The YouTube channel Cars.co.za has posted a video review dedicated to a stunning and unique Lada Niva that Andris, from South Africa, turned into a hardcore off-roader for sand and rock racing. The Russian classic had its suspension overhauled and its engine thrown away in exchange for a Japanese V8.
There were multiple reasons why Andris settled on the Niva. He needed a cheap vehicle because he wanted lots and lots of tuning done and did not feel like ruining an expensive car with it. Aside from that, the Nica he ended up buying belonged to a friend of his, who had it customized with Toyota Hilux suspension parts and a Ford V6 under the hood. Despite so much work put into it, the friend readily agreed to sell the SUV.
Andris wanted to build a versatile and capable off-roader equally suited for dune racing and rock crawling. He started things off by swapping the engine once more, this time around for a 4.0-liter V8 of the first-gen Lexus LS. Despite only having 230 PS (227 hp / 169 kW), the engine was deemed just right in terms of price-to-performance ratio. Most importantly, it was capable of running on continuous high RPMs without overheating, an essential advantage for racing.
The tuner then installed Toyota Land Cruiser 80 axles and long-travel hydraulic shocks. The travel at the rear end amounts to an impressive 450 mm, or 17.6 inches. He also added performance brakes, a hydraulic handbrake and 37-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires.
Looking forward, Andris plans to reinforce the drivetrain and enlarge the tires a bit further, as he discovered that the current diameter was not enough for certain off-road situations.
