Chevrolet Niva engines

According to the Chevrolet Niva classification, it belongs to compact SUVs. Excellent technical characteristics allow you to operate the car in almost any, even the most severe conditions. Therefore, the model has become so popular in our country. Let's look at the features of this vehicle, as well as all the engine models that were installed on the car.

Model

For the first time, the new model was shown at the Moscow Motor Show in 1998, it was assumed that the launch in the series would take place in the same year. But, the crisis did not allow the manufacturer to start production. As a result, small-scale assembly began only in 2001, and full-fledged production began in 2002, organizing a joint venture with General Motors.

Initially, it was assumed that this model would replace the conventional Niva, but in the end both models began to be produced in parallel. Moreover, Chevrolet Niva occupied a more expensive segment.

Produced all the time at the plant in Togliatti. This is the base platform of AvtoVAZ. Most of the components are made here. Only the Z18XE motor used in the pre-styling version of the car was brought from abroad. Only used until 2009. This engine was produced at the Szentgotthard engine plant.

engine Specifications

Initially, two engines were installed on the Chevrolet Niva, depending on the modification - Z18XE and VAZ-2123. After restyling, only the domestic VAZ-2123 engine was left. In the table below you can see the main characteristics of these internal combustion engines.

characteristic	VAZ-2123	Z18XE
Engine displacement, cc	1690	1796
Maximum torque, N*m (kg*m) at rev. /min	127 (13) to 4000 128 (13) to 4000	165 (17) to 4600 167 (17) to 3800 170 (17) to 3800
Maximum power, hp	80	122 – 125
Maximum power, hp (kW) at about. /min	80 (59) to 5000	122 (90) to 5600 122 (90) to 6000 125 (92) to 3800 125 (92) to 5600 125 (92) to 6000
Fuel used	Gasoline AI-92	Gasoline AI-92 Gasoline AI-95
Fuel consumption, l / 100 km	10.09.2018	7.9 – 10.1
engine's type	Inline, 4-cylinder	Inline, 4-cylinder
Cylinder diameter, mm	82	80.5
Number of valves per cylinder	2	4
Add. engine information	multipoint fuel injection	multipoint fuel injection
The piston stroke, mm	80	88.2
Compression ratio	9.3	10.5
Supercharger	No	No
CO2 emission in g / km	238	185 – 211
Engine resource thousand km.	150-200	250-300

Often drivers are interested in the location of the engine number. Now it is not required to register a car, but in practice it is still sometimes worth checking its compliance. On the Z18XE it is tricky to find it, it is located at the low tide of the engine near the checkpoint. Embossed by laser engraving.

On the VAZ-2123, the marking is between 3 and 4 cylinders. It can be considered without problems if necessary.

Please note that quite often the room is subject to corrosion. Therefore, after buying a car from hand, it is recommended to check the quality of the number plate, if necessary, it is cleaned. To protect the marking, simply lubricate the pad with grease or lithol.

Features of operation

To ensure long and trouble-free operation of the power unit, it must be serviced very carefully and correctly. It is also recommended not to allow the motor to operate in exorbitant modes.

To begin with, let's look at the VAZ-2123 engine, it is a modified version of the power unit that was installed on the "classic Niva". The main differences are as follows.

• There are additional fasteners for installation of additional equipment.
• The oil filter is not screwed directly into the block, which was typical for all VAZ engines, but has an intermediate insert. This insert is called the oil pump bracket. At the same time, the power steering pump is attached to it.
• Slightly changed the cylinder head. It is designed for the use of INA hydraulic bearings.
• A new pump was used, it is marked 2123. The main difference is the use of a roller bearing instead of a ball bearing.
• The pallet was modified, the front axle gearbox is no longer attached to it.
• Used fuel rail 2123-1144010-11.

The Z18XE engine has been widely used on various car models. There are several modifications of the power unit. The Niva installed on the Chevrolet had the following features.

• Electronic throttle. This made it possible to more effectively manage the fuel supply.
• Two lambda probes were built into the new intake manifold at once.

The result is an original motor with interesting settings. Thanks to the settings, it is possible to achieve some variation in power and throttle response.

Service

To achieve maximum service life, it is worth properly servicing the motor. First of all, it is worth remembering the importance of timely replacement of engine oil. It is recommended to carry out this work every 15 thousand kilometers. Every second replacement should be combined with flushing. This recommendation applies to both motors.

It is also important to choose the right oil. Only synthetics should be poured into the Z18XE engine, the best options would be:

• 0W-30;
• 0W-40;
• 5W-30;
• 5W-40;
• 5W-50;
• 10W-40;
• 15W-40.

It will require approximately 4,5 liters.

2123 liters of lubricant are poured into the VAZ-3,75 engine, here it will also be optimal to use synthetics. For other parameters, you can use the same oil as for the engine described above.

The VAZ-2123 engine has a timing chain drive. As a result, it is rarely changed. The average service life between replacements is 150 thousand kilometers. At the same time, the manufacturer does not regulate the moment of replacement. Everything is determined by the signs of a problem, first of all we are talking about increased engine noise, especially when gaining or decelerating.

