Tuning a VAZ 21099 with your own hands: 10 ways to modernize a car

Experts' opinion

Alexei.
It is recommended to carry out work to change the interior in stages. This is due to the fact that with such an approach, from implementing simple to complex ideas, you can gradually make the car completely different. However, you need to take into account that you need to take into account the sequence of work: first we replace what is below, and then what is installed on top of it. Victor

When changing the interior of a vehicle, it is quite important to initially create an action plan that will contain all the stages. This is due to the fact that with this approach it is possible to eliminate the possibility of redoing work already done

For example, if the interior is insulated, then it must be done first, and along the way, replace the dismantled interior elements: the front dashboard, trim elements, and so on.

What can you say about “Nine”

Tuning a VAZ 21099 with your own hands
Despite its age, the “Nine” still remains one of the most popular cars in the vastness of our country. This is explained by the fact that, at a low cost, it is quite simple and unpretentious. This model was developed by the Volzhsky Automobile Plant in collaboration with the world famous German concern Porsche, which had a very positive effect on its characteristics.

Engine

Engine for a VAZ 2109 car: characteristics, repair and tuning

Without modifying the power unit, tuning the VAZ 2109 is absolutely unthinkable. In this case, it is recommended to contact a certified service station.

Serious engine rework involves a whole range of actions. Usually the goal is one of 2 results:

Getting a return of 98 hp. With. and acceleration to 183 km/h;
Sports option.

Getting a return of 98 hp. With. and acceleration to 183 km/h

To do this, the following parts are installed:

lightweight connecting rods 121 mm;
lightweight crankshaft with a piston stroke of 78 mm;
forged pistons (diameter 82.5 mm);
lightweight piston rings;
11.3mm camshaft;
Cylinder head from Lada Kalina.

Sports option

In this case, lightweight components are installed: flywheel, crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods. In addition, installation of oil nozzles, a new gearbox, clutch, copper radiator, contactless ignition system, and a sports muffler will be required.

In addition, VAZ 2109 engines are often bored to increase volume, and an upgraded generator and thermostat are installed. The injection system offers several methods:

installation of a new Solex carburetor;
installation of 2 carburetors;
conversion of the carburetor power system into an injection system.

The last option is quite expensive and labor-intensive, so not everyone implements it.

Chip tuning has also not been canceled. However, under the hood of the VAZ 2109 there is an atmospheric engine, from which, in principle, it is impossible to achieve a serious increase in power. But it is quite possible to make the engine less voracious and more flexible, but only with a competent tuner.

The most radical solution is to install a turbine and intercooler, which implies large and serious modifications.

External and internal tuning of VAZ 2109

Do-it-yourself tuning of the VAZ 2109 is done in 3 ways:

Internal finishing is carried out first, and then the rest of the work;
modification of the car begins with the chassis;
First we redo the body and optics.

Internal revision

Tuning the VAZ 2109 interior includes upgrading the dashboard and installing new upholstery. If necessary, we equip the car with more comfortable heated seats. To aesthetically modify the VAZ 2109 torpedo, it is recommended to use various inserts. Functional modernization of the panel means the installation of additional devices.

External modernization

External tuning of the VAZ 2109 includes modifications to various body elements, including optics. A simple modernization of the external parameters of a car is presented in the form of installing aerodynamic body kits. This kind of work can easily be done at home.

Classification of ongoing improvements

How to connect a new instrument panel to the Lada Priora and Kalina

Before carrying out work, attention should be paid to the classification of modifications

It is conditional, but it determines what results should be achieved. Carry out interior tuning to solve the following problems:

To increase the comfort of being in the car while driving. This group includes work that is related to improving insulation, heating systems, installing new seats, and so on. Note that the insulation of the car interior, which is done at the factory, is very ineffective. Therefore, even with the installation of additional equipment, it is practically impossible to increase comfort in a car in which strong hum and noise while driving is a constant phenomenon.
Achieving an attractive, aesthetic appearance. The interior design of the car in question is, roughly speaking, unattractive: straight lines, square shapes, terrible quality of the materials used, and so on. In order to make the cabin pleasant and comfortable, modernization should be carried out aimed at changing the design. An example is the installation of new panels, seats, instrument panel and other elements.

