Miata Tuning | Drifted.com

Ultimate Mazda Miata Coilover Guide

Joe Terrell — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 06:00:24 +0000

Looking to throw down your Miata at the track, carve up the canyons or find the perfect stance? We compare the best suspension kits on the market in our ultimate Miata coilover guide.

Miata/MX-5 NA (89-97) Coilovers
Miata/MX-5 NB (inc NA) (89-05) Coilovers
Miata/MX-5 NC (05-15) Coilovers
Miata/MX-5 ND (15+) Coilovers
Jump to winners

In a hurry? Here is a Miata Coilovers summary

Miata NA Choice	Miata NB Choice	Miata NC Choice	Miata ND Choice

Zeal Function-A Miata NA Coilovers	Ohlins Road & Track NA/NB Coilovers	KW Variant 3 Miata NC Coilovers	Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

About the Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata is undoubtedly one of the best two-seater roadsters on the used and new car markets.

With models such as the NA and NB now more affordable than ever, it’s an incredible opportunity to get a track or drift car on a budget. If you’re looking for stylish, modern-day luxuries, Mazda still produces the ND to the present day to cater for your fresh out-the-showroom needs.

Since the Miata has one of the largest aftermarket selections out there, prepare yourself to be spoilt for suspension choice. Some owners might tell you not to bother buying a fancy suspension kit and chop your springs, but we all know this is far from the perfect solution.

There are aftermarket spring options out there that may well suit your needs for a tight budget if you’re purely looking to lower, however, if you’re looking to spend a little extra money to get the ultimate solution, coilovers are the perfect answer.

Coilovers help you to achieve the perfect fitment and stance whilst giving you a ride range of adjustability, whether you’re after a soft, lowered ride or a stiff track-clinging setup, our selection covers it all.

It’s time to maximize what this incredibly capable chassis has to offer, so strap yourself in as we venture into our ultimate Miata coilover guide!

Coilovers – The Perfect Miata Suspension Solution

When it comes to improving the suspension on your Miata, coilovers provide the perfect solution.

You may have heard stories of the ride being unbearable with coilovers, but that’s often far from the truth.

Sure, some ‘too good to be true’ super cheap eBay specials created purely for slamming your Miata to the ground are likely to provide these results, but we’re ignoring those for this guide.

A highly-regarded coilover kit will completely transform this two-seater roadster’s handling, and the Miata provides the ultimate platform to get the most out of a coilover setup.

While some Miata enthusiasts opt for lowering springs, these can be ideal for improving your ride’s aesthetics, alongside some decent handling improvements.

However, suppose you’re happy to spend a little more to get the very best suspension solution for your Miata.

In this case, coilovers will provide far more adjustability to achieve the perfect setup and provide go-kart-like handling.

Coilovers will be especially crucial for those of you that are considering going down the high-powered forced induction route with your Miata.

Strapping a turbo kit or supercharger kit to your Miata on the stock suspension will undoubtedly make things interesting when it comes to pushing it to the limits in the twisties!

Alongside coilovers, this is where you’ll also benefit from additional upgrades, such as aftermarket racing seats, keeping you firmly planted in the driving seat when you go drifting.

If you’re not interested in going down the forced induction route, we do recommend that you at least invest in some aftermarket breathing upgrades such as a exhaust and a cold air intake.

Interested to know what else you can upgrade to get the most out of your Miata? Make sure you check out our Miata tuning guides.

What’s in this guide?

We’ve created this to help you find the perfect coilover suspension setup to complement your Miata, from NA to ND.

For each coilover option, we also add our own comments. In addition, we have given a Drifted rating (1-5) based on features and price. We are considering budget, mid-range and high-end coilovers in this comparison.

Miata coilover selection

To read more about any of these products just click on the product name or photo.

Tein Flex Z NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Tein
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Twin-tube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Tein Flex Z Miata NA6C (1.6L) or NA8C (1.8L)

Our comment: Tein are well known for being one of the highest regarded affordable JDM suspension companies on the market. The Flex Z is their latest offering and provides an impressive package which is great for the street and capable of decent performance at the track.

Tein designed this kit to be a sealed structure, meaning they aren’t rebuildable. This may sound like a negative, but Tein are able to supply each part individually. Therefore, if your shock was to go, you ONLY need to replace the shock, which is far cheaper than a rebuild or an entirely new kit. We think it’s a great idea.

Manufacturer description: “FLEX Z inherits all the features and quality of STREET FLEX but the adoption of new platform allows its price to be set at amazingly low range ($800 to $1,050). FLEX Z, of course, maintains the long-favored “Made in Yokohama” quality. Ride height adjustable shock absorber, fully loaded with TEIN’s comprehensive technology, is now more affordable prices than ever.”

“Its smooth stroke movement makes it possible to follow rough and bumpy road surfaces quite well, offering supple ride at low speed and stable ride at high speed. Full-length ride height adjustment system, used for FLEX Z, enables adjustment of ride height by adjusting the case length, without changing the damper stroke length and/or spring pre-load. This has the advantage that the change in ride quality is kept minimal when the height is adjusted. This system not only makes it possible to maintain good balance between the low-down appearance and ride comfort, but also provides more setting choices for sport driving as well.”

BC Racing BR NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: BC Racing BR NA Coilovers

Our comment: BC Racing BR is another option that has definitely stood the test of time. They appeal to a similar market to the Tein Flex Z, great on the street yet capable for occasional light track or drift action. For the price, we would personally favor the Flex Z this time around.

Do you like what BC Racing has to offer and have a little extra cash to splash for their top-end setup? Check out the BC Racing ER kit!

Manufacturer description: “BC Racing BR Type Coilover is perfect for street driving and occasional road course duty. With easily accessible adjustment knobs for fine tuning your compression/rebound and separately adjustable ride height, having a performance coilover system couldn’t be any easier.”

“You choose how low or high you want your vehicle, no preset ride height here, and our patented concave lower locking ring keeps it locked in. All of our systems come with pillowball mounts to provide the most feedback possible from your suspension and to sharpen your steering response. BC’s available front and rear camber plates also allow you to get the perfect alignment setup without compromise. All this while providing a strong, attractive looking coilover system.”

K Sport Slide Kontrol NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: K Sport
Levels of damping adjustment: 36
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 9.8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 9kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: K Sport Slide Kontrol Miata NA & NB Coilovers

Our comment: K Sport brings us this drift-orientated kit to the market, so how could we not include them here?! This is a great option for those of you that won’t be shy when it comes to flicking the rear end out on your Miata.

This kit is designed to take the abuse that a car endures whilst being thrown side to side on a frequent basis at the same time providing a huge amount of adjustability to get the perfect setup.

Manufacturer description: “Ksport Slide Kontrol Drift coilover Systems provide the ultimate in suspension technology featuring 36 levels adjustable damping, inverted shock design on most applications, adjustable spring perch, adjustable body and Pillow-ball mounts. The Ksport Slide Kontrol Drift coilover System has been designed to endure the extended abuse and extreme handling-load of drifting.”

KW V1 NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: KW
Levels of damping adjustment: N/A
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 400lb/in
Spring rate rear: 340lb/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: KW V1 Miata NA Coilovers

Our comment: This may be their entry level product, but don’t go thinking that this kit from the German suspension legends isn’t an incredible kit. The main downside is that this kit doesn’t feature adjustable damping, however, we would much prefer to trust the R&D team at KW than your buddies homie down at the local shop.

The most important factor is that these are still height adjustable, which means that you can get an incredible piece of engineering at a fraction of the price if you’re not looking to adjust every minor detail of your setup. These are great for everyday driving and extremely capable if you decide to hit up the track. Combine that with stainless steel construction, which means you’ll never have rust or seizing issues, and you’re onto a winner!

Manufacturer description: “The KW Variant 1 “inox-line” coilover kit is our entry model for increased driving pleasure with an attractive and individually adjustable lowering. Due to its high-quality finish, the use of struts made from stainless steel, corrosion-resistant springs and bump stops as well as compatible components stands for long driving pleasure – not just the car’s life.”

“We are the market leader and innovator of individual suspension solutions for road and racetracks for more than 15 years. Car drivers, automotive manufacturers , and tuners all around the world rely on our KW coilovers “Made in Germany”. Each KW coilover kit, developed and manufactured in the Swabian town Fichtenberg, is subject to extensive stress tests during production to meet the high standards of our KW quality management.”

Zeal Function-A X-Coil NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Zeal
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm (Street Springs)
Spring rate rear: 7kg/mm (Street Springs)
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Zeal Function-A X-Coil Miata NA Coilovers

Our comment: Our final choice is the premium selection and undoubtedly the most expensive set on our NA list. Quality comes at a price and Endless’s sister company, Zeal, brings you an impressive work of art.

This aluminum setup is plated in nickel-boon which gives it a rigid structure, increasing the resistance to abrasion and high temperatures and also allow for a more direct damping action. Depending on your intentions, these come in either a street or track spring setup. If you’re looking to shave valuable seconds off at the track, these are the NA coilovers for you.

Manufacturer description: “Zeal Coilover suspension systems use the originally developed X-Coil spring. The height adjustable coilover kit has been designed to capitalize on the linear characteristics of the X-Coil spring and has been developed to meet the needs of a variety of different driving conditions.”

“The Function-A features 30 levels of adjustment and is designed for both aggressive street and track use. Customers have the options between the Street and Track spring rates as recommended by the factory.”

Fortune Auto 500 NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Fortune Auto
Levels of damping adjustment: 24
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Fortune Auto 500 NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Our comment: US-built Fortune Auto certainly stand out with this awesome looking coilover set. They don’t just look good, they’re known for their high quality, popular products. These are soft and smooth for the daily trek yet extremely capable if you head to the track.

Fortune Auto are always customizable, and should you want any spring upgrades or other customizations, hit up Enjuku and we have no doubt they’ll be happy to help.

Manufacturer description: “Fortune Auto engineers were tasked with a focused goal to make the Generation 5, 500 Series dampers the best single adjustable system on the market at a very affordable price point. All systems are completely built in-house by our engineering staff in Richmond, Virginia. We insist on building bespoke suspension in order to offer the best quality control in the industry.”

“At Fortune Auto, we approach the science of suspension with a mentality of customization that has raised the industry’s standards of performance.”

BC Racing BR NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: BC Racing BR NA & NB Coilovers

Do you like what BC Racing has to offer and have a little extra cash to splash for their top-end setup? Check out the BC Racing ER kit!

Tein Flex Z NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Tein
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Tein Flex Z Miata NB Coilovers

Tein designed this kit to be a sealed structure, meaning they aren’t rebuildable. This may sound like a negative, but Tein is able to supply each part individually. Therefore, if your shock was to go, you ONLY need to replace the shock, which is far cheaper than a rebuild or an entirely new kit. We think it’s a great idea.

A’PEXi N1 ExV NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: APEXi
Levels of damping adjustment: 32
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: APEXi N1 ExV Miata NA & NB Coilovers

Our comment: APEXi is an extremely well-known name in the tuning scene and this is their street-orientated coilover range.

These are a solid contender, and should definitely be considered for a mid-range mostly street and occasional track or canyon run setup.

Manufacturer description: “The N1 ExV Damper is the newest edition to our high performance street line of coilover suspension. The Expert Type V (ExV) is a full coilover suspension featuring a threaded base for precise ride height adjustment without compromising shock or spring travel.”

“The ExV was designed to cater exclusively to US market vehicles. With this in mind, internal components have been specifically engineered to withstand harsher road conditions and increased wear caused by everyday street driving. The Expert Type V was developed based upon user requests for a high performance damper that doesn’t carry a typical racing suspension price tag.”

Ohlins Road & Track NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 458 lbs/in.
Spring rate rear: 343 lbs/in.
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata NA & NB Coilovers

Our comment: Our final choice in the NB selection is from the market-leading Swedish manufacturer, Ohlins. Creating some of the best setups in the world, these suspension giants are certainly not to be dismissed if you’re looking for a serious setup.

Quality comes at a price, and owners have been delighted with this setup for many years. It features strong corrosion protection which shows that they are built to last. The DFV technology certainly sets these apart from the lower-priced competition in our NB selection.

Manufacturer description: “For the past 3 decades one name comes to mind when thinking about a state-of-the-art engineered suspension product, Öhlins. Öhlins has remained true to its number one goal; superior road handling without sacrificing comfort in the day-to-day transports.”

“The Road and Track Coilover Suspension System by Öhlins is just another great piece of art design to perform at every level it needs to. Utilizing DFV (Dual Flow Valve) Technology is part of what makes Öhlins climb to the top as a leader in Coilover Systems. The DFV gives the same characteristics on rebound as it does on compression by using constent flow of fluid into both directions, resulting in a quicker response from wheel and tire to effectively resume their important positions of hugging the ground below.”

Godspeed GSP Mono SS NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Godspeed
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Godspeed GSP Mono SS NA & NB Miata Coilovers on Amazon or eBay

Our comment: There’s no question that the Godspeed coilover kit provides excellent value for money, and we’ve heard of many owners having great long-term experience with this kit.

Not only are they a bargain, but they also look pretty damn cool!

Godspeed has had a negative reputation in the past, but they’ve focused on improving the brand, which certainly appears to be paying off.

For those looking for a unique touch to your Miata, the Godspeed coilovers could well provide a great budget option.

If you’re happy to spend a little more cash for a competitive setup, there will be better choices out there, but for the price, this is a great kit.

Manufacturer description: “The Mono-SS series is a new addition to our Godspeed Project suspension line and offers the bare minimum for what we believe an after-market coilover system should be without sacrificing reliability, quality and performance.”

“Featuring a Mono-Tube shock, this series is built more for consumers who are on a budget but want the best bang for their buck. For a much more comfortable ride the Mono-SS all come with a Poly Urethane bushing in both the top hat and lower bracket for an improved ride instead of a spherical bearing which can be too stiff and noisy for some.”

Megan Racing EZII Street Series NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Megan Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 15
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Megan Racing EZII Street Series NA & NB Miata Coilovers on Amazon or eBay

Our comment: Megan Racing’s EZII street kit is another fairly reasonably priced offering.

Don’t expect to be claiming podiums in Formula Drift anytime soon, but if you’re purely looking to lower your car for the street, or perhaps very occasional basic track use, then they are worth consideration.

Megan Racing is another brand that often gets hit with a mixed reception, but some owners are delighted with their choice.

In our opinion, it’s worth forking out a little extra cash for something like the Tein Flex Z or BC Racing BR coilover kits.

Manufacturer description: “Megan Racing EZII Series coilover system is aimed towards the more budget oriented enthusiast to offer the most basic essentials from an after-market coil-over setup, yet makes no compromises for quality and performance.”

“15 Levels of Adjustable Damper Strength, Aluminum Brackets paired with rubber inserts, Rubber Dust Covers, Adjustable Ride Height, Conservative Spring Rates, Single-Cylinder Design – monotube, All coilover damper kits come with 1 year manufacture-defect warranty, All Hardware is Included.”

Moton 3-Way NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Moton
Levels of damping adjustment: 15
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: Springs not included
Spring rate rear: Springs not included
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Moton 3-Way NC Miata Coilovers

Our comment: You’re probably assuming we’ve made a typo with the price here, but nope. You’re just looking at the OG specials. Moton is in a different league to the rest of our coilover offerings, and although they’re certainly not for everybody, these are the perfect choice for those that are competing professionally or have recently secured a secret lottery win.

An incredible option for those of you where money is not an issue that won’t settle for anything less than the best parts for their NC build.

Manufacturer description: “The 3-Way adjustable Moton damper features 15 positions of high speed bump, 6 positions low speed bump and 15 positions of rebound adjustment. The low speed bump adjuster is located on top of the high speed bump adjuster and can be adjusted in dependably.”

“The low speed bump adjuster is very effective in helping to control body roll while adding to turn in and is effective in controlling pitch and squat. The 3-Way adjustable Moton damper is using, like the double adjustable damper, a unique blow off valve system in the canister to totally control curb stones and bumpy track conditions.”

BC Racing BR NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 5kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: BC Racing BR NC Coilovers

Do you like what BC Racing has to offer and have a little extra cash to splash for their top-end setup? Check out the BC Racing ER kit!

Tein Flex Z NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Tein
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 5kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Tein Flex Z Miata NC

Manufacturer description: “FLEX Z inherits all the features and quality of STREET FLEX but the adoption of a new platform allows its price to be set at amazingly low range ($800 to $1,050). FLEX Z, of course, maintains the long-favored “Made in Yokohama” quality. Ride height adjustable shock absorber, fully loaded with TEIN’s comprehensive technology, is now more affordable prices than ever.”

KW Variant 3 Miata NC Coilovers

Manufacturer: KW
Levels of damping adjustment: 14
Construction type: Twin-tube
Spring rate front: 230 (lbs/in)
Spring rate rear: Progressive
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: KW V3 Miata NC Coilovers

Our comment: KW return to our list with their competitor for the Ohlins Road & Track. This is KW’s big daddy kit which certainly lives up to expectations and includes full 3-way adjustment and corrosion protection, these are undoubtedly one of the most popular coilover choices on the market.

If you’re stuck between choosing these or Ohlins Road & Track below, people generally find these softer than the Ohlins, which may work out better for daily use.

