The domestic passenger car GAZ-31029 was produced by the Gorky Automobile Plant in the period from 1993 to 1997. The legendary car was a kind of continuation of the 2410 series. Some structural elements were borrowed from version 3102.
In its class, the vehicle has become one of the most successful products of Gorky designers focused on widespread consumption. In addition, specialized versions were developed, most of which did not reach mass production.
Further in the article are the characteristics and features of this vehicle.
Model creation
The development of the prototype GAZ-31029 auto began back in the late seventies of the last century. At that time, streamlined configuration machines with amplified engines began to appear in world practice, which consumed about ten liters of fuel per “hundred”, but they gave out power 3-4 times more.
It was planned that this car will quickly replace the 24th Volga, but the implementation of the project was significantly delayed. Due to the reduction in the financing of the plant, it was decided to release an intermediate modification under the index 3102, which practically did not change compared to version 2410. The chassis, power unit and some elements of the body were slightly updated. And the initial project was transferred to the stage of freezing.
Resume Development
It is worth noting that several GAZ-31029 models were nevertheless released before the start of mass production. But they were intended exclusively for party leadership. At that time, the state order for the mass production of these machines was not even created. The prototype was shown several times at exhibitions, including in Paris (1981).
Meanwhile, an intermediate modification of the GAZ-3102 Volga replaces the GAZ-13 limousines, which were completed 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. This was a rather bold decision, because at that time foreign manufacturers in this segment went far ahead, and many domestic concerns switched to the production of more modern, economical and safe passenger 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 went off the assembly line annually.
Options
The main technical characteristics of the machine in numbers:
- The body is a sedan.
- The number of doors / seats is 4/5.
- Length / width / height - 4.88 / 1.8 / 1.47 m.
- Wheelbase - 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, they began to mount disks in front of them.
- The power unit is a carburetor engine with an in-line arrangement of four cylinders.
- Engine power GAZ-31029 - 100 horsepower.
- The volume is 2445 cc.
- The curb weight is 1.4 tons.
- Combined fuel consumption is 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 Volga GAZ-31029. Its dimensions are impressive, five people can easily be accommodated in the cabin, although the design of the front seats is not entirely successful, especially for tall passengers. Compared with its predecessor, the updated model has received new changes in the front.
The equipment used aerodynamic contours, an inclined radiator grill, rectangular headlights, rotary elements embedded in the front wings. The disadvantages include poor body corrosion protection and not very strong 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 backs for tilt. They can be laid out, the result is a sofa. The upholstery of the seats is made of fabric, there are head restraints. Landing can create some inconvenience for people of high stature.
On the instrument panel there is a speedometer, clock, fuel, oil and temperature indicators, 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 fenders.
Many users attribute the disadvantages to the unsuccessful tilt angle of the instrument panel visor. On a sunny day, his reflection is displayed on the “windshield” and blinds the driver. In addition, the disadvantages are the poor location of the wipers and the small capacity of the glove compartment.
Ventilation and heating
Almost all owners make claims to these nodes. The GAZ-31029 stove often breaks, the radiator is also not reliable. Leaks through the tap of the indicated 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: engines 402 and 4021
The first modifications of the Volga were equipped with carburetor engines ZMZ-402 (under AI-92) and ZMZ-4021 (under AI-76). Later appeared injector power units 4062.
The 402nd motor was equipped with the following elements:
- Valves with an upper arrangement and a lower camshaft.
- Gear camshaft drive.
- Aluminum cylinder block.
- Liquid cooling system.
- Removable sleeves.
- Four cylinders.
- Carburetor unit.
The diameter of the piston in the ZMZ-402 was 92 mm with a similar stroke parameter. The mass of the power unit is 184 kg. Analog 4021 was distinguished by 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 the GAZ-31029, finding spare parts for the motor will not be a problem, components are still produced by the plant.
Transmission unit
The machine was originally equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox. An element was also provided connecting the rear wheels and the disconnect housing. Since 1993, the car is equipped with a single rear-wheel drive. In 1994, the Volga GAZ-31029 received a five-speed gearbox. The rear axle - of a single type - has similarities with the counterparts that were mounted on the representative "Seagulls".
Running nodes
The dependent front spring suspension is equipped with a rigid beam, swivel cams and pivot joints. At the rear, springs, a pair of axles and hydraulic shock absorbers are provided. In general, the Volga suspension is reliable and convenient. In order to extend the service life, it is recommended to lubricate the pivots and threaded bushings in a timely manner. The working resource of the site is at least 700 thousand kilometers. Users note that due to frequent overloading, spring sheets may be deformed.