The Z18XE motor is belt driven. According to the manufacturer's specifications, it must be replaced at a mileage of 60 thousand kilometers. And according to the experience of motorists, it is better to do this after 45-50 thousand, since there is a risk of a break. In this case, you will get bent valves.

Malfunctions

Quite often, drivers complain about the quality and reliability of the Chevrolet Niva ICE. In fact, there are enough problems here, and first of all we are talking about technical flaws. It was previously mentioned that drivers can experience a broken belt on the Z18XE, in which case the valves will be bent there. This clearly leads to the need for major repairs.

Problems can also be created by the timing chain drive, which is equipped with a domestic power unit. A hydraulic tensioner is installed there, it can already fail at a run of 50 thousand. If you do not pay attention to this in a timely manner, the chain jumps. Accordingly, we get damaged valves.

Also on the VAZ-2123, hydraulic lifters may fail. This leads to valve knocking and increased fuel consumption. Another standard problem for a Russian motor is constant leaks. Oil can drive out from under any gaskets, which is not very good.

Both engines have a common problem with the ignition modules. They often fail on a run of 100-120 thousand. The first sign of a breakdown can be called tripling of the motor.

The Z18XE engine is characterized by a failure of the control unit. Often in this case, a number of problems arise in the operation of the motor. Moreover, the ECU can issue errors from different sensors, and they will change after each reset. Inexperienced mechanics often go through the entire engine until they get to the true cause of the breakdown. Floating speeds can also occur, especially at low speeds, the reason is throttle contamination.

Opportunities for tuning

Chip tuning can be applied to both motors. In this case, by flashing, you can get an additional 15-20 hp. The main disadvantage of such refinement is the reduction in engine life. The reason is the changed parameters for which the internal combustion engine nodes are not designed. The main advantage of chipping is the ability to configure different indicators depending on your needs. For example, you can increase or decrease fuel consumption, or change power. This is a relatively inexpensive and simple method available to motorists.

On the Z18XE engine, a good way is to replace the exhaust manifold. It would be optimal to install a direct-flow exhaust system. Here you will also need to change the ECU settings so that the unit does not give a catalyst error.

The Z18XE engine does not respond very well to camshaft replacement and cylinder bores. The work is expensive, and it almost does not give an increase in power. Tuning specialists do not recommend making such improvements on this unit.

VAZ-2123 is much better at replacing components. Installing a crankshaft with short arms makes it possible to reduce the piston stroke. If shortened connecting rods are added to this refinement, the volume can be increased to 1,9 liters. Accordingly, the power of the power plant will also increase.

On the VAZ-2123, cylinder liners can be bored without any problems. The stock of block thickness allows you to perform such finishing without unpleasant consequences. It is also recommended to bore the valves and install others from the sports version of the engine. All together, this gives a good addition to the power of the power unit.

Sometimes drivers are offered to install a turbine that is not standard. Here you need to look at the engine that is on your car. If a VAZ-2123 is installed, the turbine can and should be installed. This will reduce fuel consumption and also increase power by about 30%. If Z18XE is used, there is no point in installing a turbine. Such a refinement is not very effective, and also very expensive. It is much more efficient and reliable to make an engine swap.

SWAPO

One of the popular types of tuning is SWAP. In this case, the motor with poor performance is simply replaced with another, more suitable one. There are many options for such refinement. First of all, it is worth deciding what you need and which engine is standard. If a VAZ engine is installed, you can try to install the Z18XE, in which case you will get an increase of almost 40 hp. and you don't have to redo anything at all. Well, if only the checkpoint is changed.

Also, quite often, drivers install the VAZ 21126, which is nominally designed for Priora. As a result, you will get a larger resource, as well as slightly increased power. For installation, you will need to modify the exhaust manifold, it is placed on a thick gasket of 2-3 cm, then the pants will not come into contact with the side member.

Few people know that it was planned to release a diesel version of the Chevrolet Niva. It was supposed to use the engine produced by Peugeot - XUD 9 SD. It is almost perfect for shnivy. To install it, no modifications are required at all, only a flashing of the ECU, yet the engine is diesel.

For cars with Z18XE, the same recommendations are suitable as for the VAZ unit. The only caveat is turbocharging. The fact is that this motor was originally intended and used on Opel. For German cars there was an option with a turbine. Here it can be installed by increasing engine power and throttle response. No modifications other than ECU tuning are required.

The most common option

Most often on our roads there are Chevrolet Niva with a VAZ-2123 engine. The reason is simple, the version with the Opel engine has not been produced since 2009. During this time, the VAZ engine almost completely replaced it from the fleet.

Which modification is better

It is impossible to say unequivocally which of the engines is more reliable and better. A lot depends on how you drive the car. For urban conditions, the Z18XE is better suited, it is more effective on asphalt. VAZ-2123 has a lower speed, which is very good off-road.

If we take reliability, both cars break down. But, the Z18XE has much less minor faults that spoil the life of motorists. At the same time, the VAZ-2123 is well known for minor problems with leaks, sensor failures and other shortcomings.