Manufacturer description: “State-of-the-art technology from motor sports for more performance on the road. The separate and independently adjustable rebound- and compression damping allows for an individual suspension setup for different uses and preferences.”

“The unique patented system with its two-stage valves allows a rebound damping adjustment (comfort) and a compression adjustment (driving dynamics) in the low-speed range while the high-speed range which controls the driving safety, is fixed.”

Skunk2 Pro ST NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Skunk2
Levels of damping adjustment: 12
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Skunk2 Pro ST NC Miata Coilovers

Our comment: Skunk2 offers its Pro-ST coilovers to those looking for a mid-price range offering.

This kit fits into a similar price-bracket to the BC Racing BR and is a fair bit more expensive than the Tein Flex Z, both available for NC owners in this guide.

The Pro-ST kit is designed with driving enthusiasts in mind, but in all honesty, we think that there better choices mentioned above within the same price bracket, which offer better adjustability and are far more proven.

Manufacturer description: “Skunk2 Racing’s Pro-ST Coilovers for ’06-’15 Mazda Miata NC are engineered as the best single adjustable suspension system on the market at a price point you can afford!”

“Serious club racers and discerning high performance street car owners agree that the Pro-ST’s 12 way dampening, mono-tube design, threaded shock bodies with independent height/ spring pre-load adjustment, and billet radial bearing upper camber mounts give them all the control they need at the track without sacrificing ride quality on the street.”

Ohlins Road & Track NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 392 lbs/in
Spring rate rear : 224 lbs/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata NC Coilovers

Our comment: It could well be leaving the best until last again for our final choice in the NC selection, once again from the market-leading German manufacturer, Ohlins. Creating some of the best setups in the world, these suspension giants are certainly not to be dismissed if you’re looking for a serious setup.

If you’re stuck between these and the KW V3, the main difference is that these are slightly stiffer for daily use, if this is what you’re looking for then opt for these.

Manufacturer description: “For the past 3 decades one name comes to mind when thinking about a state-of-the-art engineered suspension product, Öhlins. Öhlins has remain true to its number one goal; superior road handling without sacrificing comfort in the day-to-day transports.”

“The Road and Track Coilover Suspension System by Öhlins is just another great peice of art design to perform at every level it needs to. Utilizing DFV (Dual Flow Valve) Technology is part of what makes Öhlins climb to the top as a leader in Coilover Systems. The DFV gives the same characteristics on rebound as it does on compression by using constent flow of fluid into both directions, resulting in a quicker response from wheel and tire to effectively resume their important positions of hugging the ground below.”

HKS Hipermax GT IV Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: HKS
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 4kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 4kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: HKS Hipermax GT IV ND Miata Coilovers

Our comment: We kick off our ND list in style with the latest release from the Japanese tuning powerhouse, HKS. This option combines fantastic ride comfort which is close to stock (even when slammed) with the addition of impeccable handling alongside the typical quality you would expect from HKS. These are a fantastic fast road coilover for an ND that perhaps sees occasional track use from time to time.

Manufacturer description: “The new Max IV is a sporty suspension. Gives you an awesome sporty drive with great control and a comfortable ride on the street.”

“It’s perfect for daily street driving that gives you style and performance. You and your passenger can have a comfortable ride even with a low-down. Mono tube dampers allow for more accurate and stable control and adjustment of dampening. Lower ride height and centre of gravity gives a more stable ride.”

BC Racing BR ND Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 5kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 3kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: BC Racing BR ND Coilovers

Our comment: BC Racing BR are another option that have definitely stood the test of time. They’re great on the street yet capable for occasional light track or drift action.

These are a solid budget contender and our cheapest offering for the ND. These could well be perfect if you’re not looking to shave lap times at the track but looking for better stance and handling.

ST Suspensions XTA Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: ST Suspensions
Levels of damping adjustment: Unknown
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 230lbs/in
Spring rate rear: 230lbs/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: ST Suspensions XTA Miata ND

Our comment: Introducing KW’s younger brother – ST. This features the same technology as found in the KW suspensions and are based off the KW V2. The main change with these compared to the V2 is that the construction is now galvanized steel instead of stainless.

These are a fantastic alternative to the more expensive KW alternatives and will undoubtedly provide fantastic quality and handling at a fraction of the price of the KW products, as long as you don’t mind losing the stainless steel construction.

Manufacturer description: “The high-quality ST XTA coilover is based on the twin-tube damping principle of low friction combined with pressure-resistant damper housings. Manufactured directly at KW, a mono block guide and seal package reduces the friction of the damper as well as protecting it against corrosion and dirt. Each galvanized strut is sealed multiple times to ensure maximum longevity in ALL weather conditions.”

Cusco Zero-3s Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: Cusco
Levels of damping adjustment: 24
Construction type: Twin-tube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 4kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Cusco Zero-3s Miata ND Coilovers

Our comment: Japanese tuning giants Cusco have opted to try their hand in the Miata market as they bring their first offering. With a reasonable price point, these feature everything you would need for a great setup on a daily, yet still remain competitive when you head to the track.

These are designed exclusively for the ND Miata and are rust and corrosion resistant, which is extremely important in some areas. These could well be the ultimate street/track ND coilover within the price bracket.

Manufacturer description: “Cusco Zero-3 Coilovers are highly adjustable, allowing you to tune the suspension to provide your desired ride on road or track. 24-way adjustable dampers, excellent tailor-made spring rates, rust-resistant stainless steel outer casing, and a double-adjustable ride height body all combine to give you the best coilover on the market.”

“Shock travel is consistent despite changes in ride height, and you can corner-balance your car without affecting spring pre-load”

Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 572 lbs/in
Spring rate rear: 229 lbs/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Our comment: There’s a good reason that Ohlins R&T feature three times in this guide, and that’s because owners simply can’t get enough of them. Creating some of the best setups in the world, these suspension giants are certainly not to be dismissed if you’re looking for a serious setup.

Our winners

So which are the right set of coilovers for your Miata platform? Read on for our winners!

Miata NA choice

Our choice for the Miata NA is the Zeal Function-A

Endless is a huge name in the tuning scene, and the quality of these coilovers continues the tradition that we’ve come to expect from them. If you have the money to spare, this fantastic product offers both a street or track setup and are built to last.

There are certainly cheaper alternatives on our list and for those on a more realistic budget, we’d recommend the Tein Flex Z.

Zeal Function-A Miata NA coilovers

Miata NB choice

Our choice for the Miata NB are the Ohlins Road & Track

This probably comes as no surprise, but there’s no doubt that they are the worthy winners. Combining incredible German quality with one of the best handling setups on the market, you really can’t go wrong with these. These also fit the NA if you’re looking for an alternative option.

If they’re out of your price bracket, consider opting for the Tein Flex Z for a great low-priced all-rounder.

Ohlins Road & Track NA/NB Coilovers

Miata NC choice

Our choice for the Miata NC is the KW V3

We know that it’s always a personal choice as to whether you go for these or the Ohlins R&T, but we couldn’t let KW miss out on being a winner in our guide! The Ohlins are obviously an incredible choice too, and if you’re after a stiffer ride then consider those instead.

If you’re still flossing from that recent lottery win and you’re serious about the track, make sure you check out the Moton.

KW Variant 3 Miata NC Coilovers

Miata ND choice

Our choice for the Miata ND is the Ohlins Road & Track

ND owners have a great selection to choose from, but nothing that we think is superior to Ohlins offering for value for money.

For our runner-up, we would go with the tried and tested HKS Hipermax GT IV. These are undoubtedly a fantastic lower-price choice for those who aren’t too serious about track times.

Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Looking to keep your Miata in tip top condition? Then make sure you check out our Miata Battery guide.

If you want to learn more about the Miata’s toughest rival in recent years, check out our BRZ Tuning Guides.

Photo credits

We would like to thank the following websites for allowing us to use their images in this article:

The post Ultimate Mazda Miata Coilover Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Miata Seats Guide – Pick The Best Seats For Your Roadster

Joe Terrell — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 05:00:26 +0000

Are you getting tired of your well-worn stock Miata seats? We’re exploring the best seats available on the market to find the perfect alternatives for your needs.

In a hurry? Here is our best Miata seats summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice

Corbeau Forza	Bride A.i.R.	Sparco SPX

Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Miata seats, particularly from the earlier generations, seem to have earned themselves a love/hate relationship among enthusiasts.

Some will argue that the Miata’s OEM seats are fantastic, and they’ve even become a popular ‘upgrade’ for vintage car owners that are looking for a little more comfort or support on a budget.

On the other hand, other owners believe that they’re too hard, too flat, and don’t feature anywhere near enough support.

Either way, I think it’s safe to say that although the stock seats are adequate for a lot of purposes, there’s no question that they’re deteriorating with age, and let’s face it, there are better alternatives out there, whatever your needs may be.

Some owners look to aftermarket seats for styling purposes, after all, the seats in a Miata are far more visible than most cars, especially when it comes to a roof-down blast.

Other enthusiasts may be looking to find the ultimate racing seats, which will provide adequate support, ensuring they don’t end up flying over to the passenger side when they initiate their first drift, or flinging them around the car on their first grip day.

Although some owners opt for upgrading their OEM seats with the likes of the alternatives found in the Lotus Elise, this can soon end up becoming costly, and you’re likely to be left with old, worn seats, which are crying out for a refurb.

Not to mention that their increasing popularity and rarity are making them harder than ever to come by with a reasonable price-tag.

Another alternative is to go with a ‘Foamectomy’ on your stock seats, which entails replacing the foam, perhaps for something that suits your needs a little more.

However, if you want to keep life simple, then there’s a vast array of incredible brand new aftermarket seats waiting on the shelf ready to be fitted into your Miata.

It’s worth noting, though, that the Miata isn’t the most straightforward car when it comes to finding the perfect new seats, mostly due to the lack of space on the interior.

But fear not – that’s precisely why we’ve created this guide, as we’ve done the hard work for you by eliminating the seats that are too big to consider.

When looking for the perfect seats for your Miata, you’ll ideally want to find seats with around a 19.5-inch base and 21-inch shoulder width. However, the shoulder width will depend on the height where the seat widens.

Typically, the maximum base width you’ll be able to consider will be around 22-inches, with a maximum shoulder width of 24-inches.

Although you may be able to get away with slightly bigger options depending on where they widen, we’d always ensure that someone has already fitted them previously to save the potential headaches.

Despite reclining seats being the most convenient solution, the Miata’s base design can often cause an issue with the asymmetrical OEM seat base.

This base features a dropped pan to allow the seats to sit as low as possible while still being able to integrate the sliders, while also allowing you to sit perfectly central to the steering wheel.

For this reason, it can be a challenge to fit reclining seats that will sit as low, or lower, than the stock seats, which is why so many owners opt for fixed-back seats in their Miata.

So, there are certainly a few considerations when it comes to finding the perfect Miata seats for your needs, so let’s take a more in-depth look at the recommended choices on offer.

Although we’ve researched the dimensions of all these seats to ensure that the base and shoulders fit, we’d highly recommend ensuring that they clear the vital areas of the Miata to provide the perfect solution.

Miata’s are hugely versatile cars, and in many ways, they’re a motoring enthusiasts’ dream, so finding the perfect seat to finish off your interior is likely to be the icing on the cake.

Are you currently undertaking a Miata build?

We’ve already taken a look at the Mazda Miata exhausts, and Mazda Miata coilovers to help you significantly improve the handling and performance of your Miata.

If you’re looking to go one step further, then our Miata Turbo Kit or Miata Supercharger guides are going to provide the perfect solutions for your big-power needs.

Not sure whether a turbocharger or supercharger would be best for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our Turbocharger Vs Supercharger – What’s Best? guide.

Best Miata seats lineup

Let’s take a closer look at the seats we have lined up for this guide:

Bride A.i.R.

Manufacturer: Bride
Base width: 18.5″
Shoulder width: 22″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your black Bride A.i.R. seats here | Buy your red Bride A.i.R. seats here

Our comment: Bride’s A.i.R. series is the latest in Bride’s revolutionary line of seats, which could quite possibly be the ultimate seat for Miata owners.

Specially designed with two-seaters in mind, the A.i.R. series utilizes Bride’s LOWMAX system to ensure the lowest possible seating position, which allows zero offset with the floor pan.

The new lower-angled side bolsters make getting in and out of the seats far more convenient than traditional buckets, yet the modern design also ensures that you still receive significant hip support when driving.

Stylish, unique, and weighing in at just 6.8kg per seat, this brand new offering from JDM legends, Bride, could well be the perfect Miata solution.

Manufacturer description: “The Bride A.i.R. Bucket Seat is the latest design from the Japanese seat company. It was designed for small convertible coupes with emphasis on a minimal head-rest and shoulder bolsters to reduce drag when the convertible top is down“.

“Similarly, since they were designed for small convertibles you can expect superior clearance of interior panels and doors. The Bride A.i.R. also implements their proprietary “Low Max” system to lower seating position to accommodate tall drivers and those using helmets“.

Bride Gias II

Manufacturer: Bride
Base width: 17.7″
Shoulder width: 21.6″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Discontinued

Updated March 25th 2021: Discontinued. We recommend taking a look at the latest seats in the Bride range, the Bride Euroster.

Our comment: These are quite possibly the most stunning seats in the Bride range, and we love them, so you might be wondering why they only achieved four flames for ‘Value for money’.

Although they’re quite possibly the best-looking seats in the Bride lineup, they’re also one of the most expensive. If you’re after value for money but still want Bride seats, their ‘A.i.R’ offering above will work out far better value for money.

Don’t get us wrong though, the Gias are as comfy as they are pretty, and if you’re looking for reclining seats for daily comforts, these are up there with the very best. However, for competition use, we would always opt for fixed back seats.

These are more similar to a bucket seat in the thigh region than the Stradia seats, as they offer increased support.

Manufacturer description: “By adopting a super monocoque shell structure and an all-aluminum frame, GIAS series is a sporty reclining sports seat which realizes both lightweight and rigidity. The design deeply envelops the driver and realizes high holdability“.

“For the GIAS backrest we utilize a monocoque structure shell for decreased weight and reinforced rigidity. The shell materials we provide are 3 types including the lightweight and strong carbon aramid, the super aramid black shells which have superior tensile strength the same as carbon aramid which is only used by BRIDE, and FRP“.

Bride Zeta IV

Manufacturer: Bride
Base width: 18.1″
Shoulder width: 22″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Bride Zeta IV seats here

Our comment: Bride’s Zeta IV is another addition to their latest line of racing seats, and these are likely to be the perfect solution for those of you that intend to get into professional motorsports.

Bride looked in-depth at ergonomics based on the knowledge gained from the previous ZETA series to create the ultimate seat for comfort and support. They’ve also increased the shell rigidity by 15-percent.

The Zeta IV also integrates their LOWMAX system, which provides the perfect seating position for the Miata.

Despite being priced at half the cost of the Gias recliners above, the flagship Zeta IV is HANS compatible, and FIA approved, making it the perfect Bride seat for those of you that are serious about racing in your Miata.

We feel that the Zeta IV and the A.i.R. are the ultimate Bride choices for your Miata, but if you’re serious about motorsport, then you won’t need to look further than the Zeta IV.

IF you’re looking for a different color, then you can view the full Zeta IV range here.

Manufacturer description: “The all new ZETA IV is one of Bride’s flagship FIA APPROVED full bucket racing seats. The sides of the seat feature leather padding for extra grip. ZETA IV uses the latest technology for extreme lightweightedness and durability, and is also HANS device compatible“.

“In black fabric outer and gradation inner, FRP construction. Shoulder and side bolsters of ZETA IV are purely for seat performance and feature the largest shoulder and side bolster for high driver holding ability. The frame is very durable and lightweight, and the fabric black Bride fabric with leather along the sides of the seat, and a sparkling silver metallic finish on the backing. This is a true racing full bucket seat“.

Bride Stradia II

Manufacturer: Bride
Base width: 17.7″
Shoulder width: 21.7″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Discontinued

Updated March 25th 2021: Discontinued. We recommend taking a look at the latest seats in the Bride range, the Bride Euroster.

Our comment: Bride’s Stradia features a near-identical design to the previously reviewed Gias, except for a shallower thigh area, which makes it perfect for daily driving. However, for us, it has priced itself out of the typical daily driver price-range.

Combined with the reclining function, which isn’t vital for Miata’s, this only earns itself a four-? rating from us despite once again being a fantastic and incredible-looking seat.

If you’re keen to get your hands on a Bride seat, we feel that the A.i.R. or Zeta IV are far better suited for the Miata.

As always, Bride offers an excellent level of variety to choose from if the Stradia ticks the right boxes for your needs.

Manufacturer description: “STRADIA series’s shape features a lower knee support section compared to GIAS to enable easier boarding and exiting. The backrest deeply envelops the driver the same as GIAS, maintaining the high holdability. Because it utilizes a super monocoque shell structure and an aluminum frame, it achieves both light weight and high rigidity. This model is perfect for those who do not want to sacrifice holdability but are also concerned about ease of boarding/exiting“.

“With the STRADIA, the backrest has an enveloping form that enables high holdability, but the height of the thigh part is just enough to prioritize ease of boarding/exiting while maintaining holdability. This makes for a reclining sports seat which achieves both a suitable holdability and ease of use. In addition, wide-size is available for part of STRADIA lineup“.