In the updated versions of modification 31209, the brake system in the front is equipped with drum elements in the front and hydraulics in the rear. The knot differs from other machines in rigidity, for effective braking it is necessary to press the pedal with the force to the stop. Clutch - single plate, dry, durable.
Carburetors and ignition
Basically, on these Volga models, a K-126 carburetor was used. It is easy to set up and maintain. Updated models slightly reduce fuel consumption, but require more precise and frequent adjustments and are afraid of pollution. If the cabin clearly smells of gasoline, this indicates the incorrect installation of the fuel receiver or deformation of the supply hoses.
GAZ-31029, the photo of which is given above, is equipped with non-contact ignition, distinguished by reliability, the switch also works without any complaints. The tumbler functions correctly, even if there is play on the shaft. Candles without replacement can withstand about 50 thousand kilometers.
Steering
This design almost without changes passed from modification 2410. The main task in the mechanism is performed by a special gearbox, the wheels are turned using trapezoidal steering rods. The car speaker is not adjustable. After 1996, a hydraulic power steering appeared on some versions.
Tuning GAZ-31029
The 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 power unit of the Rover brand, which it aggregated with a mechanical or automatic transmission. In addition, it was possible to install a diesel turbine engine of 2.5 liters of the Toyota brand and a transmission of the same company.
As for the rest of the tuning, the following works were performed:
- Installation of volumetric streamlined bumpers, roof spoiler.
- Replacing drum brakes with disc counterparts.
- Installing a bridge with model 3110.
- Body painting in original colors.
- Equipped with cast shiny wheels.
- Tinted glass.
- Finishing a torpedo under a tree.
- Replacing seats and steering wheel for a sporty option.
Modifications
Based on the GAZ-31029, several modifications were developed (the years of manufacture are indicated in parentheses):
- 31022 - station wagon with a five-door body for seven seats (1993-1998). From its predecessor, the car inherited reinforced rear springs, layout and trim.
- 31023 - ambulance (1993-1998). Using the car for its intended purpose is very impractical due to the low landing and the small volume of the sanitary compartment. The equipment is equipped with special light and sound signals, a minimum set of medical accessories, 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.
- 31029-50 - model with a new 16-valve engine ZMZ-406 (1996). In the high-speed versions, the chassis was changed, disc brakes were installed in front, as well as a non-integral power steering.
- 310297 - for areas with tropical climatic conditions.
- “Burlak” is a cargo-passenger van, which was never put into mass production (1994).
- Pickup - created only as a prototype.
Prices and reviews
Since serial production of this modification has been discontinued, in its original form it can only be bought 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 thirty thousand rubles.
Car owners note the fact that repairs are required quite often, but mostly on the little things. The vehicle does not please users with significant fuel consumption and dynamics. In addition, it is necessary to turn the wheels with considerable effort, as well as work with pedals or the gear lever. Owners also speak negatively about the GAZ-31029 radiator and engine power.
Among the pluses, consumers call a spacious interior, a roomy trunk, reinforced suspension (components of which must be lubricated in a timely manner), an acceptable indicator of throughput, and 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 scary, then internal damage is simply dangerous. Therefore, when choosing a car, pay attention at this moment in the first place. By the way, there are Chinese analogues of the GAZ-31029 on the market, their bodywork 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 appetites of the engine are 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 Seagulls from production. As a result, various variations with an elongated base and an increased level of comfort entered the market: “Cortege” and “Persona”. They were supposed to fill the gap. Later, on the basis of version 31209, improved Lux models also appeared with Rover and ZMZ-406 motors, as well as a station wagon modification.
The prototype of the car in question was the GAZ-2410 Volga, in which for the first time of all GAZs electronic ignition was used. In this regard, version 31029 is one step behind. It was supposed to release medical variations, but because of the impracticality, they did not go into series. In addition, in the same performance, the car was used by law enforcement agencies.
In conclusion
GAZ-31209 car took a worthy place in the Russian automotive industry. Despite the existing shortcomings, the machine gained popularity among the population, as evidenced by the annual circulation of over 100 thousand units. As the owners say, if the vehicle is provided with proper care, it will serve faithfully for a long time. Since 2000, Chinese designers have been producing an exact copy of the Volga in question. But she has only an external resemblance. The quality of the metal and the running gear leaves much to be desired, as does the general assembly. Buy a used model without problems on the Internet, for example, on the Avito GAZ-31029 can be found in just 35-40 thousand rubles.