NC Miata
If you own an NC Miata (2006–2015), you already know it’s one of the most fun, lightweight roadsters around. While it is quite a bit heavier than other Miata Generations, It remains true to its roots with its perfectly balanced chassis and nimble handling, it’s a car that brings driving joy even in its stock form. However, for many enthusiasts, the fun begins with modifications that enhance the Miata’s performance. Whether it’s about improving the car’s handling, ride quality, or overall driving experience, the right mods can elevate the NC Miata from good to great.
In this guide, we’ll focus on practical, accessible upgrades. Extreme modifications like turbocharging and supercharging will be a topic for another day. Instead, we’re covering simple yet effective upgrades that can dramatically improve your Miata’s performance without taking away from its usability as a daily driver. Let’s dive into some of the best mods you can consider for your NC Miata.
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One of the first upgrades many Miata enthusiasts go for is the suspension. The NC Miata’s stock setup is relatively soft. This setup is perfect for daily driving, but might lead to excessive body roll, dive under braking, and squat during track days, where acceleration is more demanding. While these characteristics are fine for casual driving, anyone looking to push their Miata to its limits will want to stiffen things up.
A cost-effective way to start is by upgrading the sway bars. At around $300, aftermarket sway bars, like those from Racing Beat, Flyin’ Miata, or Progress Technologies, will reduce body roll in corners. The Miata’s tendency to lean excessively during cornering is minimized, making the car feel more stable and composed. This upgrade is ideal for those looking for a handling boost without a drastic change to ride comfort, though you might notice the suspension feels slightly stiffer.
For those who want a little more, pairing sway bars with lowering springs can enhance both handling and aesthetics. Lowering the car gives it a sportier stance while also improving cornering grip. Springs from Progress Technology are a popular choice, especially when combined with stock shocks, like the Bilstein units found in many NC Miatas. However, be mindful of spring rates if you have a Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT) model, as these heavier Miatas might require specific setups to avoid reverse rake (where the rear sits lower than the front). This combo is perfect for enthusiasts who want better handling and a more aggressive look without sacrificing daily drivability.
If you’re seeking the best balance of handling, comfort, and ride quality, consider upgrading both shocks and springs. A setup like Koni Adjustable Sport Shocks paired with Progress or Flyin’ Miata Springs offers a substantial improvement in handling, reducing body roll and making the car feel much more planted in corners. For around $1,200, this option is popular among drivers who enjoy both spirited driving and daily commuting.
For the ultimate suspension upgrade, coilovers are the way to go. Starting at $1,200 and ranging up to $2,600 for premium options like KW Variant 3 or Ohlins Road & Track DFV, coilovers offer complete control over ride height and stiffness. This adjustability allows you to fine-tune your suspension setup for different driving conditions, whether you’re tackling mountain roads or attending a track day. However, coilovers prioritize performance over comfort, so they’re best suited for drivers who value handling above all else.
After upgrading the suspension, it’s critical to follow up with a proper wheel alignment. A poorly aligned car can undo all the improvements made by your new suspension. Alignment settings like camber, caster, and toe are vital in determining how the car handles. For spirited driving, 1-2 degrees of negative camber is recommended, as it improves grip during cornering. Maximizing caster will give you better steering feel, while slight toe-in at the front can improve high-speed stability.
Be cautious about where you get your alignment done. Dealerships often set the car to factory specs, which might not suit your upgraded suspension. Instead, visit a performance-oriented shop that specializes in aligning cars for handling, ensuring you get the most out of your new setup.
The NC Miata’s 6-speed transmission is known to feel notchy, especially when cold. A quick and affordable fix is upgrading the transmission fluid to something better suited for performance. Many Miata enthusiasts recommend Ford Motorcraft Synthetic MT Oil (XT-M5-QS) for this purpose. Costing around $20 per quart (and with the Miata needing about 2.2 quarts), this fluid makes a noticeable difference in how smooth shifts feel, especially during cold weather.
While you’re at it, consider upgrading your differential fluid to a high-quality synthetic, like Mobil 1 or Redline. This helps to reduce wear and improve overall drivetrain performance. Though it’s a relatively small modification, swapping out these fluids can make a big difference in how enjoyable your Miata is to drive, particularly during spirited runs or on cold mornings.
For many Miata owners, the stock exhaust is adequate, but it doesn’t deliver the full auditory experience that enthusiasts crave. An aftermarket exhaust can bring out a deeper, sportier tone without being overly loud. You don’t need to opt for a full exhaust system unless you’re chasing serious horsepower gains. A simple axle-back exhaust will suffice for most drivers.
Popular options include the Flyin’ Miata Stainless Steel Exhaust, which offers a deep, refined sound, and the Goodwin RoadsterSport Q, which is slightly louder but still street-friendly. For those who want something more aggressive, the Mazdaspeed Exhaust delivers a throatier sound but comes at a higher price point. Depending on the brand, expect to spend between $400 and $700. While performance gains from an exhaust upgrade are minimal, you’ll enjoy a more exciting exhaust note and possibly shave a little weight off the car.
No matter how much you upgrade your suspension or exhaust, tires remain the most crucial performance mod for any car. The NC Miata’s stock tire size is 205/45/R17, but stepping up to high-performance tires can dramatically improve handling, grip, and overall driving dynamics.
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport in 215/45/R17 is a go-to choice for Miata owners, providing excellent grip and durability. For even more traction, some drivers opt for wider 225/45/R17 tires, but this may require fender rolling to avoid rubbing. A full set of performance tires will cost around $800 but offers the most noticeable improvement in your Miata’s handling, braking, and cornering abilities.
While performance is key, there are a few additional mods that can enhance your driving experience. For instance, the Miata’s stock horn is notoriously weak, so upgrading to something like the Stebel Nautilus Air Horn ensures you’ll be heard when necessary, without sounding obnoxious.
If you’re into aesthetics, adding a front splitter, rear spoiler, or diffuser can give your Miata a more aggressive appearance while offering minor aerodynamic benefits. These upgrades don’t drastically affect performance but do add a more track-ready look to your car.
The NC Miata is already a fantastic car, but with the right modifications, it can become even better. From suspension upgrades that sharpen handling to simple tweaks like transmission fluid swaps for smoother shifts, these mods will enhance the Miata’s performance without compromising its charm as a lightweight roadster. Start with the mods that fit your driving style and budget, and enjoy the transformation as your Miata goes from fun to phenomenal.
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