Tuning VAZ 2101 - tuning the engine, suspension, headlights, interior of the VAZ 2101 - TS

VAZ 2101 (“kopeck”) is a Soviet passenger car, the very first model produced at AvtoVAZ. The prototype of the domestic car was the Italian Fiat-124. This is evidenced by the striking external similarity between the domestic model and the foreign car. Despite this, the “kopek” has undergone large-scale modernization. The car received a completely modified chassis, the car's braking system was improved, and the engine was also improved. Despite this, the “firstborn” of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant is outdated, both from a technical and moral point of view. Therefore, such a thing as tuning a VAZ 2101 car is now popular.

Car history

The creation of “2101” was preceded by a whole chain of organizational and technical measures, from the founding of the plant itself, to cooperation with various foreign companies and, first of all, with the Italian FIAT plant.
It was the FIAT 124, which was recognized as the most popular, that was supposed to become the prototype of the new Soviet car. But in the process of developing a new concept and testing the FIAT 124, a discrepancy between the technical characteristics of the latter and the road conditions in the Soviet Union was revealed:

• With intensive use, the body and weak suspension did not provide the required strength;
• The ground clearance was low and did not meet off-road requirements;
• There were no elements that would ensure towing the car if it breaks down on the road.

As part of close cooperation, Italian engineers took an active part in the development of the new model and more than eight hundred changes were made. For example:

• The rear wheels received drum brakes, suitable for bad roads;
• The rear suspension design has been completely changed;
• The front suspension has been strengthened;
• The clutch has been strengthened and the operation of the synchronizers of the “2101” gearbox has been improved;
• The salon could become a sleeping area, thanks to the transformation of the seats;
• A new overhead shaft engine was installed.

As a result, only the appearance remained in the new car from the Italian one. Tests carried out with the first six vehicles showed reliability and good maneuverability, so subsequent improvements were minor.

2101 - received the official name “Zhiguli” after the name of the small mountains beyond the Volga not far from the automobile plant, which is located in the city of Tolyatti. The people gave the car a simple, respectful, memorable name “unit”. Later in the 80s, amid a decline in prestige, it received the name “kopek”. Years of production: 1970 - 1982. In total, more than 2.7 million copies were produced during this time.

External tuning

You can change the appearance of the VAZ 2101 using tapography, airbrushing and silk-screen printing. The price of applying an image directly depends on its size and complexity. Prices start mostly from 2 thousand rubles. A cheaper option is to use a sticker. Its main drawback is that it does not look as impressive on the car compared to other methods of applying a pattern.

Owners try to give their car an aggressive and sporty look using a plastic grille on the rear window. It can be found on sale at prices starting from 500 rubles. You can see the appearance of the plastic grill in the photo below.

During external tuning, the bumper is often replaced. Instead of the standard one, a wider sports version is installed. The car can also be upgraded with a body kit. Owners install a wing, wind deflectors, stock sills, deflectors and wheel arch extensions on the VAZ 2101.

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Alexander and Yulia bought this “penny” a little over six months ago. Despite such a short period of time, the car can already serve as a visual aid for beginning restaurant fans.

Rhythmic basis

The author of M. Jazz (this car has such a melodic name today) had a good idea of ​​what he was getting into when he thought about buying a “penny”... By that time, he was already the “lucky owner” of a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. At one time I had to tinker with the old “Beetle” a fair amount - it was not easy to restore it. Now - a “penny” in the “resto” style. The desire to tune it outweighed all rational considerations: Alexander was asleep and saw himself driving a Zhiguli, crouched on the asphalt.

Power plant modernization

The native power plant has low power, which car owners try to increase through tuning.

The simplest method, which will not be difficult to implement with your own hands, is to install a zero-resistance air filter and bore the standard intake manifold. The cost of this tuning is from 500 rubles.

Another way to increase engine power is to install a direct-flow exhaust system. Its installation will cost from 1000 rubles.

The cardinal method of tuning is to replace the standard engine with an engine from a foreign car. The cost of a contract power unit starts from 60 thousand rubles.