Sidebar: Important: Almost all work that involves changing the interior of a vehicle can be done independently. In most cases, you do not need to have special tools with you - as a rule, a standard driver’s kit is quite enough

Appearance tuning

The appearance of the VAZ 21099 is very far from ideal. Therefore, car owners have been trying to improve it for as long as this car has existed.

Installing the rear spoiler

This is the first thing that the owner of a VAZ 21099 thinks about. The spoiler is installed on the trunk of the car. Its influence on the aerodynamic qualities of the body is minimal, and this part serves solely to improve the appearance of the car.

There are many spoilers available on the market in a variety of materials, from steel and carbon fiber to polyurethane foam. The choice here is limited only by the thickness of the car owner’s wallet. Some drivers prefer to make spoilers themselves. But the quality of such homemade products often leaves much to be desired.

Replacing rims

Initially, the VAZ 21099 is equipped with steel wheels, which have a number of disadvantages. Firstly, they are quite heavy, which affects both the inertia and controllability of the car. Secondly, their appearance is not beautiful.

Therefore, drivers prefer to replace steel wheels with alloy wheels. They are light and beautiful. And their main drawback is increased fragility. Where the steel disc bends, the light alloy disc will crack, after which it can only be thrown away.

Tuning rear view mirrors

Most often, additional protective plastic covers are mounted on standard rear-view mirrors. In some cases, they are repainted to match the color of the car. You can purchase them at any specialized car tuning store. A mirror with such an overlay and the car body look like a single whole.

The second option is also possible: installing side mirrors from other, more modern VAZ models. Typically, drivers prefer to install adjustable mirrors from Granta or Vesta.

Bumpers, wheel arches and sills

Specialized stores today sell body kits for almost any car, and the VAZ 21099 is no exception. Thresholds, wheel arches, rear and front bumpers can be sold individually or in sets. The most popular manufacturers are ATT, AVR, ZESTLINE. The cost of a bumper from these manufacturers starts from 4 thousand rubles.

How to do tuning of the VAZ-21099 interior with your own hands

Today, car tuning has become quite popular. Domestic cars, which are commonly called classics, are most often subject to modernization. A car like the VAZ-21099, which is popularly nicknamed the “ninety-ninth,” is no exception. We cannot ignore the fact that the cost of tuning a car of this brand will not be very high. This is because most improvements can be made using available tools and creativity. But even if the necessary parts have to be purchased in specialized stores, the unusual interior design, as well as the updated characteristics of the VAZ car, can well recoup the investment.

How to increase comfort in the VAZ 21099 interior?

When considering how you can increase the comfort of staying in a car, we note the following points:

1. It all starts with insulation improvements. The vehicle in question has ineffective standard insulation. This moment determines that the car is cold in winter, hot in summer, the interior takes a long time to heat up, and a constant hum is heard when driving. The situation can be changed by insulating the body. You can do this work yourself using available tools and special materials. However, some materials can be found at very low prices. Note that any major tuning is not complete without changing the interior of the vehicle

Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to this method of increasing the comfort of staying in a car and examine the issue in more detail.

2. In addition, do not forget about the constant squeaking and crickets, which make long-distance movement almost unbearable. It is worth considering that even high-quality insulation does not solve the problem, since it does not come from the outside, but from the inside. Unreliable fastening of panels, cheap plastic and many other reasons lead to the problem. This can be solved by sealing the voids, for example, with the same insulating material, and checking all connections. Over time, the bolts and screws become loose and the fastening weakens, which leads to noise and squeaking.

3. In order to make the car comfortable in winter, a new stove is installed, which will heat the interior faster than the standard one. The new stove is installed quite simply, the main thing is to connect it correctly. However, in some cases, it is possible to increase the degree of heating of the car interior only after improving the cooling system, since the supplied air is heated by the liquid that cools the engine.

4. A fairly popular way to increase comfort in a vehicle interior is to install high-quality acoustics. At the same time, such a modification can be fully appreciated only with high-quality insulation of the body. Despite the fact that such tuning is carried out quite often, only a few perform it well. There are quite a few problems with connecting acoustics. To begin with, you should remember that truly high-quality sound can only be achieved by placing several speakers around the perimeter of the body. This way you can achieve a surround sound effect.

