At the conference “Let's Exchange NIVA Experience,” the question of installing gas equipment at NIVA periodically comes up. This narrative is an attempt to summarize the available information and make it easier for those interested in finding information on this issue.
First of all, I would like to note that installing gas equipment (abbreviated as LPG) on a NIVA car is absolutely no different from installing it on any other car. Therefore, before deciding whether to install gas equipment on your unit, it is advisable to understand what gas equipment is, what types of systems there are and what are the features of its operation. Quite a lot has been written on this topic in various publications, but there are two online resources that can provide all the necessary information. First of all, this is, of course, the conference on AUTO.RU “Car on gas”, as well as the FAQ on gas equipment created by the participants of this conference.
Some questions and answers
1. “Is it worth installing gas on NIVU?”
There is no universal and unambiguous answer to this question. Everyone must decide this for themselves. Below I present my thoughts on this matter. As mentioned above, installing LPG on a NIVU is no different from installing it on any other car, with the exception of the eternal question “Where should I put the cylinder?”
– Sacrifice the trunk and put it there. The 90 liter cylinder stands up without any problems. – Buy a “small” 50 liter cylinder and place it in the trunk “along” (see on Jor’s website). – Remake the muffler and hang the cylinder under the bottom. An article by the well-known nivovod Jora on his website about his version of gasification of NIVA with a cylinder suspended under the bottom. On the same Jor's website you can find other options for hanging cylinders on NIVA.
3. “Should I quit smoking and will I explode?”
You can explode (burn out) even with gasoline if you do not monitor the technical condition of the car. The gas mixture used in a “gasified” car, like gas filled into household cylinders (by the way, this is the same thing), contains strong-smelling mercaptan additives, so the presence of a leak can be detected even by smell. Normally, a car with LPG SHOULD NOT “smell of gas,” with the exception of specific “non-gasoline” exhaust. The so-called multi-valve inserted into the cylinder, through which gas is filled and taken off, is equipped with a special high-speed valve that is activated (completely shuts off the gas flow) when the filling or supply line ruptures, which can happen in the event of a severe accident. As an example, there was a story on the Internet about the accident of a gas-powered Jeep Cherokee. After that accident, only the gas cylinder remained intact :))).
4. “Which system should I install?”
Currently, there are many HBO systems. All this variety can be divided into two types: ejector and injection. The operating principle of ejector systems is very well described in Zolotnitsky’s book and summarized in the FAQ on gas equipment.
Among injection systems, in my opinion, you should pay attention to GIG, information on which can be found in the FAQ on the GIG system or on the main website of the manufacturer of this system. Since carburetor cars are currently giving way to injection engines (in the case of Niva this is especially clearly visible), then in my personal opinion, it makes sense to install either a GIG (3DL) system or an imported electronic ejector system on injection engines. As the experience of operating the GIG shows (based on materials from the conference “Car on Gas”), the time spent setting up the system pays off in “gasoline” consumption and dynamics. In the case of ejector systems, this cannot be achieved. In the case of carburetor cars, you can install whatever you want.
5. “What are the features of operating a car with gas equipment?”
– Monitor the technical condition of the car and gas equipment in particular. – If you smell gas, immediately find and eliminate the cause. – Periodically drain the condensate from the gearbox (ejector systems). – You can set the ignition 3-5 degrees “earlier”. – At air temperatures below +10 degrees, start only on gasoline. It’s better, of course, to always do this (the membranes will last longer).
Let me briefly talk about my experience installing gas equipment on a VAZ-21213.
So, the question of installing this system has been on my mind for a long time. The eternal question “Is it necessary?” was ultimately decided in favor of HBO. Key points:
Cylinder installation location
Choosing a location for installing a cylinder is one of the most difficult issues for a Niva owner. There are two installation options:
You can install both a cylindrical and a toroidal cylinder behind the back of the seat in the trunk of a car. Depending on the size of the Niva trunk, you can install a cylinder with a volume of 50 liters or a torus with a volume of up to 53 liters.
The only and fairly significant disadvantage of installing a cylinder in the trunk is the lack of space for storing things. This problem can be solved by installing a raised floor above the cylinder. It is made from plywood. This way, you can add a surface to the trunk for storing and transporting things.
Video instructions: installing a gas cylinder under the bottom of a Chevrolet Niva
As mentioned above, installing LPG on a NIVU is no different from installing it on any other car, with the exception of the eternal question “Where should I put the cylinder?”...
