VAZ classic – proper off-road preparation. Part 2

Cheap options for increasing ground clearance

The easiest way to make your car taller by a few millimeters is to install wheels and tires with a larger diameter than stock.
This is a gentle option, since when installing non-standard wheels and tires, you do not make any changes to the design of the running vehicle. When increasing ground clearance in this way, you need to remember that it is better to install on your car the rims and tires of the parameters recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, these parameters are indicated in the vehicle’s operating manual, but if they are not listed there, you can find this information on the Internet or contact the nearest branded car dealership. Having found out these parameters, you can buy tires and wheels, and then install them at any tire shop. This option has one advantage - the actual increase in ground clearance. But there are several disadvantages: increased fuel consumption, incorrect speedometer readings, and if tires and wheels are installed whose parameters are not recommended by the manufacturer, then the tires can touch the wheel arches when turning, which will ultimately lead to rapid wear of the tire.

The second method is more effective, as it gives a greater increase in clearance. This is the installation of special spacers between the shock absorber springs and the car body. Before you begin to implement this method, remember - by installing spacers, you are already making changes to the design of the car's chassis, therefore, you are violating the factory parameters. And this can affect both the change in the operation of the suspension and the safety of the car.

If you nevertheless decide on this option, then you have to choose from several types of spacers - aluminum, polyurethane or plastic. Aluminum ones have an order of magnitude longer service life than polyurethane and plastic ones; the ones that wear out the most quickly in this component are plastic spacers. So if you are going to increase the ground clearance seriously and for a long time, look at the aluminum parts. In addition, you need to remember that spacers differ depending on which suspension, front or rear, you install them on.

It is important to strictly follow the markings and not mix up the parts. Spacers are installed between the body cup and the shock absorber spring. There is another type of spacers - interturn spacers, which are installed between the turns of the springs. They are also made from different materials, but serve to tighten the suspension, which helps to avoid the disadvantages that arise when installing conventional spacers (one of the advantages of interturn spacers is a reduction in the car's grip when cornering).

The advantages of spacers are increased ground clearance and no sagging of the rear of the car when heavily loaded. Disadvantages - changing the angles of the suspension (can affect the handling of the car), increasing the shock absorber travel (the risk of suspension breakdown when falling into a deep hole increases) and vibration loads on the body and on the suspension itself.

The third method is to replace the factory shock absorber springs with non-standard ones with a large number of turns. This option is more expensive than the previous two, since it involves the purchase of reinforced springs with an increased number of turns and long-stroke shock absorbers for them (the price of these components and the cost of their installation are different, but it is much higher than the first two options).

This method of increasing the vehicle's ground clearance has several advantages: long service life and service life, less stern subsidence (compared to spacers) when the vehicle is fully loaded. Among the disadvantages are changes in the operating angles of the front and rear suspension, an increase in its rigidity, and vibrations that will be transmitted to the chassis and body of the car.

avtoexperts.ru

Clearance

, perhaps one of the most popular car characteristics requested by car enthusiasts.
People are interested in the level of ground clearance of cars immediately after they know the volume and power of the engine, consumption and dynamic characteristics. And this is correct, because in our Russian conditions, a car’s high ground clearance
is sometimes more important than the presence of rear windows or even air conditioning.
how to increase
ground clearance to make driving on domestic roads more comfortable.

Before you begin the operation of increasing the ground clearance of your car, Honor needs several aspects. First: accurately calculate the ground clearance of your car (since its value may differ from the passport value, especially if it is a foreign-made car). Second: decide what ride height you want to achieve. The point is that just increase

Ground clearance is still half the battle, but you need to take into account such parameters as departure/entry angles and the vehicle's longitudinal flotation angle. They are different for all cars, and even if you increase the ground clearance of your sedan, it will not become an SUV, it will not be better to climb hills - and all because of its geometric cross-country ability specified by the factory designers. And, finally, you will have to decide on the budget for this operation, since there are several ways to increase clearance, and the labor costs for their use are different.

