The NA Miata, Mazda’s first-generation MX-5, the undisputed little gem in the automotive world. With its lightweight design, near-perfect balance, and unmatched affordability, it’s no wonder this little roadster is loved by car enthusiasts everywhere. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for some spirited drives or an aspiring racer aiming to dominate the track, the NA Miata offers the perfect platform to transform your driving experience. It’s not just the world’s best-selling sports car chassis for nothing; this versatile car can be anything you want it to be from a fun streetcar to a full-blown track weapon.
Before you hit the track though, it’s crucial to prepare your Miata properly. Track driving is demanding, pushing every part of your car to its limits. A well-prepared Miata not only performs better but also ensures your safety. With the right setup, you’ll experience sharper handling, improved reliability, and a much more enjoyable drive, making those laps around the circuit both exhilarating and safe.
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When making modifications with your NA Miata, your first priority should be ensuring your car is in tip-top shape. Let us prioritize safety first! But don’t worry, we’ll still get to the fun part later. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas to inspect:
Brakes – Your brakes are your best friend on the track. Start by checking your brake pads for thickness; track driving demands high-performance pads like Hawk, EBC or any model that you’re sure can handle the heat. Inspect your rotors for any signs of wear or warping.
Tires and Wheels – Tires are another critical component. Inspect them for tread depth and even wear, as uneven wear could signal alignment issues. For track use, performance tires are a must something like Toyo R888R or Hankook Ventus R-S4 would be ideal. Don’t forget to check your wheel alignment and tire pressures. A slightly higher pressure than street use is usually recommended to account for the increased temperatures on the track.
Fluids – Make sure all your fluids are topped off engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Synthetic oil is highly recommended for better protection under the high temperatures of track use. Also, ensure your brake fluid is fresh consider upgrading to a high-temperature fluid like Motul RBF 600 to prevent brake fade during those intense track sessions.
Suspension – Inspect your suspension components, including bushings, control arms, and shock absorbers, for any signs of wear. If you’re serious about tracking your Miata, consider upgrading to adjustable coilovers. Brands like MCA, BC Racing, or Megan Racing offer excellent options that allow you to dial in your car’s handling and adjust ride height for optimal performance. We will dive deeper into suspensions later, so keep reading!
Roll Bar Installation – Safety first, right? Installing a roll bar is crucial for added protection in case of a rollover. You should really consider installing a roll bar when you’re starting to get serious on your track days. Brands like Hard Dog or Blackbird Fabworx offers roll bars that are both functional and well-integrated into the Miata’s design
Racing Harness – For better security and control, upgrading to a 4- or 5-point racing harness is a wise investment. These harnesses keep you firmly in place during aggressive driving, allowing you to focus on the track ahead.
Racing Seats – Consider swapping out your stock seats for racing seats. They provide better support, reducing driver fatigue and helping you stay focused during those long track days. Plus nothing screams track car like a dedicated bucket seat on your roadster!
Now for the exciting part… Upgrading for track performance goes in levels. These levels depend on how much teeth are you willing to sink into your Miata. (E.g. how much money, comfort or reliability are you willing to sacrifice?)
Suspension Upgrades – A good set of coilovers is a game-changer. Go for mid ranged offerings like MCA Purples, BC BR coilovers or anything from Megan Racing are top choices among Miata enthusiasts These offer enhanced track performance with greater adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your setup for different tracks. These coilovers will significantly improve your car’s handling while still providing a comfortable ride for daily use!
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) – For even better cornering performance, consider a quicker ratio LSD. Upgrading to an LSD, specifically the Mazda OEM Torsen, is highly recommended. It drastically improves traction, especially when exiting corners. Remember… If you’re upgrading from a 1.6 Miata, you’ll need to swap in a 1.8-size diff, along with the corresponding driveshaft and tail shaft. This will help you get out of corners faster, making your Miata even more competitive.
Tires and Wheels – For this stage, high-quality street tires like the Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08R paired with 15×7 or 15×8 rims will give you excellent grip in various conditions, making your Miata more responsive on both the street and the track. Now if you’re more track inclined, Semi-slick tires might be for you. Budget-friendly options like the Nitto NT01 or premium choices like Yokohama A050 provide superior grip, making a world of difference on the track.
Basic Intake and Exhaust Mods – While these won’t give you massive power gains, intake and exhaust mods can enhance your driving experience. They improve throttle response and add a more engaging sound to your Miata. Think of it as adding a bit of spice to an already tasty dish.
Braking System – To cope with the rigors of track use, upgrade to high-performance brake pads and consider stainless steel brake lines for better pedal feel. Don’t forget about that high-temp brake fluid we mentioned earlier it’s crucial for avoiding brake fade. If you have a bit more budget to spend, go for braided brake lines, high-quality pads like Hawk Blues, and OEM-sized rotors are the way to go. Big brake kits aren’t necessary yet, unless you are really serious in turning your miata to a dedicated track car. These upgrades will give you the stopping power you need without the extra cost and complexity nonetheless.
Sway Bar and Brace Kit – Upgrading to a larger front sway bar, like the Racing Beat 1 1/8 inch bar, helps reduce body roll, giving you more control through corners. A brace kit is also recommended to prevent sway bar mounting point failures.
Cold Air Intake – A cold air intake designed for high-RPM performance is essential at this stage. It ensures your engine gets plenty of cool air, maximizing power output during those hot track days.
Engine Upgrades – Arguably the least necessary and the most headache inducing mod one can do (but still the most exciting). To really boost your Miata’s performance, consider adding a turbocharger or supercharger. Combine this with supporting mods like NGK BKR7E spark plugs, LS2 GM coil packs, and modern injectors (600-1000cc) to handle the increased power. Running high-octane fuel like E85 is a must at this level. Additionally, make sure to secure the throttle body and consider aftermarket options to avoid failures at high RPM. You might also want to consider engine swaps at this point. Though that will be a discussion for another day.
Shedding unnecessary weight is an easy way to improve performance. Start by removing non-essential items like the air conditioning, spare tire, and trunk junk. You can keep the interior carpet if you want, but consider removing the sound deadening material beneath it. This strikes a balance between weight reduction and retaining some creature comforts.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of taking your NA Miata to the track. With each modification, you’ll find yourself more connected to your car and the road, pushing your limits as a driver. The journey of tuning your Miata is as rewarding as the track days themselves.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into Miata modifications or track prep, there are plenty of resources available. Check out forums like Miata.net, and Reddit.com/r/miata. articles from your one and only worthdriving.com, and shops like Flyin’ Miata for expert advice and parts.
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