Lada Niva is the most popular SUV in our country. It is in high demand, mainly due to its price, and is the cheapest four-wheel drive jeep on the Russian market. In addition to low cost, it has other advantages: adaptability to bad roads, to far from ideal operating conditions, unpretentious and reliable with proper care. You can get rid of most of the existing shortcomings by upgrading the Niva with your own hands.
Instructions
Step 1
Start with the suspension. This is one of the most uncomplicated parts of the car, easily amenable to modernization in a simple garage. Replace the front springs with similar ones from the Chevrolet-Niva car. This will improve the suspension performance towards greater comfort. Replace tires with more suitable for the operating conditions. These can be either road tires with alloy wheels, or off-road tires with an off-road tread pattern. Replace shock absorbers with imported gas-filled ones.
Step 2
Upgrade the transmission by installing shorter main pairs from the VAZ-2102 car. The designers installed the engine that was in production on the Niva. But for an all-wheel drive car, it is rather weak, which leads to a noticeable decrease in the resource of the motor. Installing shorter main pairs will reduce speed but increase traction. This will reduce the load on the power unit and prevent it from wearing out prematurely. Replace the bearings in the gearbox and in the transfer case with imported ones - this will reduce the gearbox and transfer case noise characteristic of the Niva.
Step 3
Equip the body with protection. This is especially true for hunters and anglers. To do this, make power bumpers. They can be made from suitable channels or thick pipes. On the front bumper, provide a winch attachment platform and weld the kangarring with a protective grill for the headlights. Install a screen on the bottom under the engine to protect the engine from impacts. The same screen (protection) can be placed under the transfer case, gas tank and other vulnerable units. Install an additional roof rack on the roof. There are power thresholds along the doors.
Step 4
To modernize the body, equip the wheel arches with plastic inserts and carry out a high-quality anti-corrosion treatment of the body panels. The standard anti-corrosion treatment is weak. Embed additional air intakes on the hood lid and its sides. This will significantly improve engine cooling. Such modernization is relevant not only for those who often drive off-road, but also for city dwellers, allowing them to avoid overheating in the heat, when the car is forced to stand in a traffic jam. A rear wing above the tailgate will help reduce dust on the glass when driving in the fields.
Step 5
Engine modernization is a laborious and costly undertaking that requires knowledge and experience in its repair. Check and seal all wiring as an easy upgrade. Replace spark plugs with more durable imported ones. For a deeper modernization in order to increase the engine power, carry out chip tuning (for injection) or carry out tuning of the carburetor. Also bore the cylinders and pistons of the power unit, install a tuning camshaft. With the right approach, the engine will not only add power and torque, but also become more high-torque in the lower rev range.
Step 6
When upgrading the cabin, install a modern music audio system in it, complete it with complete noise, vibration and thermal insulation. Upgrade your heating system with Chevrolet Niva parts. Heat the steering wheel and seats. Also equip electrically heated rearview mirrors and wipers. This will be very useful in the winter operation of the Niva.
