GAZ-31029: specifications and dimensions

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The domestic passenger car GAZ-31029 was produced by the Gorky Automobile Plant in the period from 1993 to 1997. The legendary machine has become a kind of continuation of the 2410 series. Some design elements are borrowed from the 3102 version.

In its class, the vehicle has become one of the most successful products of the Gorky designers, focused on widespread consumption. In addition, specialized versions were developed, most of which never made it to mass production.

Further in the article - the characteristics and features of this vehicle.

Creating a model

Development of the prototype car GAZ-31029 began in the late seventies of the last century. At that time, streamlined configuration cars with reinforced engines actively began to appear in world practice, which consumed about ten liters of fuel per "hundred", but gave out power 3-4 times more.

It was planned that this car would quickly replace the 24th Volga, but the project was significantly delayed. Due to a decrease in the financing of the plant, it was decided to release an intermediate modification under the index 3102, whichremained practically unchanged compared to version 2410. The chassis, power unit and some body elements were slightly updated. And the original project was put on hold.

Resumption of development

It is worth noting that several GAZ-31029 models were still produced before the start of mass production. But they were intended exclusively for the party leadership. At that time, the state order for the mass production of these machines was not even created. The prototype was demonstrated several times at exhibitions, including in Paris (1981).

Meanwhile, an intermediate modification of the GAZ-3102 Volga replaces the GAZ-13 limousines, which ended in 1981.

Then began perestroika, the crisis, the collapse of the USSR. Already the engineers themselves did not believe in the resumption of the project. However, in 1992, the documentation was raised and put into development, the state provided all possible assistance. It was a rather bold decision, since at that time foreign manufacturers in this segment had gone far ahead, and many domestic concerns switched to the production of more modern, economical and safe cars (Oka, Tavria, Sputnik). Since the GAZ-31029 was aimed at citizens of the CIS, the idea was a success, more than 100 thousand copies of these cars rolled off the assembly line every year.

Parameters

The main technical characteristics of the machine in question in numbers:

• Body - sedan.
• Number of doors/seats - 4/5.
• Length/width/height - 4, 88/1, 8/1, 47 m.
• Wheel base – 2.8 m.
• Front/rear track – 1, 49/1, 42 m.
• Road clearance - 15.6 cm.
• Trunk capacity - 500 l.
• Suspension front/rear - springs/springs.
• Transmission - five-mode mechanics with rear wheel drive.
• Type of brakes - drums front and rear. Later, disks were mounted on the front.
• The power unit is a carbureted engine with an in-line arrangement of four cylinders.
• The power of the GAZ-31029 engine is 100 horsepower.
• Working capacity - 2445 cc
• Curb weight - 1, 4 t.
• Combined fuel consumption - 12.9 l/100 km.
• Acceleration from "zero" to "hundreds" - 19 seconds.
• The speed limit is 147 km/h.

Body part

The body can be attributed to one of the main advantages of the car "Volga" GAZ-31029. Its dimensions are impressive, the cabin easily accommodates five people, although the design of the front seats is not entirely successful, especially for tall passengers. Compared to its predecessor, the updated model received new changes in the front.

Equipment uses aerodynamic contours, a sloping radiator grille, rectangular headlights, swivel elements embedded in the front fenders. The disadvantages include poor body protection against corrosion and not very durable metal. This part required special additional processing and appropriate care. It is worth noting that this does not apply to bumpers, they are made of plastic.

What's in the cabin?

The GAZ-31029 car, like all passenger cars from Gorky manufacturers, has a spacious and relatively comfortable interior. The front seats are equipped with longitudinal adjustment and the ability to adjust the backrests for tilt. They can be laid out, the result is a sofa. The upholstery of the chairs is made of fabric, there are headrests. Landing may be slightly inconvenient for tall people.

The instrument panel includes a speedometer, clock, fuel, oil and temperature gauges, as well as an indicator for monitoring the brake system and direction indicators. Mirrors and power windows are manually adjustable, for an additional fee, the package could include air conditioning, radio and plastic wheel arch liners.

The disadvantages of many users include the unsuccessful angle of inclination of the instrument panel visor. On a sunny day, its reflection is displayed on the windshield and blinds the driver. In addition, the bad location of the windshield wipers and the small capacity of the glove compartment are considered to be disadvantages.

Ventilation and heating

Almost all owners make claims to these nodes. The GAZ-31029 stove often breaks down, the radiator also does not differ in reliability. Leaks through the faucet of the specified element are regularly observed. Such parts must be replaced immediately, as they cannot be repaired. In addition, the radiator opening scheme is poorly thought out, the cable passed under the battery quickly oxidizes, rusts and breaks.

GAZ-31029: engines402 and 4021

The first modifications of the Volga were equipped with carburetor engines ZMZ-402 (for AI-92) and ZMZ-4021 (for AI-76). Later, injection power units 4062 appeared.

The following items were included in the package of the 402nd motor:

• Overhead camshaft valves.
• Gear driven gas camshaft.
• Aluminum cylinder block.
• Liquid cooling system.
• Removable sleeves.
• Four cylinders.
• Carburetor assembly.

The piston diameter of the ZMZ-402 was 92 mm with the same stroke parameter. The mass of the power unit is 184 kg. Analogue 4021 featured a larger combustion chamber. These "engines" were produced until 2006, after which they were discontinued (did not meet the new environmental standards). Nevertheless, when repairing GAZ-31029, finding spare parts for the engine will not be a problem, the components are still produced by the plant.

Transmission unit

The car was originally equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox. An element connecting the rear wheels and the disconnect housing was also provided. Since 1993, the car has been equipped with a single rear-wheel drive. In 1994, the Volga GAZ-31029 received a five-speed gearbox. The rear axle - of the same type - has similarities with analogues that were mounted on the representative Seagulls.