Expensive option for increasing ground clearance

There is a more expensive way to increase

vehicle clearance - installation of air suspension. It involves the purchase of front and rear air bags, air pressure sensors, compressor, receiver and control panel.

This method is described in detail in our material on lowering the suspension. Its main advantage is the ability to change the car's ground clearance depending on the speed or quality of the road on which the car is moving, in a fairly wide range. That is, the car can receive both lowered (for high-speed driving) and increased (for off-road driving) ground clearance. However, there are also plenty of disadvantages: in addition to the high cost of installation, repair and maintenance, air suspension has a relatively short service life (this is especially true for residents of Russian regions, where the quality of the road surface leaves much to be desired).

As you can see, any of the chosen methods of increasing the ground clearance of a car has its pros and cons. Therefore, before deciding on such an operation, carefully calculate its budget and think about the consequences that may occur as a result of changing the standard clearance of your “iron horse”.

How to lower the classic VAZ 2101-VAZ 2107 correctly?

Note! In this article we will only talk about statics, nothing will be said about air suspension, because if we disassemble the air suspension, then the article will turn out to be very long, and not all people (Especially those who drive classics) are ready to pay that kind of money for air suspension (This is around 40 thousand rubles if everything is new, you can find a used one for 20 thousand), but many people want to know how to lower a car by cutting off standard springs, and by the way, we won’t look at severe lowering either , everything is within normal limits!

1. At the beginning, you will need to decide on lowering the car, namely how much you will cut the coils, but before you do this, find a car that you definitely like based on the fit and, after talking with the owner, find out what has been done to the springs. , you can also ask how the car behaves in everyday driving (namely, how it overcomes obstacles, are there any problems with movement and similar questions) and having learned all this, decide for yourself how much you will cut the springs and remove them from the car, cut them down, but under no circumstances cut the springs if they are installed on the car.

Note! Still, there are a number of people who file down the springs without removing them from the car, we immediately warn you that you cannot do this, because the spring can then not only jump out, but shoot out of its seat, there have also already been cases when the coils damaged people and it is especially dangerous if the coils will get into your face, thereby injuring you!

2. Now let’s talk about how to remove the springs, we described all this in more detail in two articles entitled: “Replacing front springs” and “Replacing rear springs on cars”, we immediately say that it is very difficult to do such work in one day, of course it is possible but hard, so be patient and take into account the fact that the car will not be driven for at least two days, or even a week (Depending on what kind of gash it will be and depending on the modifications to the body), after the springs are removed from the car (You can start which ones are convenient, but the front ones are the hardest to replace; it will take a very long time) file them down and install them in their regular place, if the cut is the simplest (About 1.5-2 turns, we’re talking about the front springs) then you don’t have to do any work on the body produce (But the rubber bands of the bump stops will still have to be cut in half) and all the shock absorbers will have to be installed the same, if the cut is in the area of ​​3 or 4 turns, then there are already KX (Short-Stroke Shock Absorbers) and the bump stops will have to be cut down (Like this on photo below is shown), then the bumpers will need to be painted with a primer and paint applied on top, and put mastic or some other anti-corrosion coating on the paint (This way this place will not rot), if large wheels or ordinary R13 wheels are installed with such a lowering but on standard tires, then after assembling the entire suspension, do the following: unscrew the wheel completely (First in one direction, then in the other) and look where it touches the arch, those places will need to be bent well with pliers and nothing will hit, or roll out the arch (In this case, the paint will crack in those places where you will roll out the arch), rolling is done as follows, take a special device for rolling out (Which almost no one has) and roll out the arches, the most common version of rolling out is when you take an aluminum bat or a handle and with their help the arches are rolled out, but if everything is done correctly, then you will also need to heat the paint with a construction hairdryer so that the paint does not burst and some other nuances, see in more detail how to properly roll out arches on cars in the video clip at the very bottom of the article.

Ride quality

When creating the car, AvtoVAZ engineers cared little about the dynamic performance of the Seven. The sedan reaches the first hundred in just 16 seconds, and you can accelerate to a maximum of 150 km/h.