Bride Zodia

Manufacturer: Bride
Base width: 16.1″
Shoulder width: 19.3″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Bride Zodia seats here

Our comment: Bride has created another seat crafted specifically with the Lotus Exige and Elise in mind, due to their extremely narrow interiors and floor pan layout, which is a bonus for Miata owners.

With the ever-increasing prices of the highly-sought-after Lotus seats that a lot of Miata owners opt for, these could be an excellent, brand new consideration.

We’re yet to see these fitted to a Miata, but given that the principle of the Exige/Elise is similar, these will provide an extremely narrow setup for those of you that are concerned about space.

It is worth bearing in mind that these will only really be suited to the ‘slimmer’ body type, so that may be worth considering.

These seats are a fantastic option aimed at the narrow two-seater market. If you happen to get them for your Miata, we’d love to see some photos.

Although the Zodia has the potential to be the perfect solution, we would personally recommend going with Bride’s A.i.R. or the Zeta IV if you’re looking for a more straightforward choice.

Manufacturer description: “ZODIA is a competition-use fixed bucket seat designed for sports cars with extremely tight interior space such as Lotus Elise, Lots Exige, Honda Beat, and Suzuki Cappuccino. It is designed with a compact form so it can be installed in tight seat spaces“.

“The place on the seat shell which equates to the seat surface is a large egg-shaped concave depression. By installing the seat rails as if this seat shell depression is inserted into the seat rails, you can realize the maximum low position. This is BRIDE’s patented technology, the “LOWMAX System”, which enables a low position even in tight seating spaces in sports cars and race cars“.

BridgeMoto Tsukuba

Manufacturer: BridgeMoto
Base width: 15.7″
Shoulder width: 21.7″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Get your BridgeMoto Tsukuba seats here

Our comment: BridgeMoto has been increasing in popularity in recent times, and it’s easy to see why with this insanely-priced carbon fiber option, which they say “weighs less than your flywheel”!

Not only is this an impressive price, but it also weighs in at just 9lbs, has HANS compatibility, AND FIA homologation!

With flame-retardant materials that also provide a breathable mesh design for those ‘warmer’ days at the track, this provides the coolest temperatures possible.

They’ve also opted for a memory foam padding for superior comfort, and although the sides would certainly hold you in place, they aren’t as much of a struggle as some of the other options when it comes to getting in and out.

With all things considered, these seats have blown us away, and that’s before you even begin to look at their color and material selection. They may not be too comfy for long journeys, but we’d certainly consider them for both daily and track use.

Now, if only they could get working on improving their product photos!

Manufacturer description: “Record Shattering 9lb. Driver Seat. Cut weight to the max and in style with these revolutionary buckets! Flame retardant, Breathable, antiperspirant Mesh Design for keeping drivers at optimal low temperatures“.

“One piece Monolithic Carbon Fiber shell construction for superior protection, weight reduction, and durability. Impact absorbing material on head and side rests for collision protection“.

Buddy Club Racing

Manufacturer: Buddy Club
Base width: 19.5″
Shoulder width: 21.5″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Buddy Club Racing seats here

Our comment: Buddy Club’s seats are another popular choice on the Japanese market and are well known for being incredibly light (5kg) and well built, with a high-quality standard to match.

These are performance seats for fast road use, and can be used with a 4-point harness; however, we don’t recommend them for frequent track use due to not having FIA approval.

There are Black and Red color options available and also a ‘Wide’ variation, but we’d expect that to be too wide for a Miata.

Manufacturer description: “Buddy club Racing Spec Seats have been tested and used in competition on various racing circuits around the world. This extensive “real world” testing was instrumental in the development of our one of a kind seat bolsters which offer the user support and grip while cornering and has proven extremely effective at even the most severe lateral g conditions“.

Buddy Club P-1 Limited Edition

Manufacturer: Buddy Club
Base width: 19.3″
Shoulder width: 21.5″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Buddy Club P-1 Limited Edition seats here

Our comment: The Buddy Club P-1 is developed through professional motorsport to create a high-performance seat for road use.

These could be the ideal choice for the more frequently-tracked daily driver, where a fixed-back is ideal, yet it’s still comfortable enough for everyday use.

Weighing in at just 11lbs with its FRP construction, it’s also incredibly lightweight and features a twill fabric to ensure extended lifespan and grip to ensure minimal movement when driving.

If you want something a little different, these are also available in red. Their regular sizing is ideal for 36 to 38-inch waists, and the wide version is suitable for up to 44-inches, but we would expect that to be too wide for a Miata.

Manufacturer description: “Buddy Club P-1 Limited Edition Racing Spec Fiberglass Fixed Bucket Seats have been tested and used in competition on various racing circuits around the world“.

“Constructed from lightweight fiberglass and are extremely strong, which makes them perfect for racing where weight reduction can mean the difference between a victory or a loss“.

Corbeau A4

Manufacturer: Corbeau
Base width: 19.5″
Shoulder width: 21.5″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Corbeau A4 seats here

Our comment: Corbeau enter the higher end of the market with their top-rated A4 seat.

These are another reclining option, but this time aimed at the more reasonable side of the market than the Bride variants.

These are a great all-rounder for daily and perhaps occasional light track use. If you are looking to get seriously involved with motorsports or drifting, we’d recommend the fixed-back seats.

These come in a wide variety of colors, with Black, Blue, Red, Black Suede and Grey/Black Suede options.

A reasonably priced all-rounder for those of you looking for a basic reclining seat for daily use.

Manufacturer description: “The Corbeau A4 seat is a snug fitting touring seat with a fully reclining back. This seat has excellent lateral support with low side bolsters and a low profile design“.

“As a rule of thumb, the A4 will fit up to a 34-36 inch waist while the A4 Wide will fit up to a 38-40 inch waist“.

Corbeau DFX

Manufacturer: Corbeau
Base width: 19.5″
Shoulder width: 21″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Corbeau DFX seats here

Our comment: The DFX is the latest fixed-back performance seat from Corbeau, becoming a success in the European market before bring introduced to the States.

Designed with both support and comfort in mind, this is another fantastic seat for those of you that aren’t too serious about competition use, although it is capable of fitting either a three or four-point harness if required.

We’ve seen the DFX fitted into several Miata’s, with the owners generally being thrilled with them.

The DFX is an excellent alternative at a reasonable price, which is guaranteed to be an ideal fit for your Miata.

Manufacturer description: “Designed with an emphasis on comfort and support, this seat is one of the more comfortable fixed back seats on the market today. What also makes this seat unique is that it can be side or bottom mounted, making it practical for all drivers in the market for a fixed back seat“.

“Other standard features include a tubular steel frame, medium density foam, strategically placed high wear patches and carbon fiber vinyl accents. The DFX comes with harness slots making it 3 and 4 point harness capable“.

Corbeau Forza

Manufacturer: Corbeau
Base width: 20.5″
Shoulder width: 22.5″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Corbeau Forza seats here

Our comment: Branded as a ‘competition seat with a price tag for the weekend racer,’ the Corbeau Forza is certainly excellent value-for-money.

These seats feature five harness slots for your race harness, along with integrated shoulder support. Corbeau recommends these seats for those of you with a 36-38″ waist. They also have a wide alternative if you require a bigger size, which is for up to 44″, but we’d expect this to be too wide for the Miata.

These are excellent value for money, and although they may not be the most exciting seat, they’re certainly worth considering for the price.

If black doesn’t tickle your fancy, you may want to consider the ‘Red’ variation.

Manufacturer description: “The Forza is the perfect entry level racing seat. The Forza racing seat combines comfort, performance, and safety at an absolutely unbeatable price“.

“If you enjoy racing and want a practical and affordable seat, the Forza is the seat for you“.

Corbeau FX1 Pro

Manufacturer: Corbeau
Base width: 20″
Shoulder width: 23″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Corbeau FX1 Pro seats here

Our comment: Corbeau’s FX1 Pro features a similar design to the Sparco Evo seat but at a fraction of the price. Don’t get us wrong though, the quality isn’t quite as good as the Sparco, nor are they FIA approved.

Corbeau has a good reputation within the budget scene, and if you’re looking to run bucket seats in your daily driver or for light track use, these will be ideal. For serious racing, we always recommend FIA-approved seats as it may become a requirement further down the line.

This ‘Pro’ range is the cheapest, which features narrower shoulders with racing in mind. There’s also the wider-shoulder FX1 and the large FX1 seats available, but we wouldn’t expect these to fit the Miata.

Manufacturer description: “The FX1 Pro racing seat features composite fiberglass technology. The FX1 Pro combines comfort, performance, and safety at an absolutely unbeatable price. Designed with an emphasis on comfort, this seat is one of the most comfortable race seats you will ever sit in“.

“If you enjoy racing and want a practical and affordable shell seat, the FX1 Pro is a hard one to pass on. As a rule of thumb, the FX1 Pro racing seat will fit up to a 36 inch waist, the FX1 will fit up to a 38 inch waist and the FX1 Wide (black only) will fit up to a 42 inch waist“.

NRG FRP-300

Manufacturer: NRG
Base width: 20″
Shoulder width: 23″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your NRG FRP-300 seats here

Our comment: NRG is known for bringing some great-looking budget parts to the market, and these seats are no exception with a price tag of under $250.

These may be ideal for a budget track build, but with car parts, we know that you often get what you pay for, and it looks like it’s the case this time around too.

We’ve heard several reports of the quality being to a low standard with fiberglass and issues with the mounting holes.

These have been included in our list as they’re an exceptional price, but we’d personally look elsewhere for something higher quality.

Manufacturer description: “NRG Innovations racing seats are designed with the best of comfort and style to improve the look and performance in any vehicle“.

“Great lumbar support and holding feel as opposed to the stock seats. NRG seats are designed differently to accommodate different harness styles“.

NRG FRP-310

Manufacturer: NRG
Base width: 20″
Shoulder width: 22″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your NRG FRP-310 seats here

Our comment: These seats may well be a worthwhile consideration for your budget track build, but there are certainly better options out there if you’re willing to lay down a little extra cash.

We’ve heard reports of the fiberglass being of low quality, and also some issues with the mounting holes. We hope that NRG will listen to the feedback and improve this over time.

They’re certainly not the perfect choice, but given their insanely cheap price tag, they may suit those of you opting for a budget build.

Manufacturer description: “NRG Innovations racing seats are designed with the best of comfort and style to improve the look and performance in any vehicle“.

“Great lumbar support and holding feel as opposed to the stock seats. NRG seats are designed differently to accommodate different harness styles“.

Seibon Carbon Kevlar Type-FC

Manufacturer: Seibon
Base width: 21.5″
Shoulder width: 23″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Get your Seibon Type-FC seats here

Our comment: Carbon fiber wizards, Seibon, have launched a stunning carbon kevlar seat to the market with their Type-FC, which could quite possibly be the most insane looking seat in our list.

These handcrafted carbon seats will undoubtedly attract a fair amount of attention in your Miata, and it’s easy to see why.

As you can imagine, being carbon fiber, they’re substantial and lightweight. Its design allows for the ultimate bolster support to prevent unnecessary body movement even when you’re pushing the car hard.

These seats were designed for racing use and allow for fitting of a multi-point harness – an exceptional product that is undoubtedly a contender for our favorite seat on the market right now.

If the red color doesn’t suit your personal preference, then they are also available in black.

Manufacturer description: “Creating performance-oriented products that help shed unnecessary weight without sacrificing style is Seibon’s specialty. This Seibon Carbon Kevlar Bucket Racing Seat Type FC is the perfect answer to enhance and maintain that superior look of carbon fiber to your car. The supportive shape will keep you in an upright driving position so you can stay in control during high performance driving“.

Sparco Chrono

Manufacturer: Sparco
Base width: 21″
Shoulder width: 22.5″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Sparco Chrono seats here

Our comment: This ergonomic design from Sparco is one of their best streetcar offerings for those of you that are looking for a comfortable, reclining seat with a reasonable price tag.

Crafted from Sparco’s collaboration with Lamborghini, this sleek seat with aggressive side and thigh bolsters will be an excellent choice for daily and fast road use.

These are known to be a popular choice with Miata owners with a ‘fuller figure,’ so they may be an ideal choice if you’re looking for something with a little more ‘wiggle room’!

Manufacturer description: “Drawing on our decades of racing history, Sparco has created an extensive line of streetcar seats that offer the ultimate in comfort and performance. Our ergonomic designs help cradle and protect the driver against even the most demanding lateral forces“.

“This black seat features white contrast stitching on the exterior and seat and back padding for extra comfort. The aggressive side and thigh bolsters hold and protect the driver. The Chrono Road seat has a full suspension bottom and generous sizing for added comfort“.

Sparco Circuit

Manufacturer: Sparco
Base width: 18.9″
Shoulder width: 22.8″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Get your Sparco Circuit seats here

Our comment: As the name would suggest, Sparco’s Circuit seat is for those of you that spend quite a lot of time at the track.

Although these are hugely popular seats, they’re not recommended for those of you that are a larger build, but for small or medium builds, they’re a fantastic choice.

Bucket seats aren’t the most useful things to use daily, and those with head restraints become even more challenging. On the other hand, it provides excellent support when pushing your Miata to the limit, and also comes with FIA-approval and HANS device compatibility.

These are an excellent, ultra-light seat for the track at a very reasonable price, but not something that we’d be opting for if we drive our Miata daily.

Manufacturer description: “The Circuit is an ultra-light competition seat specifically designed for circuit use. Made from aramadic fibers-reinforced fiberglass, the Circuit has an ultra-light shell“.

“The Circuit includes integrated bolsters to protect the head and a unique seat design that helps separate the driver’s leg. This seat can be used with a Hans device for even greater protection“.

Sparco EVO QRT

Manufacturer: Sparco
Base width: 19″
Shoulder width: 22″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Get your Sparco EVO QRT seats here

Our comment: We feel that the EVO QRT is the ultimate offering from Sparco, which they redesigned in 2019 with a significantly improved design.

This latest revision of Sparco’s legendary EVO range utilizes Sparco’s all-new QRT technology to create an ultra-light shell.

The QRT technology enabled Sparco to achieve a weight-saving of up-to 30-percent compared to standard fiberglass, while also improving the structural strength.

Not only that, but the QRT also features reduced shoulder bolster dimensions over the traditional EVO seat, making it perfect for the Miata.

When you thought it couldn’t get any better, the seat also has FIA approval and HANS compatibility, which makes it perfect for motorsport use, but also comfortable enough to be used daily.

Manufacturer description: “The EVO QRT has been updated from the previous EVO seat with a reduced shoulder bolster dimension that allows fitment into smaller cockpits but can still accommodate a medium size driver“.

“The EVO QRT series of seats feature the most back angle rake of all Sparco seats for a very comfortable driving position“.

Sparco Sprint

Manufacturer: Sparco
Base width: 19.5″
Shoulder width: 20.6″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Sparco Sprint seats here

Our comment: Sparco’s Sprint seats are their entry-level competition seat, which comes in at a reasonable price for the quality. At just $400, these FIA Approved seats should be a consideration for those of you on a budget.

With a steel tubular frame and 6-point harness slots, these are ideal for both competition and daily driving use. Weighing in at 8.74kg, they’re going to be far lighter than the stock seats.

Sparco says that these are the best-selling seats in Europe, and we can see why. Excellent seats at an even better price point.

They offer three color variations to choose from with these seats – Black, Red, and Blue.

Manufacturer description: “The Sprint is our entry level competition seat, perfect for weekend racers. It carefully balances safety, styling and value. The fastenings for side or bottom attachments on the tubular frame are better positioned on the shell while the holes for fifth and sixth seatbelt points provide improved safety“.

“This seat is made from fire retardant fabric and features contrasting quilting. Available in black, blue and red. FIA approved“.

Sparco SPX

Manufacturer: Sparco
Base width: 19″
Shoulder width: 21.3″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Get your Sparco SPX seats here

Our comment: We love the look of these Sparco SPX seats, but quality comes at a price, and these are no exception.

However, if you’re looking for what Sparco states to be the lightest carbon fiber (mixed with advanced composites) reclining seat on the market, look no further.

Sparco created the first-ever adjustable carbon fiber seat for the Lamborghini Diablo back in 1998, and they’ve continued to make some of the most elegant seats in the world ever since.

This work of art mixes Alcantara suede with perforated Italian leather for the ultimate touch. It’s certainly not a seat we’d be heading to the track in, but if it’s a stylish modern look that you’re after for your daily driver, then these seats are hard to beat!

Given they’re aimed more at the luxury market, they are one of the more substantial seats, weighing in at 28lbs; however, they are exceptionally comfortable. They’re also an ideal fit for up to 42″ waists, so they’ll be an excellent choice even for our ‘huggable’ fans!

Manufacturer description: “The SPX is handcrafted in Italy using the same technology and materials used for OEM super cars. In fact the SPX is the first Carbon Fiber reclining seat available to the public that meets the same specifications required by the OEM manufacturers. What this means is that the attention to detail and quality cannot be matched by any other seat manufacturer on the market today“.

