ND Miata
The ND Miata is arguably the bang for buck driver’s car you’re going to get currently! And with a little bit Modifications, the ND Miata turns into a track monster really quick. Not only that, when it comes to enhancing the performance of the ND Miata, enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. From increasing power to fine-tuning handling and braking, there are a myriad of modifications that can take Mazda’s lightweight roadster from fun to thrilling. Whether you’re aiming for a bit more speed on the track or looking to make your weekend drives more exhilarating, this guide will help you explore the best performance mods available for the ND Miata. Let’s dive into the top upgrades to transform your Miata into a true performer on the road and track!
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Before considering any other modifications, a precision alignment should be at the top of your list. Often overlooked, alignment is essential to unlocking the full potential of your ND Miata’s suspension and tires. A proper alignment ensures that your tires maintain optimal contact with the road, improving handling, cornering stability, and even tire longevity.
A poorly aligned vehicle can undo the benefits of other performance mods, making this step critical. For everyday driving, a modest adjustment in camber and toe settings will enhance the car’s agility and responsiveness. For track enthusiasts, more aggressive camber settings will maximize grip through high-speed corners. Ultimately, a proper alignment gives the ND Miata sharper handling and a more predictable feel, setting a strong foundation for future performance upgrades.
The stock suspension setup in the ND Miata is well-tuned for comfort but allows a noticeable amount of body roll, which can limit its potential in spirited driving. Upgrading the suspension is one of the most effective ways to improve the car’s handling and cornering abilities. You have two primary options here: lowering springs or coilovers.
Lowering springs provide an affordable way to reduce body roll and lower the car’s ride height, improving aesthetics and performance in one fell swoop. Popular options like Eibach Pro-Kit. While lowering springs offer a budget-friendly solution, coilovers provide the ultimate in customization for ride quality and performance. With adjustable ride height and damping, coilovers allow you to dial in your ND Miata’s handling to suit your driving needs, whether you’re hitting the track or enjoying some spirited back road driving.
Popular options include Tein Flex Z, which is affordable yet effective, and KW V3, which offers a premium experience with more adjustment options. For those seeking the best of the best, Ohlins coilovers provide top-tier performance at a higher price point. With coilovers, you can drastically reduce body roll, improve cornering precision, and eliminate the excessive wheel gap, making your Miata not only perform better but also look more aggressive. To complement these upgrades, a front sway bar is recommended to further reduce body roll and sharpen cornering response. Reinforcement brackets, such as those from Flyin’ Miata, are a must, as the stock mounting points can be weak under the added strain.
A simple yet effective way to improve your ND Miata’s grip and handling is to upgrade to wider tires. The stock tire setup is a bit narrow, which can limit traction, especially when pushing the car in corners or during acceleration. Switching to wider tires, such as 215/45R17 or even 235 width for track enthusiasts, significantly increases grip, making the car more planted and confident at higher speeds.
Pair your wider tires with a set of wheel spacers to enhance both aesthetics and handling. The stock ND Miata wheels tend to sit inward from the fenders, but with 15mm front and 20mm rear spacers, you can give the car a more aggressive stance. This not only improves the look but also provides a slightly wider track for better stability. Brands like H&R or Project Kics offer high-quality spacers that are both safe and durable, ensuring improved performance without compromising reliability.
When you start increasing the performance of your ND Miata, you also need to think about stopping power. Upgrading to high-performance brake pads can drastically improve your car’s braking performance, especially when driving aggressively or on the track. Stock brake pads are good for daily driving, but they tend to fade under hard braking during extended use.
By upgrading to performance pads like Hawk HPS 5.0 or Carbotech 1521, you’ll notice a stronger initial bite and better heat resistance. For those taking their Miata to the track, consider more aggressive pads like Carbotech XP10 or EBC Yellowstuff, which offer superior performance under high temperatures. These brake pads not only improve stopping distances but also provide better pedal feedback, giving you more confidence when pushing your car hard.
One of the most popular upgrades for ND Miata owners is an aftermarket exhaust system. The stock exhaust, while adequate for daily driving, can feel a bit too quiet and restrictive. A performance exhaust allows the engine to breathe better, often resulting in a slight power gain while adding a more aggressive and sporty sound.
A favorite among Miata owners is the Goodwin Racing SuperStreet exhaust. It offers a noticeable improvement in sound without being overly loud or droning on the highway. For those looking for even more sound, the Racing Beat or Borla exhaust systems are popular choices, offering both power gains and an improved exhaust note. With an upgraded exhaust, not only will your ND Miata sound better, but you may also experience a slight increase in horsepower, particularly in the higher RPM range.
If you’re after more substantial power gains, a header combined with an engine tune is an excellent way to increase your Miata’s performance. The stock exhaust manifold is somewhat restrictive, and by upgrading to an Open Flash Header (OFH), you can significantly improve airflow, which translates into more power and torque.
Pair the header with an Open Flash Tablet (OFT) for tuning, which allows you to modify the engine’s ECU to extract more power. The OFT not only lets you increase power but also raises the redline to 7200 or 7500 RPM, giving you more usable revs. For those seeking even more power before moving to forced induction, the Goodwin Racing 4-2-1 Manifold System offers excellent gains when combined with a proper tune, giving your ND Miata a more aggressive power band without compromising reliability.
Though not a direct performance upgrade, swapping out the stock steering wheel for a premium aftermarket wheel can enhance your connection to the car and improve the overall driving experience. Steering wheels like those from Nardi or Momo are popular choices, offering a better feel and more tactile feedback.
Many aftermarket steering wheels are smaller in diameter, which can make the car feel more responsive when cornering. While this upgrade won’t necessarily make your ND Miata faster or handle better, it will give you a more engaged and connected driving experience, which is a big part of why we all love driving Miatas in the first place.
There are a few smaller upgrades that, while not performance-oriented, can improve your overall driving experience with the ND Miata. Window tinting can help keep the interior cooler in sunny weather while also enhancing the car’s appearance. A stubby antenna is a common aesthetic upgrade to replace the long, somewhat awkward stock antenna.
Another useful mod is the MX5 Things Auto Window Module, which allows the windows to fully roll down when lowering the convertible top. It’s a simple yet functional upgrade that adds convenience and improves the convertible experience.
The ND Miata is a phenomenal sports car straight from the factory, but with the right performance modifications, it can be transformed into an even more capable machine. From alignment and suspension upgrades to exhaust systems and brake improvements, each of these mods plays a role in enhancing the overall performance and driving experience. By starting with foundational mods like alignment and suspension, you’ll set the stage for more significant upgrades down the line. Whether you’re after better handling, more power, or simply a more engaging driving experience, these mods offer something for every ND Miata owner.
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