The suspension is soft, and this is a big plus for driving on bad roads. Ground clearance is average - 154 mm. You can't go off-road, but it's enough for the city.

Those who like to drive need to be careful. On the highway, at a speed of more than 100 km/h, the car will have to be “caught”, and when entering turns, slow down so as not to fly into a ditch. Caution is also important when overclocking. During a rapid detonation, the rear end of the car is pulled away.

READ VAZ 2109 carburetor does not idle

The steering wheel of a VAZ

»heavy, devoid of amplifiers. Fragile girls may experience discomfort when twisting the steering wheel. Not everything is smooth with the brakes either: the pedal needs to be pressed carefully and in advance.

Engines and transmission

“Sevens” are available with 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 liter engines with power from 64 to 75 hp. With. These are models aimed at the domestic market. For export, the models were supplied with a 1.7-liter engine producing 80 horsepower. However, under the hood of a used VAZ

-2107" you can find another unit. Amateur mechanics often test these machines and replace the original engine with one with different power characteristics. Such a replacement is popularly called “swap” (from the English swap - exchange).

The gearbox is a four- or five-speed manual, depending on the year of manufacture of the model, the drive is exclusively rear-wheel drive.

The model is economical in consumption and is not picky about fuel. In the combined cycle, the “Seven” consumes 7.5-8.5 liters per 100 km. You can fill the fuel tank not only with AI-92 and 95, but also with AI-80, if you can find it.

Pros and cons of "VAZ-2107"

The main advantage of the “Seven” is its adaptation to Russian operating conditions. With a working engine and electrical system, the car starts even in severe frost.

Compact dimensions allow even beginners to park confidently. VAZ owners are not worried

-2107" and for the safety of the vehicle. Old Zhiguli cars are of little interest to car thieves.

Drivers rarely complain about engines and transmissions. They are mainly concerned about leaking rear axle seals, breakdown of the solenoid relay, malfunction of the fuel pump and generator. If something breaks, don’t go broke on repairs. Replacing the fuel pump assembly will cost 650 rubles, reinstalling the generator - 1,500-2,000 rubles.

Spare parts, as well as mechanics, capable of bringing the “Seven” back to life can be found in any outback. But you need to be careful with the details, there are a lot of counterfeits on the market.

And another minus of the “seven” is poor sound insulation. The dashboard, central air duct, or heating system control cables may rattle. Some drivers installed sound insulation themselves, so you can find a “quiet” car on the secondary market.

Strengthening the front suspension

Particular attention should be paid to tuning the front suspension of the VAZ-2107. The main weight of all units is concentrated here. It is advisable to install replacement parts of the highest quality; foreign-made ones can be used. We carry out all replacement work by analogy with the rear part.

After replacing all parts with more powerful ones, the stiffness of the suspension will increase significantly. But driving may be inconvenient. A slight body tilt will be noticeable when cornering. Here it is necessary to carry out additional work to improve the suspension of the VAZ-2107.

After completing modifications to the VAZ-2107 suspension, it is necessary to perform wheel alignment. This operation, of course, is best done at the station using special equipment.

What is the clearance of the VAZ 2107

Ground clearance is the distance from the lowest point in the center of the car body to the ground. However, the manufacturer LADA 2107

measures the ground clearance as it suits him. This means that the distance from the shock absorbers, engine oil pan or muffler to the asphalt may be less than the stated ground clearance.

An interesting point: car buyers pay special attention to ground clearance, because in our country good ground clearance is a necessity; it will save you from headaches when parking to curbs.

Ride height of LADA 2107

ranges from 170 to 175 mm. But be careful when going on vacation or returning with shopping: a loaded car will easily lose 2-3 centimeters of ground clearance.

If desired, the ground clearance of any car can be increased using spacers for shock absorbers. The car will become taller. However, it will lose its former stability at high speeds and will lose greatly in maneuverability. The ground clearance can also be reduced; for this, as a rule, it is enough to replace the standard shock absorbers with tuning ones: the handling and stability will immediately please you.