The next point that it is recommended to pay attention to is the seats. Just a few years ago, tuning consisted only of using new covers

However, the seats of modern cars are significantly different from those installed on the VAZ. We are talking about supports: lateral, lumbar, and so on. There are tuning kits that allow you to replace seats with minimal changes to the vehicle interior. They are created specifically for a specific car, which simplifies the installation process.

6. Also, comfort for the driver can be increased by installing backlighting on the front dashboard buttons, an additional element for controlling the main systems, for example, music. Recently, almost all cars have been equipped with steering wheels with buttons that allow you to make certain settings without being distracted from the road. Such a modification is quite difficult to implement, but quite feasible.

7. Don’t forget about the various pockets, drawers, and compartments that can be used to store necessary things. For example, we can mention that quite often a special holder for a mobile phone is glued to the windshield. It significantly reduces the view from the driver's seat, which can cause an accident. The problem can be solved by creating a special place to mount a mobile phone. The most attractive modification would be the creation of such a place with the possibility of simultaneous recharging.

As you can see from the list above, there are quite a lot of ways to implement the task of increasing the comfort of staying inside a car. Some are simple and inexpensive to implement, while others require more expensive interventions.

Internal tuning of VAZ 21099

Internal tuning of this model or eight primarily concerns the engine. The goal of any tuning is to increase engine power, and ideally, also its efficiency. To increase the power of the VAZ 21099 engine, you can bore the cylinder block, or replace the cylinder head with a head from the Lada Kalina.

If tuning is carried out in professional companies, then it is recommended to do it only with the help of chip tuning. Only this method will allow complete reprogramming of all motor control functions.

Currently, car enthusiasts are offered many programs for flashing a car engine; some of the most popular are the “sport” and “economy” firmware.

The “sport” program will make the car much more dynamic and will increase the speed characteristics of the car. However, this will necessarily increase fuel consumption while the vehicle is moving.

For those who, on the contrary, want to save fuel, the “Economy” program is perfect. By installing this program, the car will be easier to maneuver and accelerate easily. However, such firmware is suitable only for those who like calm and measured movement.

Chip tuning is a short procedure, but it is impossible to do it yourself; it is better to leave the car’s firmware in the hands of professionals in car services.

After the engine, you can tune the gearbox, brake system and transmission. You can install the gearbox yourself, since manufacturers offer to purchase ready-made components for it - rows of shafts. The driver’s task will only be to select the dynamic characteristics and install the shafts.

Difficulties may arise in the process of internal tuning, carried out by yourself, but thanks to the presence of a large number of videos on the Internet, any car owner will be able to solve them.

The VAZ 21099 was originally equipped with rear drum brakes, so the condition of the braking system can be improved by replacing it with a disc version. Disc brakes are especially suitable for cars with “sport” firmware, as they work well at high speeds. By the way, when tuning a VAZ 2115, it is also better to install disc brakes on the rear wheels.

Tuning the VAZ 21099 engine

The domestic auto industry offers 2 options for upgrading the VAZ 21099 engine:

Carburetor improvement
Injector flashing

In the first case, it is necessary to carry out simple actions aimed at improving the fuel supply system through a mechanical unit - a carburetor:

Installing an advanced modification of the throttle body or diffuser. It is advisable to install samples with larger markings than standard ones
Removing the spring from the throttle valve actuator in the primary chamber

Such tuning of the carburetor on the VAZ 21099 will increase the air flow, allow the engine to breathe, increase its power and dynamic characteristics.

In case of reflashing the VAZ 21099 injector settings, you need to buy and install a special unit - a controller. This device carries software that will increase power, torque and dynamics. So, tuning the VAZ 21099 engine with an injector is simply carried out.

Helpful advice

Conducted studies show that you should not chase expensive devices; they are ineffective and are often inferior in terms of power and dynamics to controllers with standard programs.

From all of the above, we can conclude that chip tuning of the VAZ 21099 engine does not provide an impressive increase in the technical characteristics of the power unit. Therefore, you should not waste money on this operation.

