NB Miata
The second-generation NB Miata may share much of its DNA with the iconic NA model, but it offers more than just a familiar feel. With added power and improved refinement, the NB Miata takes the beloved roadster to the next level, delivering a smoother and more exhilarating driving experience while staying true to the Miata’s core values of lightweight agility and pure driving pleasure. However, while the NB Miata is impressive right off the production line, many owners seek to unlock even more potential through performance modifications.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best performance mods for the NB Miata. These modifications will significantly elevate the NB Miata’s capabilities.
Contents
The exhaust system is one of the simplest yet most impactful upgrades for the NB Miata. The stock exhaust, while functional, restricts the engine’s airflow, limiting both power and sound. Upgrading to a full aftermarket system—replacing the headers, midpipe, and muffler—can unleash the engine’s potential, leading to increased horsepower and a more aggressive exhaust note. The improvement in engine efficiency not only translates to better performance but also enhances the car’s overall driving experience.
In practice, replacing the exhaust can come with some challenges, as experienced firsthand by many Miata owners. For instance, installing Raceland headers can significantly improve exhaust flow and offer a deeper, sportier sound, though there can be installation difficulties due to clearance issues. Pairing these headers with a Cobalt midpipe and Racing Beat muffler strikes a balance between cost and quality. The Cobalt midpipe is affordable but lacks the refined welds seen in higher-end products, whereas the Racing Beat muffler stands out for its durability and excellent sound quality. Together, this setup can transform the exhaust note to be quiet during highway driving but more aggressive under acceleration, without creating excessive cabin drone. In short, a complete exhaust upgrade offers substantial gains in both power and sound, though it may require some finesse during installation.
Another significant performance improvement for the NB Miata comes from upgrading the differential. The stock 3.6 or 3.9 final drive ratio prioritizes fuel efficiency but limits acceleration. Replacing it with a 4.1 or 4.44 final drive ratio will notably enhance the car’s off-the-line speed, making it feel quicker and more responsive. For enthusiasts looking to improve their Miata’s overall performance, particularly in spirited driving or on the track, a differential upgrade is essential.
Adding a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) further enhances the car’s handling by providing better traction. Unlike an open differential, which allows the wheels to spin independently, a Torsen LSD ensures that both rear wheels receive power, making the Miata more stable and predictable during cornering. This upgrade is particularly useful for reducing wheel spin and improving corner exit speeds. Aftermarket or secondhand Torsen units sourced from other Miatas or compatible models offer a relatively straightforward path to achieving this upgrade. The result is a car that accelerates faster and grips harder in corners, ideal for both street driving and competitive racing.
Upgrading the suspension is one of the most effective ways to improve the NB Miata’s handling characteristics. The stock suspension, while adequate for casual driving, allows too much body roll during aggressive maneuvers, reducing precision and feedback. Coilovers provide a solution by lowering the center of gravity, stiffening the ride, and offering more adjustability for ride height and damping. This transforms the Miata’s handling, making it sharper and more responsive to driver input.
There are several excellent coilover options for NB Miata owners. BC Racing coilovers are a popular choice, offering a balance between affordability and performance. They are fully adjustable, allowing drivers to fine-tune their car’s suspension for both street and track use. MCA Coilovers are another top choice, known for their build quality and the ability to tailor the setup for specific driving conditions. However, simply installing coilovers is not enough. Proper tuning, such as corner balancing and setting the correct ride height, is crucial to maximize the benefits of the upgrade. Once dialed in, coilovers dramatically enhance the Miata’s cornering ability, making it a much more engaging and capable car on any road.
Wheels and tires play a critical role in the overall performance of any car, and the NB Miata is no exception. Upgrading to lightweight wheels reduces unsprung weight, which improves both acceleration and handling. Pairing these wheels with high-performance, sticky tires maximizes grip, allowing the Miata to take full advantage of its nimble chassis and responsive suspension.