“The Sparco SPX seat represents the ultimate evolution of the sport seat. The SPX uses a combination of carbon fiber and advanced composites that give the driver both comfort and performance in a lightweight package. With the ergonomic shape of the carbon fiber backrest and the seating position of the RTM composite lower, the SPX holds the driver during extreme lateral forces and is comfortable for long road trips“.

Tillett B6 Screamer

Manufacturer: Tillett
Base width: 17.3″
Shoulder width: 16.9″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Get your Tillett B6 Screamer seats here

Our comment: You know when we said we had something for everyone in our guide? Well, we weren’t lying! The B6 Screamer certainly doesn’t win the popularity contest for daily drivers, but if you’re building a lightweight track car and just want the essentials, then this is a great choice.

These aren’t the kind of seat that you opt for if you’re looking for your parents’ approval when you take them for a ride.

If you’re struggling for space in your car due to being tall or generally needing to sit lower, there are very few better choices out there to maximize the space inside the Miata. These seats are FIA approved, capable of running 6-point harnesses, and weigh in at just 6kg.

For those of you that like them, but the thought of sitting in them for a long track session is making your eyes water, they’ve also got optional padding to make the day more tolerable.

Like the idea of the B6 Screamer, but have a little more money to spare to achieve the ultimate weight-saving? You’ll want to check out the Tillett B7.

A great, unique, lightweight alternative that could be the perfect solution for a hardcore track competitor.

Manufacturer description: “The new B6 Screamer is FIA approved to the 8855-1999 standard and replaces the popular B6F. Importantly, the weight is now 20% lighter than the B6F as this seat uses a new moulding system which creates lighter seats with superior strength“.

“These fit the seats rigidly down to a flat floor giving the lowest possible driving position. The Lotus Elise/Exige specific EBF1 brackets are also usable on a dropped floor or when sited on top of runners“.

Our winner

Our winner for this guide is the Bride A.i.R. seat.

To pick our winner from this choice of Miata seats, we looked at a number of criteria; performance, quality, and design.

Based on these criteria, we have chosen the Bride A.i.R to be our winner.

Bride A.i.R.

Despite the restricted space inside the Miata’s interior, there’s still a vast selection of remarkable seats available on the market.

Although the A.i.R. isn’t the usual, common choice, we feel that’s because they’re one of the latest releases from Bride, and haven’t yet had time to settle into the deserved spot in their unique market.

Designed with two-seater convertible sports cars in mind, they look stunning in any generation of Miata.

Bride intentionally aimed at having minimal head-rest and shoulder bolsters to reduce drag when driving with the top down.

Not only that, but they’ve also made the seats as narrow as possible to allow for maximum clearance within the tight Miata interiors. We have no doubt they designed these with the likes of the Miata owner in mind.

Their ‘LOWMAX’ system also ensures that you’ll have the lowest possible seating position, where some seats are likely to make you sit higher than usual.

We understand that the A.i.R. won’t be ideal for everyone’s budget, and perhaps their tastes, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the five-star options in our guide.

However, our budget choice this time around would go to the insanely reasonably-priced Corbeau Forza, which is perfect for a budget build.

Alternatively, if you’ve got some cash to splash and you’re looking for a luxurious, premium seat, then look no further than the Sparco SPX.

Thank you for reading our Best Miata Seats guide

We hope that you’re now confident in choosing the perfect seats for your needs, whether you’re planning on cruising on the streets or tearing it up at the track. Now that you have got the perfect pair of seats hooked up, why not treat your Miata to a new shift knob?

Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

If you enjoyed this article, then please share it with the buttons at the side and bottom of your screen. Find this information useful? Please post a link to it on your Miata owners club.

We appreciate your support.

The post Ultimate Miata Seats Guide – Pick The Best Seats For Your Roadster first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Mazda Miata Wheel Guide

Joe Terrell — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 05:00:09 +0000

Looking for the perfect set of wheels to provide the ultimate looks to your Mazda Miata build? We’re checking out our favorite rims on the market in this guide.

Aftermarket Wheel Advantages
Finding The Perfect Mazda Miata Fitment
Choosing Your Mazda Miata Wheels
Miata/MX-5 NA & NB (1989-2005) Wheels
Miata/MX-5 NC (05-15) Wheels
Miata/MX-5 ND (15+) Wheels
Jump to Winners

In a hurry? Here are our Miata Wheel winners

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice

Konig Hypergram	Enkei RPF1	Advanti Racing Storm S1

Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Aftermarket Wheel Advantages

There are many advantages to replacing the wheels on your Mazda Miata, and although looks are important, they aren’t the only thing to consider, depending on what your intentions are with your Miata build.

Most rims on the market provide significant weight reductions over the stock wheels, some more so than others, and maintaining or even shedding weight from the already-light chassis with light weight wheels provides the perfect solution when it comes to getting the most out of your Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The OEM NA/NB Mazda Miata typical wheel weight ranges between 10-15lbs per corner.

For NC/ND models, the weight of the stock Miata wheels goes up to nearer 20lbs.

With that in mind, we certainly wouldn’t recommend going with wheels that are heavier than what you already have.

Alongside the acceleration advantages from the potential weight saving, having a wider track will also improve the car’s handling, which means it’ll become quicker in both a straight line and the twisties.

Once you’ve got the acceleration and handling improved, you can refine the handling even further by opting for wider tires and wheels, which will allow for more grip and traction on the road and on track days.

The added grip can be handy if you’ve opted for going down the forced induction route, with a turbocharger or a supercharger kit to your Miata. Your new-found power gains will most definitely make achieving sufficient traction under acceleration a challenge.

However, if you happen to go too wide on your tire width on a stock Miata, you’ll likely gain weight and potentially slow down your acceleration times, and we certainly don’t want that!

When choosing your Miata wheels, it’s all about finding the perfect fitment for your specific needs.

Whether you’re heading down the ‘Hellaflush’ stance route, set new records at the track, or looking to provide your drift car with the ultimate look, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Finding The Perfect Mazda Miata Fitment

The right set of new wheels with the correct sizes can completely transform your Miata, which will undoubtedly produce a real head-turner on the streets or the track.

One of the beautiful things about modifying your car is that you get to choose exactly how you want it to look.

When purchasing wheels, the goal is to fill out the fenders without requiring spacers to achieve the ultimate look.

Although this involves numerous calculations, we’ll be listing the wheel sizes in this guide for you to decide the look that best suits your requirements.

Step 1 – Wheel Diameter

Mazda provided the 1st generation, pre-1997 NA Miata’s with 14” wheels from the factory.

For the NB models, which ranged between 1998-2005, they upgraded to 15” wheels.

For the NC and ND models, Mazda went a little more advanced with the suspension and the brakes, and these upgraded additions meant that they opted to use 17 inch wheels from the factory.

Although Mazda played it safe with the clearance here, you won’t be able to opt for 15’s on these models, and you’ll need to be considering at least 16” rims to sufficiently clear the calipers without any issues.

Step 2 – Wheel Width

Once you’ve decided your diameter, you’ll need to consider the width that’s likely to suit you best.

The wider the wheel, the more grip, and traction you’ll be capable of achieving.

However, go too wide, and you’ll have excess drag, which could potentially slow the car down and add unnecessary weight at the same time.

For that reason, we’d only opt for super-wide alloy wheels on a Miata that’s fitted with a wide-fender kit.

When it comes to the NA/NB models, the typical width choice is between 6-9”, depending on the offset, with 8” being the most popular choice.

NC owners will need to remember to consider that the bolt patterns are different, which we’ll discuss shortly, but when it comes to wheel width, 7.5-9” provide the ideal fitment on a stock chassis. Most owners opt for either 8” or 9”.

The typical width for ND owers is between 7-8”.

Although you can consider going beyond these widths, you’ll need to think about wheel poke, fender rubbing, and hitting your coilovers.

Alternatively, there are wide-fender kits out there that will allow you to consider going up to 12” on the rear.

Step 3 – Wheel Offset

The offset can often confuse people, but simply put; it’s a measurement from the hub mount to the wheel’s center.

Therefore, the lower the offset, the further your wheels will stick out from the car.

If you went from +45 offset to +40, which are both measured in millimeters, the wheels would come out 5mm further, assuming both are the same width.

The offset can prove critical with potential issues like hitting brakes, or coilovers, which is where it’s essential to check that other owners have successfully fitted them to their Miata’s.

With the OEM Miata NA and NB wheels, the offset ranges between +40mm and +45mm.

If you’re looking to go wider, around +20-45mm is generally the safe range to consider, without encountering issues depending on your Miata model and wheel width.

Step 4 – Bolt Patterns

Mazda couldn’t settle for making life simple for Miata owners, so instead of providing each variant in the Miata range with the same bolt pattern, they decided that the NC would be slightly different.

Despite NA, NB, and ND’s all using the 4×100 bolt pattern, if you’re an NC owner, you’re going to need to be on the lookout for 5×114.3 wheels.

But, don’t panic; we’ve made some specific choices for your needs, whichever Miata model you’ve opted for as your weapon of choice.

Still confused about the lugs? Our friends over at Fitment Industries have provided this fantastic video, which explains everything you need to know when it comes to deciding the ultimate Mazda Miata fitment for your needs:

Choosing Your Mazda Miata Wheels

Now that you understand how to achieve the perfect fitment, it’s time to choose which wheel and tire package will be perfect for your needs.

For drifting or racing, for example, you’re going to want some lightweight rims. The last thing you want on a Miata is unnecessary weight gain.

However, if you’re cruising the streets without performance in mind, weight might not be a huge concern, in which case you can opt for some of the chrome-plated super-wide custom rims out there along with a fender kit.

We’ve not only chosen some of our favorite rims, but we’re featuring what owners have opted for as their ultimate Miata choice.

We want to extend a huge thank you to our friends over at Fitment Industries for providing the most incredible fitment calculator on the web to bring you the very best Miata fitments.

With their Miata Fitment Gallery, you can browse hundreds of the best looking Miata’s out there, with full details on every aspect of their wheel choice and suspension setup.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the finest Miata wheel choices on the market!

Miata/MX-5 NA & NB (1989-2005) Wheels

First up, we’re taking a look at some of our favorite options that are available on the market for NA and NB owners.

You guys always seem to get treated to the widest variety of options for aftermarket accessories, and wheels are no exception.

Here are our favorite NA/NB Mazda Miata wheel choices:

Aodhan Wheels AH03

Manufacturer: Aodhan
Diameters: 15-19″
Widths: 8-11J
Fitment pictured: Front: 16 x 8J +15. Rear: 16 x 8J +15. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase links: Aodhan Wheels AH03 – Silver Face & Lip |
Aodhan Wheels AH03 – Gold w/Machined Lip |
Aodhan Wheels AH03 – White w/Machined Lip (Gold Rivets) |
Aodhan Wheels AH03 – Full Gloss Black (Gold Rivets)

Our comment: Our first offering for the NA/NB owners out there is the bargain Aodhan AH03 wheels.

These have become a popular choice among owners, thanks to their clean design and exceptionally tempting price tag.

Featuring a clean, deep-dish split-rim ‘style’ design, these are a multi-fit style wheel, making them compatible with 4×100 and 4×114.3 bolt patterns.

As always, the cost comes with a downside. At 17.9lbs per wheel, these wheels are certainly not the lightest on our list.

However, for those of you that aren’t looking to set any lap records, they’ll be perfectly suited to everyday street cruising.

Manufacturer description: “The team at AodHan Wheels has more than 10+ years in design, manufacturing and marketing of luxury customized wheels for the automotive industry“.

“With leading edge style and precision engineering, our unique designs and wheel fitments support applications of performance, luxury and standard vehicles“.

Konig Dekagram

Manufacturer: Konig
Diameters: 15-19″
Widths: 7.5-10.5J
Fitment pictured: Front: 16 x 8 +35. Rear: 16 x 8 +35. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Konig Dekagram wheels

Our comment: With the 16-inch variants weighing in at 14.75lbs per wheel, these are an impressive 3kg lighter per corner than the previously reviewed Aodhan wheels.

Despite this, Konig has managed to keep the price down, offering a fantastic alternative for those looking for a budget performance wheel.

If you’re looking to begin your track-racing career, these popular Konig track wheels could present the perfect option.

Manufacturer description: “DEKAGRAM Wheels by Konig. Whether for performance or aesthetics, Konig Flow Formed wheels are ready to make your vehicle stand out from the crowd!”

“Built using flow forming, one the most advanced cast wheel manufacturing technologies, Konig rims are lighter, stronger, and more desirable than ever“.

Konig Hypergram

Manufacturer: Konig
Diameters: 15-18″
Widths: 7.5-10.5J
Fitment pictured: Front: 15 x 8.5J +25. Rear: 15 x 8.5J +25. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Konig Hypergram Race Bronze |
Konig Hypergram Matte Grey

Our comment:If you liked the 10-spoke Dekagram wheels above, but you felt like they could do with an additional couple of spokes, the Hypergram wheels have arrived to answer your prayers!

Featuring a 12-spoke, motorsport-inspired design, the Hypergram offers another lightweight bargain opportunity to the market.

Thanks to the Flow Forming process, they’ve achieved a weight of just 12.67lbs for the 15×8.5 model, and it’s easy to see why they’ve become the popular choice for so many Miata owners.

Manufacturer description: “The Hypergram is a lightweight, 12-spoke design that is motorsport inspired in its construction, appearance and its ability to clear many big brake cars and upgrades! Utilizing Flow Forming Technology allows the Hypergram to be lighter and stronger“.

Konig Dial-In

Manufacturer: Konig
Diameters: 15″
Widths: 7-9J
Fitment pictured: Front: 15 x 7J +35. Rear: 15 x 7J +35. Spacers: Front: 1″, Rear: 1″.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Konig Dial-In Gloss White |
Konig Dial-In Gloss Gold |
Konig Dial-In Matte Gray

Our comment: Konig has once again applied the Flow Forming process to their Dial-In range, which has allowed for the 15×7 model featured above to weigh in at just 10.9lbs.

It’s worth noting that they’ve added a 1” spacer to achieve the fitment pictured, so we would consider opting for a wider variant.

Another fantastic contender and you really can’t go wrong with any of the Konig range we’ve featured for the weight or the money; it merely comes down to personal preference.

Konig claims that these are their most robust 15″ wheel ever, so they could be the ultimate choice for entry-level motorsport use.

Manufacturer description: “The Dial-In is a 12-spoke design developed utilizing the Flow Forming process. The result is Konig’s lightest and strongest 15″ wheel ever!!”

Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57DR

Manufacturer: Rays Engineering
Diameters: 15-18″
Widths: 8-10.5J
Fitment pictured: Front: 15 x 8J +25. Rear: 15 x 8J +25. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57DR – Gun Blue |
Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57DR – Sunlight Silver |
Rays Engineering Gram Lights 57DR – White

Our comment: The 57DR is a timeless classic from one of the highest regarded JDM wheel companies, Rays Engineering.

There’s no question that these wheels look incredible on your Miata, and Rays are known for their impressive quality.

However, it’s hard to ignore that the 15×8 wheel weighs in at 13.5lbs, which is quite a bit more than the 10.9lbs for the Konig Dial-In above.

With this in mind, and comparing both price tags, we have to admit that the Dial-In might be better for those looking to go down the budget motorsport or drifting routes with your Miata.

This is especially if you’re likely to be regularly damaging wheels and need to buy spares.

There’s no doubt that the 57DR is one of the most legendary wheel designs out there, but modern technologies have allowed for a superior value for money along with less weight, which would be perfect for those of you looking for a bargain.

Manufacturer description: “Used on countless competition vehicles around the world, Rays wheels hold a reputation for being some of the best lightweight racing wheels in the world“.

“Taking their racing circuit experience and combining it with a wide variety of styles and sizes, Rays wheels seen on high performance race machines around the world can find their way to your daily vehicle“.

“The Gram Lights 57DR wheels are a one-piece, cast construction. Featuring a similar 6-spoke design to the infamous Volk TE37, the Gram Lights 57DR is a unique wheel aimed towards today’s off road and back country enthusiasts, and will look great on any daily driver or weekend warrior“.

MST Time Attack

Manufacturer: MST
Diameters: 15-17″
Widths: 8-9J
Fitment pictured: Front: 15 x 8J +0. Rear: 15 x 8J +0. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: MST Time Attack

Our comment: If you’re looking for great-looking wheels on a budget, then the MST Time Attack is undoubtedly going to be a temptation.

It’s no real surprise that these wheels have become one of the most popular choices among Miata owners, combining retro and modern to provide a fantastic deep-dish design.

They’ve become so popular that MST has created specific fitments for Miata owners, which provide perfect yet aggressive fitment for the stock body.

Weighing in at 18.3 lbs per wheel, they’re not the lightest, but if weight saving isn’t at the top of your plan, this shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

MST provides a generous limited lifetime structural warranty, along with a 1-year warranty for the paint finish when you use the authorized dealer in the link provided.

You’ll struggle to get a better-looking wheel for the money, and with some funky colors such as Cosmic Purple on offer, they provide something for everyone’s tastes.

Manufacturer description: “MST Time Attack wheels are made for those who need a strong yet light wheel for both the street and the track.”

“MST has over 30 years of experience providing unique aftermarket wheels to car enthusiasts looking to add that extra pop to their latest build.”