Regarding direct intervention in the VAZ 21099 engine systems, there is no need for them. The designers turned out to be surprisingly successful with the family of these engines. As standard, they have good dynamic performance and are fast enough for the highway and urban conditions. You can save money on this, but if you plan to participate in sports competitions, the following operations will not interfere:

Replacing standard valve guides with bronze ones
Installation of lightweight valves
Modernization of the engine intake and exhaust systems - installation of advanced modifications of the manifolds
Turbocharged engine. At the same time, do not forget about installing a valve to relieve excess pressure and turbocharged pistons with a “puddle” volume of 16.5 to 20 cm3
To increase the service life of units and moving parts of the engine, a crankcase gas catcher should be installed. It will eliminate destructive carbon deposits on the surface of spare parts.

Carrying out all of the above actions will be a useful school for those who want to learn the versatility of tuning with their own hands.

Engine tuning

VAZ 21099 engines, especially injection ones, fully met the requirements of their time. They had good throttle response and were quite high-torque.

Car owners who want to improve engine performance carry out chip tuning. This makes it possible to change the operating parameters of the motor at minimal cost by reprogramming the machine’s flash memory. Today there are a lot of different firmware versions for the VAZ 21099. However, the firmware known as “Economy” and “Sport” are the most popular among drivers. The economical option allows you to reduce fuel consumption by 6–8%. Sports firmware will increase engine response and will be suitable for fans of an aggressive driving style.

Modernization of the VAZ 21099 engine

Tuning a VAZ 21099 with your own hands should start with the engine. The ideal option is to install an injector. Here it is better to simply purchase a ready-made version and install it yourself. Fortunately, at flea markets you can now easily buy assembled engines, and not necessarily made by VAZ. Motors from the same Fiat, for example, are quite easily installed in the engine compartment.

What will such car tuning give? Firstly, fuel economy, and secondly, more uniform wear of power unit parts. And then you can start installing the on-board computer. Despite the fact that the manufacturer does not provide such equipment, there are a lot of options for upgrading electronics. For example, on the Lada 21099 it is quite possible to install automatic equipment from the “ten”, and thanks to the open software for the on-board computer, it can be reflashed without any problems, “making friends” with the new car.

And this, in turn, provides another opportunity to carry out a unique modernization - chip tuning, which involves making adjustments to the operation of the engine without mechanical changes. At home, doing this is not so difficult, having only a cable for connecting to the on-board computer (the so-called “patch”), a laptop or computer with a free COM port. Before performing chip tuning of the VAZ 21099 with your own hands, you should create a backup copy of the native firmware. If something goes wrong, you can return everything to its place and try to make adjustments again. The main thing is that it is absolutely free and does not require any investment.

You can also reconfigure the carburetor with the engine. This option is ideal for those cases if you plan to upgrade the “factory” engine, without electronics. The last tuning method is to artificially increase the volume of the combustion chamber, which also entails increased fuel consumption. But at the same time, the engine power increases dramatically, as does the heat generated during driving. That is, you will have to take care of increasing the volume of the radiator.

Chassis tuning

During this procedure, changes are made to a variety of components and assemblies. Let's list them.

Replacing shock absorbers

The standard shock absorbers on the VAZ 21099 have never been highly efficient. Therefore, modernization of the chassis always begins with their replacement.

Instead of “native” hydraulic ones, drivers install gas-filled shock absorbers (based on one or two pipes). This action allows you to increase the stability of the car and halve its braking distance. In addition, almost all gas-filled shock absorbers now have the ability to be adjusted, which allows the driver to either increase ground clearance or, conversely, “lower” the car.

Replacing shock absorber struts

Shock absorber struts are another design element of the VAZ 21099, the reliability of which raises many questions. They can travel 100 thousand km, but after that problems inevitably arise. Therefore, car owners replace them with products from Plaza, Protec, Koni, etc. Fans of extreme driving, in addition to the racks, install spacer bars, which make the suspension stiffer, but at the same time increase the car’s handling.

Installing disc brakes

Today, almost all leading automakers install disc brakes on all wheels of their cars. They are considered the most effective.

However, the VAZ 21099 is an old car, so its rear wheels are equipped with drum brakes. Domestic car owners solve this problem by installing disc brakes on the rear wheels from the front wheels of the VAZ 2109 or VAZ 2110. They are fully compatible with the VAZ 21099 and do not require any additional modification.

