Let's start with a definition: tuning is a change in the scope of the vehicle's characteristics permitted by law, aimed at improving its consumer qualities. The purpose of tuning may be to optimize or improve such important characteristics as engine power, suspension functionality, and braking system efficiency. Or you can limit yourself to changing the exterior, improving the quality of interior trim and installing more modern multimedia systems.
It must be taken into account that each car model in terms of the direction of tuning production should be assessed based on its class and purpose, so that changing some parameters in order to improve performance does not lead to the opposite result or, as often happens, success at the cost of deterioration of other qualities. For example, installing wheels with an excessively large offset value on a sedan will not only not make it a car, but will also deprive it of the dynamism inherent in cars of this class, not to mention the absurdity of the exterior after such tuning.
The possibilities for tuning, especially those not related to the critical components of the car (engine, transmission, body architecture), are very wide and are constantly being supplemented by car enthusiasts, so it is impossible to fit them into a strictly defined framework. Let's consider some promising operations in relation to the Lada X Ray crossover, the tuning of which has been successfully carried out by car enthusiasts for the second year of its presence on Russian roads and, judging by the car's sales volumes, is popular.
Engine tuning
The most powerful internal combustion engine installed on the Lada X Ray is the 16-valve VAZ-21179 with a volume of 1.8 liters and a power of 122 hp. The design of the engine allows its power to be increased to 150 hp without compromising its service life.
To do this, a sports receiver is installed on the engine to optimize the flow of air into the cylinders
with the replacement of standard camshafts and valves with sports components.
The engine also has the technical ability to install a turbine and compressor, but their use will only be effective when replacing the VAZ gearbox, which does not allow it to produce more than 180 Nm of torque.
We increase technical indicators
All work related to the technical part is aimed at improving the driving performance of the car. First of all, the improvements concern the power plant.
The engines installed on this crossover are borrowed from earlier VAZ models. This means that they have already proven themselves well. But the technical performance of these installations leaves much to be desired.
The easiest way to improve the performance of a power unit is to perform X-Ray chip tuning.
This will increase power and dynamics, while consumption, if it increases, will be insignificant. This tuning will make the engine more stable in all modes. And the most important thing is that nothing needs to be changed in the design.
The essence of such tuning comes down to flashing the ECU with the corrected system operating parameters inserted into it. But having decided on such a modification, it is important to use only proven and well-proven firmware.
For those for whom the engine performance provided by chip tuning seems insufficient, it is necessary to slightly alter the power unit and install tuning spare parts.
Installing a sports intake manifold and timing tuning elements - camshafts and valves - will significantly increase the power of the power plant. Note that making design changes to the motor will necessarily require chip tuning in order to adjust the operation of the power system to new conditions.
Let's move on to the transmission. There's not much to improve here. The only thing is that you can install a self-locking differential on the version with a robotic gearbox.
This modification of the pseudo-crossover will not turn it into an SUV, but it will slightly increase its cross-country ability.
The suspension used also does not require improvement, since on X-Ray it is quite reliable and works well. But as its components wear out, you can replace them with similar ones, but with increased reliability. This will increase the suspension life.
Also, in the process of improving the technical part, you can do a little work with the brake system. Its tuning comes down to installing tuning discs and pads.
Flashing the internal combustion engine
Tuning the Lada X Rey engine does not end with the installation of the above components - it is necessary to perform chip tuning of the ECU (electronic control unit), that is, reflashing the “brains”.
For Lada X Ray, it is advisable to choose one of the already tested firmware: Ledokol, Adact or Paulus. Chip tuning will add dynamics to the car with a slight increase in fuel consumption and reduce the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases.
If the car owner independently makes changes to the ECU, it will result in early termination of the dealer’s warranty obligations.
Firmware AMT 3.0 and 2.0 Lada X-Ray Updating the factory manual transmission software
Updating the factory firmware for the robot box or AMT (automated manual transmission) to version 2.0 UACXXC060000 V17.06.01.
With the new software, shift times from 1st to 2nd gear and from 2nd to 3rd gear are reduced by 30%. Crawl mode activated. This feature allows the vehicle to start moving forward without pressing the gas pedal. This option is needed to increase the comfort of the robot when driving in a traffic jam. To support confident starting in slippery conditions, the “winter mode” function has been added, which allows you to start moving from 2nd gear. Reprogramming the AMT takes approximately 20 minutes. Updating the factory firmware for the robot box or AMT 3.0 (automated manual transmission) to the latest version ZACXXC060000 V17.06.01 The new software has improved gear shift algorithms and a sports mode.
