"Grifon Pro 165" is a compact SUV of domestic production, created on the basis of units UAZ Patriot and Hunter, but with a unique wheel formula 4×4 and a shortened base. The car is positioned as a universal solution for hunting, fishing, agriculture and extreme recreation. Its main advantage is cross-country ability at the level of army all-terrain vehicles at a relatively affordable price.

Model Griffin Pro 165 got its name due to its mass - 1650 kg in equipped condition. This is one of the few Russian SUVs that is officially certified as passenger car (category B), which simplifies its registration and operation. Unlike heavy all-terrain vehicles, a category is not required to operate the Griffin C or special rights.

The popularity of the model is due to several factors:

  • 🔧 Simplicity of design - most components are interchangeable with UAZ, which simplifies repairs.
  • 💰 Low cost of ownership - cheaper spare parts and fuel than imported analogues.
  • 🌲 Off-road capabilities — differential locks, downshifts and ground clearance 220 mm.
  • 📜 Legality - does not require re-equipment for registration with the traffic police.

However, the Griffin also has disadvantages: noisy cabin, hard suspension and unmodern ergonomics. But for the target audience - hunters, fishermen and rural residents - these disadvantages are often outweighed by practicality.

📊 What do you use Griffin Pro 165 for?
Hunting/fishing
Agriculture
Extreme tourism
Daily trips
Another option

Technical characteristics of the “Grifon Pro 165”: engine, transmission, suspension

A time-tested gasoline engine is installed under the hood of the Griffin. ZMZ-409 volume 2.7 l and power 128 hp. This motor is known for its maintainability, but also oil consumption problems after 100,000 km. Alternative option - diesel ZMZ-514 (2.2 l, 114 hp), which is more economical, but less responsive off-road.

Transmission presented 5-speed manual transmission from UAZ and handout with reduction gear. Main feature - lockable differentials (center and rear), which are activated manually. Suspension dependent: front - springs, behind - springs + shock absorbers. Ground clearance is 220 mm, and the approach/departure angles are 35°/30° accordingly.

Key technical parameters:

Characteristics Meaning
Engine (gasoline) ZMZ-409, 2.7 l, 128 hp
Engine (diesel) ZMZ-514, 2.2 l, 114 hp
Gearbox 5-speed manual transmission (from UAZ Patriot)
Drive 4×4 with differential locks
Clearance 220 mm

Important: Griffin Pro 165 is not equipped with ABS and ESP - this complicates control on slippery surfaces, but simplifies repair of electronics.

💡

If you plan to drive in deep snow or swamps, install snorkel — this will prevent engine water hammer when overcoming fords up to depth 0.7 m.

Weaknesses of the Griffin Pro 165: what to look for when purchasing?

Despite the simplicity of the design, the "Griffin" has typical "diseases" that appear after 50,000–80,000 km mileage Here are the main ones:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating - weak point of the cooling system. Often the thermostat or a clogged radiator is to blame. Solution: Install an additional fan or aluminum radiator.
  • 🛢️ Oil leak - the crankshaft and camshaft seals “leak” after 60,000 km. Solution: replacement of oil seals + sealant on the pallet.
  • 🔧 Steering play — steering rods and ball joints wear out. Solution: adjustment or replacement of components every 40,000 km.
  • ⚡ Electrical problems — the contacts oxidize, the generator fails. Solution: check the on-board voltage once every 3 months.

Owners also complain about body corrosion, especially in welding areas. To avoid rust, treat the bottom and sills anticorrosive immediately after purchase. Another common problem is leaking bridges (oil seals and cuffs). This leads to water getting into the oil and gearbox failure.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used Griffin, be sure to check the condition handouts and cardan shafts. The wear and tear of these components can result in costly repairs (up to 80 000 ₽).
How to check the transfer case when purchasing?

1. Start the engine and engage a downshift - there should be no grinding or vibration.

2. Check the shift lever play: if it is greater 1–2 cm, will need repairs.

3. Inspect the transfer case breather - if it is clogged with dirt, there may be increased pressure inside, which leads to oil leakage.

Repair and maintenance of "Grifon Pro 165": step-by-step instructions

The Griffon can be serviced independently - most operations do not require specialized tools. Below are the key procedures.

1. Changing the oil in the engine and transmission

Engine oil change interval - 10,000 km (or once a year). For ZMZ-409 semi-synthetic recommended 10W-40 (for example, Lukoil Lux or Rosneft Maximum). Volume - 6 l.

To change the oil in the transmission (gearbox, transfer case, axles), use GL-5 80W-90. Volumes:

  • Checkpoint - 1.6 l;
  • Handout - 0.8 l;
  • Front axle - 1.3 l;
  • Rear axle - 1.3 l.

Step by step instructions:

Warm up the engine to operating temperature (80–90°C)

Unscrew the drain plug (key on 17)

Drain the old oil (at least 10 minutes)

Replace the oil filter (part number: 2101-1012005)

Pour new oil through the funnel, checking the level with a dipstick -->

2. Valve adjustment

valves on ZMZ-409 require adjustment every 20,000 km. Clearances (cold engine):

  • Intakes - 0.25 mm;
  • Graduation - 0.35 mm.

To adjust, you will need feeler gauges and a wrench. 13. Operating procedure: 1-3-5-7 (inlet) and 2-4-6-8 (issue).

⚠️ Attention: If you do not adjust the valves, the engine will begin to “trouble” and fuel consumption will increase (up to 18 l/100 km), and over time the valve seats will burn out.