Stages of car interior tuning

It is quite important to carry out interior tuning of the VAZ 2101 in stages.

In this case, you can eliminate the possibility of making a serious mistake when performing the work. Changing the interior of a VAZ 2101 car can be divided into the following stages:

• First you need to carry out complete dismantling. When performing this stage, it is taken into account how complex the upcoming changes will be. An example is the case when the front panel is replaced and complete insulation is performed - everything will have to be removed to the bare metal. When dismantling, it is quite important to pay attention to the condition of the electrical wiring and mark it, which will eliminate the possibility of confusion in the future. When disassembling the interior, you should remember that, at first glance, unnecessary parts may and will be needed in the future. Therefore, you should be careful and take your time.
• As a rule, VAZ 2101 interior tuning begins with insulation. This stage should be taken seriously, since the comfort of staying in the car will depend on the quality of the insulation work. Various modern materials can be used to reduce vibration, as well as the amount of sound entering the cabin.
• The next step after insulation is the installation of wiring to connect additional elements: acoustics, lighting, and so on. When laying the wiring, special attention should be paid to the fact that it must be well insulated. The fewer connections, the more reliable the connection.
• After laying the cable, the stage of changing the front panel and casing begins. Here it is quite important to immediately foresee what devices will be installed in the car as an addition: speakers, lighting, navigation, and so on. The easiest way is to pick up panels from other cars and fit them to yours.
• Next, the interior is assembled and at this stage new seats can be installed. As a rule, design options are selected that have similar fastenings. However, if there is welding, you can modify the fastening yourself.
• The final stage is assembling the casing and checking all elements for functionality.

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Some work is done more often, others less often. The degree of modernization of the car depends on how much you need to increase comfort and make the interior more unique.

Something created from a penny

Apparently, the owner of this car could not decide which car he liked better: Moskvich-401 or VAZ-2101. So he decided to fuse the two together, creating a rather ugly but fun car.

There is information that it took 8 years to build! That is, someone spent eight years creating this madness, which cannot even be called beautiful! You can see a little more photos at the link.

What is needed to implement the plan?

VAZ 2101 interior tuning can take quite a lot of time and effort, and the final cost of the work can be significant.

In order to completely change your car, you can use the services of auto repair shops that specialize in tuning - an option for those who have extra money. To do the work yourself you will need:

1. Quite a lot of free time. 2. Garage, preferably with a lift or pit. 3. A complete set of mechanic tools. 4. Money that will be spent on the purchase of consumables: insulation, cables. 5. Devices that will be installed additionally, as well as accessories for them. 6. Measuring tools. Without precision, it is almost impossible to carry out work related to changing the interior of a car. 7. Assistants. Some jobs simply cannot be completed without help. An example is the wrapping of the luggage compartment, measuring the linear dimensions of complex shapes.

Sidebar: Important: First, you need to carefully work out your plan. A plan that outlines almost every stage allows you to complete the job faster and eliminate the possibility of errors. According to the plan, the necessary parts and consumables are being purchased.

In addition, do not forget that the plan must contain a visual part - a sketch that will reflect the final result. You can create it yourself using various templates on the Internet.

In conclusion, we note that in many cases the problem arises at the time of creating a plan for upcoming work. In order to develop your imagination, you can view various images on the Internet of already completed projects. Based on the information received, you can create your own project.

Tinting

One of the interesting elements that give a car a more important look is window tinting. This work is absolutely easy to do with your own hands. To do this you need to prepare:

• regular knife;
• hair dryer;
• spatula (preferably rubber);
• spray;
• soft cloth.

The tint coating is applied in several stages:

• stage number 1 – preparation of a soap solution;
• Stage No. 2 - take a soft rag and thoroughly soap the glass (carefully ensure that “foam clouds” do not form);
• Stage No. 3 – cut the film to size and carefully stick it on;
• Stage No. 4 – carefully smooth out the formed bubbles;
• Stage No. 5 – dry the tint coating.