To turn it on, you need to move the AMT selector to the “M” position (“A” will light up on the instrument panel, not “M”, as on the old version), and then up once (“M” will light up on the instrument panel). When accelerating, the next gear is engaged at higher speeds, and when braking, without waiting for the speed to drop to idle, the manual transmission switches to a lower gear. Fifth gear stops engaging at 50-60 km/h.
Lada X Ray suspension tuning
Structurally, it makes no sense to change anything in the crossover’s suspension – the platform is reliable and quite advanced. But as the mileage increases, its elements, also of good quality, fail. And they can be replaced with components with the appropriate characteristics, but from other domestic or foreign cars. For example, it is better to replace the rubber bushings of the anti-roll bar with polyurethane ones from Niva 4x4, and the vertical struts of the same suspension element can be selected from KIA, Hyundai or Toyota models, the service life of which is longer than standard spare parts.
Interior
In the interior, unlike the body, there are more innovations. Firstly, the driver and front passenger can see their shoes thanks to the polite foot lighting. Several more points in the cabin are illuminated, including door pockets
Secondly, we paid attention to the rear passengers - they now have an individual lampshade
For the first time for Lada cars, the steering wheel is heated along its entire contour.
Since the car is built on the compact B0 platform, the engineers were tasked with making the interior of the Xray Cross as spacious as possible. Several solutions have been implemented for this. Thus, the backrest of the front passenger seat folds completely, which makes it possible to transport large cargo if necessary (the total useful volume increases to 1510 liters). The front seat backs themselves are of a new design, with more developed lateral support. And the cushions below lost the crossbar, which prevented the rear riders from sticking their legs in and sitting more comfortably. Their convenience is served by a sofa that has moved 25 mm back at point H (where the passengers' hips are located) due to a more vertical angle of the backrest.
Sound insulation has also been improved. The arches of the rear and front wheels are covered with fleecy fender liners, and the sills have special protective shields (also made of pile), so that on gravel the stones have almost no contact with the metal parts of the body.
Installing a tow bar
The standard configuration of the crossover does not provide for equipping the car with a towing device, which is indispensable when towing a trailer. Therefore, a kit manufactured by AvtoVAZ is available for sale, including a towbar with all the necessary fasteners, designed for installation at the standard location without additional drilling or other modifications. The design of the device allows you to easily dismantle only the tug mounting hook without dismantling the entire assembly.
The maximum weight of the towed trailer must not exceed the value specified in the Lada X-Ray operating instructions - 1100 kg.
Installation of roof rails
Installing roof rails on a crossover will allow you to use a modern, streamlined trunk when traveling - a desirable accessory for owners of cars of this class.
From December 2021, roof rails for Lada X-Ray can be purchased in online stores along with a set of fastenings that allows you to install them without drilling the roof.
When installing roof rails, it should be taken into account that the installation location is not designed for additional load and does not contain reinforcement, so the inside of the car roof must be somehow reinforced with steel plates or stiffeners.
Since the Lada X Ray is based on the Renault Sandero Stepway, the roof rails of this car are also quite suitable for the X Ray.
In addition, the Infiniti FX 37, which has the same roof characteristics, can also become a donor of these accessories.
Installing Larger Tires
Instead of standard 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels, the wheel arches of the Lada X Ray allow you to install 17-18- and even 19-inch wheels that are more impressive for a crossover, the tire sizes for which will be as follows:
- R17 – 185/55, 195/50, 205/50;
- R18 – 175/50, 195/45, 215/40;
- R19 – 175/45, 185/40, 195/40.
It should be noted that 19-inch wheels require low-profile tires, which make them vulnerable to road imperfections.
Installing bumper protection
It's no secret that Lada X-Ray bumpers are more of a decorative element of body equipment than a protective one. In addition, the complexity of the configuration creates problems during its restoration, and minor damage during parking reduces aesthetics. Therefore, installing additional protection for the bumpers, and to some extent the body, is a completely rational solution, especially if it is of good quality. There are enough options for bumper protection on sale to choose the right one for yourself. For example, stainless steel safety bars, single or double.
Threshold protection with platforms
The installation of these elements is especially effective in combination with the protection of the front and rear bumpers. The threshold protection is also made of stainless steel, and the platforms are made of duralumin. These tuning elements not only allow you to shake off dirt and snow from your shoes before getting into the cabin, but are also not afraid of vertical loads - steel support brackets are rigidly attached to the body.
External restyling
The new Lada X model has a rather beautiful exterior. But, since everyone has different tastes, many are overwhelmed by the desire to modify the body. This can be done in two ways:
- structural - improving old elements or improving new ones;
- cosmetically - coating with various materials, painting, vinyl.