The so-called multi-valve inserted into the cylinder, through which gas is filled and taken off, is equipped with a special high-speed valve that is activated (completely shuts off the gas flow) when the filling or supply line ruptures, which can happen in the event of a severe accident. As an example, there was a story on the Internet about the accident of a gas-powered Jeep Cherokee.
A short review of the LPG installed on the Chevrolet Niva, if I missed anything or have any questions, write, I will definitely answer.
offers its domestic and foreign clients the widest range of toroidal cylinder products of various diameters, dimensions and installation location. We offer only high-quality products that have all official permits confirming the excellent quality of our products.
I woke up in a cold sweat and jumped up so that the cat flew off my chest. The four-legged quaz landed on its paws and stared at me with huge, uncomprehending eyes. I stood with my hands clenched into fists and breathing deeply. Blue lightning flashed across the arms below the elbows with a crackling sound. It seems that the pearl eaten during my last visit to the Mechanical Plant expanded the boundaries of my gift much more than I thought.
Before deciding where to install the cylinder on the Niva, consult with installers and equipment registrars in your region, since traffic police requirements may differ in different regions.
This didn't suit me at all. I had to form my own group and be the main one in it. So that only I could decide where, what and how. In this group, I must enjoy unquestioned authority and be the undisputed leader.
It is often easier to get rid of the film rather than constantly paying for it. But how to remove tinting from glass yourself without damaging the triplex?
Considering the entire model range of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant, it is easy to understand that all car models will not work the same on the same type of installation. But the selection of the optimal option is greatly simplified by the fact that only the second and fourth generations of installations are suitable for mounting on a VAZ.
Currently, there are many HBO systems. All this variety can be divided into two types: ejector and injection.
A car with tinted windows has a more presentable appearance. However, according to traffic police statistics, tinting cars leads to an increase in accidents on roads. The requirements of Russian legislation in this matter are becoming stricter every year. Fines for tinting are increasing, and the new year 2020 promises an increase again. The prices in the price list include all discounts for the installation of 2nd generation automotive gas equipment.
If you want to independently determine the size of the cylinder that will fit in your car, first select the type of gas cylinder (toroidal, cylindrical, spark). Then take a tape measure and measure the length, width and height of the niche where the gas cylinder will be placed. Compare the measurement results with the numbers in the tables below.
Having calmed down, I listened. Everything was quiet. He allowed himself to lean over and stroke Diesel’s bald back. The cat, who did not expect such tenderness, first tensed from me, and then relaxed, arched his back and purred, fully justifying his name.
In Naberezhnye Chelny, a fire broke out in a house in one of the elite residential complexes of the 12th microdistrict. The roof of the attic floor of a three-story building caught fire.
Iron that was in the garage, a towbar from 2106, a welder, electrodes, electricity, a disc for an angle grinder, food.
A man died in a fire at a garden society. Just a couple of meters were not enough for him to get out of the burning house, the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reports.
Iron that was in the garage, a towbar from 2106, a welder, electrodes, electricity, a disc for an angle grinder, food.
Installing gas equipment in your field will help significantly reduce the cost of refueling your car. For the category of domestic Niva SUVs, high fuel consumption remains an important factor in comparison with conventional passenger vehicles. And for their owners, it is important to search for ways to reduce operating costs.
Modification of the muffler and tow bar
Changing the design of the muffler is only necessary to install the cylinder under the bottom of the car. In this case there are 2 ways:
- Replacement with factory kit
This is the easiest way to modify the exhaust system. The cost of the kit varies from 4 to 4.5 thousand rubles, the cost of its installation is 2–3 thousand.
At the end you will receive a redesigned exhaust system, which does not need to be legalized by the traffic police, since installing a factory kit does not constitute a change in the design of the car.
Changing the shape yourself
You can change the shape of the muffler using welding. In this case, the muffler is moved to the side so as not to interfere with the cylinder. Such modifications are already considered a change in the design of the car and are subject to mandatory registration with the traffic police. However, not everywhere the traffic police agrees to register such changes.
When installing the cylinder from below, it is also necessary to change the design of the tow bar so that it does not interfere with the cylinder. Installing and changing a towbar is also a change in the design of the car and requires registration with the traffic police.
In general, installing gas equipment on a Niva is no different from installing equipment on other cars. The only difference is that to equip the Niva with gas, a number of changes and modifications must be made to install the cylinder under the bottom.
Before installing gas equipment on the Niva, we recommend consulting with specialists and clarifying all questions not only about installation, but also about registering gas equipment and changes in the design of the car.
