ZIL Trucks: tuning

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

Attempts by the manufacturer to refine the models

The production of ZIL vehicles 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 carrying capacity of 4 tons. But tests showed that the truck lacks certain qualities, one of which is dynamics. Therefore, the manufacturer decided to refine the car ZIL. Tuning touched the power unit, which was completely replaced. The new engine had a capacity of 150 horsepower. Thanks to the new elements the car has become more load-lifting and hardy.

Attempts to correct the defects also affected ZIL-5301 (better known as "Bull"). Initially, the engine was used for its production from tractors, the cabin from the previous models, the gearbox - from ZIL-130. The truck was assembled as a designer, but there was no time to test it from the developers. Therefore, owners of ZIL tuning cars conduct themselves.

Producers made an attempt to change the "bull". This modification received the ZIL-53012 index. The idea was to combine our own know-how with the technology of imported production. As a result, the chassis from the Mercedes 709D was fitted with a cab and a platform from ZIL vehicles.

What can be changed?

The car ZIL tuning (the photo of which you can see in this article) often consists of the following steps:

• Strengthening the frame.
• Engine replacement.
• Refinement of the salon.
• Increased comfort.

This is a fairly general list of works performed. More specific ways depend on the desire and capabilities of the car owner. In addition, you need to build on the model of the truck, which must undergo tuning. In more detail we will consider three of them: ZIL-130, ZIL-131 and ZIL-5301.

Upgrade level

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

• Cosmetic - small changes which consist in installation of additional elements (headlights, a visor, moldings, a radiator grille, kenguryatnik and so on), painting of a body and its aerography, equipment of a modern audiosystem.
• Average - is aimed at increasing the level of comfort in the cabin, improving the exhaust system, transmission and other individual parts of the engine.

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

These modifications may apply to any of the models.

Tuning ZIL-130

The first thing that tuning is a salon. A high level of noise does not make you feel comfortable. Therefore, the cabin is protected with 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 suffice to replace the upholstery. Native seats are covered with dermatome, which is not very nice to sit.

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

As for the technical side of the issue, here pay attention to power and load capacity. For this purpose, the suspension elements are changed. Replacing the springs with pneumatic cushions will make the motion as smooth as possible. Power is increased by replacing jets in the carburetor, boring the cylinders and the head of the unit, replacing the valves.

Changing ZIL-131

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

• When using a large number of additional elements (including chrome plated), backlighting and similar details speak about tuning in the American style.

• ZIL-131 can be changed also in the European style, for which spoilers, kenguryatniki, engine replacement are more characteristic.

In both cases, use chrome parts and re-paint the body.

Updating the "bull"

The cabin, taken as a basis, has good dimensions. Thanks to this place inside enough for a few people. In the cabin, heat from the home heating system. But usually the air ducts are ordered. The engine from tractors causes a number of inconveniences, connected with strong noise. And to defeat it is very difficult. Sound insulation is stacked from several sides:

• On the hood on the inside.
• On both sides of the motor shield.
• In 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, the car ZIL tuning affects the front brakes, wiring, clutch. Thus, a machine with improved external and technical characteristics is obtained.

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