3. Replacing axle seals

Oil seal leakage is a common problem with the Griffin. To replace you will need:

  1. Remove the wheel and brake drum.
  2. Unscrew the axle shaft flange (key on 27).
  3. Remove the old oil seal and install a new one (part number: 3160-2403030 for the front axle, 3160-2403031 for the rear).
  4. Pour fresh oil into the bridge.
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Use only original oil seals or analogues from Corteco - cheap Chinese analogues do not last longer 10,000 km.

Selection of spare parts for Griffon Pro 165: original vs analogues

The plant produces original spare parts for the Griffin "AutoUAZService", but their cost is often inflated. For example, the original cooling radiator worth it 12 000 ₽, whereas the analogue from LUZAR will cost 6 500 ₽. Below is a comparison of key details.

Detail Original (item) Analogue (brand) Price original/analogue
Oil filter 409.1012005 Mann W914/2 450 ₽ / 300 ₽
Crankshaft oil seal 409.1005040 Corteco 20013700 800 ₽ / 500 ₽
Clutch (set) 409.1601160 Valeo 826344 7 000 ₽ / 4 500 ₽
Wheel bearing 3160-3103020 SKF VKBA3600 2 200 ₽ / 1 800 ₽

Where to buy spare parts:

  • 🛒 Official dealers - guarantee of original parts, but prices are higher for 20–30%.
  • 🌍 Online stores (Exist.ru, Autodoc) - a wide range of analogues.
  • 🔧 Showdown - cheap, but there is a risk of running into worn parts.

Advice: For critical nodes (for example, clutch or bearings) it is better to take the original or proven analogues (Valeo, SKF). For consumables (filters, seals), budget options are suitable.

Tuning and improvements: how to improve the Griffin Pro 165?

"Griffin" is an excellent base for tuning. Here are the popular modifications:

1. Improved cross-country ability

  • 🏔️ Suspension lift — installation of spacers under the springs (+3–5 cm clearance). Cost: from 15 000 ₽.
  • 🔄 Front differential lock - increases cross-country ability 30%. Set: from 25 000 ₽.
  • 🚜 Mud tires - for example, BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 (size 235/75 R16).

2. Comfort and ergonomics

  • 🪑 Replacing seats - to softer ones Gazelle Next.
  • 🔊 Noise insulation - door and floor treatment (STP Izolon).
  • 🌡️ Installation of climate control - possible from UAZ Patriot (from 50 000 ₽).

3. Engine and transmission

  • ⚡ Chip tuning - ECU firmware to increase power up to 140 hp (from 10 000 ₽).
  • 🔋 Installing a second battery — for powering the winch and additional equipment.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the winch (9 500 lbs) be sure to strengthen the front bumper - the standard one cannot withstand the load.
What engine can be installed instead of the ZMZ-409?

1. ZMZ-405 (2.5 l, 150 hp) is a direct swap, but requires modification of the fastenings.

2. Toyota 3RZ-FE (2.7 l, 150 hp) - reliable, but expensive (from 150 000 ₽ per contract).

3. Nissan TD27 (2.7 l diesel) - economical, but difficult to install.

Any swap will require adaptation of the gearbox and transfer case.

"Grifon Pro 165" is registered as passenger car (category B), but there are a few legal points to consider:

  • 📋 Registration — standard documents are required: PTS, purchase and sale agreement, compulsory motor liability insurance. Feature: PTS must have a category mark B (some early models were registered as trucks).
  • 🔧 Refurbishment - if you install a winch, additional lights or change the ground clearance, it is required declaration of changes made (registered at the traffic police department). Without it you may be fined 500–800 ₽ (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
  • 🚦 Fines - for the lack of dirt-proof aprons (if they are provided for in the design) - 500 ₽, for exceeding the dimensions (for example, after a suspension lift) - up to 2 500 ₽.

If you buy a used Griffin, be sure to check:

  1. Availability diagnostic card (without it you cannot apply for compulsory motor liability insurance).
  2. Absence arrests or restrictions (check via traffic police website).
  3. Coincidence VIN numbers on the body and in documents.

Important: If the Griffin has been converted (for example, a diesel engine has been installed instead of gasoline), there must be a corresponding entry in the vehicle title. Otherwise, problems may arise during the sale or in an accident.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Griffin Pro 165

Is it possible to operate the Griffin in winter?

Yes, but preparation is required:

  • Install preheater (for example, Webasto).
  • Fill with winter oil (5W-40) and antifreeze with a freezing point no higher -40°C.
  • Check status battery - the capacity must be at least 70 Ah.

At temperatures below -25°C There may be problems starting the gasoline engine.

What is the real fuel consumption?

Depends on conditions:

  • City - 14–16 l/100 km;
  • Route - 11–13 l/100 km;
  • Off-road - up to 20 l/100 km (during blocking and downshifting).

Diesel version (ZMZ-514) more economical 2–3 l/100 km.

Which tires are best for off-road use?

Optimal options:

  • BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 — the best balance of cross-country ability and wear resistance.
  • Nokian Rotiva AT Plus — universal for the city and light off-road.
  • Cordiant Off Road - budget option (from 5 000 ₽ per piece).

Size: 235/75 R16 or 245/70 R16.

How much does insurance (MTPL) cost for the Griffin?

The cost depends on the region and the driver’s experience:

  • Moscow — 7 000–9 000 ₽;
  • Regions - 4 000–6 000 ₽;
  • With coefficient KBM 0.7 (for accident-free driving) - up to 30% cheaper.

Casco will cost 30 000–50 000 ₽ per year.

Is it possible to install gas equipment?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Only 4th generation HBO (for example, Lovato or BRC).
  • Mandatory registration with the traffic police (amending the PTS).
  • Gas consumption - 16–18 l/100 km (savings up to 40% compared to gasoline).

Installation cost: from 40 000 ₽.