ZMZ plant resumed production of old Soviet V8 engines

Zavolzhsky plant began production of V8 engines under the ZMZ-523/524 index. This is not a new development, but the latest modifications of Soviet engines for GAZ medium-duty trucks.


ZMZ-523 is a gasoline power unit. Of course, it can be converted to gas, which the owners in Russia began to do back in the 90s. But the installation of HBO by a third-party organization always negatively affects the engine resource.

The Zavolzhsky Motor Plant itself offers a gas modification of its V8 - this is the ZMZ-524. This engine is adapted specifically for operation on propane-butane and is dual-fuel. That is, if you wish, you can drive on gasoline.


Recall that the V8 engines that began to be produced again are modifications of the Soviet ZMZ-53 engine. They were collected from 1963 to 2021. Then the engines were discontinued due to low demand.

The events of 2022 forced us to reconsider this decision. The automotive industry lost a number of engines and components for them, which were delivered from abroad. As it turned out, the “easier and cheaper to buy on the side” scheme can also give a serious failure.

In December 2022, the Sollers Corporation, which includes the Zavolzhsky Motor Plant, announced that the production of V8 gasoline engines for medium-duty trucks will be resumed. And so it happened - the motors are already assembled on the conveyor.

The management of ZMZ claims that there is a demand for gasoline and dual-fuel V8 engines in the Russian market. The motors are the simplest in design, have a low cost compared to foreign counterparts. And that cars with them do not accelerate more than 90-100 km / h - this is not necessary for trucks.


It is stated that the production volumes of ZMZ-523/524 power units will be regulated by market demand. PAZ and GAZ have a need for them, plus the secondary market also needs V8 engines and spare parts for them. After all, it's not a secret for anyone that in Russia, especially in rural areas, many old "Lawns" are still working.

For those who have forgotten the technical characteristics of the ZMZ V8 engines, we will recall them. The motor with the index 523 is considered the latest and most modern version of the old "lawn" power unit. Its working volume is increased to 4,67 liters. Power is stated at 124 hp. With. The dual-fuel ZMZ-524 is already developing 138 hp. With.

V8 engines from ZMZ will be produced only in injection version. This will reduce fuel consumption by about 20%. That is, trucks and buses will need about 100-20 liters of gasoline per 25 km.