The NB Miata is a dream car for enthusiasts who is into the customization scene. Its lightweight design and classic roadster styling make it an excellent platform for upgrades that reflect your unique taste. Whether you want a sleek, minimalist look or a bold, aggressive stance, there are plenty of ways to elevate your NB Miata’s exterior. This guide dives deep into everything from body kits to aerodynamic upgrades, lighting, and finishing touches to help you craft a ride that stands out on the road or track.
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Body kits are one of the most effective ways to redefine your Miata’s appearance. They can amplify its stock lines or give it an entirely new personality. Among the most popular options is the Black Flag Labs Kit, a UK-designed set that’s perfect for NB2 models but fits NB1 with minor adjustments. It features an aggressive front bumper inspired by track cars, seamless side skirts, and a bold rear bumper that completes the look. For installation, you’ll need to trim carefully for NB2 headlights using a Dremel and ensure the side skirts align perfectly with rivets or strong adhesive. Always test-fit the kit before painting to avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re after a more understated style, Deuce-Inspired Kits offer a minimalistic approach that enhances the car’s natural beauty. These are perfect for drivers who want a balanced mix of stock charm and custom flair. Availability might be limited as they’re often imported.
For a truly jaw-dropping transformation, Widebody Kits are the way to go. They give your Miata an aggressive stance and allow for wider tires. Popular options include the iconic Pandem/Rocket Bunny kits, budget-friendly Carbon Miata overfenders, and custom 100mm widebody setups for a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic. To avoid cracking, use flexible adhesives for fender flares and ensure precise alignment for proper tire clearance.
Aerodynamic upgrades are not just for looks, they also enhance your car’s performance by improving stability and downforce. Wings and spoilers are a great starting point. The Nine Lives Racing “Big Wang” is a top choice for track setups, offering impressive downforce with minimal drag. For carbon fiber fans, the APR GTC-200 is lightweight, stylish, and features adjustable angles to fine-tune your grip. The Singular Motorsports GT250, on the other hand, delivers over 500 pounds of downforce, making it perfect for high-speed runs.
Complement these with front splitters and rear diffusers. Splitters like those from Carbon Miata reduce lift, while custom rear diffusers from Tofu Auto Works clean up underbody airflow. Both improve handling and give the Miata a race-inspired edge. For durability, use metal brackets for mounting, and be careful not to drill too close to the body edges during installation.
Lighting upgrades can instantly refresh your NB Miata’s aesthetic and improve visibility. Start with the headlights. Projector retrofit kits are an excellent choice, adding sharp, modern beam patterns and a clean look. For a more aggressive vibe, smoked or black-housing headlights are a popular pick.
Moving to the rear, sequential LED taillights bring a high-tech, dynamic touch to your Miata. Clear or smoked taillights pair especially well with custom body kits, creating a cohesive design. Don’t forget the side markers, upgrading to sleek LEDs or deleting them entirely can further streamline the car’s profile while maintaining functionality.
Wheels have a significant impact on your car’s stance and overall aesthetic. For the NB Miata, 15×8 or 15×9 wheels with offsets between +25 and +35 work best. Lightweight alloy wheels not only enhance performance but also look incredible, complementing your upgraded exterior.
To nail the perfect fitment, coilovers are a must-have. They allow you to adjust ride height and fine-tune handling. Pair them with proper alignment to set camber and toe, ensuring your tires clear wide fenders without rubbing. This attention to detail will give your Miata a flawless stance that’s as functional as it is stylish.
Some upgrades do double duty, blending practicality with style. Offset license plate brackets, like those from Jass Performance, clean up the front-end look while eliminating the need for drilling. Similarly, Delrin door bushings are a simple yet effective mod that reduces door flex, improving the car’s rigidity and making it feel more solid during cornering.
For a sporty touch, consider upgrading your steering wheel and shift knob. A deep dish steering wheel not only looks great but also improves control, especially when paired with a hub spacer for ergonomic positioning. Weighted shift knobs, like those from Jass Performance, enhance the feel of gear changes and add a premium aesthetic to the interior.
Once your mods are installed, it’s time to bring everything together with paint or vinyl wraps. If your Miata’s factory paint is in good condition, matching new parts with professional paintwork will keep things seamless. However, if the original paint has seen better days, a full respray might be worth considering.
For a more unique look, vinyl wraps are a fantastic option. Popular styles include matte, gloss, and carbon-fiber finishes. They’re also reversible, making them a flexible choice for anyone who likes to change things up. Subtle decals and pinstriping can add just the right amount of detail, highlighting your Miata’s lines without overwhelming the overall design.
Before diving into upgrades, it’s essential to plan your build. Sketch or visualize your end goal to avoid mismatched parts or unnecessary expenses. Always test-fit components before painting or final installation to ensure a perfect fit. Balance style with function, while aggressive mods look great, they might not be practical for daily driving. For complex projects like widebody kits or custom paint jobs, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
With the right combination of upgrades, your NB Miata can go from a stock roadster to a show-stopping masterpiece. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek cruiser, a track-ready beast, or something in between, these exterior styling mods will help you achieve your vision. Now, it’s time to hit the garage and make your Miata a true reflection of your style.
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