To get the best results, it is better to remove the glass from the machine and carry out the work in a damp room, such as a bathtub. For a visual example, you can look at photos of self-tuning of glass on a VAZ on the Internet.

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Tuning power elements

If you still decide to tune the VAZ-2101, you should make a plan outlining the sequence of your actions. It is very important to pay attention to every component of your car, without neglecting either the vehicle’s power units or the external and internal aesthetics of the car.

If you upgrade the VAZ-2101 engine, no one will notice it outwardly, but the car’s power will noticeably increase, and you will be able to reach speeds that before tuning were only the limit of dreams.

Engine tuning

Start the process of modifying the VAZ-2101 with your own hands by upgrading the engine. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to do it completely without the additional help of qualified craftsmen, since some actions require special equipment and, of course, practical skills.

Experienced craftsmen strongly recommend installing some components:

• crankshaft;
• camshaft;
• flywheel;
• pistons.

These components can only be lightened on a lathe by removing a layer of metal. The skirt on the piston is ground off, taking into account that the weight of all pistons is approximately the same.

Due to the fact that by doing this you increase engine power, you should worry about the quality of the braking system by increasing the contact area between the discs and brake pads. Auto tuning of the VAZ-2101 also involves installing a hydraulic handbrake on the rear axle.

Tuning related devices

In order for the engine to work flawlessly, it is important that the car’s fuel system is also accompanied by excellent performance. To achieve such a goal, not much is needed. In particular, simply replace the zero-resistance filter, and you will instantly see the improvement in the performance of your engine.

And if, in addition to these actions, you polish the intake manifold, fuel injection will increase, which will also have a positive effect on engine performance. It’s just very important to approach the grinding process as intelligently as possible.

You should not sand with great zeal, trying to make the walls perfectly smooth. This, on the contrary, can provoke the opposite effect. Condensation will collect on the mirror surface of the walls.

Of course, it is possible to technically “fight” such a defect, but in this case there will be an urgent need to install a heating device installed directly into the collector.

It is unlikely that this will be profitable, since you will have to spend a decent amount, and also ask for help from professionals, since creating such a unique design on your own is simply impossible.

Engine power can be increased by reducing exhaust gas resistance.

There are pipes installed between the exhaust manifold and the muffler, measure their diameter, and then purchase new ones from an auto parts store, but only with a larger diameter.

The pipes must be accompanied by angles that exclude direct flow of exhaust gases, otherwise your car will roar very loudly. All your neighbors will not be delighted by this roar, and in this regard there will be unnecessary reasons for quarrels and misunderstandings.

Many Kopeyka owners, who have long been studying the question of how to do tuning a VAZ-2101 with their own hands, can boast of their achieved successes and recommend installing two carburetors on the car at once.

Such modernization is accompanied by certain difficulties; without practical skills it will simply be impossible to cope with such a technical task. However, if you still install two carburetors on your car, you will definitely be able to see a significant improvement in engine dynamics and power.

Aesthetic auto tuning

The car owner wants to see not only a powerful unit, but also a beautiful, bright and interesting interior and exterior of his pet.

Such modification of the VAZ-2101 involves turning to specialists to provide some services, including tuning, but if you wish, you can perform most of the actions on your own.

It should be noted that the external tuning of your VAZ-2101, done with your own hands, will be a real source of pride, and you will deservedly be able to receive words filled with admiration both for yourself and for your car.

Interior tuning

If you have the financial opportunity, it is best to say goodbye to the old seats, and in return install seats from a foreign car in the car interior.

Firstly, modern chairs will look more impressive, secondly, it will be as comfortable as possible to sit on them, and thirdly, they will also allow you to install a comfortable armrest between the front seats.

If you don’t want to part with your seats, you should simply focus your efforts on upgrading the ones you have.

To do this, it is quite enough to update the upholstery or sew new car covers. Automotive stores sell Alcantara, automotive velor, carpet, recommended by experienced craftsmen for upholstery of car interiors.

Alcantara is considered the most practical, which is a special textile for cars that successfully resists external negative influences and is also able to last a fairly long time.