How to install a body amplifier with your own hands

After installing a body amplifier, the stability of the car when driving on not entirely smooth roads in our country, as well as at high speeds, increases significantly. You can increase the rigidity of the engine mounting bracket using a set of supports - “Sport”. After installing this kit, the movement of the power unit during operation is significantly reduced, the amplitude of engine vibrations is also reduced, this helps improve gear shifting. This kit is recommended for installation on sports cars, as well as models that are in the process of tuning.

The rigidity of the bracket is increased thanks to the extension bracket - the so-called crab. Installing a crab involves the simultaneous installation of serial silent blocks, as well as silent blocks with increased rigidity made of polyurethane.

In order to increase the rigidity of the front suspension mounting points, as well as the suspension arms, an Autoproduct cross member is usually used. Due to this cross member, you can reduce the load on the car body by 25%. Using the Autoproduct cross member allows you to achieve an almost ideal balance between suspension stiffness and ride comfort. This combination is possible thanks to the original design of the silent blocks themselves.

The next option to strengthen the body structure is to install the front support of the power unit. Such a support will improve the dynamic qualities of the power plant suspension, this applies to a greater extent to maximum load conditions.

The box-section design will add rigidity to the bracket. The design of the support is shaped in such a way that the stronger the vibrations, the stiffer the structure itself will be.

To reduce the displacement of the rear suspension mounting cups, as well as the place where the rear beam is attached to the body, a rear strut is used for this. Thanks to this spacer, movement will be reduced by as much as 20%, while the overall torsional rigidity of the entire car body will increase by 5%. The installation of such stiffening struts will have a positive effect on the overall handling, as well as the stability of the car on bends, and therefore will increase safety. The lower strut allows you to reduce the movement of the front suspension arm bracket by more than three times.

Technical characteristics, dimensions and parameters of the VAZ 2107

VAZ-2107 is a rear-wheel drive car manufactured by AvtoVAZ, developed on the basis of the classic VAZ-2101 model of 1972. The car is a sedan, structurally similar to the original Soviet car. However, the car has been significantly improved in terms of design. There was also a new engine and additional equipment. The VAZ-2107 has long remained the cheapest car in Russia, as well as in some CIS countries. VAZ- 2107

– one of the latest models of the classic family. The car was produced mainly in Russia and Ukraine, as well as in Kazakhstan and Egypt. In the foreign market the car was known as Lada Nova, Lada Riva, Lada Signet and Lada 1500.

Like the VAZ-2101, the more modern VAZ-2101 is structurally identical to the Italian budget car Fiat 124, produced in the 1960s.

Ground clearance LADA 2107 1982, sedan, 1st generation

Salon "VAZ-2107"

The “Seven” was created on the basis of the “VAZ-2105”. It was a modified luxury version of the Five, aimed at wealthy people. People called it the Russian “Mercedes”. The interior of the car was luxurious for those times. Inside, there were seats with integrated headrests and a special dashboard that notifies you about the speed, fuel and oil levels, and engine heating temperature. The heating system has also been modernized. It directed air flows not only to the windows, but also to the driver’s feet.

Modern drivers won’t be surprised by the 7’s interior or trim levels. The car has no airbags, not to mention ABS and other electronic assistants. In the “top” versions you can adjust the angle of the headlights and headrests. For 10-15 thousand rubles, the equipment can be supplemented with multimedia, tinting and alloy wheels.

The cabin is comfortable for four passengers of average build; it will be a bit cramped with a fifth in the back seat. The trunk holds 379 liters of cargo. You can’t hide large luggage there - there’s enough space for several bags of groceries from the supermarket and a bag with tools.

Shock absorber modification

When transporting large loads (and often VAZ 2110 owners do not listen too much to recommendations regarding load capacity), the car seriously “sits down” and its ground clearance is significantly reduced.

If you have to constantly carry heavy things, it makes sense to install springs with class “A”. Naturally, they will make the shock absorbers stiff, and you will only be comfortable in a heavily loaded car, and without a load it will shake like on a cart.

