Soviet buses manufactured by the Kurgan Automobile Plant with an index of 3976 have a rather long history, which is estimated at almost twenty years of experience. The first model debuted in 1989. After that, the manufacturer carried out a number of upgrades. The technical equipment was finalized. Initially, the car was positioned as a small-sized bonnet bus, and subsequently there were no changes in this regard. It was intended to make routes both around the city and beyond. The Soviet quality, known to everyone, made it possible to operate this machine for many years without any special overhaul.
Compared with modern standards, the KavZ-3976 bus is significantly inferior to new models. However, this drawback completely covers the cost of the car. Initially, production was cheaper as much as possible, which subsequently influenced the pricing of sales. Model 3976 is currently not available. Its production was curtailed in 2007.
Technical highlights 1989–2004
As mentioned earlier, over 18 years of assembly, some modernizations of the KavZ-3976 were carried out. Its technical characteristics are not very impressive. In order to reduce costs, the manufacturer chose to install on the bus, let’s say, not the latest technologies. However, it cannot be completely called unsuitable for use. He coped quite well with his tasks.
In 1989, the bus was equipped with a domestic engine ZMZ-513. This model was even considered primitive at that time. It is a simple V-shaped carburetor type device with 8 valves, which are located at right angles. The maximum power threshold that this power unit could give out stops at around 125 liters. from. The maximum speed limit did not exceed 90 km / h. Over the years of operation, the engine has proven reliable under all conditions.
Modernization 2005
The KavZ-3976 model received a new power unit only 16 years later, in 2005. It was a diesel plant MMZ D-245.7. Its specifications have been slightly improved. First of all, the manufacturer worked on the aspect of environmental standards, now the engine meets the European standards EURO-2. As for the technical nuances, the power indicator decreased by almost 3 units. (122.4 l. From.), High-speed, on the contrary, increased by 5 units, in the new modification the bus could accelerate to 95 km / h.
The chassis was borrowed from the GAZ-33074 model, and not only that. It can be called the progenitor of KavZ-3976, as the bus was equipped with the same 5-speed manual transmission, an engine and other equipment elements. It is worth paying attention to the electrician. Here, finding something new is problematic; everything also came from the GAZ-33074. But with one exception: the new car had interior lighting, which had not previously been used.
Dimensions
At the time of the release of the 3976, all Soviet buses were almost identical. This similarity was seen not only in technical equipment, but also externally. The dimensions of this car can not be called large, but they are quite enough for transportation of employees of institutions, as well as for use as urban transport (until 2000). Currently, these machines have remained only on the balance sheet of some state enterprises.
So, let's move on to the dimensions. The body length reaches almost 7 m, and to be more precise, then 6915 mm. The width is not very large - 2380 mm, height - 3030 mm. The 3976 bus could freely move along country roads thanks to a considerable ground clearance of 265 mm. There are 21 seats in the cabin, but the total capacity indicator is designed for 28.
Problem areas
The first drawback that immediately catches your eye is the presence of only one door. To close it, it was necessary to make a lot of effort. Over time, the mechanism became unusable, so there were always drafts in the cabin that penetrated through a loose door. When moving, she made rattling sounds, which, of course, did not increase the level of comfort.
Modifications
KavZ-3976-53 was mainly used for transporting children. It differed in length: in this modification, the platform was increased to 8470 mm. Having a second door has become its main advantage. Since the main task of the bus is to transport children, special equipment was installed at the plant, which was responsible for the speed of movement. It did not allow the driver to accelerate the vehicle over 60 km / h. Installation of a modern ABS system has significantly increased the level of car safety.
KavZ-3976-011 is a gas-powered model. It was designed to reduce fuel costs. The gas installation was carried out by an Italian company. Thanks to this modernization, the bus could travel long distances without additional refueling. This opportunity appeared after installing a kit consisting of 2 180 liter cylinders.
KavZ 3976-020 is characterized by improved interior characteristics. It used high-quality insulation, which allowed the bus to operate in areas with low air temperature. These models were equipped with modern heating systems.