The interior of a car will be significantly improved if a new dashboard is introduced into it, which can be borrowed from a foreign car. Again, you will have to tinker to secure such a “non-native” instrument panel.

If you want to remain faithful to your original torpedo in this matter, you still have the opportunity to modernize it and subject it to tuning.

You can use LED strips to decorate instrument panels. You can also purchase special decorative car trims and use them to decorate your dashboard. It is useful to choose a color shade that harmonizes with the upholstery of your car.

Upgrading the headlights helps decorate your favorite penny. They do not have to be replaced; you can also install LED strips in them or do a little tinting.

So, if you want to make your own car unique and attractive, you will need to study useful recommendations on how to do such tuning yourself, prepare all the necessary materials and tools. Next, you will really need to recharge yourself with diligence, diligence, patience, and after that you can count on maximum results, on well-deserved stunning success.

Tuning the interior of the VAZ 2101

The “classic” VAZ, made in the USSR, which has traveled thousands of kilometers on the Great Danes, probably looks unsightly. The interior is unattractive and very different from modern cars. Do-it-yourself interior tuning is carried out in several stages.

Tuning the instrument panel of the VAZ 2101. Photo

Experts involved in tuning the appearance of the “penny” instrument panel recommend installing a torpedo from a foreign car or taking it from a modern relative. Tuning classics is an art that requires a combination of taste and the parts at hand.

The ideal option is torpedoes from the BMW E30 or sister cars from a later release: “fives”, “sixes” or “sevens” will look beautiful. Any auto parts store has the necessary accessories.

First, the old dashboard is dismantled:

1. The instrument panel is removed.
2. The panel is attached in the places shown by the arrows
3. The glove compartment shelf is removed.
4. Get rid of the fasteners that secure the torpedo to the engine compartment.
5. We disassemble and remove the steering column.
7. Drain the coolant and remove the pedal assembly.
8. Home tuning and installation of a new panel is carried out in the reverse order.

The master must take into account the configuration of the new torpedo and the placement of modern instruments on it. Remember that using spare parts from the “seven”, you will need to upgrade the heating system for high-quality operation of the equipment. Working at home requires patience and skill with tools.

Tuning seats VAZ 2101

The car will radically change its appearance after the seats are reupholstered. This is a painstaking and difficult operation that requires special training. By following the required sequence, you can do the work yourself. The price in this case is affordable for people of any income. In addition, it’s nice to show off the results of your efforts.

Sequence of work:

1. Remove all seats.
2. We remove the factory covers by releasing the clamps on the back.
3. We remove all the trim and check the springs
4. Carefully separate the cover into its component parts. They will serve as a template for cutting the new fabric. Number each element to avoid confusion when stitching.
5. We lay out parts of the old cover on the new smoothed material. We fasten them with needles or pins. We trace the outline with a felt-tip pen with a small allowance.
6. The cut out elements are glued to thin foam rubber. Special glue in tubes is ideal.
7. The inside of the seams is smoothed out and turned away.
8. The finished cover is placed on the seat.
9. We put new covers with foam rubber on the seats
10. The chairs are put in place. Cheap tuning is over.

Tuning the ceiling of VAZ 2101

The car will radically change its appearance after the ceiling is reupholstered. It is best to replace the old upholstery with new one, but you can glue new fabric over the old material. At the same time, to make traveling in your car comfortable, do not forget to install a new layer of sound insulation.

When starting work, remember that you will need a lot of patience and the ability to work with modern materials. The attached pictures and descriptions will help in tuning the ceiling of your “iron” friend. Following the instructions exactly and following the sequence is much easier to achieve a good result.

Ceiling tuning process:

1. The work begins with removing the glass, handles, injury protection and visors.
2. Remove the factory fasteners from the arches that run along the perimeter of the trim.
3. We remove all the arches along with the upholstery. Work begins with the passenger seats to avoid damaging them.
4. Lay out the new upholstery on the floor and make stamps on it to secure the arches.
5. New fasteners are attached to the arches.
6. Let's start re-upholstering. Work is carried out from the rear window. One part of the arc is inserted into the black cap. The second is in the factory hole of the body.
7. The material is secured with clamps after all the arcs are in place. Otherwise, there is a high probability of tearing the fabric.
8. At the front, the fabric is fixed to the front windshield frame. At the finish line, an arc is placed next to the rear window. A special tongue is used.
9. The final part of the perimeter alignment using special latches.