There are also s, which are installed between the spring coils and do not allow the shock absorber to compress too much.

Interturn spacers in the shock absorber spring

In principle, such a car will no longer sag significantly under load, as well as nod off, but the shock absorber stroke will decrease and it will fail faster.

We strengthen the car body with the help of special amplifiers

As practice shows, the stiffer and stronger the body, the better the car’s handling characteristics, as well as the characteristics of its chassis. One of the effective ways to make the body of certain VAZ models is to install a spatial racing frame or a special stretching of the rear supports.

There is also another option to make the car body more rigid, for example, using a special body reinforcement. By the way, according to leading experts, this option is considered the most effective, and at the same time has good compatibility with VAZ brand models.

"Lifting" the machine

In principle, as we have already noted, this is enough for a more or less comfortable ride. But, of course, many people want to “raise” the VAZ 2110 a little more, based on their realities.

We will tell you how you can actually do this. But let us warn you right away: “raising” the car above the asphalt level entails a number of unpleasant consequences:

• Clamping the springs, firstly, will lead to a decrease in comfort while driving, and secondly, the shock absorbers will suffer as a result, which will not be able to cope with their responsibilities;
• The suspension also suffers from too stiff springs, as this leads to increased loads on it;
• Corrosion is inevitable when using aluminum spacers;
• By increasing the ground clearance of the VAZ 2110, car owners risk the stability of the car while driving. The fact is that the center of gravity shifts, the car can rock, and in some cases it can even roll over. Therefore, experts strongly recommend not increasing the ground clearance by more than 5 cm. That is, the maximum limit should be no more than 170 mm!

"Houses"

Another method of increasing ground clearance is to install so-called “houses” on the rear suspension. The “houses” have special holes through which the ground clearance is adjusted, and they are installed between the eyes of the rear suspension beam and the bottom of the shock absorber.

But experts generally cannot come to a common opinion - whether the “houses” of the VAZ 2110 help or harm it. Some people believe that they are needed when the springs have sagged, and with their help it will be possible to raise the rear of the car. Others suggest replacing the springs and not “fencing up houses”.

Reliable turns

It's no secret that for any car, not only the engine is important, but also confidence in driving. Reliable grip on the road and no roll when cornering are the result of good performance of the rear suspension. Therefore, it is very important to tune the rear suspension of the VAZ-2107 for drifting. By the way, the word drift means a skillful turn. In order for it to be safe, all components and parts of the suspension must be kept under constant control.

Safety

Whatever method of increasing the ground clearance on the VAZ 2110 you choose (if you need it, of course), remember that safety comes first. You want to get a car that will be more stable on the road, and not ready to roll over every minute even on a small obstacle?

Therefore, be sure to adjust the suspension to increase its elasticity. Swap out the regular tires on your car for low-profile tires. To ensure this, also install additional stabilizers.

Refinement of the cylinder head

In addition to the intake manifold, it is necessary to modify the channels in the cylinder head itself, since there is a step between the manifold and the cylinder head that prevents the free passage of the fuel-air mixture into the cylinders. On classic heads this transition can reach 3 mm. Refinement of the head comes down to the following steps:

To determine where part of the metal needs to be removed, apply lubricant or plasticine to the plane of the head in the places where the commutator fits. After this, it will be clearly visible where and how much to grind off.

In addition to boring the channels, the cylinder head can be modified by installing a tuned camshaft. Most often, car owners install a shaft from a VAZ 21213, less often - sports elements of the “Estonian” type and the like.

Replacing the standard camshaft makes it possible to change the valve timing. As a result, the engine cylinders are better filled with the combustible mixture and are also cleaned of exhaust gases, which increases the power of the power unit. The camshaft is changed in the same way as during normal repairs, i.e. no special devices are required.

