Lada Niva.

From: misha@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu (Misha Pap_isov)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.4x4
Subject: Re: RUSSIAN LADA NIVA IN SOUTH AFRICA
Date: Mon, 07 Aug 1995 15:14:44 -0500

My information is few year old, but may be still correct.

Niva has a lot in common with FIATs of 70-s (the entire plant where they make Ladas was purchased from FIAT, actually). As far as I know, the engine is an exact copy of FIAT's, and works nicely with Weber carburators (if you don't like yours). Performance parts were never available in Russia, however I knew few guys who managed to improve engine and suspension performance. There are four types of engines,from ca. 55 to 80+ hp. Engine codes contained numbers 2101 (small bore, short stroke), 21011 (large bore, short stroke), 2103 (small bore, long stroke) and 2106 (large bore, long stroke). The small bore engines were easily upgraded by widening the cylinders; there's nothing you can do about the stroke. Another upgrade: removing a layer of metal from the head to make the compression ratio higher (you'll have to use fuel with higher octane number, though). The camshafts were replaced by custom-made ones, but I heard that FIAT camshafts were also compatible.

Among the simpler tricks: You may have an "octane-corrector" on the distributor (which simply allows you to change ignition timing within about 5 degrees. You may want to try a high octane number gas with early ignition (which can make valves live shorter, though). Suspension: your dealer may have tougher coil springs, and you may find tougher shocks - and that's all you can do. Use high-grade engine oil, it makes a lot of a difference. If you have original russian tires - replace them.

Good luck MP

Arnt Karlsen writes:

I simply pulled the head off a scrapped 1200 ccm (2101 or 2107), cam and all, and put it on my 2121's block, *same* bolt patterns, this simple trick raises compression from 8.5 to 11.5. Idles *fine* at some 250rpm, starts easy, using standard unleaded 95 octane gasoline for about a year, good power but no dyno data.

[...]

- Arnt Karlsen arnt@hsr.no [4/'96]

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