The most efficient Mazda MX-5 changes

The Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling two-seater convertible of all time. Hitting the streets in 1989, at a time when the roadster market had all on the other hand dried up, this bona fide motoring icon will have been inspired thru long-forgotten British and Italian sportscars, but it surely pushed the bounds of reliability into the geographical areas of in fact being useable.

Over 4 generations, and bigger than a million purchased, the MX-5 continues to be going strong to nowadays. 

The initial concept was once a simple as the auto itself. Advanced in keeping with the Eastern thought of “jinba ittai”, or “the oneness of horse and rider”, the MX-5 offered a unique thought: it was once in fact amusing to energy! 

It wasn’t the fastest automobile on the market or even that well-equipped, on the other hand, with with reference to best possible weight distribution, a simple rag top and rear-wheel-drive, it was once an somewhat priced sportscar for the loads.

And automobile lovers have been buying the ones iconic roadsters ever since. This present day the MX-5 Homeowners Club is likely one of the greatest automobile golfing apparatus on this planet, and that should let you know the whole thing you want to know. 

It’s true to say that the popularity of the MX-5 had the aftermarket scrambling to make potency upgrades from the very beginning. So, whether or not or no longer you might have the UK-spec MX-5, a JDM Eunos Roadster, or even america Mazda Miata, you’ll have the ability to to seek out additional changes on your Eastern drop top than for just about every other automobile available in the market. 

So, with all that all over ideas, proper right here’s ten of the best.

1. Coilover suspension

Merely given that MX-5 comes with nearly mythical coping with doesn’t suggest that it’s going to properly’t be complicated. Specifically when it comes to the later models which out of place the simplicity – and arguably somewhat little bit of the driver-focused flair – that were given right here with the principle two generations. 

Actually, like each and every factory-spec automobiles, the Mazda is built to cater for quite a lot of different markets all over the place the sector, which is why compromises had to be made with regards to the best chassis potency and – let’s merely say – a additional attractive travel top. 

On the other hand, a selection of o.e.m coilovers, possibly the most well liked modification inside the history of the MX-5, can be used to improve the coping with for the ultimate B side road thrash… and a couple of even art work on the circuit. The MX-5 remains an infinitely standard weekend tune day hero, in spite of everything.  

The good news is that swapping out your suspension is a reasonably simple job. Most sensible and damper-adjustable coilovers are available off-the-shelf from all the large emblem manufacturers. This means you don’t should opt for a pricey custom designed setup, nor do you need to acquire an reasonably priced bundle that may inevitably move fallacious.

One other benefit of coilovers is the quick and easy adjustability. For lots of suspension kits, switching between a handy guide a rough side road and a track-focused setup is a straightforward activity, helping you have the benefit of this capable little automobile in each state of affairs.  

2. Alloy wheels

If a spot of lowering is the most well liked modification for the Mazda MX-5, a cheeky wheel transfer is to be had in at an in depth second. What with the quantity of oem wheels available, it’s no wonder that many homeowners – specifically those with early models – select a wheel reinforce for upper seems, and endlessly upper potency.

For evident reasons, lightweight wheels are always a good idea on the MX-5, and slightly wider wheels (enabling the fitment of fatter, grippier tyres) can lend a hand the coping with as much as a just right suspension setup. Merely take note of the size you choose. It is imaginable to fit massive wheels on the early (NA and NB) models, on the other hand this may increasingly in fact be harmful to their drivability. Stick with an inch or two over the standard diameter and you should have no problems.

Models from 1989 to 2005 come with a 4x100PCD fitment, while all models thereafter come with 5×114.3PCD wheels. Every fitments are not unusual on a multitude of vehicles the world over and this has made them extremely popular with aftermarket wheel manufacturers. When one wheel will fit a number of more than a few automobiles it cuts their costs over producing designs for a single taste. And of course, there’s additional chance that folks will in fact acquire them. 

