Klim Baykov’s Kirov-built Zhiguli race car project described
From Kirov, racer Klim Baykov spent years turning a standard Zhiguli into a capable racing machine under the emblematic project known as Engine. The transformation began with fundamental chassis and suspension work that redefined how this older model could perform on competitive tracks. The goal was not merely to install racing parts but to integrate a cohesive layout that preserved the car’s character while dramatically improving handling, stability, and overall speed. This overview details the notable mechanical changes, sourcing decisions, and the engineering mindset behind the build.
The initial major modification involved the rear end. Baykov replaced the factory rear axle with a Volvo 240 axle that incorporated a Sellholm locking differential. This swap provided a robust and predictable torque distribution, a critical factor for maintaining grip through corners and under acceleration. The project progressed with a second major retrofit, introducing a Wisefab five-link rear suspension setup. Implementing this system required meticulous integration, including the adaptation of rear side members into the chassis and the careful modification of floor sections from a BMW model to fit the bodied shell. While the designer still described the suspension as rooted in the original Zhiguli platform, the team clearly executed a thorough redesign. Interchangeable control arms were machined from aluminum billets for precise geometry, and the subframe was welded from sturdy steel tubes to ensure rigidity and safety under load. These choices collectively enhanced cornering precision, tire contact stability, and overall dynamic response without abandoning the familiar silhouette of the car.
In terms of damping and chassis tuning, the project reached for premium components to complement the redesigned geometry. Öhlins shock absorbers were selected for their performance characteristics and durability, while a front anti-roll bar was specified to sharpen turn-in response and reduce body roll through aggressive transitions. A compact sports steering rack, together with power-assisted steering, contributed to consistent steering feel across a wide speed range, which is essential for both track driving and real-world competition. Stopping power comes from Alcon front brakes sourced from a Peugeot 208 R2 rally package. This choice provided robust, fade-resistant braking suitable for high-demand racing sessions, where brake performance directly influences lap times and consistency.
The engine and drivetrain remained faithful to a recognizable, yet thoroughly enhanced setup. The car retained a sixteen-valve VAZ-21126 engine, paired with a Beckert transmission originally found in a Lada Priora. The powertrain was assembled by a Tolyatti engineer named Dmitry Bragin, whose work focused on extraction of usable horsepower while maintaining reliability for endurance runs. Displacing 1.6 liters, the engine produces roughly 180 horsepower in race configuration. This power level, combined with the upgraded suspension geometry, enhanced braking, and improved weight distribution, allows the Zhiguli to deliver competitive performance in classes that appreciate a high power-to-weight ratio and responsive handling. The overall package reflects a philosophy of careful component selection, where reliability and track performance are balanced against the costs and constraints of working with a classic, budget-friendly platform.
Throughout the development process, Baykov and his team emphasized practical engineering decisions that could be reproduced in a workshop setting without requiring prohibitively exotic parts. The rear axle swap, the five-link suspension adaptation, and the custom subframe all illustrate a pragmatic approach to extracting more from a familiar chassis. The exterior remained true to the original design, while the underbody work, the revised rear geometry, and the upgraded brake and steering systems directly contributed to improved cornering stability, reduced wheel hop under hard acceleration, and a more neutral feel in mid corner. The result is a race car that honors its roots while delivering the kind of performance most closely associated with purpose-built competition machines. For those tracking the Engine project, the emphasis remains on coherent engineering steps that align with the car’s historic character while pushing it toward modern race-day reliability and speed. The narrative is a reminder that thoughtful retrofits can elevate everyday vehicles into capable performance machines, provided the integration is careful, precise, and backed by solid engineering choices. (Citation: automotive engineering outlets and project briefings on the Engine program).