Body Kit Discussion for the NB Miata

When you own an NB Miata you quickly learn that its charm lies in that signature “smiling” front face. But as time goes on and you see more of these beloved roadsters hitting the show circuit, or even tearing up local mountain passes, you might start to wonder if it’s worth going widebody.  

To give you a clear roadmap, we’ll talk about whether or not you really “need” to widebody (especially if your fenders are in perfect shape), how a widebody affects drivability, what to expect in terms of aesthetics and fitment, where it can significantly enhance performance, and finally how all these factors impact your wallet. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to decide if you want to join the ranks of wide-fendered Miata enthusiasts, or if you’d rather keep your NB in its stock (and still very lovable) form.

Why Widebody?

Many Miata owners find themselves itching for a widebody conversion simply because it looks awesome and sets their car apart. For most, the decision should be more a matter of practicality-meets-vanity.

However, plenty of NB Miatas suffer from rust in the rocker panels and rear quarter arches, common weak spots for this generation. Sometimes, a widebody kit is cheaper and easier than trying to patch or replace OEM metal, especially if the damage is extensive. But there’s also the flip side: if your NB is clean and free of corrosion, slicing into perfectly good metal can hurt its future resale value and potentially discourage buyers who prefer a pristine, unmodified body. So, if you plan to keep your Miata forever, have at it! If not, weigh that factor carefully.

Drivability

One aspect of widebody conversions that often flies under the radar is how they affect everyday drivability. Going wide can mean you’ll need wider wheels and tires, which can reduce steering lock if you don’t modify the inner fenders. In tight spaces, like cramped urban parking or sharp U-turns, you might notice rubbing at full lock if you haven’t done a proper “tub” job on the front arches.

If your Miata is your main commuter in a busy city, this can get old fast. On the other hand, if your NB only sees weekend or track use, you may not care as much. Alignments also come into play once you push the wheels outboard. Lowering the car and adjusting camber can help with stance and handling, but it might also lead to more frequent tire wear if done improperly. Ultimately, it’s a balancing act between looking cool, going fast, and preserving daily comfort.

Aesthetics

Let’s talk style because that’s arguably the biggest draw for many Miata enthusiasts who want to go widebody. The NB Miata has a playful, smiling face, much more inviting than some of its competitors, and widebody kits can either enhance that personality or drastically transform it.

The Rocket Bunny/TRA Kyoto kit is one of the most popular and recognizable options on the market. Designed by Kei Miura, Rocket Bunny kits are known for flowing lines that manage to stay true to the Miata’s friendly demeanor while injecting a more aggressive stance. Expect to pay somewhere in the range of $2,500–$3,000 for an authentic kit, though you might find replicas at a cheaper price point (with all the usual caveats about questionable fitment).

If you’re looking for something a bit more flexible or budget-friendly, KBD often offers polyurethane kits that aren’t necessarily full widebody replacements but do include extended fenders or flares. These can be less labor-intensive if you don’t need to cut the body as much, which might be appealing if you aren’t ready to hack up your Miata.

Another company to consider is CarbonMiata, which specializes in not just widebody kits but also smaller flares and custom body panels for the NB. Their products can range from subtle add-ons (like extended fender flares that preserve some of the stock lines) to full-on race-inspired pieces. One thing CarbonMiata is praised for is offering pieces in carbon fiber or fiberglass, catering to both weight-conscious track enthusiasts and those looking for more affordable materials.

Finally, Pistonzero/Mozy3D is the talk of the town on social media, with eye-catching render-based kits that give the NB a more futuristic sports-car vibe. While some love the over-the-top design, others feel it deviates too far from the Miata’s core identity. Real-world availability and the high cost (often rumored to be $5,000+) have made it a bit elusive, but if you’re someone who wants a showstopper build, and you’re not afraid to be on the bleeding edge, this might be worth a look.

Performance & Handling

Once you’ve addressed the look, the great thing about going widebody is the performance potential you unlock. Simply put, wider fenders allow you to run wider wheels and tires. If you move from the stock 185/195 range to something in the 225 or 245 range, you’ll notice a huge difference in grip when cornering.

Still, there are possible downsides. Adding wider wheels and tires means more rolling resistance, which can sap a bit of acceleration, especially if you’re still rocking the factory ~140 hp setup. That extra grip may also start exposing weaknesses in your suspension. Bump-steer can become more noticeable, and certain alignment quirks become magnified with a wider track. If you’re going to track the car, you might consider a roll bar or chassis bracing to handle those bigger cornering forces. And if you’re serious about racing or drifting, tubbing the front fenders for additional clearance becomes all but mandatory.

Cost Analysis & Budget Planning

While slapping on wide fenders sounds simple, it’s far from just buying a kit. You’ll likely need new wheels with lower offsets to fill those arches properly, and you’ll also want wider tires. A typical Rocket Bunny kit costs around $2,500–$3,000, and you might spend another $3,000 or so on wheels (if you’re going high-quality forged or flow-formed). Tires can add another $700–$1,200, depending on the brand and width.

Suspension is another area you can’t neglect. At minimum, a decent set of coilovers (in the $700–$1,500 range) helps you dial in ride height and alignment. On the labor side, paying a shop to cut your fenders and properly fit the kit could easily set you back $1,000–$3,000, and that’s before you paint or wrap the car (anywhere from $1,000–$5,000+). If you’re comparing authentic kits to replicas, remember that cheaper kits can lead to higher labor costs because of inconsistent panel fitment.

The W.D Verdict

So, should you go widebody on your NB Miata? The short answer is: it depends on your goals and how attached you are to preserving a stock body. If you have existing body damage or rust, a widebody kit might be a stylish way to fix what’s already broken. If you’re committed to keeping the car long-term and want more aggressive wheels, it’s a no-brainer. But if you’re a purest or worried about collectibility, remember that cutting up a clean NB can be a one-way journey, there’s no going back once the saws come out.

Personally, we have zero regrets.

Community Feedback

If you hop on Reddit (particularly r/Miata), you’ll see a wide range of opinions about widebody conversions. Many people adore the look of the Pistonzero/Mozy3D design, praising its uniqueness, while others argue that it’s “too aggressive” for the NB’s playful nature. You’ll also find discussions about how older NA kits don’t fit the NB perfectly due to differences in headlights, bumpers, and body lines, so be wary of trying to force an NA-specific widebody on your NB.

Forums can be a goldmine of technical how-tos, especially if you decide to install the kit yourself. From learning about tubbing the front fenders to perfecting wheel offsets, real-world photos and advice from other owners can save you from expensive mistakes. It’s always wise to see how a kit looks and functions on someone else’s car before putting it on your own.

By now, you should have a pretty comprehensive idea of what widebody life entails for an NB Miata, both the good, and the not-so-good parts. If you’re still on the fence, keep doing research. Check YouTube build series, lurk on Miata forums, and talk to people who’ve done the work. It’s all about finding the balance between practicality and passion.

If you do decide to go wide, take the plunge and enjoy every second of the transformation. And if you end up with more questions about specific wheel specs, alignment settings, or the install process, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, we’re all part of a community that loves these little roadsters, and part of the fun is sharing knowledge so that every NB Miata out there can shine, whether it’s stock-bodied or sporting the widest flares imaginable. Happy driving!