Structural modernization of the body looks like the installation of innovative elements. Such changes can increase the functionality and improve the appearance of the car. Modifications to the first Russian crossover can be made by doing:
- installation of spoilers;
- by installing side skirts or buckets and other elements;
- installing modern functional lighting instead of standard;
- by introducing into the design such protective elements as linings, grilles, etc.;
- replacing side mirrors, wheels, radiator grilles, bumpers.
The result obtained by constructive tuning should not violate regulated legislation, as difficulties with the traffic police are possible.
Cosmetic tuning looks like:
- car repainting;
- tinting headlights or windows;
- applying vinyl or other graphics;
- use of LED strips.
These changes are aimed at making the Lada X stand out among the turbulent stream and provide a lot of pleasure from operation.
This is interesting: Windshield wiper blades on Lada Largus: sizes and part numbers
Tuning crankcase protection
All versions of the Lada X Ray are equipped with engine protection from below, which performs its protective function well. But the standard product does not have a technological hole for draining the oil when replacing it, which forces you to remove and install the mudguard when performing this procedure. Therefore, installing a tuned, more functional protection will save time when changing the oil, and it is also possible to choose this element from steel of greater thickness.
Refinement of the cylinder head
Modification of the cylinder head along the cooling system line is done only for turbo engines. In practice, a turbocharged engine is more powerful, but requires an efficient cooling system to avoid overheating. One of the ways to tune the cylinder head to improve the cooling parameters is to improve the circulation of antifreeze in the cylinder head.
The problem with the standard X RAY cylinder head is that the antifreeze channels are closed and without circulation, which at high speeds increases the risk of engine boiling. Tuning consists of connecting the antifreeze channels to neighboring ones, which increases the service life of the engine and head gasket.
Interior tuning
The interior of the Lada X-Ray, especially its spacious front part, allows you to increase the functionality of the finish.
For example, installing such a simple accessory as an organizer on the front panel will allow the driver to place many small things in visible accessibility, instead of looking for them by touch in the glove compartment, door panels or under the seats.
The organizer is secured with double-sided tape and allows you to quickly remove this accessory if necessary.
You can increase the comfort of the interior environment by increasing the efficiency of the heater fan. Structurally, the fan is located in front of the filter and drives debris onto it that gets through the air intake due to the lack of a protective mesh on it. The filter quickly becomes clogged, and heat does not flow well into the cabin through the deflectors.
The solution to the problem is simple - installing a mesh and simultaneously placing a sticker on the mandelin fan (to reduce the noise of its operation), but requires contacting an official dealer.
As already mentioned, the Lada X Rey has great potential for tuning, and it does not follow from this that the crossover has many shortcomings. You always want to make something good even better, and tuning the Lada X Ray only confirms its promise.
Changing appearance
Let's consider external tuning. Here, improvements to the Lada X-Ray crossover can be aimed at:
- Increased body protection;
- Improved functionality;
- Car decoration;
The best option for external tuning, which increases protection from damage, is the use of overlays - on the sills, bumpers, hood ("fly swatters").
But pipe protective structures - “knuckle guards” and bumper covers, due to the peculiarities of their location and installation, have a negative impact on ground clearance, although they make the car more stylish.
In the “stock” version, the ground clearance of the X-Ray is 195 mm, which is a good indicator for our roads. Installing a “knuckle bar” can reduce ground clearance, and significantly. In some cases, the clearance is reduced to 135 mm.
The functionality of the car can be increased by installing a tow bar and roof rails.
In the first case, it becomes possible to tow a trailer, and in the second, installing an additional luggage box on the roof.
The same applies to the gas stops on the hood and trunk. The standard elements cope with their task only at first, but over time they stop holding the lids. But you can replace them with more powerful similar products.
All that remains is decorative tuning of the exterior. Now kits of body kits are sold for this crossover, but installing them is usually accompanied by a decrease in ground clearance, although they change the appearance of the car significantly.
Wheels play an important role in the appearance of a car. Installing alloy wheels with good tires on a car increases its presentability.
But here it is necessary to correctly determine the wheel size. The best option is 17'' wheels. To install larger wheels, you will have to either select low-profile tires or make changes to the wheel arches so that nothing in them interferes with the wheels.
Additionally, you can use all kinds of small decorative elements - exhaust pipe trims, door handles, etc.
Tuning the grille allows you to transform your appearance well. You can find something interesting on the accessories market, or simply purchase and install a fine-mesh protective mesh under the grille, providing better protection for the radiator from damage.