Enkei RPF1

Manufacturer: Enkei
Diameters: 14-19″
Widths: 7-10J
Fitment pictured: Front: 15 x 7J +45. Rear: 15 x 7J +45. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Enkei RPF1 wheels

Our comment: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve left the best til last as we present to you the ultimate timeless classic of the wheel world!

Enkei’s RPF1 has stood the test of time and has been delighting both motorsport and stance fans alike for many years.

We believe that Enkei created the perfect wheel with the RPF1, which will undoubtedly look incredible on any generation of Miata.

Not only are they up there with the lightest wheels on the market, but they’re also extremely robust and will take a beating and the track and on the streets.

We’ve already looked at some lightweight wheels in this guide, but the RPF1 certainly tops the charts, weighing in at just 8.4lbs for their smallest 14×7 variants.

Enkei certainly knows how to create an incredible wheel, and they even produce the OEM wheels for Mazda, alongside various other manufacturers.

If you’re after the ultimate motorsport wheel for your Miata, look no further.

Manufacturer description: “Enkei is an official supplier of the McLaren Honda Formula One Team. The RPF1 was developed using the same technology as the Formula One race wheel“.

“TWIN SPOKES: Enkei’s dual open stance spoke design is used on the McLaren Honda Formula One race wheel. The twin spokes achieve better stress dispersion on curves, hard braking, and extreme race driving“.

Miata/MX-5 NC (05-15) Wheels

As we mentioned earlier in this guide, Mazda rather inconveniently chose to switch up the bolt patterns for the NC, which means that you won’t be able to opt for the other generations’ wheels unless you wanted to use adapters, which we advise against doing.

But fear not, there are still some terrific aftermarket wheels out there that’ll suit the NC to perfection.

Enkei RPF1

Manufacturer: Enkei
Diameters: 14-19″
Widths: 7-10J
Fitment pictured: Front: 16 x 8J +38. Rear: 16 x 8J +38. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Enkei RPF1 wheels

Our comment: You might be thinking, “But, you just showed us the RP1’s?”

True, but not only are they the most impressive wheel on our list, but they also suit each generation of Miata perfectly, so we couldn’t ignore the NC owners when it came to offering the perfect choice.

Thankfully, the RPF1’s are available in a wide range of sizes and fitments, which means they’ll be suitable for the inconvenient bolt pattern Mazda opted for with the 3rd generation NC.

If you opt for the 16 x 8 fitment, as shown above, then these larger wheels still sit at just 13.7lbs on the scales.

These still remain the perfect, lightweight choice for motorsport or the streets alike, and with the revolutionary MAT process that Enkei have used, they were able to shed 10-15% of the usual weight while maintaining optimal strength.

Just like NA and NB’s, the RPF1 is the ultimate choice for the NC, too.

Manufacturer description: “Enkei is an official supplier of the McLaren Honda Formula One Team. The RPF1 was developed using the same technology as the Formula One race wheel“.

MST Wheels MT07

Manufacturer: MST Wheels
Diameters: 17
Widths: 9J
Fitment pictured: Front: 17 x 9J +20. Rear: 17 x 9J +20. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: MST Wheels MT07’s

Our comment: Although this fitment will provide a fair bit of poke, which will likely need some camber to pull off, the MST MT07 looks fantastic on the NC Miata.

Weighing in at 23lbs, they’re not the lightest wheels out there, but they represent excellent value for money for the price.

If you’re not serious about going down the motorsport route, then these wheels could present the perfect opportunity for something more unique than the tried-and-tested RPF1’s.

Manufacturer description: “With over 30 years of experience, MST Wheels is founded with the basic principle of providing the car enthusiasts around the world with top quality wheels at affordable prices“.

“Here at MST Wheels, we are car enthusiasts too, and that is why we understand the desires and needs of the everyday consumer just like you. We take pride in our collection and top notch service“.

Konig Hypergram

Manufacturer: Konig
Diameters: 15-18″
Widths: 7.5-10.5J
Fitment pictured: Front: 17 x 9J +25. Rear: 17 x 9J +25. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Konig Hypergram – Race Bronze |
Konig Hypergram – Matte Grey

Our comment: We reviewed the Konig Hypergram for NA/NB owners, but we feel as though they’re up there with the best value for money choices on the market, so we’ve opted to include them for NC owners, too.

Although the 17×8’s, which weigh in at 16.33lbs, would most likely be ideal for the job, the 17×9’s pictured are still just 17.06lbs per wheel, representing an incredible bargain.

The Enkei RPF1’s are our ultimate choice, but for those of you on a budget looking for the lightest, reasonably priced wheels for your NC, you’re going to struggle to do better than this.

Miata/MX-5 ND (15+) Wheels

We’ve covered the NA, NB, and NC Miata’s, and now it’s time to bring our two favorite wheels to the ND owners, too!

Konig Freeform

Manufacturer: Konig
Diameters: 15-19″
Widths: 7.5-10.5J
Fitment pictured: Front: 17 x 8J +45. Rear: 17 x 8J +45. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Konig Freeform – Radium Bronze |
Konig Freeform – Matte Silver

Our comment: The Konig Freeform certainly suit the latest model of Miata well, and despite being 17”, they still provide incredible value for money.

Konig has once again used their flow forming technology to keep the weight down, and the 17×8 wheels pictured weigh just 17.79lbs.

We’ve been continually impressed by Konig in recent years, and these represent an excellent choice for ND owners.

Manufacturer description: “The Freeform is a lightweight, 10-spoke design that is developed with flow forming technology that offers benefits for both track and street use“.

“Motorsport inspired, the Freeform’s spoke profile design lends to efficient brake cooling as well as exceptional brake caliper clearance“.

Advanti Racing Storm S1

Manufacturer: Advanti
Diameters: 15-17″
Widths: 8-9J
Fitment pictured: Front: 17 x 8J +45. Rear: 17 x 8J +45. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Advanti Racing Storm S1 – Matte Black

Our comment: When it comes to affordable aftermarket wheels for the ND, the Advanti Racing Storm S1 wheels have become one of the most popular choices on the market.

The clean multi-spoke satin black design flows perfectly with the modern styling of the ND.

You’d expect these wheels to be heavy, given their fantastic value, but they only weigh 16.4lb per wheel for the 17×8 variation shown above thanks to flow forming technology, which is extremely impressive.

Although they’re not the most original choice, it’s clear why so many ND are opting for the Avanti Storm S1 as their Miata rim of choice.

Manufacturer description: “The Advanti Racing Storm S1 is developed utilizing Flow Forming Technology. This wheel is incredibly lightweight while offering all the reliability that should be expected. The Storm S1 is a 10-spoke tuning inspired wheel that has become one of Advanti Racing’s most popular designs“.

Enkei RPF1

Manufacturer: Enkei
Diameters: 14-19″
Widths: 7-10J
Fitment pictured: Front: 16 x 8J +38. Rear: 16 x 8J +38. Spacers: None.
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Enkei RPF1 wheels

Our comment: It should come as no surprise that the Enkei RPF1’s have returned once again!

I mean, would you look at how well they suit each generation of Miata? It’s almost silly.

It’ll probably come as no surprise that these are once again the lightest wheel choice for ND owners, coming in at 15.6lbs for the 16×8 variation.

We must admit, we’re impressed at how close the Advanti Racing Storm S1 wheels managed to get to the RPF1’s weight at just 0.8lbs heavier.

There’s a great selection available for the ND Miata, and although the RPF1’s are our personal favorites, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Manufacturer description: “Enkei is an official supplier of the McLaren Honda Formula One Team. The RPF1 was developed using the same technology as the Formula One race wheel“.

Our winners

Here are our Miata wheel winners:

Our Drifted Miata Wheel Choice goes to the Enkei RPF1 wheels

Our Miata wheel winner is the Enkei RPF1’s

Whether you own an NA, NB, NC, or ND, Enkei has provided a wide range of fitments to ensure they fit every Miata family variation.

In our mind, there’s no question that the RPF1’s are the finest all-rounder available to Miata owners.

They might not be the cheapest, but we feel affordable and undoubtedly worth the money.

They’re not only lightweight but also incredibly robust and will withstand far more stress than most of the budget alternatives out there when it comes to hitting up the track, or the street, in style.

Enkei RPF1

Our Runner-Up Miata Wheel Choice

Our Runner-Up are the Advanti Racing Storm S1 wheels

The Advanti Storm S1 rim has been continually growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.

Available at a fraction of the cost of the Enkei RPF1, these impressive wheels have implemented Flow Forming Technology to provide similar weight at a fraction of the price.

They’re not only available to ND owners, either, and there’s a wide range to choose from to find the perfect fit for your Miata.

Advanti Racing Storm S1

Our Budget Miata Wheel Choice

Our Budget Choice is the Konig Hypergram

Providing exceptional value for money to the market, the Konig Hypergra wheels have well and truly earned their spot as our guide’s budget choice.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that budget means cheap, nasty, and heavy, as the Hypergrams wheels are the complete opposite.

Once again, integrating the exceptional Flow Forming Technology, these lightweight rims are superior in the weight department to some of the premium offerings out there, and you’ll get Konig’s usual quality to match.

A fantastic choice for the money, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular wheel choice within the Miata community.

Konig Hypergram

Thank you for reading our Miata Wheels guide.

Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

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Ultimate Miata Mods Guide

Joe Terrell — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 05:30:39 +0000

Are you looking to build the ultimate Mazda Miata? Look no further – we’ve covered everything you need to know about modding your Miata in this guide.

Introduction
Batteries
Coilovers
Cold Air Intakes
Exhausts
Racing Seats
Supercharger Kits
Turbo Kits
Wheels
Conclusion

Introduction

Given that we’ve got such a strong following from the Miata fan base, we’ve had many requests for articles where we round-up the best Miata upgrades available on the market.

With so many different guides, we’ve built up an impressively comprehensive selection, and we’ve created this article to get them all in one place.

We, therefore, declare this – the Ultimate Miata Mods guide!

After its unveiling at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the Miata immediately changed the two-seater roadster game with the NA’s introduction.

The Miata’s fresh-out-the-showroom price tag of just $14,000 would soon make it a cult classic among petrolheads.

Best known for its handling rather than power abilities or throttle response, this perfectly-refined package was about the closest you could get to having a road-legal go-kart.

The first version featured a 115 hp 1.6-liter engine, and Mazda would later introduce the 1.8L variant, capable of a more-impressive 133 hp.

For the 1998 model year, the second-generation NB reached the market. Although enthusiasts were disappointed to see the pop-up headlamps’ exclusion alongside the modernized design, however, it thankfully came with a power upgrade providing 140 hp.

When the facelift arrived in 2001, US Miata’s received 143 hp, while Japan, UK, and Australian Eunos/MX5 models were treated to 152 hp.

Power increases continued with the limited edition models. The MX-5 SP was limited to just 100 models, which reached 200 hp for the first time, proving that the Mazda MX-5 Miata undoubtedly had more power potential in-store.

This turbocharged variant is the most high performance Miata (well, MX5) that Mazda has released in the factory form in the present day.

There’s no secret that we love the humble two-seater roadster that provides top-down, drifty goodness along with an incredible price tag, making it a perfect choice for those getting started with drifting.

One of the great things about Miata’s is that they’ve continued being sold from the early 90s to the present day, meaning that there are opportunities to pick up some real bargains at the older end of the market.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for some modern-day luxuries, then you’re still able to head to the local Mazda showroom to get your hands on a brand-new Miata.

Since the Miata has one of the largest aftermarket selections out there, from NA to ND, they provide the perfect platform for tuning, and with the right upgrades, your humble two-seater could soon be battling it out with the big boys.

With some simple upgrades that we’ve listed in this guide, your Miata is easily capable of being transformed into something special.

Whether you’re just looking to replace your tired old battery, upgrade your headlights that resemble candles in the night, or go all-out in track days with a crazy-powered turbo upgrade, we’ve covered it all.

As tuners, let’s face it – we know that the Miata has so much more potential waiting to be unlocked.

If you’ve not yet purchased a Miata and you’re considering whether it’ll be the ideal choice for you, make sure you check out our Miata vs BRZ article, where we put the two impressive contenders head-to-head.

For now, let’s take a look at the best upgrades to get the most out of your Miata!

Best Miata Batteries

Car batteries are essential for the basic functionalities of the electrical system and usually are one of the most straightforward parts when it comes to routine maintenance.

Given the nature of Miatas, they’re somewhat of a headache compared to your typical daily driver.

As a Miata owner, you’re likely to be already aware that they’re fantastic when it comes to chewing through batteries quicker than most cars on the road.

Given the age of the NA and NB models, they’re likely to have already been replaced, and if not, we’re certainly not surprised that they’re reaching the end of their lifespan.

Since some NA’s are now celebrating their thirtieth birthdays, it’ll be a real cause for celebration if your battery has somehow survived along the way.

If you’re stumped when it comes to locating your Miata battery, Mazda designed the NA and NB generations to run the battery in the car’s trunk, rather than under the hood, to provide optimal handling performance.

Heat can become a big issue for batteries, especially on a forced induction setup, where temperatures will be far higher than your typical naturally aspirated setup, which is worth thinking about for NC/ND owners.

When it comes to finding the ideal battery for your Miata, ensure you opt for an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery, as these won’t spill acid into your trunk over time, unlike other batteries.

Cheap batteries can be tempting in budget cars. However, given Miata batteries’ location, we certainly don’t recommend going down the cheap lawnmower/tractor battery route like some ‘enthusiasts’ will advise online.

With the incorrect fitment, cheap car batteries can become extremely dangerous, and that’s certainly not worth saving a few bucks on in our minds.

Let’s take a look at our recommended batteries for your Miata.

Drifted Miata NA/NB Battery Winner

Odyssey Extreme PC925MJT Miata Battery

Voltage: 12 volts
Capacity (C20): 28 Ah
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 330 A
Length: 168.6 mm
Width: 179 mm
Height: 148.1 mm
Weight: 26 Lbs
Battery type: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
Warranty length: Limited 3 and 4-year full replacement warranty
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Odyssey Extreme PC925MJT Miata battery at Amazon or eBay

The Odyssey Extreme PC925MJT provides the best performance and the best warranty to match. We feel it’s worth paying a little extra to get the best battery for your NA or NB.

With a 3-10 year service life, the Odyssey is the ultimate ‘set and forget’ battery that you’ll only need to check on every few years.

It features a 70% longer life-cycle than conventional batteries and has a fast recharge feature capable of fully charging in 4-6 hours.

A slight modification to the mounting bracket required a snug fit, but we certainly wouldn’t let that put us off.

We know of many owners that have had fantastic long-term results from this battery.

Our NA/NB Battery runner-up was the Deka/East Penn 8AMU1R.

Drifted Miata NC/ND Battery Winner

Braille B3121 No-Weight Extreme Use Carbon Fiber Battery

Voltage: 12 volts
Capacity (C20): 31 Ah
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 550 A
Length: 168 mm
Width: 132 mm
Height: 173 mm
Weight: 21 Lbs
Battery type: Advanced AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Racing Technology
Warranty length: Typically 2 years (Check with reseller)
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Discontinued

Despite its unique, tiny, lightweight design, this Braille battery is, in fact, a real bargain when compared to some of its competitors.

For those of you that are planning a substantial engine swap, want the best performance for your race car, or want to treat your Miata to the best battery out there, look no further.

This tiny, lightweight, carbon fiber battery packs more of a punch in a smaller, lightweight package than its competitors.

If you’re serious about racing, then each pound counts, and this could present the perfect opportunity for enhanced performance and weight saving at the same time.

Braille has an excellent reputation, and many owners have been delighted with their batteries long-term.

It is a fantastic choice that will be a convenient fit in the front or rear (with a relocation kit) of your NC/ND Miata, and best of all, it’s currently at the same price as the Optima.

Designed with the likes of Corvette V8’s in mind, your Miata certainly isn’t going to be too much of a challenge for this incredible battery.

Our NC/ND Battery runner-up was the Duralast Gold.

If none of these batteries tick the right boxes for your needs, then make sure you head over to our Miata Battery guide, where we provide a vast selection to choose from.

Best Miata Coilovers

A highly-regarded coilover kit will completely transform this two-seater roadster’s handling, ride comfort, & ride height, and the Miata provides the ultimate platform to get the most out of a coilover setup.

Coilovers are a popular modification that helps you to achieve the perfect fitment and stance while giving you a ride range of adjustability, whether you’re after a soft, lowered ride or a stiff track-clinging setup.

Drifted Miata NA/NB Coilover Winner

Ohlins Road & Track NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 458 lbs/in.
Spring rate rear: 343 lbs/in.
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata NA & NB Coilovers

Quality comes at a price, and owners have been delighted with this setup for many years. It features strong corrosion protection, which shows they’re built to last. The DFV technology certainly sets these apart from the lower-priced competition in our NB selection.

If they’re out of your price bracket, consider opting for the Tein Flex Z for a great low-priced all-rounder.

If you want to check out the best Miata coilovers on the market, make sure you head over to our Miata Coilovers guide.