Gazservice specialists will be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best solution.
The Niva is far from the most economical car, and the short-wheelbase version aggravates this disadvantage with its small tank volume. But there is a way out - supply gas
In general, gas equipment has as many advantages as disadvantages, but let’s start with the good. First of all, this is a significant reduction in the cost per kilometer. Sometimes double. Secondly, this is an increase in autonomous range - taking into account driving on gasoline, by one and a half times. Thirdly, the engine runs more smoothly, and with an understanding of how to properly use the processes occurring in it, the life of the engine increases. Finally, it's environmentally friendly! After all, we, off-road travelers, are fighting for the environment, aren’t we? The disadvantages, of course, are also significant. The cost of the equipment itself and its installation can reach five hundred euros. The cylinder eats up the useful volume of the trunk or protrudes under the rear overhang. The load from the cylinder itself and gas is added to the rear axle, and this is up to eighty kilograms. If you place the cylinder under the bottom, you also need to change the exhaust pipe - additional expenses, and the ground clearance in the base is slightly reduced. We’ll leave safety issues in the event of an accident and damage on the roads to the paranoid. The bottom line is that Niva with gas equipment has the right to live!
The power mode indicator and switch are built into the center console button block
Since our car has a multipoint injection engine, it was decided to install fourth-generation equipment and hang the gas cylinder under the rear overhang, because trunk volume is very important when traveling. Of course, there is an option to take a cylinder with a smaller volume and diameter and place it, for example, lengthwise. It will contain 35 liters of gas or a little less. This is 200–250 kilometers. It’s quite enough for driving around the city, but you don’t want to depend on the presence of gas stations along the way. In general, as a result of reflection, we chose a fifty-liter cylinder for the rear overhang. It sticks out, of course, but its lower edge is noticeably higher than the bridge, and the elevator will help provide sufficient clearance. In addition, the multivalve faces backwards, and this poses a certain safety problem. Therefore, just in case, we will cover this “direction” with a tow bar. When tests showed that the Jeep Cherokee KJ and Grand Cherokee WJ were vulnerable to rear impact due to the gas tank located there, the manufacturer carried out a service campaign and installed powerful towbars. We will do the same.
Calculation of payback of gas equipment on Niva (VAZ 2131)
The classic Niva (VAZ 2121/2131) is available with a 1.7 liter engine with a power of 83 hp or more. with all-wheel drive and manual gearbox. The car consumes quite a lot of fuel. Combined cycle consumption is 11 liters per hundred.
The machine is quite simple in terms of installing gas equipment. Gas equipment from Digitronik or Tamon works perfectly on the Niva and works flawlessly. There are several options for installing a gas cylinder:
- 50 liter cylinder along the left side. With this arrangement of the cylinder, half of the trunk remains free
- 60 liter tank behind the rear seats. In this case, there is practically no trunk left
- 50 liter cylinder for a car with a muffler modification. This alteration is unofficial, since a car with such an LPG configuration will not be officially registered with the traffic police
When running on gas, the VAZ 2121 consumes approximately 12.1 liters per 100 km.
Each time you fill up a full tank, you will save 1,254 rubles.
The installation will pay for itself in 14,089 km . If you don’t travel a lot: for work, fishing, or at the dacha - you will finish the installation in 8 months. If it’s more, it’s much faster.
The average car ownership period in Russia is 3 years or 60,000 km. mileage
During this time, you will save more than 127,000 rubles on gas.
For owners of a classic Niva, we have made a special comprehensive offer: installation of 4th generation LPG from Digitronik or Tamon with a cylindrical cylinder of 50 liters in the right side of the trunk, along with a set of documents for registering the car with the traffic police at the price of a regular installation - for only 29,900 . So Thus, you save at least 5,000 rubles on installation. This is exactly how much it costs to prepare documents for those who installed gas equipment and did not register it with the traffic police. This offer is valid only until January 31, 2017. Further, the preparation of a set of documents for the registration of gas equipment will be paid separately.
For those who use the machine throughout the work week and cannot leave it for installation, this is good news. From January 4, 2020, we are also open on Saturday and Sunday. Now you can switch your car to gas and start saving on gasoline at any time convenient for you. Even on weekends.
Another important addition: for those who cannot pay the entire amount for installation at once , we are ready to offer installments and split the payment into 2 or 3 monthly installments.