Cylinder block boring

The VAZ 2106 engine does not stand out for its power, because it ranges from 64 to 75 hp. With. with a volume of 1.3 to 1.6 liters, depending on the installed power unit. One of the common engine modifications is boring the cylinder block, which allows you to increase

internal diameter of cylinders and power. The boring process involves removing a layer of metal from the inner surface of the cylinders. However, you need to understand that excessive boring will lead to thinning of the walls and a decrease in the reliability and service life of the motor. Thus, the stock power unit with a volume of 1.6 liters and a cylinder diameter of 79 mm can be bored to 82 mm, giving a volume of 1.7 liters. With such changes, reliability indicators will practically not deteriorate.

Extreme lovers can increase

cylinders up to 84 mm at your own peril and risk, because no one knows how long such a motor will last.

The boring process is carried out on special equipment (boring machine), although there are craftsmen who carry out this procedure almost in a garage, and the accuracy remains questionable.

At the end of the procedure, pistons are inserted into the block, which in their characteristics correspond to the new cylinder sizes. In general, block boring consists of the following main stages:

• Removing the engine from the car.
• Complete disassembly of the power unit.
• Boring the cylinder block according to the desired parameters.
• Assembly of the mechanism with replacement of pistons.
• Installing a motor on a car.

Compressor or turbine for the “six”

You can increase engine power by installing a compressor or turbine, but first you need to figure out what is required for this. First of all, you need to understand that, due to its design features, it is possible to install a turbine on a carburetor engine, but it is quite problematic. The nuances include both large material and time costs. The most important points to think about when equipping a car with a turbine are:

READ Replacing ball joints VAZ 2107 without a puller

Mandatory installation of an intercooler. This part is a kind of radiator, only the air is cooled in it. Since the turbine creates high pressure and the air is heated, it must be cooled to obtain the effect of the installation. If you don't use an intercooler, there will be an effect, but much less.

If you are not such an avid racing driver, then you should look towards the compressor, which has the following differences from the turbine:

• Does not develop high blood pressure.
• There is no need to install an intercooler.
• You can equip a VAZ carburetor engine.

To equip a VAZ 2106 with the unit in question, you will need a compressor kit - a kit that includes everything necessary for converting the engine (pipes, fasteners, supercharger, etc.).

The product is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Refinement of the intake and exhaust system

Upgrading the cylinder head and manifolds, if desired, can be done by anyone who owns a “six” or another classic Zhiguli model. The main goal pursued is to increase power. It is achieved by reducing the resistance when supplying the fuel-air mixture at the inlet, i.e. by removing roughness. To carry out the procedure, the cylinder head must be removed from the vehicle and disassembled. After this, it is recommended to wash the unit. For these purposes, you can use modern means or ordinary kerosene or diesel fuel. From the necessary list of tools and materials you will need:

• drill with the ability to adjust speed;
• drill;
• flexible rod;
• rollers;
• skins of different grain sizes;
• rags;
• calipers;
• exhaust valve and set of washers for boring over 32 mm;
• graphite lubricant;
• vice.

Replacing the crankshaft

The engine of the VAZ “six” has a VAZ 2103 crankshaft with a piston stroke of 80 mm. In addition to increasing the diameter of the cylinders, you can increase

stroke of the piston, thereby boosting the engine. For the purposes under consideration, the engine is equipped with a VAZ 21213 crankshaft with a piston stroke of 84 mm. This way it will be possible to increase the volume to 1.65 liters (1646 cc). In addition, such a crankshaft has eight counterweights instead of four, which has a positive effect on the dynamic characteristics.

Create an account

Register a new account in our community. It's very simple!

So it’s time for me to look for and weld holes in the body. For almost 30 years, the car went without major body repairs; minor dents and scratches don’t count. I started with what was, in my opinion, the simplest thing - a bathtub under the spare tire. I’ll just say right away that it’s almost impossible to find auto body parts for a penny (only on order and not a fact that they will be delivered). I took the six-wheeler, it’s “almost the same,” but it took half a day to fit it in place. While I took a photo of how I cut out the old one.

cut out with a grinder (welding points are still on the body)

I cleaned up the welding points and found a hole in the wing with a screwdriver...