Drifted Miata NC Coilover Winner

KW Variant 3 Miata NC Coilovers

Manufacturer: KW
Levels of damping adjustment: 14
Construction type: Twin-tube
Spring rate front: 230 (lbs/in)
Spring rate rear: Progressive
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: KW V3 Miata NC Coilovers

KW brings their competitor for the Ohlins Road & Track. This is KW’s big daddy kit, which certainly lives up to expectations and includes full 3-way adjustment and corrosion protection. These are unsurprisingly one of the most popular coilover choices on the market.

We know that it’s always a personal choice as to whether you go for these or the Ohlins Road & Track. If you like the Ohlins, they’re an incredible choice too. If you’re after a stiffer ride with minimal body roll, then maybe consider those instead.

Drifted Miata ND Coilover Winner

Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 572 lbs/in
Spring rate rear: 229 lbs/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

It’s the Ohlins Road & Track that we once again provided the best all-around offering for ND Miata owners.

They were the most featured coilover kit in our guide, and quite rightly so. These suspension giants are certainly not to be dismissed if you’re looking for a serious setup.

Quality comes at a price, and Miata Ohlins owners have been delighted with this setup for many years. It features strong corrosion protection which shows that they are built to last. The DFV technology certainly sets these apart from the lower-priced competition.

For our runner-up, we would go with the tried and tested HKS Hipermax GT IV. These are undoubtedly a fantastic lower-price choice for those who aren’t too serious about track times.

If none of these coilover kits tick the right boxes for your needs, then make sure you head over to our Miata Coilover guide, where we provide a huge selection to choose from.

If you are looking to minimize the body roll of your Miata, consider investing in a chassis brace or some sway bars.

Best Miata Cold Air Intakes

Once you’ve had your Miata for a while and enjoyed the fun that top-down motoring and drifting has to offer, you’ll probably be looking to carry out some upgrades.

If you’re looking to improve the usual Miata road noise, or perhaps add some bling to the Miata engine bay and allow it to breathe a little more freely, there’s the option of upgrading your cold air intake.

CAI’s are one of the most popular off-the-shelf modifications for the Miata. Although the manufacturers’ engine power claims are often somewhat inflated, they can still be a worthwhile upgrade to consider.

It’s always important to get your engine breathing as freely as possible, and there’s no better way of doing so than relocating your air filter to inhale the coldest air possible.

As you’ve probably guessed, an engine bay gets pretty hot, especially when pushing your Miata to its limits. Hence, the job of a CAI is to provide additional cooling to the engine to improve its efficiency.

When a CAI is coupled with an exhaust, this is when you not only get the optimum airflow, but you’ll also provide a much-improved soundtrack, which you can enjoy to its maximum potential with the roof down.

Drifted Miata NA Cold Air Intake Winner

Thankfully, due to their simplicity and gaining a considerable aftermarket following over the years, there’s a vast array of aftermarket NA cold air intakes to tickle your fancy. However, this kit was the particular stand-out for us.

Randall Cowl Intake Duct

Manufacturer: Randall
Fitment: 89-97 1.6 & 1.8L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Discontinued

Are you looking to add some reasonably-priced carbon fiber bling to your Miata’s engine bay? Look no further!

Due to its imaginative design, the Randall Cowl Intake Duct often takes the crown as the best choice for those of you that are keen to achieve the maximum performance from your NA Miata.

Taking advantage of its unique design, the Randal Cowl Intake pulls the cool, high-pressure air from the Miata’s cowl area, unlike most CAI’s, which extract air from the front of the bay. Randall’s design is hugely beneficial in hot-weather scenarios and has repeatedly proven to keep engine temps down.

Flyin’ Miata claims that they achieved a 5-6 HP gain with this method in a real-world test scenario with a closed hood. They also state that they noticed significantly improved intake growl under load, too.

The downside of the Randall kit is that you’ll need to cut a hole above the firewall, which may not be allowed in some competitions, so it’s certainly worth doing your homework if you’re likely to have challenging race restrictions.

Due to its popularity and simplicity, a common trend among the Miata community is to build a DIY Randall Cowl. If you’re doing a budget build, and aren’t looking for engine bay bling this could be a perfect alternative.

The Randall cowl provides a simple yet extremely effective design with a fantastic looking carbon fiber snorkel. For those of you looking for maximum power gains without needing to worry about competition legislation, this is an excellent choice.

If you’re looking to compete in your Miata and can’t cut into the firewall or don’t like the idea of doing so, we’d recommend checking out our runner up, the Apexi Power Intake.

Drifted Miata NB Cold Air Intake Winner

Although the NA and NB share many similarities, the CAI choices on the market are entirely different, and this kit was a clear winner for the NB.

K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit

Manufacturer: K&N
Fitment: 99-05 Miata NB 1.8L
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit here

This kit adds a premium-sounding intense, deep growl to your Miata and features the typically excellent build quality that you’d expect from K&N.

If you’re after engine bay bling, then this is one of the best looking kits out there. While there are dyno claims of 3-4 HP power increases, this is much of a muchness when compared to its rivals.

Overall, this provides significantly improved airflow, a small power increase, great looks, quality, and a reasonable price.

Many owners say they would happily repurchase it purely based on the intoxicating sound.

Drifted Miata NC Cold Air Intake Winner

Although there are fewer options for NC compared to the previous generations, there are still some fantastic choices to be had.

One of NC’s main positives is the ease of access to airflow from behind the front bumper, where most kits remained within the bay for NA and NB’s.

The improved location allows for cooler air to reach the engine, but the downside is that it requires longer piping.

AEM Cold Air Intake

Manufacturer: AEM
Fitment: 05-15 Mazda Miata NC 2.0L
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your AEM Cold Air Intake for 06-09 models here |
Buy your AEM Cold Air Intake for 2010+ models here

This kit positions the filter in the lower part of the front bumper, where it’s capable of extracting the maximum possible airflow.

We think that this is the best thought-through NC kit on the market, and it comes at a reasonable price, too.

Although we somehow doubt their claims of 10 HP gains, we’re sure that its ideal location will provide some much-needed cooling for your NC’s engine.

Drifted Miata ND Cold Air Intake Winner

Over its lifetime, Mazda has continued to improve its intakes, and you are going to struggle to see significant improvements over the well-refined stock unit on the ND.

You can still enhance the sound and add a unique touch to your engine bay with these great CAI choices.

Mishimoto Performance Air Intake

Manufacturer: Mishimoto
Fitment: 15+ Mazda Miata ND 2.0L
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Mishimoto Performance Air Intake here

Despite coming in cheaper than AEM, Mishimoto has provided a fully enclosed powder-coated airbox for keeping the temperatures as low as possible.

Although they don’t make any excessive power figure claims, they say it may help you achieve up to 3 HP; you’ll undoubtedly notice some improvements from a sound perspective.

Mishimoto is happy to stand by their quality products, which is why they offer a lifetime warranty for this fantastic piece of kit, which comes highly recommended.

Overall, this is a fantastic piece of kit, especially for the price, which we’re confident won’t leave you disappointed (unless you have unrealistic power expectations, of course!)

Best Miata Exhausts

As fantastic as this tiny sports car is, many owners are left underwhelmed by the stock power and sound.

Thankfully, an exhaust upgrade will help you squeeze some vital horses from under the hood and provide you with a much more pleasant soundtrack in the process!

Drifted Miata NA Exhaust Winner

APEXi N1 EVO Exhaust System

Manufacturer: APEXi
Internal pipe diameter: 50-60mm (2-2.3″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your APEXi N1 EVO exhaust here

This exhaust is the perfect all-rounder – combining great looks, excellent quality, and a sexy tone.

They say that quality comes at a price and the daddy of NA exhausts proves that. This full stainless cat-back system brings APEXi’s legendary quality and fitment to make your NA look better than ever.

The exhaust won’t drone on long journeys like cheaper offerings, yet it roars to life when you hit the throttle on the canyon runs.

There are certainly cheaper alternatives from smaller companies out there, and if you don’t mind your car being louder and drone noise won’t bother you, make sure you take a look at those too.

Drifted Miata NB Exhaust Winner

ARK DT-S Exhaust System

Manufacturer: ARK
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating

Despite having a higher price tag, it’s easy to see why the DT-S is so popular with Miata owners. It boasts a pure, deep exhaust note (which isn’t overly loud) alongside a well-crafted, free-flowing design for the exhaust gases to escape.

Combine this with the great looks and typically fantastic quality from ARK, and there’s no doubt this exhaust is a great all-rounder. ARK also offers numerous tips, such as polished, burnt, and techno, depending on your preference!

ARK’s popular offering boasts a pure, deep exhaust note while still maintaining a subtle noise level.

Combine this with ARK’s usual high-quality and a selection of tips, it’s undoubtedly a great choice. If you’re after something a little cheaper, we recommend looking at the Megan Racing alternative.

Drifted Miata NC Exhaust Winner

Tomei Expreme Titanium Exhaust System

Manufacturer: Tomei
Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.3″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Tomei Expreme Titanium NC muffler at Enjuku Racing

It may seem like a bargain, but this incredible offering from the legendary exhaust creators will come at a price to your eardrums.

This system is certainly not quiet, but it’s an absolute work of art and a thing of beauty. If you’re building a serious weight-shedding track car, this is the exhaust for you. With a weight loss of 21lbs in this muffler alone, the full exhaust system takes off an insane 16kg total weight from the stock exhaust.

If you only want the best for your NC, combine it with their matching straight pipe and manifold with a unique header design for the ultimate performance, looks, and sound. Admittedly, this may also cause a beating to your wallet too, but we think it’ll be worth it!

We don’t recommend it for street use, but if you’re planning to head to the track and cut down those valuable lap times, this is undoubtedly the choice for you.

Make sure you check out ISR Performance‘s offering if you’re upgrading your street-car.

Drifted Miata ND Exhaust Winner

GReddy Supreme SP Exhaust System

Manufacturer: GReddy
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: Twin 82mm (3.25″) tips
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your GReddy Supreme ND exhaust

ND owners are spoiled for choice with exhausts, but the GReddy Supreme ticks all the right boxes and offers a full system if you’re not just after a muffler.

Featuring the typically impressive welds and design we’ve come to expect from them over the years, this exhaust certainly doesn’t disappoint. It delivers a clean and subtle yet deep rumble, which opens up perfectly when you step on the gas. If you want to get the best out of it, make sure you check out their full exhaust system.

If we’ve not provided you with the perfect exhaust for your Miata with this selection, make sure you head over to our Miata Exhaust guide, where you’ll find a wide selection to choose from.

Best Miata Racing Seats

Miata seats, particularly from the earlier generations, seem to have earned themselves a love/hate relationship among enthusiasts.

Some will argue that the Miata’s OEM seats are fantastic, and they’ve even become a popular ‘upgrade’ for vintage car owners that are looking for a little more comfort or support on a budget.

On the other hand, other owners believe that they’re too hard, too flat, and don’t feature anywhere near enough support.

Either way, I think it’s safe to say that although the stock seats are adequate for many purposes, there’s no question that they’re deteriorating with age, and let’s face it, there are better alternatives for an upgrade project out there, whatever your needs may be.

Some owners look to aftermarket seats for styling purposes. After all, the seats in a Miata are far more visible than most cars, especially when it comes to a roof-down blast.

Not to mention that their increasing popularity and rarity are making them harder than ever to come by with a reasonable price-tag.

However, if you want to keep life simple, then there’s a vast array of incredible brand new aftermarket seats waiting on the shelf ready to be fitted into your Miata.

Typically, the maximum base width you’ll be able to consider will be around 22-inches, with a shoulder width limit of 24-inches.

With all things considered, we found these seats to be the perfect choice for Miata owners:

Bride A.i.R.

Manufacturer: Bride
Base width: 18.5″
Shoulder width: 22″
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your black Bride A.i.R. seats here | Buy your red Bride A.i.R. seats here

Bride’s A.i.R. series is the latest in Bride’s revolutionary line of seats, which could quite possibly be the ultimate seat for Miata owners.

Specially designed with two-seaters in mind, the A.i.R. series utilizes Bride’s LOWMAX system to ensure the lowest possible seating position, allowing zero offset with the floor pan.

The new lower-angled side bolsters make getting in and out of the seats far more convenient than traditional buckets. Yet, the modern design also ensures that you still receive significant hip support when driving.

Stylish, unique, and weighing in at just 6.8kg per seat, this brand new offering from JDM legends Bride could well be the perfect Miata solution.

Although the A.i.R. isn’t the usual, common choice, we feel that’s because they’re one of Bride’s latest releases and haven’t yet had time to settle into the deserved spot in their unique market.

They’ve been designed with two-seater convertible sports cars in mind, and they look stunning in any generation of Miata.

Bride intentionally aimed at having minimal head-rest and shoulder bolsters to reduce drag when driving with the top down.

If these are out of your price range, we highly recommend checking out the insanely reasonably-priced Corbeau Forza, which will be perfect for a lower-budget build.

On the other hand, if you’ve got some cash to splash and you’re looking for a luxurious, premium seat, then look no further than the Sparco SPX

We understand that the A.i.R. won’t be ideal for everyone’s taste and budget, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the five-star options in our Best Miata Seats guide.

Best Miata Supercharger Kits

Although the Miata provides the perfect opportunity in the twisties for low-budget fun, it can sometimes lack the necessary power and torque when it comes to the straights, whether at the track or when you’re carving the canyons.

Thankfully, the aftermarket tuning scene has stepped in to provide a vast range of aftermarket supercharger kits to suit the power goals you’ve been craving.

Thanks to the impressively low weight of these cars, forced induction can completely revolutionize your Miata and provide you with the perfect opportunity to cause some real upsets, even without the need for a huge budget.

Not sure whether a turbo or supercharger setup is going to be best suited for your needs? Make sure you check out our comprehensive turbocharger vs supercharger guide.

Drifted Miata NA Supercharger Kit Winner

TDR (Track Dog Racing) Rotrex Supercharger Kit

Manufacturer: Track Dog Racing
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) 1.6 (NA) 1989-1993
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: TDR (Track Dog Racing) Rotrex Supercharger Kit (NA)

Supercharging options for the classic NA platform Mazda Miata are thin on the ground in 2018. After some research, a well-regarded kit that is still available today is this Rotrex offering.

While the entry-level price is high, this kit offers everything you need to double the stock bhp of your 1.6 Miata.

An intercooler and supporting hardware should enable you to run this power level without compromising on your Mazda’s reliability.

Features

Rotrex C30-74 blower with 80mm 4-rib pulley
TDR auto tensioner supercharger mounting system
TDR air to air front mount intercooler
TDR custom radiator air flow panels
TDR stainless steel intercooler piping
TDR custom silicone hoses including a cold air intake system with K&N filter
TDR Custom fender mounted supercharger oil cooler setup
Supercharger oil reservoir with hoses and fittings
TDR Insulated Header Heat Shield
TDR Oil Catch Can System
TDR plug and play fuel card engine management
TDR custom fuel injectors
Walbro 190lph fuel pump and strainer kit
NGK spark plugs
TDR Hood Lift Kit

Drifted Miata NB Supercharger Kit Winner

FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers) Eaton MP62 Kit (NA/NB)

Manufacturer: FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers)
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) 1.6 (NA) 1989-1993 & Mazda Miata (MX-5) (NB) 1998-2005
Supercharger type: Roots
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers) Eaton MP62 Kit (NA/NB)

Fast Forward Superchargers provide a great selection of supercharger kits for NA/NB Miatas, and thanks to their personalized service from the owner, Tom, they’ve earned themselves one of the highest regarded reputations in the Miata scene.

We’ve heard some incredible stories about Tom’s kindness and hospitality, which goes a long way with trusting your precious Miata to be in the right hands.

If you’re looking for support FFS’s very own online forum is frequently visited by Tom, who helps people with every potential supercharger issue imaginable.

Their MP62 supercharger kit is the entry-level option, which has everything you need to get your NA/NB hitting 160-170 WHP on a ’90-’93 1.6L Miata and 190-200 WHP with the ’94-’05 1.8L variation.

This CARB approved kit provides everything you could need to have your NA/NB Miata running 10psi on 91 octane pump gas.

If you like the sound of this kit, but it’s not providing as much power as you’d hoped, then make sure you check out our next option.

Features

Eaton MP62 Supercharger (or optional TVS 900)
70mm Throttle Body
FFS Engineered High Flow Cast Throttle Body Adapter
FFS Engineered High Flow Cast Intake Manifold
Complete Plug and Play FFS Engine Management with Boost Fuel, Timing Control + ECool
High Flow Fuel Rail
Separate 6-Rib Belt and Pulleys with Automatic Belt Tensioner
Iridium Spark Plugs
High Flow K&N Intake + Cold Air Box
All Fittings and Hoses for Kit Installation

Drifted Miata NC Supercharger Kit Winner

Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit

Manufacturer: Kraftwerks
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) (NC) 2006-2013
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit

The Kraftwerks team has done a fantastic job of ensuring that all of your component upgrade needs will be taken care of with this very affordable package.

From the robust and performant Rotrex supercharger unit itself, the cooling, the fueling and the engine management are all supplied in this kit.

Based on the performance and features, we rate this kit a full five stars.