Transmission

Tuning a VAZ 21099 with your own hands at home cannot be called complete if you have not changed the behavior of the car by upgrading the gearbox of a domestic sedan. It is enough to replace the traditional row of shafts, after which the acceleration dynamics will improve due to a change in the gear ratio. In practice this will appear as smoother movements. If the gear ratios are selected correctly, the load on the motor can also be reduced. Such manipulations will result in a 7% increase in fuel consumption. In addition to the shafts, you will also have to replace the driven gear of the box and the secondary shaft. You should not take full responsibility if you have not previously had experience in carrying out such work. It is better to carry out the replacement under the supervision of a person who is more knowledgeable in this matter.

Conclusion. It is possible and necessary

Of course, the VAZ-21099 will not become a Mercedes even after the most serious and expensive tuning. However, you can significantly improve the performance and convenience of this car with your own hands, and without spending mind-boggling amounts of money. Therefore, the decision to carry out tuning is very justified. You just need to decide on the improvement strategy, choose the most suitable options by looking at VAZ 21099 tuning photos on the Internet or in thematic magazines, and calculate all expenses in advance so as not to go too far beyond the budget.

Bumper tuning for VAZ 21099

One of the fundamental points of tuning the VAZ 21099 is improving the bumpers. Recycling them radically changes the appearance of the car. There are several ways to upgrade bumpers:

Installing a bumper from another model or purchasing a sports, tuning version specifically for the VAZ 21099
Manufacturing an exclusive model using construction foam, epoxy resin, and grinding materials. The complexity of this method is the derivation of symmetry and the creation of proportions. It also requires creativity
The easiest way to modify it is with bumper covers for the VAZ 21099. But they are more of a decorative element and are used to create a complete, harmonious composition

Tuning the interior of the VAZ 21099

Tuning the interior of the VAZ 21099 is an important stage in turning the car into an exclusive model. It can be divided into 2 stages:

Installing new or upgrading standard front seats. For example, you can provide heating to them, and cover the seats themselves with fabric or leather. At the same time, purchasing covers will become a simple but impractical solution for large-scale tuning
Replacement of interior trim. This is not difficult to do, just remove the old one and reupholster the interior with a new one. You can do the cladding yourself or buy a ready-made kit. A good design solution would be to install shaped inserts made of carbon, fiberglass, wood, high-quality plastic or chrome elements on the side panels of the doors.

Tuning the interior of a VAZ 21099 with your own hands is a creative process that requires precision and patience.

Instrument panel tuning

There are two types of them - pointer and electronic.

Most leave much to be desired. There are a huge number of options for modernizing them. There are 3 options for the original panels of the VAZ 2109: low, high and euro. As practice shows, all of them are unsuitable for effective tuning. You can put electronics there (speakers, on-board computer). In principle, the low panel does not provide space for an on-board computer, but there is a global tuning element underneath it - a solid profile top trim. The interior design is being transformed very successfully.

Quartz watches in black plastic significantly increase the level of internal comfort. It is easy to install. If the work is done conscientiously, then nothing will rattle or rattle. In addition, there will be an additional box next to the passenger. But there is one difficulty: before installation it is necessary to dismantle the instrument panel trim. At the same time, one of the well-known inconveniences of the low panel of the “nines” is eliminated: the gap above the instrument panel no longer glares onto the windshield, and while driving there is no need to cover the source of glare with fabric.

Setting up the carburetor on a VAZ-2109

Design and adjustment of the OZONE VAZ 2107 carburetor

Both partial adjustment and complete adjustment of the carburetor on the VAZ-2109 can be done quite simply. If these steps are performed correctly enough, then there is a high probability that most of the above problems will be eliminated.

By the way, you can adjust or tune the carburetor on this car yourself. This is necessary in order to save significant money that will be required to perform this action at the service center. It is much more convenient to carry out this work independently if you have an assistant next to you. In this way, you will also be able to save wasted time.

Before you begin adjusting the carburetor, you need to prepare. To do this you should:

ensure a constant flow of fresh air in the room where the carburetor will be adjusted or adjusted;
place the car in a horizontal position;
prepare rags that do not leave lint behind;
get a flat-head screwdriver;
Prepare cleaning products. In the worst case scenario, it could be gasoline. But it is best to use compressed air.

