Rare & Quirky Miata Parts PART 2
Some Miata mods don’t need flash—they speak for themselves. These are the small-batch, JDM-driven upgrades that pull crowds at meets: rare nose swaps, retro interior jewelry, clever aero touches, and boutique accessories with cult followings.
You know those cars at meets that pull a crowd without saying a word? That’s the lane we’re in. The five pieces below are the kind of mods that make people lean in, ask questions, and start a half-hour rabbit hole. They’re small-batch, JDM-heavy, and sometimes a little fussy to install, but that’s half the charm. Expect boutique lead times, mind your local rules, and double-check authenticity before you click buy.
Runabout “M2” Mirrors (NA/NB)
Runabout’s tiny, blue-tinted convex mirrors give NA and NB cars that M2-Works vibe, dainty housings, big character. They visually shrink the doors and make the whole car feel more classic roadster than ’90s econo-sport, which is exactly why people obsess over them.
Fitment is straightforward: they’re a true bolt-on for NA/NB with supplied hardware, no cutting required. The catch is availability, genuine Runabouts often run on “open order,” so waits happen. When you install, take your time centering the base gasket so you don’t create wind whistles or chew up door paint. Snug them down, go for a quick drive, then micro-adjust the angle before final torque.
Solid buy pages live with Rev9autosport and MX5 Mania. If you only want the look, not the boutique price, there are “M2-style” replicas from places like CarbonMiata and Spinnywhoosh, just know you’re trading some materials and brand provenance for savings.
ZOOM Engineering Retro Fuel Lid (NA/NB)
Think “race car jewelry” you can install in a coffee break. ZOOM’s polished aluminum lid drops into the NA/NB fuel door spot and instantly reads JDM without screaming for attention. It’s the kind of detail that makes people notice the car is special before they can say why.
It’s NA/NB-only and ships with brackets and hardware. Plan ten minutes and a Phillips driver. The only real gotcha is alignment: test the hinge and latch before final tightening so the lid sits flush and doesn’t graze paint on the opening edge.
Look to Rev9autosport and Rising Sun Autosports for stocked pages, or go straight to ZOOM’s official storefront if you want it direct.
Jet Stream Fixed Headlight Kit (NA)
Nothing changes an NA’s face like ditching the pop-ups for Jet Stream’s fixed “Clubman” lights. You lose the wink, gain a leaner front end and a bit of weight savings versus the OEM assemblies. Low and high beams are part of the kit, and when finished cleanly it looks like a factory alternate universe.
This is an NA-only conversion and it’s not a slap-on. Expect careful fascia trimming, patient sanding, and paint-matching for a seamless result. Many owners add finishing bezels/covers to complete the look. Do your ride height and alignment first, then aim the lamps properly. Seal any trimmed edges and bucket seams so moisture doesn’t sneak in.
Rev9autosport typically carries the genuine Jet Stream kit. “Style” versions exist from composite shops, verify origin, hardware quality, and lens/beam specs before you buy.
Nakamae Quilted Interior (NA/NB, plus select ND pieces)
If you want your Miata to feel coach-built inside, Nakamae is the move. Diamond-quilted panels, trunk liners, package trays, tunnel pieces, and seat re-trim kits turn an honest little roadster into something that feels tailored. The fit and patterning are why these have a cult following.
Most NA/NB pieces use high-quality synthetic leather for durability, color consistency, and easier care than real hides. Lead times of a few months are normal because these are made to order. ND owners can still play along with select matching trims like side-step pieces to tie the cabin together.
Dry-fit every panel, let materials relax at room temperature, and use plastic trim tools to protect painted sills. Seat re-trims are doable at home if you’re patient, but plenty of owners book a local upholsterer for pro results. Rev9autosport has the broadest catalog; Rising Sun Autosports often lists specific kits and liners.
AutoExe Ram-Air Intake System (ND; versions exist for other gens)
Under-hood art that actually does something. AutoExe’s carbon-boxed intake, co-developed with GruppeM, pairs a dedicated front duct with a sealed airbox to chase cooler, cleaner airflow as speed rises. It’s more about efficient, heat-managed flow than “free horsepower,” but on an ND that’s exactly the point, response and consistency.
Kits exist for ND 1.5 and 2.0, with part-numbered contents: carbon duct/box, mounting hardware, and a reusable filter. AutoExe has legacy offerings for earlier generations, but ND is where the full carbon showpiece is easiest to find new.
Routing the front duct is simpler with the bumper cover off; plan for that and set aside time to re-clip everything carefully. After a few heat cycles, re-torque the airbox mounts. You’ll find solid buy pages at Rev9autosport, the official AutoExe store, and IL Motorsport in the EU.
Quick Buying Tips Before You Commit
Authenticate the boutique stuff. Runabout mirrors and Jet Stream lights are copied often; check brand markings, hardware, and country of origin to make sure you’re getting the real deal.
Expect waits. Small-batch makers like Runabout and Nakamae work in batches and “open order” windows. Build the lead time into your project plan so you’re not stuck half-finished.
Know your rules. Fixed lights and intake changes can trigger inspection or emissions issues depending on where you live. Check local regs before you cut, drill, or wrench.
