. If necessary, increase the diameter of the pipe on the air filter housing using thermal tape.

How to install a ready-made snorkel kit is also shown in the video:

At this point, the Lada 4×4 tuning can be considered complete. What do you think is the best snorkel for the VAZ 2121? Leave feedback on the use of this accessory. By the way, in order to be sure to overcome the water obstacle, it is recommended to move the generator a little higher and make a Lada 4x4 elevator.

Keywords: 4x4 hood | filters 4x4 | 4x4 engine | air ducts 4x4 | 4x4 safety

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How to make a snorkel for the Niva with your own hands.

First you need to prepare the material. These are clamps and tubes. To create a more durable structure, it is better to use metal tubes with a diameter of at least 6 centimeters. Don't forget about the top. It should be slightly bent towards the rear of the car to prevent splashes and raindrops from entering the system while driving. Additional pipes are also welded to the product to allow atmospheric pressure to be released. They are installed in the air intake system.

Typically, 3 materials are required to create a finished structure:

You can use plastic corrugation to save a little money. It will also be easier to install due to its flexibility. The main course of work is as follows:

select the required corrugation length. Typically no more than 2 meters will be required
securely fix the connection points using clamps
holes are made in the area of the windshield on the driver's side for further fastening the corrugation to the pillar
a hole is made in the hood/fender to remove the pipe
the end of the tube is closed with a ventilation grille, after which the outermost part is bent and fixed with the help of additional brackets.

During work, all holes must be thoroughly coated with sealant and covered with sealing tape to prevent corrosion.

Homemade snorkel for Niva

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qcww7iFk520

Our primary task is to raise the air capture point above the water level. The fastest way is to run a snorkel from the air filter pipe along the upper edge of the Niva's front wing to the roof level. The horizontal part of the device is carried out either from the bottom of the hood or from the outside of the car body. If you manage to take the first path and install a snorkel under the hood, then, firstly, it will be protected, and secondly, you will not need to make holes except in the layer between the hood and the windshield of the car. The main thing is that the path from the air intake point to the engine is as short as possible in order to reduce aerodynamic drag.

What is a snorkel made of? Use a metal pipe, preferably stainless steel. The distance between the pipe walls should not be too small. The optimal value can be considered 60 mm

If you make a device from plastic pipes, you need to remember that it will not be distinguished by either strength (and for any device for an SUV this is the most important quality) or beauty

The part of the snorkel that will go up should be installed by attaching it to the windshield pillar. The end of the device must be bent to one side or somehow protected from rain and splashing water. Otherwise, the very first rainstorm will provide you with a major engine overhaul. There is also a need to relieve the increasing atmospheric pressure, for which the pipes are welded. This is necessary to ensure a reduction in the pressure generated in the differential axle breathers, gearbox, and engine crankcase. The pipes should be welded to the air intake system.

Connection of pipe to engine

The most important point is the tightness of the structure you create. The penetration of water, sand and other foreign particles into it can adversely affect the operation of the Niva engine. Don't forget to use high-quality sealants. Polyurethane and silicone options can be considered really good. They are the most resistant to various types of vibrations and are useful for maintaining connection connections.

Snorkel made from scrap materials

Thrifty drivers manage not to spend money on a factory part, but make it themselves. To do this, pipe cuttings and knowledge of several rules are used:

It is advisable to take a metal pipe, and stainless steel. You can also use plastic, but, firstly, the snorkel will turn out to be very fragile, and, secondly, it will not add aesthetics to the car;
The diameter of the pipe should not be too small, however, you don’t need one that is too thick. The optimal value can be considered 60 mm.
When assembled, your device should have as few bends and curves as possible. Ideally, there are only 2 of them in a snorkel: the first is for bringing the pipe up from under the hood, the second is to protect it from precipitation (to the side, most often towards the roof). It must be remembered that any change in direction in the air flow increases its resistance.

Frankly, even a lovingly and carefully made homemade snorkel will still look rather clumsy. Therefore, most car owners prefer to buy a ready-made tuning element. A branded one will cost $500; a Russian-made one can be found for 3-5 thousand rubles. And installation of a purchased part costs at least 6 thousand rubles. It is not surprising that people prefer to make do on their own.

Front suspension lift

To increase ground clearance, you need to do the following:

Jack up the car.
Remove the front wheel.
Place a second jack under the ball joint and lift it so as to load the spring.
Install the tie rod.

Tip: tighten the part with twists of steel wire. However, this method is dangerous. The tie may unwind or burst, causing the spring to suddenly straighten out and cause injury or damage to the wing.

Loosen the shock absorber bracket.
Unscrew the stabilizer and ball joint mounts, then remove the parts.
Remove the spring.
Lower the jack under the lever.
Move the hub to the side.
Remove the cup.
Install spacer washers.
Secure the cup and spring.
Jack up the lever.
Secure the hub, stabilizer and ball joints.
Screw on the shock absorber.
Install the wheel.
Repeat the steps on the other side of the front suspension.

This completes the first part of the procedure.

Advantages and disadvantages

Installing a lift kit has an ambiguous effect on the driving performance of the car. The advantages of this type of tuning include:

Increased ground clearance.
Improved machine design.
Possibility of installing larger wheels and mud tires with large lugs.
Improving cross-country ability on rough terrain.
Reduces the likelihood of damage to the engine crankcase, exhaust pipe or transmission.

However, the suspension lift not only has a positive effect on the characteristics of the Chevrolet Niva.