Features

Rotrex C30-84 Supercharger Unit
Ultra high efficiency
Silent operation
Low operating temperatures
Self contained lubrication and cooling system
High reliability
Fuel and Engine Tuning
Optional EcuTek Tuning package
Base Maps Developed in Collaboration with Moto-East
550cc Grams Performance Fuel injectors
265 Lph Grams Performance Fuel Pump
Independent Drive System
Does not share belt with engine accessories for greater reliability
If the drive belt breaks, you won’t be left stranded
Allows for more flexible offset supercharger placement
Toothed Belt System
Zero slip under the heaviest loads and hardest accelerations
Offset Supercharger Placement
Allows for greater clearance around belts, thus reducing chances for rubbing
Allows for simple and more efficient tubing layout
No poorly designed, inefficient and goof-looking custom hoses/tubing into the throttle body
Improved Water pump Belt Routing
Improved support on custom nose pulley for water pump.
Increased traction and efficiency of water pump
Optimized Tubing and Intercooler Layout
2.5″ mandrel bent aluminum hot side tubing into intercooler made possible because of newly designed washer bottle (included)
3.0″ mandrel bent aluminum cold side tubing into throttle body made possible because of independent drive and offset supercharger configuration
8 Row, 3.5″ thick Intercooler
Intercooler good up to 460whp
Ease of Installation and Tuning
Simple bolt-on installation. No cutting, drilling, or welding
4.5 hours installation time (approximate)
Kits sold with or without tuning

Drifted Miata ND Supercharger Kit Winner

HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit

Manufacturer: HKS
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) (ND) 2015-2018
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit

HKS has brought its tuning expertise to the ND Miata market with its GT2 supercharger pro kit. This extremely high-quality Japanese bolt on kit includes everything you need (other than engine management and tuning) to inject some serious power into your 2l Miata.

This supercharger delivers a potent but safe power hike of 50 wheel horsepower for your ND. You can also order the optional 80mm pulley to deliver an additional power bump of 13 wheel horsepower at risk of slightly more engine wear.

HKS has a fantastic reputation in the tuner world for producing high-quality products that deliver excellent results. They tend to be on the pricey side, but you know you are getting some of the best kit available.

We are confident to recommend HKS kits. Although it may be one of the most expensive on the market, you will be buying over-engineered and safe performance for your Miata. Highly recommended.

If none of these kits have tickled your fancy, then make sure you head over to our comprehensive Miata Supercharger Kit guide for plenty more options.

Best Miata Turbo Kits

What if you’re looking for the crazy performance increases that only a turbocharger can provide? We’ve got you covered.

Be warned; this will turn your sensible daily driver into a weapon that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear every time you turn the key in the ignition and go through the power band!

Miata’s are one of the most common cars for carrying out DIY turbo modifications, and there’s a vast wealth of information spread out across the internet for building a DIY turbo kit, whether you’re looking for enormous power or building on a budget.

However, we’ve noticed that there are very few guides that put the off-the-shelf turbo kits side by side to help you pick the perfect choice for your needs.

Sure, a DIY kit may save you a few bucks, but if you haven’t got several spare weeks, or you’re not an expert when it comes to fabrication and technical knowledge, we’d personally recommend paying the extra bucks for a tried-and-tested method.

Not only this, but you can ensure that if you get stuck, the support from these companies will be second-to-none, rather than posting up on an owners club in the hope that someone may have a solution to your custom-based issue.

So, let’s take a look at the best off-the-shelf turbo kits that are available for each Miata generation:

Drifted Miata NA/NB Turbo Kit Winner

Mazda Miata NA/NB Flyin’ Miata Turbo Kit

Manufacturer: Flyin’ Miata
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA 90-97, NB 99-05
Turbo configuration: Single turbo
Value for money:rating

Previously known as the ‘Voodoo II’, and one of the first-ever kits to the Miata market. Flyin’ Miata has been refining their kit endlessly since to provide the ultimate option for NA/NB owners over the years.

This setup provides everything you’re going to need in a convenient, perfected package. Think of this as the ultimate NA/NB ‘bolt-on and drive away kit’, supplying everything you’re going to need to have your boosted Miata up-and-running & blasting through the RPM range.

Any searches online will bring up heaps of delighted customers that have been running this kit for thousands of miles with perfect reliability.

One of the main additional benefits of this kit is that it’s the only NA/NB option that is CARB legal. This means it’s emissions legal in ANY state in the US. Pretty neat, huh?!

In our opinion, there’s simply no better choice for those of you looking for a quick, easy, and perfected off-the-shelf kit for your NA/NB Miata.

Stage 1 Features

Emissions legal everywhere in the US! CARB EO D-601-3. This is the only truly CARB legal forced induction option available for the 1.6 and 1.8 NA/NB!
Turbo manifold and outlet with Inconel hardware
GT2560R turbocharger
Intercooler w/ hardware
2.5″ turbo downpipe
Piping, clamps and intake kit
Recirculated bypass valve kit
‘The Voodoo Box’
Misc. parts for Stage 1 turbo kit ( includes EO sticker)
Turbo oil supply kit and MSM blocks
Optional gauge pods
Optional boost gauge
Optional drill and tap for 3/8 NPT (oil pan drain)
Silicone water supply lines
High temperature rubber oil drain
Turbo heat shield for NA and NB chassis

Drifted Miata NC Turbo Kit Winner

Mazda Miata NC Fab9 Tuning Turbo kit

Manufacturer: Fab9 Tuning
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC 05-15
Turbo configuration: Single turbo
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Fab9Tuning turbo kit here

Despite the NC being an excellent potential base for a product, there’s not a wide range of variety on the market when it comes to aftermarket turbo kits.

Fab9 Tuning is one of the companies that opted to fill the gap in the market, and they’ve done so in style.

This kit comes with an exceptional reputation from many delighted owners and should certainly be a consideration for any NC owners considering opting for a turbo setup.

Features

Full Stainless Construction
Sch10 Thick Wall 304 Stainless
0.500” CNC’d Flange 1/2″ Stainless Flange
Manual boost controller included on production models
BorgWarner EFR Turbocharger – Internally Gated
Fully Back Purged Tig Welded Fabrication
High Flow Full 4-1 Merge Collector
AC + PS Compatible Design
Bar and plate, offset turbulator intercooler to support 515hp (crank)
Full Stainless Braided AN line package for the Oil/Coolant – None of those silly rubber hoses and worm clamps!
Output ranges from 250whp to 460whp with the included turbocharger 500+ with the 7163 option.
No modification required to fit the manifold/downpipe.

Drifted Miata ND Turbo Kit Winner

Mazda Miata ND BBR Turbo Kit

Manufacturer: BBR
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND 2016+
Turbo configuration: Twin-scroll turbo
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your BBR turbo kit here

UK-based BBR has earned itself one of the most exceptional reputations in the tuning industry. Flyin’ Miata has teamed up with them to provide this incredible turn-key LHD kit for the US market.

In true Flyin’ Miata style, they’ve once again managed to make this kit CARB-legal in all 50 US states. This is undoubtedly strong selling point for those of you that require it!

BBR has provided a re-flash for the stock ECU along with the package. If you don’t own or know anyone with the Ecutek tuning interface, then you’ll need that to load the tune onto the computer.

We do NOT recommend running a turbo kit without correct management under any circumstances!

Features (Based on Stage 1 Kit)

BBR bespoke twin scroll hybrid TSX30-71R turbocharger including jet turbine specification fixings
BBR bespoke cast iron twin scroll exhaust manifold
BBR stainless steel downpipe with catalytic converter
BBR high-flow lightweight front mounted aluminium intercooler with factory look black intake pipes
BBR high-flow custom silicone turbo pipes in factory look black finish with stainless steel hose clamps and unique black coating
BBR lightweight aluminium battery tray in factory black finish
BBR harness extension to allow the use of the stock battery
BBR Recirculating piston type dump valve in factory black finish
BBR / Bosch MAP / Temperature sensor
BBR high efficiency carbon fibre turbocharger heat shield
BBR high flow K&N Typhoon induction kit
BBR stainless steel oil and water lines
BBR Starchip EcuTek RaceRom calibration software

If we’ve not found the perfect turbo kit for your needs, then make sure you head to our Miata Turbo Kit guide for plenty more offerings.

Best Miata Wheels

There are many advantages to replacing the wheels on your Mazda Miata. Although looks are important, they aren’t the only thing to consider, depending on what your intentions are with your Miata build.

Most rims on the market provide significant weight reductions over the stock wheels, some more so than others, and maintaining or even shedding weight from the already-light chassis offers the perfect solution when it comes to getting the most out of your Miata.

The OEM NA/NB Mazda Miata typical wheel weight ranges between 10-15lbs per corner.

For the NC/ND models, that goes up to nearer 20lbs.

Alongside potential weight savings and the increased traction helping you to put all the available power down under full throttle acceleration, having a wider track will also improve the car’s handling, which means it’ll become quicker in both a straight line and the twisties.

Once you’ve got the acceleration and handling improved, you can refine the handling even further by opting for wide wheels, which will allow for more grip and traction on the road.

However, if you happen to go too wide on your tire width on a stock Miata, you’ll likely gain weight and potentially slow down your acceleration times, and we certainly don’t want that!

For drifting or racing, you’re going to want lightweight rims.

However, if steady cruising the streets is your thing and not performance, weight might not be a huge concern, in which case you can opt for some of the super-wide options out there along with a fender kit and some negative camber for good measure.

We’ve not only chosen some of our favorite rims, but we’re featuring what owners have opted for as their ultimate Miata choice.

Drifted Miata Wheel Winner

Enkei RPF1

Whether you own an NA, NB, NC, or ND, Enkei has provided a wide range of fitments to ensure they fit every Miata family variation.

In our mind, there’s no question that the RPF1’s are the finest all-rounder available to Miata owners.

They might not be the cheapest, but we feel affordable and undoubtedly worth the money.

Drifted Miata Wheel Runner-Up

Advanti Racing Storm S1

The Advanti Storm S1 rim has been continually growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.

Available at a fraction of the cost of the Enkei RPF1, these impressive wheels have implemented Flow Forming Technology to provide similar weight at a fraction of the price.

There’s a wide range to choose from to find the perfect fit for your Miata.

Drifted Miata Wheel Budget Choice

Konig Hypergram

Providing exceptional value for money to the market, the Konig Hypergra wheels have well and truly earned their spot as our guide’s budget choice.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that budget means cheap, nasty, and heavy, as the Hypergrams wheels are the complete opposite.

A fantastic choice for the money, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular wheel choice within the Miata community.

If you’re not convinced by our favorites, understand entirely – looks are in the eye of the beholder, after all! We’ve got plenty more to choose from in our Miata Wheel guide.

And after you’re done with choosing the best set of wheels, don’t slack out on the tire selection. Investing in a set of outstanding performance tires is the best performance upgrade if you’re on a budget. Be warned, choosing tires with stiffer side walls may result in a harsher ride quality. Additionally, using good tires is one of the most economical ways of saving fuel. Also, be mindful to swap out tires depending on weather conditions. Trust us, you don’t want to be rolling around in all-season tires in the winter.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve provided you with the perfect choices when it comes to choosing the best upgrades for your Miata, whatever your needs and budget may be.

We’ve spent countless days combining our extensive Miata knowledge alongside the opinions of our fans, Miata enthusiasts, forums, and social media channels online to bring you what we feel are the ultimate picks.

However, if our favorites do not entirely convince you, or they don’t tick the right boxes for your needs, then we highly recommend heading to our Miata Tuning Guides to find the perfect solution.

There we have it! This colossal Miata tuning guide should provide you with the perfect products to begin constructing the ultimate Miata.

Have we missed any mods that you’d like to see in this guide? Feel free to drop us a line, and we’ll be more than happy to compare the best products for you to take your pick.

Looking to make the most out of your Miata? You’ll find our engine swap guide helpful.

Thinking of building the ultimate drift Miata but unsure what to do with the brakes? Check out the Ultimate Hydraulic Handbrake Guide.

Thank you for reading our Mazda Miata Mods guide.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with the buttons at the bottom of your screen. If you’ve found this information useful, then please take a moment to share it with other Miata tuning enthusiasts. We appreciate your support.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

The post Ultimate Miata Mods Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Mazda Miata Exhaust Guide

Joe Terrell — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 05:30:26 +0000

Hoping to improve the sound of your Miata? We compare fifteen of the best Miata exhausts available today in our ultimate Miata exhaust guide.

Miata/MX-5 NA (’90-’97) Exhausts
Miata/MX-5 NB (’98-’05) Exhausts
Miata/MX-5 NC (’05-’15) Exhausts
Miata/MX-5 ND (’15 Onwards) Exhausts
Jump to winners

In a hurry? Here is our Miata exhaust summary

NA choice	NB choice	NC choice

APEXi N1 EVO NA Miata Exhaust	ISR Performance Circuit Spec NB Miata Exhaust	Tomei Expreme Titanium NC Miata Exhaust

Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Little do most people know that an American named Bob Hall had a huge influence into this awesome creation from Mazda. When Bob visited Mazda’s R&D team in Japan, he presented to them a huge gap in the market.

He explained how there’s no longer and simple ‘bugs-in-the-teeth’ and ‘wind-in-the-hair’ British-style sports cars that he’d once grown up enjoying any more. He would draw up a sketch with his unique idea and present this to the R&D team.

A year later, in 1982, Bob was offered a career at Mazda and then given the chance to pursue his fascinating idea of bringing a low-cost sports car to the masses once again.

Little did they know at the time but his brainstorm would later evolve into one of the greatest and most successful sports cars of all time. From here, the Eunos Roadster was born.

As the two-seater sports car began to hit the market in 1990, it would be named the Mazda Miata in the US and the MX-5 in Europe. It was the perfect inexpensive option for sports car enthusiasts on a budget.

With over one million Miatas sold across the world by April 2016, it would then become the best-selling two-seater convertible sports car in history.

As fantastic as this tiny sports car is, many owners are left underwhelmed by the power and sound from the factory. We’re here to help you guide you on how to squeeze some vital horses from under the hood and provide you with a much more pleasant soundtrack in the process!

If you are looking to tune up your Miata, try our Miata coilover guide, Miata wheel guide, Miata shift knob and Miata turbo kit guides.

What’s in this guide?

This ultimate Mazda Miata exhaust guide has been created to help you find the perfect exhaust upgrade to compliment your Miata, from NA to ND.

For each exhaust, we also add our own comments. In addition, we have given a Drifted rating (1-5) based on features and price. We are considering popular exhaust options from the budget, mid-range, and high ends of the market in this compilation.

Let’s take a look at our Miata exhaust selection.

To read more about any of these products just click on the exhaust name or photo.

ISR Performance Circuit Spec NA 1.6 Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 101mm (4″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your ISR Performance Exhaust at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: ISR Performance (formerly the rather unfortunately named ‘ISIS’) bring you this fantastically priced cat-back exhaust system for your 1.6 NA. With substantial weight reduction over stock, high-quality materials, and a great fit, it’s definitely a good all-rounder.

As with many of the cheaper exhausts, it’s not a quiet system but it’s certainly not the loudest. You may notice some drone noise at around 2.5-3k revs which may not suit everyone. However, especially for the money, it’s a great product.

Manufacturer description: “This Miata performance exhaust features an exceptional 3 piece design for superior results. Please note that the midsection and tail section are standard and there are no variations available. The exhaust features 2.5″ brushed stainless steel piping and flanges, and a polished stainless steel muffler with a 4″ tip.”

“Upgrading your exhaust system is a great way to boost your engine’s performance. Most stock exhaust systems are designed to minimize engine noise, usually at the expense of engine performance. However, with an upgraded circuit spec exhaust you can improve the flow of air through your engine, providing an extra boost of power. Not to mention, your vehicle will give off that prized rumbling sound that performance cars are known for.”

Manzo NA Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: Manzo
Internal pipe diameter: 57mm (2.25″)
Tailpipe configuration: 101mm (4″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Product discontinued

Our comment: At under $200, there’s no doubt that the Manzo exhaust is incredibly cheap. We’ve seen worse exhausts, but don’t expect the best quality from this 1.6 NA offering.

If you’re working on a budget build and would like to free up the stock airflow restrictions, this could be a good shout for very little money. However, prepare for it to be loud and to have quite a drone on longer journeys.

Manufacturer description: “Manzo is designed to be a quality entry-level exhaust system that improves horsepower and torque while giving your car an aftermarket exhaust note that sounds great. Manzo exhausts are built to be a direct bolt on and include all necessary hardware for installation.”

“Each exhaust is made from polished stainless steel and has smooth mandrel bent exhaust piping for unrestricted flow. Manzo exhausts also feature strong CNC machined flanges that stand up to high temps and prevent warping.”

APEXi Bomber 3 NA Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: APEXi
Internal pipe diameter: 50-60mm (2-2.3″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless (muffler) & Mild Steel (pipe)
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your APEXi Bomber 3 exhaust

Our comment: Despite the larger price tag compared to our previous offerings, this is the cheaper alternative to the APEXI N1 Evo exhaust below. This has a mild steel construction with a stainless steel muffler.

Despite being the cheaper offering, this option still sounds and looks fantastic but we’d personally save for the ‘proper’ version if your budget allows.

Manufacturer description: “The APEXi Bomber 3 is a cost effective alternative to the APEXi N1 Evolution. The angled tip and muffler pays homage to the Original N1 and the patented Megaphone design ensures performance and free flowing exhaust.”