Salon

The modern driver strives for the maximum level of comfort while driving, but this model is disappointing with its gray interior and lack of acceptable ergonomics. Tuning will correct the situation, but the results obtained directly depend on how clearly you have imagined your action plan:

Soundproofing should be a priority. If you are focusing on minimal costs, treating the bottom will be enough.
The steering wheel of the VAZ 21099 rarely causes negative emotions, since it is optimal in thickness and shape. It is enough to replace the braid and at this stage move on to more important aspects.
The standard torpedo is slightly angular, but one could live with this if it did not creak. Choose a suitable streamlined version from a foreign car, modify the fastening system and configuration.
After replacing the dashboard, you are unlikely to be able to say with confidence that it matches the dashboard. Replacing this element is a labor-intensive and financially expensive task, but this measure is fully justified.
It is better to immediately replace factory seats with more orthopedic options from the foreign automobile industry. This stage is already considered classic.

Tuning the suspension of VAZ 21099

Do-it-yourself tuning of the VAZ 21099 suspension is carried out according to the standard scheme:

Installation of hard shock absorbers. It is better to use a two-section variety
Installation of new brake discs and hub
Replacing transverse stabilizers
Replacing original hinges with spherical ones
Carrying out suspension lifting by installing advanced versions of springs. You can also raise the rear of the car using shims for the standard springs

More attention should be paid to wheels and tires. Many experts argue that light alloys are much more reliable and practical than their iron counterparts. This is only partially true. The main advantage of alloy wheels is their low weight. But this indicator does not provide a significant advantage in terms of handling and dynamics. At the same time, light alloys are less practical than iron wheels.

When subjected to an impressive load, for example, when falling into a hole, they most often burst and require expensive repairs using argon welding. While iron discs can be straightened on the spot with a hammer and continue moving. In extreme off-road conditions and snowy roads, alloy wheels are inferior in practicality to their steel counterparts. Therefore, it is recommended to have both sets of rims and install them depending on road and weather conditions.

Suspension

Complaints about the factory suspension concern both the lack of controllability and composure of the vehicle at high speeds, as well as uncomfortable movement on Russian roads known for their condition. Standard shock absorbers can be replaced with gas-filled ones; they can be twin-tube or single-tube. Visually, the car body will become slightly more elevated. In terms of technical parameters, controllability and stability will increase, moreover, such shock absorbers have a longer service life. Tire wear does not increase, and the braking process itself also changes for the better.

If you take on shock absorbers, do not forget about springs, otherwise all the advantages of the new devices will be negated.

We change the interior design beyond recognition

If the above changes can only be appreciated by those who constantly drive a car, then those discussed below will immediately catch the eye - we are talking about changes in interior design.

As previously noted, by modern standards the interior design of the car in question looks truly historical. That is why we will consider the following methods for improving it from a design point of view:

A fairly common modification is changing the instrument panel. You can do this work yourself, and at minimal cost. Changes, as a rule, consist of creating a new backlight and changing the design of the scale. Recently, a method that involves installing a new panel, which is made specifically for tuning a domestic car, has become very popular. The choice is quite large, the price cannot be called high. A more complex improvement to the vehicle can be called changing the front torpedo. To do this, you can use a unit from another car or upgrade an already installed one. In this way, you can almost completely change the design of the car interior. Installing a new steering wheel from another car will also significantly change the interior design. It is worth noting that the factory-installed steering wheel is extremely inconvenient to use. Therefore, the method under consideration will not only change the interior design, but will also increase the comfort of driving. Significantly changes the interior design and lighting. An example is the installation of lighting on door handles and important elements of the control panel. When driving at night, such lighting will create an interesting effect; you can also make the lighting react to the level of illumination and change its brightness - it all depends on what budget is allocated for changing the interior and what skills the person who will carry out the work has. Various panels, trim and other trim elements also change

Their installation is simple; it is quite difficult to find panels that will be installed on the car without any problems. You should also pay attention to the little things that can be replaced enough, and the result will be very attractive. Examples include door handles, gear shift levers, and so on.

If you wish, you can make the salon truly unrecognizable.

Content

Domestic cars are often tuned, which is due to their relatively low-quality equipment. Quite often, the VAZ 21099 car is subject to tuning, since it has an attractive exterior, good driving performance and is relatively inexpensive.

In general, we can say that this particular model is the best base for implementing your tuning ideas. Let's consider all the features of changing the interior of the VAZ 21099 car.