Moving knots

The dependent spring type front suspension is equipped with a rigid beam, pivot cams and pivot joints. On the rear analogue are providedsprings, a pair of axles and hydraulic shock absorbers. In general, the Volga suspension is reliable and comfortable. To extend the service life, it is recommended to lubricate the king pins and threaded bushings in a timely manner. The working resource of the node is at least 700 thousand kilometers. Users note that due to frequent overload, leaf springs may be deformed.

In updated versions of modification 31209, the front brake system is equipped with drum elements at the front and hydraulics at the rear. The assembly differs from other machines in rigidity; for effective braking, it is necessary to press the pedal with force until it stops. Clutch - single plate, dry, durable.

Carburettors and ignition

Mostly, on these Volga models, a K-126 type carburetor was used. It is easy to set up and maintain. Updated models somewhat reduce fuel consumption, but require more precise and frequent adjustments and are afraid of pollution. If the smell of gasoline is clearly felt in the cabin, this indicates improper installation of the fuel receiver or deformation of the supply hoses.

GAZ-31029, the photo of which is shown above, is equipped with a non-contact ignition, which is faultless, the switch also works without any complaints. The distributor functions correctly, even if there is play on the shaft. Candles without replacement can withstand about 50 thousand kilometers.

Steering

This design was transferred from modification 2410 with almost no changes. The main task in the mechanism is performed by a specialgearbox, the wheels turn with the help of trapezoidal steering rods. The column of the car is not adjustable. After 1996, hydraulic power steering appeared on some versions.

Tuning GAZ-31029

Improvement of the car is to improve its traction, speed characteristics, as well as internal and external equipment. Most often, the owners equipped the car with a Rover brand power unit, which was aggregated with a manual or automatic transmission. In addition, it was possible to install a diesel turbine engine for 2.5 liters of the Toyota brand and a transmission from the same company.

As for the rest of the tuning, the following work was done:

• Installation of voluminous streamlined bumpers, roof spoiler.
• Replacing drum brakes with disc counterparts.
• Installing bridge from model 3110.
• Painting the body in original colors.
• Equipped with glossy cast wheels.
• Window tinting.
• Torpedo wood trim.
• Replacing seats and steering wheel with a sporty version.

Modifications

Several modifications were developed on the basis of the GAZ-31029 (years of production are indicated in brackets):

1. 31022 - station wagon with a five-door body for seven seats (1993-1998). From its predecessor, the car inherited reinforced rear springs, layout and bodywork.
2. 31023 - ambulance (1993-1998). Using the car for its intended purpose is very impractical due to the low landing andsmall sanitary compartment. The equipment is equipped with special light and sound signals, a minimum set of medical supplies, retractable stretchers, appropriate signs and inscriptions on board. There is a partition, a pair of seats for an orderly and a doctor, a radio station is available on request.
3. 31029-50 - a model with a new 16-valve engine ZMZ-406 (1996). In high-speed versions, the chassis was changed, disc brakes were installed in front, as well as a non-integral power steering.
4. 310297 - for areas with tropical climate conditions.
5. "Burlak" - a cargo-passenger van, which was never put into mass production (1994).
6. Pickup truck - built as a prototype only.

Prices and reviews

Since the serial production of this modification has been discontinued, you can buy it in its original form only on the secondary market. This can be done on specialized interactive resources. For example, on Avito. GAZ-31029, depending on the condition, year of manufacture, region, will cost from thirty thousand rubles.

Car owners note the fact that repairs are required quite often, but mostly on trifles. The vehicle does not please users with significant fuel consumption and dynamics. In addition, the wheels must be turned with considerable effort, as well as working with the pedals or the gear lever. The owners also speak negatively about the GAZ-31029 radiator and engine power.

Among the advantages, consumers call a spacious interior,roomy trunk, reinforced suspension (the nodes of which must be lubricated in a timely manner), an acceptable cross-country ability, ignition reliability.

The car body requires special attention. The secondary market is full of cars suffering from this "disease". If external corrosion is not very terrible, then internal destruction is simply dangerous. Therefore, when choosing a car, pay attention to this moment in the first place. By the way, there are Chinese analogues of the GAZ-31029 on the market, their body part is even thinner and worse than the original.

Users note that the car's engine is frankly weak, it is enough for a relatively comfortable quiet ride without extreme driving style. Nevertheless, the power unit is easy to maintain, has a high maintainability. The appetite of the motor is incredibly large - 10 liters per 100 kilometers, and in the city - about 16.

Interesting facts

At one time, a tactical mistake at the Gorky Automobile Plant was the removal of the "Seagulls" from production. As a result, various variations with an extended base and an increased level of comfort entered the market: "Cortege" and "Person". They had to fill in the gap. Later, on the basis of version 31209, improved Lux models with Rover and ZMZ-406 engines also appeared, as well as a station wagon modification.

The prototype of the car in question was the GAZ-2410 Volga, in which electronic ignition was used for the first time of all GAZs. In this regard, version 31029 is one step behind. It was supposed to release medical variations, however, due to impracticality, they did not go intoseries. In addition, the same version of the car was used by law enforcement agencies.

Finally

The GAZ-31209 car has taken its rightful place in the Russian automotive industry. Despite the shortcomings, the car gained popularity among the population, as evidenced by the annual circulation of over 100 thousand units. As the owners say, if the vehicle is properly maintained, it will serve faithfully for a long time. Since 2000, Chinese designers have been producing an exact copy of the Volga in question. But it has only a superficial resemblance. The quality of the metal and chassis leaves much to be desired, as does the overall assembly. You can buy a used model without any problems on the Internet, for example, you can find GAZ-31029 at Avito for only 35-40 thousand rubles.