I had to cut this piece out.

cut it out - made a patch on this piece and already welded it.

We continue the fight against rust and unevenness.

I adjusted and welded the bathtub from 2106 - it’s a little different and doesn’t quite fit, but I inserted it and primed it with filler primer.

Then I took care of the front fender, there was a dent on the edge.

Here is a dent that is slightly disguised with putty.

and two cm of putty at the junction with the door

Such a thick layer, I was too lazy to straighten it, so I just covered it up. The wing tapped from the inside

Somehow it happened and I welded up the holes from the previously installed additional turn signals

the rib is bent, you need to tap.

a little rusty...

Now I tapped and pulled everything out, all with just a hammer and available tools.

The rib is like new, well almost, taking into account the age of 30 years and a couple of accidents. Then I replaced it with a new one anyway, it’s too difficult to weld repair inserts and adjust crooked iron.

Installation of an electric sunroof on a VAZ 2106

The sliding El was taken as a basis. sunroof from Renault Safrane Task: install an electric sunroof in the roof of a VAZ 2106.

Power steering gearbox (column) for VAZ 2101-2107

Razgon front strut extension for VAZ 2105, 2107

In this article we will write about strengthening the body of VAZ 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107 cars, that is, the so-called VAZ “classics”.

During daily use, any car experiences loads while driving, which over time cannot but affect the geometry of the body. And the older the car, the more noticeable this is. And the once cheerful car suddenly turns into a “loose trough.” Such a “tired” body noticeably reduces the precision of control when turning and gets on your nerves when you hit potholes or other road irregularities. Due to constant pressure on the body, its rapid aging may occur, traces of corrosion may appear, and welds may even come apart. So we have a not very rosy picture. How to be? The answer to our question is precisely the strengthening of the body and chassis of the car.

The possibilities for strengthening the body for classic LADA models in comparison with more modern families of VAZ models, unfortunately, are slightly limited. This is due both to the design features of the models and to the range of products manufactured by the enterprises. Despite this, the Motorring.ru online store offers products that will help you take care of strengthening your car:

• reaction rods;
• front suspension arms;
• rear suspension arms;
• engine support cushion;
• propeller shaft support;
• Of course, everyone’s favorite stretching of the front struts.

In addition, strengthening the body has a number of advantages:

• low cost;
• ease of installation and dismantling;
• increase in body life;
• improving car handling.

If you are still wondering whether you need to strengthen the body, then in our opinion the choice is obvious. Of course it's worth it! Moreover, for many people this must be done.

Tuning the VAZ 2106 engine

The VAZ “six” began to be produced back in 1976. This model is long outdated both in appearance and technical characteristics. However, to this day there are still many adherents of using such cars. Some owners try to keep the car in its original form, others equip it with modern components and mechanisms. One of the primary units that undergoes tuning is the engine. Let's look at its modifications in more detail.

Tools and materials

To work you will need the following:

• shortened springs;
• shock absorbers (see the article “What to choose, gas or oil shock absorbers”);
• metalworking tools of various types and types;
• reinforced anti-roll bars.

After all the equipment is assembled into a single unit, you can begin to carry out the work.

What is clearance?

Ground clearance (or ground clearance) is a value that characterizes the distance from the lowest point of the car (most often, the threshold) to the road surface. Ground clearance is measured in millimeters and can vary depending on the purpose of the car. For example, SUVs have higher ground clearance than a regular passenger car. Increasing the ground clearance allows you to increase the vehicle's cross-country ability, but at the same time, its resistance to rollover on the road decreases.

Below, as an example, is a table that shows the clearance

model range of VAZ cars.

VAZ 2121 “Niva” 220mm Lada Kalina (station wagon) 185 mm

As you noticed, the ground clearance of different models varies, and the difference is noticeable in the modifications of the car. So, for example, the Niva has a ground clearance of 220 mm, which allows it to overcome high obstacles, and the ground clearance of the G8 allows it to be more stable when cornering and develop greater speed, since when the height of the car is reduced, the frontal resistance of the oncoming flow is reduced air. Also, the high ground clearance of station wagons allows them to transport large loads without the vehicle sagging or “clinging” with the bottom of uneven road surfaces.