What this moreover way is that aftermarket wheels on your MX-5 are readily available in quite a lot of sizes and designs. Best possible of all, because of there’s such a large amount of, they can be reasonably delightful to your wallet too.

3. Bolt-on tuning

The popularity of the MX-5 means that bolt-on tuning parts don’t seem to be best readily available, they can endlessly be had for lots less than likelihood is that you can suppose. 

Against this to many various automobiles, where off-the-shelf upgrades are somewhat bit hard to look out, there’s a whole host of elementary tuning parts for the MX-5 – along side stainless steel exhausts and serve as air filters – for nearly any price range. 

The elemental thought of engine tuning is to get additional air into the cylinders so additional fuel can also be burned. A bigger explosion way additional power, which is why potency air filters can end up an easy and cost-effective reinforce. The ones lend a hand the engine “breathe in” additional merely, sucking in more air by the use of a high-flow filter out that’s a long way a lot much less restrictive than usual. Are compatible that additional air with additional fuel and likewise you get additional power. Simple. 

If your air filter out takes care of the breathing in part, your exhaust is what helps the engine breathe out. Standard MX-5 exhausts are notoriously restrictive so changing into an aftermarket products will motion gasses out of the engine additional effectively, releasing up a few additional horsepower along the way in which by which. As many believe the early models to be somewhat bit underpowered as usual, each horsepower counts.

Every other massive benefit of path, is that an aftermarket exhaust will look upper and sound so much sportier.

4. Remapping

Apart from for simple bolt-on mods, the third and fourth technology MX-5s (NC and ND) can also take pleasure in a remap by the use of their diagnostic (OBD2) port. 

Remapping is the quick and simple strategy to optimise the power output on fashionable engines which may well be controlled thru an ECU. Essentially an impressive computer module, the ECU looks after the most important parameters paying homage to fuelling and ignition timing in keeping with a set programme written during the manufacturer. That’s what’s known as the engine map. 

A typical engine map is designed to ensure that the auto works effectively in all necessities, along side at over the top altitudes, in world places with poor top of the range fuel and in one of the over the top temperatures.

This is so the auto can also be purchased for use nearly anyplace on this planet. A typical engine must run merely as well inside the Arctic Circle as it does inside the Sahara Barren area, on the other hand the ones generalised settings aren’t necessarily geared against the optimal power output. 

Actually, minus 50 degree temperatures, oxygen-starved mountain passes and low-quality petrol isn’t as a large number of a concern in most world places, along side proper right here in the UK. So, a remap can be used to optimise settings for real-world necessities, safely rewriting the map in favour of additional power and torque. 

Most likely final of all, a remap can also optimise every other bolt-on changes – paying homage to aftermarket exhausts and air filters – to have the benefit of them too.   

5. Turbo conversions

If elementary engine tuning doesn’t moderately decrease the mustard, how about an a lot more important power hike with an aftermarket turbo conversion? 

A turbocharger is in large part an exhaust-driven pump that’s used to compress air and gear it into the cylinders. Once yet again, additional air means that additional fuel can also be burned for added power. The advantage of forced induction is that it’s not merely additional air going into the engine – it’s a lot additional air!  

Tuners have been strapping turbochargers onto MX-5 engines since day one. There was once even an dependable dealer-supplied MX-5 BBR Turbo taste available inside the early nineties. The BBR used a Garrett turbocharger and a conversion bundle (manufactured thru Brodie Brittan Racing) to supply 150bhp. That’s spherical 35bhp over usual.

While this unusual example has now change into a sought-after collector’s automobile, it is been so much imitated over the years, making aftermarket turbocharger conversions a popular variety for MX-5 house owners. 

There are many conversions on the market for the Mk1, Mk2 and even the Mk3 MX-5 inside the kind of bolt-on kits that don’t require making the parts yourself. Lots of the ones are designed to utilise unique equipment manufacturer (OEM) turbochargers from Subaru or Mitsubishi automobiles. Even if you will need a spot {{of professional}} engine mapping to make the whole thing run simply, the conversion itself is reasonably easy for any competent spanner swinger. 

