ZAZ 968 is a classic of the Soviet automobile industry. Inexpensive, compact car with low technical potential, which opens up wide possibilities for tuning. And some craftsmen decide on the most exclusive upgrade options, after which the car is literally unrecognizable.

1 Features of the modernization of the ZAZ 968M model

The production of this compact Soviet car began in 1972 and continued until 1994. Since then, the car came out in several modifications, the changes concerned both the appearance and the engine and other parts of the car. To date, the most popular model of the "Zaporozhets" is a modification of the ZAZ 968 M with round headlights in the front and rectangular rear lights. The car is equipped with a MeMZ 968 engine, which develops power from 30 to 50 horsepower, depending on the year of manufacture and modification.

First and foremost, the 968 starts with an improvement in appearance. It all depends on the imagination and financial capabilities of the owner. Considering the fact that the cost of "Zaz" on the market in good condition does not exceed 50-60 thousand rubles, then with certain investments it is possible to create a powerful and beautiful retro car from a "Zaporozhets". Interior tuning begins with high-quality sound insulation, which is easy to do with your own hands. For soundproofing, special materials like modelin, vibroplast, etc. are suitable. Further, the interior is equipped with improved lighting, new seats (you can take the option from Tavria or VAZ), various accessories, such as floor mats, armrest, pedals and steering wheel, etc.

2 Tuning the appearance and interior of the car

As for the body and appearance, the best option for external tuning is window tinting, installing a deflector on the hood, partial airbrushing and installing more massive wheels with large-sized disks.

To do this, you can install some parts from the VAZ. In general, it is worth saying that almost all options for upgrading the ZAZ 968 are borrowed from various VAZ models. Below is a list of interchangeable parts that can be easily installed on regular mounts and places of the "Cossack" from other domestic cars:

From VAZ 2101-06:

• front and rear seats;
• interior door seals and handles;
• trunk seal and exterior rear-view mirrors;
• ashtray in the torpedo and window mechanism;
• steering column switch and wiper motor;
• brake lines, etc.

As for the technical details, some of them can also be borrowed from various GAZ, VAZ and UAZ models. For instance:

• clutch disc VAZ 2108 (it is necessary to sharpen a little);
• brake pads VAZ 2108;
• steering tips GAZ 3202;
• front shock absorber bushings GAZ 3202;
• rear light glass Tavria 1202;
• glass washer reservoir GAZ 3110;
• stop signal switches from GAZ 53, etc.

As you can see, many parts can be found at various disassemblies and improve various mechanisms and components with their help, as well as improve the appearance of the body and interior of the car without resorting to foreign-made spare parts.

3 Tuning engine ZAZ 968

There are many ways to upgrade the Zaporozhets engine. Certainly, the easiest way is to replace the engine completely, for example, with a unit from a VAZ 2101, however, in terms of costs and time, this is expensive and time-consuming, while it will be necessary to change the drive of the car and significantly upgrade the transmission and suspension elements.

You can effectively tune the motor with your own hands in three stages:

Install a carburetor from the VAZ 2101 model and overhaul the engine. The carburetor is designed for up to 1100 cc. cm and is connected through a special adapter. This procedure will increase the rated power to 47 horsepower (we are talking about the MeMZ 968G motor).

Increase engine capacity to 1300 cc. cm by boring cylinders. For some modifications of the engine with cast-iron walls of the cooling system of the cylinder block, the installation of a carburetor from the VAZ 2108 is also suitable.

Thus, in order to properly tune the engine, you need to purchase the following parts:

• pistons with a diameter of at least 78 millimeters (suitable from VAZ 2101);
• piston rings and fingers (preferably foreign-made);
• a set of new gaskets and seals;
• carburetor from any VAZ-a model and an adapter for it;
• new spark plugs and a new muffler (recommended).

In addition to the parts presented, it is necessary to replace the ignition with electronic. It can be made independently or purchased assembled at the car market. After installing all the parts and boring the cylinders from 76 to 79 millimeters for new pistons, it is imperative to do honing (mesh on the walls of the cylinders to retain oil) and mill the manifold, approximately 2 millimeters on each side, depending on the thickness of the new gaskets. If everything is done correctly, then the Zaporozhets engine will add up to 15 horsepower, and you will immediately feel the difference in dynamics.

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