Clearance

The car is also a balance between high and low car height. After all, too high a height, as mentioned earlier, reduces its speed of movement due to increased air flow, and too low a height, although it will provide a fairly high speed and good stability, but exposes the bottom of the car to damage on high potholes and mounds.

How to increase ground clearance (clearance)

Increasing ground clearance is most often done by off-road driving enthusiasts, hunters and other people who like to go out of town. Roads in the city are significantly different from country roads. That is why increasing the clearance for cars unsuitable for these roads is one of the most important procedures.

• First method. An increase in ground clearance is achieved by installing wheels with a larger diameter. This is especially true for cars with basic equipment.

Among the disadvantages of this method are the appearance of a speedometer error and the limitation of the diameter by the wheel arches. This means that if you install a wheel that is too large in diameter, it will hit the arches on sharp turns.

• Second method. Installing spacers under the fastenings of suspension parts to the body, for example, springs, also allows you to increase ground clearance. Complete with spacers, you should purchase shock absorber extensions, or new extended shock absorbers, since when entering a deep hole, the shock absorber may fly out of the cup.

The disadvantage of this method is that the rear spacers are much thicker than the front ones and the increase in ground clearance occurs unevenly. In this regard, the brake force regulator, or “sorcerer” as it is called, receives incorrect information. However, the “sorcerer” has the ability to regulate.

• Third method. It is reminiscent of the second method and consists of replacing standard springs with springs with a large number of turns. In this way, a significant increase in ground clearance can be achieved. However, as in the second method, it is necessary to lengthen or replace the shock absorbers for the same reasons.

Compared to spacers, new springs will last much longer and more reliably, however, in addition to the same disadvantages, they have a high cost.

• Fourth method. Reinforced springs. This option is used for vehicles that are operated at full load. They can be pickup trucks and station wagons, which have the ability to transport large cargo. Reinforced springs do not increase the vehicle's ground clearance, but their use eliminates "sagging" under full load, while maintaining normal ground clearance and protects the underbody from damage due to uneven road surfaces.

Among the advantages of this system, one can note an increase in the service life of the entire chassis, however, the comfort of a trip without a load is reduced, since the rear part will “spring” on small bumps.

Sources:

https://mashinaa.ru/avtovaz/vaz-2107/8346-kakoj-klirens-u-vaz-2107.html https://vazweb.ru/desyatka/podveska/klirens.html https://bumper.guru/ klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/tyuning/tyuning-dvigatelya-vaz-2106.html https://vipwash.ru/podveska/uvelichenie-klirensa

The best way

In order to achieve your goal, you definitely need to think about purchasing only high-quality spare parts

, which are created specifically for tuning. They were listed in the tools and materials section. This is the only way to reduce the harmful effects on all parts of your steel horse.

If we talk about other classic models of the domestic automobile industry, then here all the work is carried out in a similar way. Experts also advise using exclusively special parts and not cutting springs.

As for the actual process of installing new springs

, then it is standard, that is, no additional innovations are required. Everything is done in accordance with the rules of standard assembly of the vehicle chassis. Moreover, each individual part is always equipped with a manual, which you need to study in order to do everything really well.

Do not forget about the negative aspects that this procedure brings. The most important thing is that the car becomes much stiffer. This is felt throughout the body. There are also undeniable advantages.

We also recommend reading our article: “Do-it-yourself modifications to the VAZ 2107.”

Do not forget that after carrying out the work, the brake force regulator on the rear axle must be adjusted. If this is not done, the car will consider that it is overloaded. The rear wheels will skid during heavy braking.

Thus, there are two main ways to lower a VAZ 2107. As you can see, simply trimming the springs is ineffective

, as it leads to a decrease in the performance of the machine. It is better to use special spare parts for tuning, since only they can truly replace original components with high quality.