Failing that, if truth be told, it’s possible you’ll need to always go for an aftermarket supercharger bundle, or even an engine transfer. We’ve noticed the whole thing from American V8s and Honda VTECs to Mazda rotary engines slotted into the little roadster over the years. The only prohibit this is your imagination – and your price range. 

6. Aftermarket audio

The producing facility infotainment machine in the most recent MX-5 supplies the whole thing a 21st-century motorist might simply ever need. Then again as likelihood is that you can expect, Bluetooth tune streaming, satellite tv for pc television for computer navigation, hands-free calling and smartphone connectivity weren’t a priority on the earlier Mazda models.

This was once for a couple of reasons: first, given that MX-5 was once designed to be as mild and driver-focused as imaginable, and second… because of a large number of that stuff didn’t exist inside the overdue Eighties.  

Now, while it’s moreover true that you simply’ll be hard pressed to look out any early automobile with the standard stereo machine intact, Mazda did have the foresight to depart a large number of room inside the dashboard. With the help of an aftermarket facia adaptor, a simple DIY activity will fit a single or double DIN stereo to all Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 models. On account of this, no longer like on most modern classics, you are able to benefit from the most recent head units with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and all the trimmings.     

And what regarding the Mk4? Well, swapping the standard stereo isn’t one for the faint of heart because it’s additional integrated into the interior. Then again the rest of the machine is easily upgraded with off-the-shelf apparatus.  

Actually, putting in place additional tricky aftermarket audio device may be very not unusual right through all the MX-5 taste range. There’s even a definite direct-fit speaker bundle for the original JDM Eunos which were given right here with small audio device inside the headrests. Besides, who doesn’t love a convertible with a just right sound machine, eh?  

7. Potency brake upgrades

Tiny wheels suggest tiny brakes. So, while the Mk1 and Mk2 were built to be extremely mild, they’re moderately old-fashioned now and numerous opt for a direct-fit brake reinforce to stick the whole thing in take a look at. Specifically when it comes to any speedy side road or tune use. 

Later MX-5 generations are so much heavier than the original alternatives, making brake upgrades a lot more important if you want to achieve the best all-around potency. The simpler your brakes, the less you want to use them. Additional time on the accelerator is very similar to additional power, so a brake reinforce is a gorgeous decent mod for those on the lookout for additional tempo. 

Potency brake upgrades are readily available for all MX-5 models. The ones get began with cost-effective direct-fit, uprated disc and pad kits, and move all the way up to full-on big-brake conversions with massive discs, race pads and multi-piston calipers.  

8. Roll cages

One of the most the most important additional antique additions for older models is a rear “roll-over” bar. For the reason that MX-5 has been one of the vital important standard tune automobiles since its inception, changing into a roll hoop – or possibly a whole cage – isn’t merely a popular modification for circuit use, it’s something of a necessity.

In any case, it’s not like you might have a structural steel roof to lend a hand out inside the match of any mishaps. Even the, so much sought-after, hardtops available for early MX-5s don’t offer so much in the way in which by which of driver protection.

There are many simple bolt-in roll bars on the market, and they’ve proved standard for each taste over the years. Whether or not or no longer that’s to cater to competition rules, or simply for one of the hardcore, motorsport-inspired styling, it’s a time-tested mod that always seems the segment. 

Apart from for the obvious coverage advantages, a roll bar will lend a hand stiffen the auto thru triangulating key problems on the chassis. This reduces flex and helps keep the optimum geometry right through even one of the over the top cornering. In this way, a roll cage (or rear roll bar) is as so much a coping with modification as it is for cover or style. 

9. Chassis stiffening

Speaking of chassis stiffening, there are many other ways to give a boost to and stiffen the chassis. As we discussed, the MX-5 was once in the beginning built for lively coping with, on the other hand there are nevertheless improvements to be made right through all the taste range. 