Together with tuning the instruments and panels of the VAZ, the internal appearance of the car will radically change, turning an unsightly car into an original vehicle.

Replacing the old VAZ 2101 ceiling. Video

Tuning the VAZ 2101 engine

Engine tuning is the most important part of the work to change the functionality of the car. Most production models cannot boast of serious power. Factories produced cars from 64 to 120 horsepower. Today such indicators do not inspire optimism.

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Some tips:

1. When boosting the operation of the power plant, take care to improve the quality of the suspension so as not to fly off the road while driving.
2. Stiff, shortened springs will help lower the suspension.
3. The double stabilizer will improve controllability on uneven areas if you are moving at high speed.
4. By installing an additional stiffening frame, you will achieve reliability.

Engine tuning is an important part of the job. Several accessible and reliable methods of increasing power are used.

Changing the camshaft

A camshaft with modified cams will help to qualitatively change the performance of the power plant. The gas distribution changes qualitatively, the saturation of the combustion chamber with gasoline vapors will increase, and the torque will increase several times. Taken together, this will seriously increase power.

The following will help you change tuning spare parts:

• key for 10 and 17 ;
• flat-head screwdriver with a powerful blade.

Engine tuning is carried out according to a given scheme:

1. The valve cover is removed using a key on 10.
2. The camshaft mounting nut is removed using a screwdriver and a wrench on 17.
3. Then the timing belt tensioner is removed by unscrewing the bolt. The camshaft star is dismantled.
4. We unscrew all the available nuts and take out the housing with the camshaft.
5. Assembly is performed in reverse order. Replace all rockers with new ones. This will make the motor silent.

Installing a camshaft on a classic. Video

Boring the exhaust manifold channels

The modernization will ensure a high degree of filling of the cylinders with the combustible mixture. By following the correct sequence of operations, the work is easy to complete at home.

Work order:

1. The collector is dismantled and clamped in a vice.
2. A thick cloth is attached to the drill, over which sandpaper is overlapped. First, use coarse sandpaper. At the end a zero is applied.
3. Having inserted the drill into the valve, we begin boring. The work does not require much effort.

External tuning will help change the appearance of the car beyond recognition. The body kit, taillights, radiator grille, feet, and bumper will give the “classic” a more modern and attractive look. When upgrading, don't overdo it. Compliance with the measure will help you not to look funny.

Enlarged intake manifold channels. Video

Where to begin?

You shouldn’t immediately rush to improve the engine, turning the car into a racing car. It’s better to start tuning a car 2106 with something simple - do simple operations that don’t require much effort.

The first step in upgrading the VAZ 2106 is replacing the wheels and tires. This is an effective way to attract attention. Today the market offers a huge selection of alloy wheel models. But if nothing fits, you can order the production of an exclusive kit from the studio, but it will cost a pretty penny. You need to follow several recommendations to take the first step and start tuning the VAZ 2106.

• You should not install wheels with a diameter larger than 14 inches on a VAZ, as a larger diameter will reduce the car’s handling and may require modifications to the wheel arches;
• It is worth remembering that alloy wheels are not as practical as iron wheels; they are easily deformed when they fall into holes. Restoring their shape is difficult and expensive. To ensure trouble-free operation, it is better to install forged wheels, but they are quite difficult to find and they are somewhat more expensive than alloy wheels;
• It is necessary to choose the correct tire profile (tire height). This is the second designation in the tire size marking. For example, 185/65 R14. Where the designation 65 is the tire height. For VAZ, values ​​in the range of 55–65 are best. The width of the tire is selected in accordance with the width of the rim.

Helpful advice It is recommended to start tuning the VAZ 2106 by replacing wheels and tires in order to awaken interest in further modernization, because appetite comes with eating.