A change in the factory design manifests itself in the form of the following disadvantages:

The breaking angle of CV joints increases. This reduces the service life of the drives.
The center of gravity rises. The car's behavior when cornering worsens and the likelihood of capsizing increases.
The load on the transmission and chassis is growing. As a result, parts wear out faster.

Tip: a suspension lift improves off-road traction and worsens the car's performance at speed. Therefore, increasing the ground clearance only makes sense if the Niva is regularly used on a primer, in mud or sand.

Installation on Niva

The entire system is assembled from two parts, which, in turn, are also assembled from component elements.

The first part is the engine compartment

The process looks like this:

Remove the air filter;
We disconnect the standard tip of the cold air intake from it;
We replace it with a sealing coupling (the inner and outer diameters are selected experimentally, but the coupling must be such that force must be applied to install it in the filter).
We lay the corrugated tube so that one end can enter the air filter coupling, the other is in the area of the battery under the left cab pillar.
We install the air filter in place, connecting all previously released contacts.

This completes the under-hood preparation. The tube may have a small margin.

Installation of external outlet tube and inlet

When trying on, we pay special attention to the outlet hole. We need to decide how, and most importantly, where it will be directed.

It is not allowed to leave an open hole directed vertically upward. The first heavy rain will lead to a major overhaul of the engine.

If we are going to fasten it using self-tapping screws, we cover the stand with masking tape, mark the fastening points with a marker and make holes with a 4 mm drill.

Connecting both parts

You can also cut a circle with a drill

Design options for the upper snorkel hole

Each master can decide for himself how to direct the upper hole. Here are some examples:

turn the tube and direct it along the roof rails (if there are any);
can be installed with an outlet on the cabin roof (direction from top to bottom with a small gap for air access);
put on the “mushroom” from the tractor exhaust pipe (the only option when the pipe can be left pointing upward);
bend and point forward in the direction of travel (this option will require attaching an additional grid to the hole).

This is what the final version might look like

Do-it-yourself snorkel on Niva: progress of work.

Take (preferably double) plastic corrugation, 2 meters long.
Tighten the joints with clamps.
After drilling holes in the right places, attach the corrugation to the side pillar (driver's side) of the windshield. Do not forget to make a hole in the fender or hood of the car at the same time.
Place one end of the tube there, and put a ventilation grill on the other and secure it with special brackets. It would be good to bend this end a little before fastening it - along the way or to meet the movement.
At the last stage, cover all the holes made with sealant, and cover the hole on the hood with sealing rubber tape.

Snorkel-original - a high-quality alternative to homemade products

A homemade external air intake with your own hands is a flight of fancy for the car owner using various improvised means. Such a device can look different, it all depends on the materials and skill of the author of the masterpiece. Some models look very extravagant and can amaze the delicate taste of a connoisseur of beauty with their aggressive appearance and surreal design.

Materials for a do-it-yourself snorkel for a Chevrolet Niva are fiberglass, fiberglass, epoxy resin, chrome pipe, corrugation, fastener clips, plastic joints, O-rings and even original round ventilation grilles. The entire range of available products from the plumbing department of any supermarket must be adapted to the car using glue, an industrial hair dryer, a hacksaw, a drill and welding. Some manage to achieve the state of “modestly and tastefully”, otherwise the shniva risks striking the sophisticated public with an awkward pile on the hood.

The original looks elegant and predictable, harmoniously complements the contours of the body and does not interfere with visibility. For fans of tuning and aerography, the air intake for the Chevrolet Niva can be supplemented with a stylish image or give the car a strict and presentable look. The standard kit includes an adapter, O-rings, hardware, connecting pipes, snorkel and installation instructions.

Where can I find a suitable snorkel?

You can purchase a ready-made model; a large number of manufacturers make additional devices for SUVs, or you can make it yourself. A factory-produced part will have several advantages: build quality, service life and the ability to contact the manufacturer in case of warranty claims.

The only disadvantage can be the cost, which is usually at least 14,000 rubles

But it is important to understand that the price is determined by the use of high-quality materials, namely especially durable LLDPE polyethylene, which provides a number of advantages:

resistance to high temperatures and cracking
mechanical stability
design created specifically for a specific type of car

But there are also cheaper models characterized by simple design, the cost of which does not exceed 6,000 rubles. It is not recommended to use the cheapest options, because despite the apparent benefits, they may suffer minor mechanical damage over time. But due to the use of less plastic material in the composition, microcracks will appear on the body, through which water can enter the engine when forcing various kinds of obstacles

When using such materials, it is important to periodically inspect the snorkel in order to identify damage in time.

But there is also the most budget option - making a snorkel yourself. To do this, you first need to ensure reliable fastening in the engine compartment in order to prevent air leaks and bring the pipe as high as possible in the hood. To do this, first a horizontal part is laid under the hood, then a connecting tube is inserted into an additionally prepared hole between the windshield and the hood.

It is important to remember that the straighter the pipe and the shorter the path to the air intake, the better the aerodynamic qualities of the snorkel

What is a snorkel for?

Main purpose. The engine inlet pipe, located at the level of the car roof, is necessary to protect the engine from water ingress when crossing water obstacles;
Additionally. Air intake through a snorkel reduces contamination of the air filter when driving on sand and dusty roads (which was the root cause of the appearance of snorkels on cars);
Additionally. Cooler air helps increase engine power (cold intake). This is relevant if the air intake is made outside the engine compartment (the snorkel is removed from the engine compartment).