Chassis stiffening isn’t about getting the best geometry, it’s about conserving the best geometry when you’re on the prohibit. When you get began together with in more power, beefed-up suspension and better brakes, it’s easy to look why many select to trace the rest of the chassis to stick the optimum geometry dialled in. 

Thicker aftermarket sway bars (i.e. anti-roll bars or ARBs) are one of the most simple changes for optimising grip, on the other hand without making your automobile too hardcore for the road.

Sway bars lock the suspension together on each and every axle to reduce the flex under hard cornering. By means of conserving the maximum tyre contact patch on the tarmac, the grip is maintained for as long as imaginable. Thicker ARBs simply cling the chassis geometry for longer.

Polyurethane bushes are also a popular variety among early MX-5 house owners. It’s smart because of, as a result of the age of Mk1 and Mk2 models, it’s nearly inevitable that the standard rubber bushes will have degraded significantly thru now. 

Trees are the flexible joints that cling your chassis parts together. Essentially, they supply somewhat bit damping to make your automobile driveable without additional vibrations or metal-on-metal contact.

The issue with usual rubber bushes is that they can be somewhat bit too flexible, and they’ll change into a lot more slack as time is occurring. The bigger additional movement pushes the chassis geometry transparent of optimum on the side road.

Polyurethane replacements can be used to tighten up the chassis for a lot much less flex and, as something of a bonus, they don’t degrade through the years each. This makes them a reasonably reasonably priced and standard investment for all MX-5s from the Mk1 to the Mk4.   

10. Bucket seats

Turning into seats which may well be specifically designed to stop you from sliding spherical when cornering – or to lend a hand the use of racing harnesses – is likely one of the freshest mods for the little Mazda. While it’s not so prevalent on the Mk3 and Mk4 models (principally because of the standard seats are pretty plush already) Mk1 and Mk2 house owners can’t get enough of those aftermarket buckets. Thankfully they always look great, too. 

With so much on the market, not to indicate direct-fit subframes to make arrange rapid and easy, there’s a lot of variety for a budget-friendly seat transfer. One of these lot so that it’s easy to transport fallacious. 

The #1 mistake is buying seats that don’t physically fit inside the tiny cabin. Those usual ‘tombstone’ seats are small for a reasons why. Aftermarket seats are essentially commonplace items, and numerous come with over the top shoulder bolsters. In an MX-5 the ones can stop you from shutting the door or striking the roof up. So be sure that to choose correctly. 

Every other standard reinforce is taking the leather seats from the Eastern Eunos and changing into those into the UK spec automobiles which (barring a few explicit editions) maximum frequently were given right here with elementary cloth upholstery.

Actually, the ones are getting somewhat bit harder to go back thru these days, on the other hand there are nevertheless a few devices available in the market, specifically as many Eunos house owners have already upgraded to aftermarket seats. Online auctions and specialist Mazda breakers are the best places to seek for yours.

Words thru Midge Burr

With two decades’ enjoy writing and adorning modified automobile magazines, Midge Burr is a qualified in all problems automobiles. He draws on his studies as a qualified mechanic, long-time automobile builder and willing side road rally participant, and is glad he’s as regards to driven each type of automotive under the sun – along side a Mazda MX-5 – from touring automobiles and racing lorries to monster automobiles and rally automobiles.

Bear in mind to take out modified MX-5 insurance policy

If you’re the proud owner of an MX-5 or an imported Eunos Roadster or Miata, we can offer insurance policy on your Mazda. And, as a specialist insurance policy trader for all problems modified automobiles, we can cover mods on a like-for-like basis. We moreover offer agreed worth cover where we agree on the true worth of your automotive and any mods you might have so that, inside the match of an entire loss, you’re in a position to start out rebuilding.
Title us on 0800 369 8590 or guide a callback at a time that matches you.