How to do tuning of a VAZ-2101 interior with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

The first step is to disassemble the car, including removing everything inside it, in order to then conduct a more detailed and thorough inspection for:

1. Rust.
2. Holes.
3. The qualities of the bottom of the car.
4. How much longer can the upholstery last, or would it be better to spend money on something newer and more modern?

The second option is supported by the fact that in this case it is better to redo it than not to redo it, because the door insert of the car looks much nicer without scuffs and cracked plastic. Again, the skewed body and how much the finishing lags behind it will have their say.

If everything is fine with the bottom, then you can tackle the installation of seats and fastening elements for them as a separate issue.

An important element of salon tuning will be working with a torpedo. Often, during such repairs, the dashboard is simply replaced with a younger one. The backlight and convenient place to install the radio will meet your expectations.

Installing subwoofers will be a pleasant addition to the renovated interior. It should be noted that this is not a simple matter and requires coordination with the rest of the material part of the machine, because you, in fact, are adding to it a new element that requires power and has weight.

Be that as it may, if you are not going to a competition where your music with upper and lower bass will be judged, then the usual advice would be to install such a device, the cost of which will not exceed 20% of the cost of your car, and will also have a power of 150 -250 W. If you want really loud music, you can install two speakers. The rest will look like a show-off on an average car and diminish the reputation of its owner.

Do-it-yourself tuning of the VAZ-2101 interior should be based on a specific car model, taking into account its wear and tear. Do not forget that sober sense and logic should always prevail in such cases, so that your car remains a stylish and fast car, and not a painted “trough on wheels.”

Safety

After replacing the engine with a more modern and powerful one, the braking system of a Zhiguli (kopeyka) car no longer copes with its tasks. The thing is that the brakes and tires are not designed for greater power and speed than those already available. The small wheel size of 13 inches at high speed becomes too vulnerable and sensitive to the road surface. The rear brake drums are bound to fail when braking at high speeds. All of the above weaknesses in the braking system can mar the joyful use of the updated car. For this reason, she also needs to carry out a full tuning.

Replacing the rear drums with discs will improve braking performance. Increasing the wheel diameter to 15 inches will lead to the need to widen the wheel arches. And this is the body work that is carried out first. The front discs can be replaced with ventilated ones. Since the original brake system does not have a vacuum booster, it also makes sense to install it. Many who installed an engine and gearbox from a foreign car used an imported car as a “donor” and brake system.

All these manipulations are necessary only because the owner of the car wanted it so. Having replaced the engine with a more powerful one and leaving the original brakes, the owner plays “Russian roulette” - you never know which trip will be the last. Therefore, these costs are completely rational and justified. But economic considerations have nothing to do with such a rework.

Suspension tuning

Suspension tuning allows you to adjust the chassis to the desires of the car owner. The cost of modernization ranges from 70 rubles for spacers to 120 thousand rubles for a pneumatic system.

Table - VAZ 2101 suspension tuning

Suspension tuning optionThe main advantages of modernizationThe negative aspects of suspension tuning

Modernization of optics and installation of backlights

Standard headlights do not illuminate the road well enough. Therefore, drivers resort to tuning optics. The installation of xenon lamps is popular. Their installation costs from 5 thousand rubles. Such modernization, when installed correctly, significantly improves the safety of driving a car at night.

Sources

• https://all-auto.org/3416-vaz-2101.html
• https://zapchasti.expert/tyuning/tyuning-vaz-2101.html
• https://autoaero.net/tuning-vaz/3764-kak-pravilno-provesti-tyuning-salona-vaz-2101-na-chto-nuzhno-obratit-vnimanie.html
• https://remam.ru/tune/tyuning-vaz-2101-svoimi-rukami.html
• https://VazNeTaz.ru/tyuning-vaz-2101
• https://ladaautos.ru/tuning/kak-sdelat-tyuning-salona-vaz-2101-svoimi-rukami.html
• https://avto-vaz.com/tuning_vaz.php?car=1