A bit of history. The first production copy of the VAZ-2121 Niva was released in April 1977. At that time, no automobile company produced such cars. In some respects, Niva was revolutionary. Compact mid-size SUV with permanent all-wheel drive, center axle locking of axles, independent front suspension, with a passenger compartment. And most important: Niva is the first SUV ever built on the basis of an all-metal supporting body. The use of a supporting body in combination with a modest price by world standards made a splash. Subsequently, most automakers, and especially the Japanese auto industry, picked up this ingenious technical solution. Today, all crossovers, SUVs and most medium-sized SUVs are based on a supporting body. In 2006, as a result of combining the efforts and interests of GM and AvtoVAZ, they launched the production of an updated model of the compact Chevrolet Niva SUV.
Chevrolet Niva Model Development
The first batch of cars in the Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 configuration began to be produced in November 2006, and was produced for two years as the main model of the GM - AvtoVAZ alliance. The design of the car was constantly being amended to improve the quality characteristics of the SUV; a plastic Niva Chevrolet body kit appeared.
As a result of improvements and changes, the Chevrolet Niva Trophy equipment appeared, which showed excellent results in off-road operation. Features of this configuration are as follows:
- Change the timing chain tensioning system in favor of a mechanical option.
- The appearance of an improved air intake system through the snorkel to eliminate the risk of water hammer.
- The appearance of the forced blocking function of the cooling system.
- Implementation of the ability to turn off the fans.
- Transmission breathers raised to the level of the plane of the hood.
- The drive axles are equipped with self-locking differential systems.
- The transmission acquired a gear ratio of 4.3 in the main pairs instead of 3.9.
- The appearance of additional hinged accessories, a place for attaching a winch, a large trunk and stairs is provided.
- For the first time, a power kit on the Chevrolet Niva appeared.
Many experts praised the potential of the new configuration. A huge community of patriots of this car took the appearance of a revolutionary configuration as a guide to action, and the era of mass enthusiasm for tuning began.
Car design
Looking at the photo of the Chevrolet Niva, many inexperienced motorists find the car a little boring and too simple, without any of its distinctive zest.
But in fact, the simplicity of design and the comparative cheapness of the car is the key point for all kinds of changes and improvements. In this car, there is a huge potential for the flight of creative thought of an automobile designer. With the help of smart tuning for SUVs, the car turns into a real monster - a powerful winner of any roads. Competent tuning consists in the following: first of all, do not overload the car with a large number of different elements, in addition to the aesthetic load, each element must fulfill a specific function, otherwise the car will turn into a heavy tractor.
Stages of competent tuning
To start working on a tuning project, you need to take a photo of the Chevrolet Niva from different angles in order to develop a phased plan. The initial stage of off-road tuning is the selection of the optimal size of wheels and wheels. It seems to everyone that the more wheels, the more advantages an off-road vehicle gets. In a sense, this can really help a lot. But we must not forget that the more wheels, the closer they are within the framework of factory wheel arches. There will be something to do with this.
A major overhaul of the body structure is time consuming and costly operation. The next step is the installation of an elevator suspension to increase ground clearance. Next, you need to consider options for installing the power elements of the body kit of the car, especially bumpers, kenguryatnik, headlight protection and brake lights. The final stage is the preparation and improvement of the elements of the engine compartment, taking into account future operation in critical off-road conditions.
Project preparation
Initially, it is necessary to develop a certain project of the future off-road monster "Chevrolet Niva", tuning of which the body kit and components are purchased in specialized stores.
The main elements of the body kit are the front and rear bumpers, door spoilers, rear spoilers, side skirts, an external radiator grill with power protection elements for the hood and headlights.
Do not look for parts for tuning at the lowest price to the detriment of quality. The minimum set consisting of protective elements made of Italian-made stainless pipes will cost about 30 thousand rubles, it includes: protection of the front bumper, rear and side skirts.
Plastic kit
Plastic body kits, as a rule, are used to improve the aerodynamics of the car and give it a unique aesthetic image. For this, a detailed project is developed taking into account a large number of parameters: car color, age, technical condition, estimated budget.
Today, there are many companies that successfully and efficiently engage in the professional refinement of cars of different brands. There is a huge selection of elements such as the Chevrolet Niva body kit, the price is quite reasonable. In addition to the body kits themselves, all kinds of additional equipment is installed to protect the sills and bumpers. Such elements provide good protection against dirt, stones and various road debris. The cost of a kit of plastic body kit ranges from 13 to 29 thousand rubles. Please note that the price of the kit does not include the cost of installation work.
Power kit
The most important element of off-road tuning is the so-called power kit. These are, as a rule, metal parts of bodywork, which, in addition to aesthetic tasks, solve quite applied problems of power protection of a car in off-road conditions. Reinforced sills, kenguryatnik, a powerful metal front bumper with a winch, rear bumper, crankcase protection with transfer case and engine crankcase. Here is, perhaps, an incomplete list of the elements of the power body kit of any SUV.
The body kit on the Chevrolet Niva is made of metal and most often stainless steel. Power thresholds - a very important element in equipping an all-terrain vehicle, helps to protect the car body from various mechanical damages in conditions of bottlenecks and sudden changes in altitude (deep holes, potholes, sharp descents). The cost of power kit elements varies considerably from the wishes of the car owner. The average price range is as follows: from 45 to 100 thousand rubles and above. For example, the price of the rear bumper can range from 16,000 to 42,000 rubles, depending on the configuration.
Reviews
Many Russian car owners complain about the manufacturer’s shortcomings, for example, the lack of a good strong and large trunk, which is especially necessary on a long trip. As a result, they buy and install a powerful trunk with reinforced fastenings and, in addition, a ladder on the roof for ease of use. There is a need to buy a body kit on the Chevrolet Niva. Good reviews on the quality of plastic and power kits are expressed by well-known manufacturers, some elements, provided they have certain skills, can be made by motorists themselves.
Most car enthusiasts who have made competent auto tuning in a good car service experience gratitude both to installers of body kit and to manufacturers.
Warranty
When installing a kit on the Niva Chevrolet from various manufacturers, it is very important to determine the quality of components, the reputation of the manufacturer and the conditions for observing warranty obligations to the buyer. It often happens that a motorist finds accessories at a much lower price than a trusted manufacturer with a good reputation. And it seems that this is very good, huge savings, but, as you know, avaricious pays twice. Do not chase for cheap parts, an unexpected breakdown at the most inopportune moment, especially in off-road conditions, will cost several times more. Get a high-quality body kit on the Chevrolet Niva.