Things from the trunk
So, when choosing an all-terrain vehicle, especially if you plan to often drive it off the asphalt, it is better to choose a model with a spare wheel located on the rear door. Moreover, in a dustproof case, so that the spare tire always remains clean and is not exposed to direct sunlight. For sedans and hatchbacks, a spare tire in the luggage compartment niche is quite suitable. But getting the fifth wheel out from under the car if necessary is usually inconvenient. But if you plan to regularly carry a mountain of luggage with you, you will have to put up with a spare tire under the bottom of the car. This type of spare tire placement is optimal for station wagons - after all, their luggage compartments sometimes carry items that the driver alone cannot remove without outside help. And most importantly, may you never need a spare tire, especially in the new year.
Advantages of HBO
The main advantage of gas-cylinder equipment is saving money on the purchase of fuel. Propane consumption is only 10-20% higher, depending on driving style and generation of gas equipment. But the price of a liter of gas is almost half as much.
A shniva with HBO in a mixed cycle consumes 12-13.5 liters of propane per 100 km (consumption depends on the engine model). On gasoline, these figures are 10.3-11.2 l/100 km. Cash savings reach 40%. This allows you to quickly recoup the costs of purchasing and installing gas equipment.
However, this is not the only advantage of using gas as a fuel. You can add here
- Possibility to use two types of fuel. Installing a gas cylinder does not mean that the machine can only run on propane. For high speeds and intense acceleration on the highway, you can use gasoline.
- Increasing the total fuel reserve and maximum mileage per fill-up.
- No detonation due to the high octane number characteristic of the gas. Unlike 98-octane gasoline, propane burns completely in the cylinders and does not burn out at the outlet, overheating the seats and exhaust valve plates.
- Smooth engine operation. Gas burns slower than gasoline, but does so evenly. This reduces the shock load on the piston and increases the service life of the connecting rod and piston group.
- No carbon deposits on spark plugs. Propane mixes evenly with air and burns without leaving the tarry deposits characteristic of Benin.
- Environmentally friendly. An engine with LPG emits less sulfur and CO into the air. This reduces the content of harmful substances in the exhaust three times.
According to owner reviews, installing gas increases the service life of spark plugs and engine oil by 30-40%.
Operating machines with modern gas equipment does not cause any difficulties.
The automation independently selects the type of fuel in accordance with the engine temperature and gas pressure in the cylinder.
Read more: Lada xray cross owner reviews
Complaints about “pops” arise only from those who decided to save money and install a second-generation system.
Principle of installation and operation of gas equipment
As you know, the Niva has a small trunk. In this regard, the cylinder is installed outside the body, on the roof or under the bottom. The principle for all models is identical, except that installing gas equipment on Niva 21214 and 21213 is somewhat more difficult, because they have a shortened muffler.
Almost any generation of gas equipment is suitable, but for the Niva injection engine, the Gromyko gas injector with a single nozzle is considered optimal.
More often, car enthusiasts choose the GIG 3 DL or some imported electronic injection system.
Such equipment has no characteristic differences in operation, but quickly pays for itself. The installation of gas equipment on a car is described in a general article on this topic.
What generation of HBO should I install?
When it is decided to supply gas to the Chevrolet Niva, the question arises, which gas equipment to choose? Following the change in fuel supply systems in cars, gas generation systems also underwent changes.
By the end of 2020, there are 6 stages of evolution of gas equipment. Car owners and car service technicians call them generations:
- 1st equipment - an elementary system for carburetor cars, where gas is supplied to the mixer when the intake manifold is opened by vacuum;
- The 2nd generation of gas equipment has already acquired an electronic gearbox. Such a useful thing has appeared as an electromagnetic valve that regulates the gas supply. The lambda probe here is built into the carburetor or injector with a basic ECU;
- The 3rd generation is considered a transitional stage to the 4th, it has a lot of shortcomings, a slow reaction of switching the engine from gasoline to gas, so it has not found much distribution;
- The 4th generation of HBO entered this world more “packaged”. It already has a controlled fuel supply system using electromagnetic injectors. It features the highest level of gas supply dosage compared to all previous generations;
- The 5th and 6th generations have sophisticated electronic brains that optimize fuel consumption. There is no evaporator, since gas enters the internal combustion engine in a liquefied state. Such systems are still very expensive, and there are still catastrophically few craftsmen who would install this equipment to the “A” level and then service it.
The optimal solution is to install gas equipment on a 4th generation Chevrolet Niva, where gas fuel consumption is controlled using electromagnetic injectors.