Some of the best wheel options for the NB Miata include the Enkei RPF1, a lightweight and affordable performance wheel, and the 949 Racing 6UL, which is specifically designed for Miata applications. These wheels are strong yet light, providing an immediate improvement in handling. Advan Storm S1 is another premium option that delivers excellent performance in a sleek design. Ideal wheel sizes for the NB Miata range from 15×8 to 15×9 with a 20-30mm offset, striking the perfect balance between performance and stance.
As for tires, Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 and Nankang NS2R are excellent choices for street use, providing a good mix of grip and comfort. For track use, the Yokohama A050 and Toyo Proxes R888R offer superior grip, though they tend to wear out more quickly due to their softer compound. Lightweight wheels combined with sticky tires can dramatically improve the Miata’s grip, handling, and braking, offering a more connected and thrilling driving experience.
Over time, the NB Miata’s stock engine mounts, made from rubber, can wear out and allow excessive engine movement. This not only reduces shifting precision but also diminishes the feedback drivers receive when accelerating or cornering hard. Upgrading to stiffer engine mounts stabilizes the engine and sharpens the car’s driving dynamics.
There are several options for replacing the stock mounts. OEM Rubber Mounts provide a softer ride with less noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), but do not offer the same level of performance as stiffer mounts. MazdaSpeed Competition Mounts offer a middle ground, delivering a good mix of comfort and performance. For those looking for maximum stability, aftermarket poly mounts provide the stiffest option, though they increase NVH significantly. In personal experience, Innovative Poly Mounts at the softest rating provided better throttle response and more precise shifting while keeping NVH at a manageable level for daily driving. The result is a Miata that feels more connected and responsive, particularly during aggressive driving.
The NB Miata’s stock intake system, while adequate for daily driving, can limit performance, especially when combined with other performance modifications. Upgrading to a cold air intake allows the engine to draw in cooler, denser air, improving throttle response and providing a slight boost in horsepower.
One of the most popular cold air intakes for the NB Miata is the Cobalt Cold Air Intake, which is easy to install and positions the intake behind the headlight, helping to keep intake temperatures low. Combined with other upgrades like a full exhaust system, the cold air intake can provide noticeable performance gains and a deeper engine sound, enhancing the overall driving experience.
One of the inherent challenges of driving a convertible like the NB Miata is chassis flex, which becomes particularly noticeable during hard driving. This flex can reduce handling precision and overall stability. Adding chassis bracing stiffens the body, improving front-end stability and making the car more predictable in corners.
Some of the most effective braces for the NB Miata include the Paco Strong Arms, which reduce cowl shake and improve steering feedback. Strut tower braces and frame rails provide additional rigidity, making the chassis more solid and improving grip during aggressive cornering. While installing these braces can lead to minor inconveniences, such as door alignment issues, the improvement in handling is significant and well worth the effort.
For NB Miata owners seeking a dramatic increase in power, forced induction is the ultimate performance upgrade. Turbocharging or supercharging the 1.8L engine can significantly increase horsepower, transforming the Miata from a nimble roadster into a high-performance machine.
One of the best turbo kits available is the Flying Miata Turbo Kit, which is highly regarded for its reliability and engineering. This kit can more than double the Miata’s power output, making it a serious contender on both the street and track. For those who prefer a DIY approach, there are plenty of resources available for building custom forced induction setups, though these require careful tuning and supporting modifications to ensure reliability. While forced induction is one of the most effective ways to boost performance, it also comes with increased complexity and cost, as additional upgrades like cooling and ECU tuning are necessary to manage the extra power.
The best performance mods for the NB Miata focus on improving the car’s exhaust system, suspension, differential, wheels and tires, engine mounts, and intake. These upgrades provide real, tangible improvements in power, handling, and driving feel, making the NB Miata even more enjoyable on both the street and track.
While adding more power is always tempting, the NB Miata truly shines when its handling is prioritized. Upgrading the suspension, tires, and chassis rigidity will yield the most noticeable benefits for daily driving and performance applications. For those looking to take their Miata to the next level, these performance mods will ensure that every drive is as exhilarating as the last.
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