ZIL trucks: tuning

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Domestic automakers once offered customers a lot of different models. Many of them are found on the roads today. True, some options have already undergone changes from the car owners themselves. One of the most popular domestic car brands is considered to be ZIL. Tuning these trucks is a common and far from rare thing. And if you can agree with their power and endurance, then the comfort leaves much to be desired. And individual models are completely difficult to operate without certain modifications. This applies to the ZIL "Bychok" truck, tuning of which is simply mandatory. And this is not surprising, given the fact that he was “blinded from what was.”

Manufacturer's attempts to refine models

The production of ZIL cars began many decades ago. For example, ZIL-130 appeared in 1956. Initially, it was equipped with a 5.2-liter carburetor engine with a capacity of 130 horsepower and a load capacity of 4 tons. But tests have shown that the truck lacks certain qualities, one of which is dynamics. Therefore, the manufacturer decided to refine the ZIL car. Tuning affected the power unit,which has been completely replaced. The new engine had a capacity of 150 horsepower. Thanks to the new elements, the car has become more load-bearing and enduring.

Attempts to fix the flaws also affected the ZIL-5301 (better known as the "Bull"). Initially, an engine from tractors, a cab from previous models, a gearbox from ZIL-130 were used for its production. The truck was assembled as a constructor, but the developers no longer had time to test it. Therefore, the owners of ZIL cars carry out tuning with their own hands.

Manufacturers have made an attempt to change the "Bull". This modification received the index ZIL-53012. The idea was to combine our own developments with imported equipment. As a result, a cab and a platform from ZIL cars were installed on the chassis from the Mercedes 709D.

What can be changed?

ZIL car tuning (the photo of which can be seen in this article) most often consists of the following steps:

• Frame reinforcement.
• Replacing the engine.
• Refining the interior.
• Increased comfort.

This is a fairly general list of work in progress. More specific methods depend on the desire and capabilities of the car owner. In addition, it is necessary to build on the model of the truck, which must undergo tuning. Let's take a closer look at three of them: ZIL-130, ZIL-131 and ZIL-5301.

Upgrade level

Tuning may include a different number of completed improvements. Depending on this, three degrees are distinguished:

• Cosmetic - small changes that consist in installing additional elements (headlights, visor, moldings, radiator grille, kenguryatnik and so on), body painting and airbrushing, equipping with a modern audio system.
• Medium - aimed at increasing the level of comfort in the cabin, improving the exhaust system, transmission and other individual parts of the motor.

High - in addition to the work already described, the technical characteristics of the truck are improving (fuel consumption, power, handling, speed, and others)

These improvements can apply to any of the models.

Tuning ZIL-130

The first thing that undergoes tuning is the interior. The high noise level does not make you feel comfortable. Therefore, the cabin is protected by noise and vibration isolation. After that, pay attention to the seats. If it is not possible to replace them with others equipped with a pneumatic system, it will be enough to replace the upholstery. Native seats are covered with leatherette, which is not very pleasant to sit on.

Some amateurs choose a Ford E-250 pickup as a donor. To complete the interior, they take the instrument panel from it, which is adjusted to the domestic panel. All this is diluted with improved lighting. Install an audio system and good speakers.

As for the technical side of the issue, here they pay attention to power and carrying capacity. For this purpose, the suspension elements are changed. Replacing the springs with air bags will maximize the movementsmooth. Power is increased by replacing jets in the carburetor, boring cylinders and block heads, replacing valves.

Change ZIL-131

This army truck is still popular. As in other cars, changes most often affect the appearance, interior and power plant of the ZIL-131. Tuning can be conditionally divided into two types:

When using a large number of additional elements (including chrome), lights and similar details, they speak of American-style tuning

ZIL-131 can also be changed in European style, which is more typical of spoilers, kenguryatniki, engine replacement

In both cases, they use chrome parts and repaint the body.

Upgrades "Bull"

The cabin, taken as a basis, has good dimensions. Thanks to this, there is enough space inside for several people. The cabin is warm from the native heating system. But usually the air ducts are streamlined. The engine from tractors causes a number of inconveniences associated with strong noise. And it is very difficult to defeat him. Noise insulation is laid on several sides:

• On the inside of the hood.
• On both sides of the motor shield.
• Into the space under the pedals and levers.

These methods reduce but do not eliminate noise. The most reliable way is to replace the power unit. In addition, in a ZIL car, tuning affects the front brakes, wiring, and clutch. Thus, a car is obtained withimproved external and technical characteristics.

ZIL tuning can be considered a very interesting process. The main thing here is not to overdo it.