“The APEXi Bomber 3 provides all the performance of a more expensive system and starts with mild-steel piping which exits into a fully stainless steel muffler and tip.”

APEXi N1 EVO NA Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: APEXi
Internal pipe diameter: 50-60mm (2-2.3″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your APEXi N1 EVO exhaust here

Our comment: They say that quality comes at a price and the daddy of NA exhausts proves that. This full stainless cat-back aftermarket exhaust system brings APEXi’s legendary quality and fitment to make your NA look better than ever.

The exhaust won’t drone on long journeys like cheaper offerings, yet it roars to life when you hit the throttle on the canyon runs.

Manufacturer description: “The N1 Evolution combines all the racing heritage and proven performance of the original N1 muffler but raises the ante by adding light weight, fully polished stainless steel piping. This is the ultimate N1 exhaust system. Mandrel bent, full stainless steel construction provides maximum power gains and resistance to rust or other damage caused by weathering.”

“Like the original N1, the N1 Evolution uses the minimum amount of pipe bends to allow for greater exhaust flow. The N1 Evolution was created for those who are looking for something one step further than the classic N1 design.”

ISR Performance Circuit Spec NA 1.8 Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 101mm (4″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your ISR Performance Exhaust at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: ISR Performance haven’t forgotten those of you who have opted for the 1.8l N/A. With substantial weight reduction over stock, great quality and fit, this exhaust is definitely good value for money.

As with many of the cheaper options, it’s not a quiet system but it’s certainly not the loudest. You may notice some drone noise at around 2.5-3k revs which may not be for everyone. However, for the money, it’s a great product.

Manufacturer description: “The Mazda Miata performance exhaust package features a sleek 3-piece design. Front pipe options include a resonated cat delete pipe or a straight pipe depending on your preferences.”

“The midsection and tail section are standard and with no variations on those parts. The exhaust features 2.5″ brushed stainless steel piping and flanges, and a polished stainless steel muffler with a 4” tip.”

Manzo NB Axle-Back Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: Manzo
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 4.5″ (113mm) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Product discontinued

Our comment: Manzo’s 1.8l NB offering comes in at insane value. We’ve seen worse exhausts, but don’t expect the best quality at this price.

Megan Racing OE-RS NB Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: Megan Racing
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Megan Racing exhaust at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: Megan Racing’s OE-RS series are based on a subtle OEM style with improved flow and looks for your NB and MazdaSpeed Miata.

This is great option for those of you who are after subtle upgrade without waking up the neighbourhood.

Manufacturer description: “Megan Racing OE-RS series cat backs are based on factory style, with bigger piping, OEM style polished mufflers and quiet sound. The cat back system is made stainless steel.”

“All piping are mandrel bent with a high polished finish. Exhaust system comes with all the necessary hardware needed for a direct bolt on installation. Improves HP with minimal noise.”

ISR Performance Circuit Spec NB Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 101mm (4″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your ISR Performance NB exhaust at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: ISR Performance (formerly the rather unfortunately named ‘ISIS’) bring you this fantastically priced cat-back exhaust system for your NB Miata. With substantial weight reduction over stock, great quality and fit, it’s definitely good value for money.

As with many of the cheaper exhausts, it’s not a quiet system but it’s certainly not the loudest. You may notice some drone noise at around 2.5-3k revs which may not be for everyone. However, for the money, it’s a great product.

Manufacturer description: “This 2 piece Mazda Miata performance exhaust features a front pipe and a mid pipe that mount to the header and showcase an integrated muffler.”

“The front pipe is 2.5″ and features brushed stainless steel construction. The rear pipe has a polished, stainless steel muffler that’s accented with a 4″ tip. In addition, NB Miata exhausts come with a secondary o2 bung and o2 bung extension made for drivers who use the factory ECU, and don’t want to use a CEL.”

ARK DT-S NB Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: ARK
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your ARK DT-S NB Miata exhaust here

Our comment: Despite having a higher price tag, it’s easy to see why the DT-S is so popular with Miata owners. It boasts a pure, deep exhaust note (which isn’t overly loud) alongside a well-crafted, free-flowing design.

Combine this with the great looks and typically fantastic quality from ARK, there’s no doubt this exhaust is a great all-rounder. ARK also offer numerous tips, such as polished, burnt and techno depending on your preference!

Manufacturer description: “With the many varieties of exhausts that ARK has to offer, the DT-Series premium exhaust provides the perfect combination of sound, style, and performance. The ARK DT-S premium exhaust has been carefully engineered and manufactured to ensure 100% satisfaction. With T304 Stainless steel, quality mandrel bends, and flawless welds, the quality of the DT-S exhaust is unrivaled.”

“No other company has devoted more time to sport exhaust sound results. Deep, throaty and rich. That is the sound of ARK. You’re going to love the fit, finish, and performance of your ARK exhaust system. The sound is going to turn heads, including yours. No cutting, welding, or modification is required.”

Tomei Expreme Full Titanium NC Axle-Back Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: Tomei
Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.3″)
Tailpipe configuration: 90mm (3.5″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Tomei Expreme Titanium NC muffler at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: It may seem like a bargain, but this incredible offering from the legendary exhaust creators comes at a price to your eardrums.

This system is certainly not quiet but it’s an absolute work of art and a thing of beauty. If you’re building a serious weight-shedding track car, this is one of the best performance exhaust systems for you. With a weight loss of 21lbs in this muffler alone, the full exhaust system takes off an insane 16kg total weight from the stock exhaust.

If you only want the best for your NC, combine it with their matching straight pipe and manifold for the ultimate performance, looks and sound. Admittedly, this may also cause a beating to your wallet too, but we think it’ll be worth it!

Manufacturer description: “After extensive testing we’re finally able to deliver a no compromise exhaust manifold that offers significant performance gains especially at the top end. The new EXPREME manifold for NC MX-5 / MIATA improves upon the stock version in every way.”

“This kit includes all the components necessary for installation including the bolts and nuts. Bolt Smooth Paste is also included to help prevent the bolts becoming
seized under heat.”

ISR Performance Circuit Spec NC Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 101mm (4″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your ISR Performance NC exhaust at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: ISR Performance (formerly the rather unfortunately named ‘ISIS’) bring you this fantastically priced cat-back exhaust system for your NC Miata. With substantial weight reduction over stock, great quality and fit, it’s definitely good value for money.

Manufacturer description: “The ISR Performance NC Miata exhaust features a 3 piece 2.5″ brushed stainless steel piping and flanges, and a polished stainless steel muffler with 4″ tip.”

“This exhaust does not have an o2 bung, if your NC is fitted with an o2 sensors in the exhaust down stream of the header you will need to have a fitting welded to the exhaust.”

HKS Legamax Axle-Back ND Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: HKS
Internal pipe diameter: 54mm (2.1″)
Tailpipe configuration: Twin 75mm (3″) tips
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Legamax Premium ND exhaust at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: There’s no doubt that HKS are well known in the JDM scene, and they’ve decided to enter the Miata market with this stunning example. With a nice, clean, raspy sound from the twin tips, it delivers a deeper and slightly louder than stock sound. Once you step on the gas pedal it comes alive, but for daily driving it delivers no annoying drone or ‘boom’.

Despite being a similar weight to OEM, it’s an exceptionally clean and subtle design and the usual quality you would expect from the legendary Japanese manufacturer.

Manufacturer description: “Legamax Premium mufflers offer the performance benefits of a sports muffler with the class and elegance of a premium muffler. Every tail pipe design is customised per application to ensure that muffler has impact and becomes a focal point in the appearance of the vehicle, yet blends with the overall design of the car.”

“Legamax Premium mufflers are constructed of SUS304 grade stainless steel to give a high lustre finish which is durable. Some applications also incorporate the latest automotive fashion trends by featuring titanium tail tips which adds to the premium appearance with its distinct look.”

ISR Performance Circuit Spec ND Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: 101mm (4″) tip
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your ISR Performance ND exhaust at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: ISR Performance (formerly the rather unfortunately named ‘ISIS’) bring you the only single-pipe offering for the ND Miata. With a weight reduction over stock, great quality and fit, it’s definitely good value for money for a full system.

As with many of the cheaper exhausts, it’s not a quiet system but it’s certainly not the loudest. You may notice some drone noise at certain revs which may not be for everyone. However, for the money, it’s a great product.

Manufacturer description: “The ISR Performance ND Miata exhaust features a 3 piece 2.5″ brushed stainless steel piping and flanges, and a polished stainless steel muffler with 4″ tip.”

GReddy Supreme SP ND Axle-Back Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: GReddy
Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
Tailpipe configuration: Twin 82mm (3.25″) tips
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your GReddy Supreme ND exhaust

Our comment: Another legendary JDM tuning house to step into the Miata ND market is GReddy, with their awesome dual-tip offering.

Featuring the typically impressive welds and design we’ve come to expect from them over the years, this exhaust certainly doesn’t disappoint. It delivers a clean and subtle yet deep rumble which opens up perfectly when you step on the gas. If you want to get the best out of it, make sure you check out their full exhaust system.

Manufacturer description: “The GReddy Supreme SP for the 4th generation ND Mazda MX-5 Miata was designed and engineered specifically to suit the USA spec 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine combination. Unique to this application is the availability of either the pre-resonated axle-back muffler system, for maximum sound control with enhanced flow.”

“Or there is also a full system, that includes a dual resonated mid-pipe for even more performance and a sportier sound. The full system showed power increase throughout the RPM band, with maximum gains, of 13hp/8ft-lbs, as low as 3500rpm.”

Blitz Nur-Spec ND Axle-Back Miata Exhaust

Manufacturer: Blitz
Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.3″)
Tailpipe configuration: Twin 76.3mm (3″) tips
Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Buy your Blitz Nur-Spec ND Axle-Back Miata exhaust here

Our comment: Once again, it’s another huge name that graces the ND list, this time Blitz offer their well-loved Nur Spec system.

Often known for being louder exhausts, the ND version comes in at just 3db over stock at 89db. This will improve your exhaust flow and provide a nice clean sound and look over OEM.

Manufacturer description: “The Nur-Spec VS exhaust draws all the knowledge from the Nur Spec series and fuses a stainless steel tailpipe with a stainless sus304 exhaust system.”

“The pipework is constant diameter throughout allowing superior flow to crush bent pipework. Blitz Nur-Spec VS exhausts are designed for maximum performance and amazing appearance whilst maintaining an acceptable JASMA/JQR compliant exhaust note.”

Our NA choice

Our choice for the Miata NA is the APEXi N1 EVO.

This exhaust is the perfect all-rounder – combining great looks, great quality and a sexy tone.

There are certainly cheaper alternatives out there and if you don’t mind your car being louder and drone noise won’t bother you then make sure you take a look at those too.

APEXi N1 EVO Exhaust System

Our NB choice

Our choice for the Miata NB is the ARK DT-S.

This popular offering from ARK boasts a pure, deep exhaust note whilst still maintaining a subtle noise level.

Combine this with ARK’s usual high quality and a selection of tips, it’s undoubtedly a great choice. If you’re after something a little cheaper, we recommend taking a look at the Megan Racing offering.

Please note: The ARK DT-S for Miata NB is now discontinued, so we recommend the ISR Performance Circuit Spec NB Miata Exhaust instead.

ARK DT-S Exhaust System

Our NC choice

Our choice for the Miata NC is the Tomei Expreme.

We know it’s expensive and probably won’t suit anyone, but this stunning system really is a unique offering for NC owners.

We don’t recommend it for street use, but if you’re planning to head to the track and cut down those valuable lap times, this is undoubtedly the choice for you.

Make sure you check out ISR Performance‘s offering if you’re upgrading your street car.

Tomei Expreme Titanium Exhaust System

Our ND choice

Our choice for the Miata ND is the GReddy Supreme.

ND owners really are spoiled for choice with exhausts, but the GReddy Supreme ticks all the right boxes and offers a full system if you’re not just after a muffler.

Our runner up would undoubtedly be the HKS Legamax, and if it’s just after a muffler you’re looking for we would highly recommend this option.

GReddy Supreme SP Exhaust System

Now you’ve got your exhaust note on point, why not add some forced induction? You’ll be wanting to read our Miata Supercharger guide. Already added some forced induction? Then make sure you read our miata seats guide.

Looking to keep your Miata in tip top condition? Then make sure you check out our Miata Battery guide.

You can also check out our Ultimate Mazda Miata Cold Air Intake Guide.

Photo credits

We would like to thank the following websites for allowing us to use their images in this article:

madmike.co.nz
frsport.com
jdmaccessories.com.au
forum.jdmstyletuning.com
isrperformance.com/blog/miata-owners
enjukuracing.com
drifting.com

The post Ultimate Mazda Miata Exhaust Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Miata Battery Guide – Get Juiced!

Joe Terrell — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:18:32 +0000

Finding the perfect Miata battery can become confusing, so we’ve simplified everything you need to know for each generation in this guide.

Which battery is best for my Miata?
Why is my Miata battery draining?
Miata battery lifespan
Can I use a cheap lawn/tractor battery in my Miata?
Should I buy a used Miata battery?
How to replace a Miata battery
Best NA/NB Miata batteries
Best NC/ND Miata batteries
Our Miata battery winners

In a hurry? Here are our Miata battery winners

Budget NA/NB Choice	NA/NB Choice	NC/ND Choice	NC/ND Runner-Up

Deka/East Penn 8AMU1R	Odyssey PC925MJT Battery	Braille B3121 No-Weight Extreme Use Carbon Fiber Battery	Duralast Gold

Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Car batteries are usually one of the most straightforward parts of routine maintenance.

Still, given the nature of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, they’re somewhat of a headache compared to your typical daily driver.

Over the years, we’ve had an insane amount of messages from Miata owners asking which battery we’d recommend for their specific Miata generation since they’re struggling with the conflicting advice found online.

So, we’ve decided to put the matter to bed with this guide, which we shall call: “The guide of all guides for Miata batteries”! We’re hoping we will finally put the matter to rest.

You no longer need to spend countless hours reading arguments on the various MX-5/Miata forums, as we’ve answered every Miata battery question in this guide.

If you feel that we’ve missed something, then feel free to drop us a line. We’ll get back to you and then add your questions to our guide, hopefully helping other Miata/MX5 owners further down the line.

As a Miata owner, you’re likely to know they’re fantastic at chewing through batteries quicker than most cars on the road.

Given the age of NA/NBs and even some NCs, they will likely have already been replaced.

If not, we’re not surprised that they’re reaching the end of their lifespan.

Since most NAs are celebrating their thirtieth birthdays, it’ll be a real cause for celebration if your battery has somehow survived along the way, which we unfortunately doubt is the case.

Although many owners believe that the OEM batteries had a far better lifespan than the modern-day replacements.

The good news is that battery advancements have allowed for cheaper-than-ever prices, which softens the blow when replacing.

Which battery is best for my Miata?

Mazda designed the NA/NB generations to run their battery in the car’s trunk rather than under the hood.

Given these cars’ lightweight design, something as small as a battery can significantly impact weight distribution, so putting the battery in the rear helps provide optimal handling performance.

Heat can become a big issue for batteries, especially on a forced induction setup, where the temperatures of a turbocharger or supercharger will be far higher than your typical naturally aspirated setup.

Since Mazda opted to move the battery under the hood for the later generation NC/NDs, enthusiasts squeezing additional power out of their Miatas typically opt for a battery relocation kit.

This moves the battery to what most die-hard Miata fans believe to be the ‘correct’ location – the trunk.

When choosing the best battery for your Miata, it’s easy to opt for the cheapest possible solution, but we do not recommend doing so.

The cheaper batteries on the market are often wet cells, causing a real mess if not maintained correctly, but they can also leak over time.

If that doesn’t put you off, we’ve also heard far too many horror stories of them exploding, which could potentially cause many issues, and the small financial trade-off suddenly doesn’t feel quite so appealing.

So, for that reason – wet cell batteries are a no-no for us.

Thankfully, Mazda shares the same mindset regarding the wet cell battery, so they fitted the Miata with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries as a standard OEM part from the factory, even way back in 1990.

Placing a battery in the trunk has disadvantages. You need to figure out how to vent the hydrogen fumes expelled from the battery, which can potentially harm or cause severe rust problems.

Thus, Mazda devised its vented tubing from the battery to eliminate potential risks or disasters.

If you opt for a non-vented battery, you can expect to suffer from severe corrosion issues in the battery area.

For this reason, AGM batteries are also sealed and vented, making them the perfect choice for your Miata.

What is an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery?

AGM technology provides increased safety, performance, and service life over alternative battery types.

We feel that this simplified explanation from DC Battery explains it best:

“In AGM sealed batteries, the acid is absorbed between the plates and immobilized by a very fine fiberglass mat. No silica gel is necessary. This glass mat absorbs and immobilizes the acid while still keeping the acid available to the plates. This allows a fast reaction between acid and plate material”.

“The AGM battery has an extremely low internal electrical resistance. This, combined with faster acid migration, allows the AGM batteries to deliver and absorb higher rates of amperage than other sealed batteries during discharging and charging”.

“In addition, AGM technology batteries can be charged at normal lead-acid regulated charging voltages, therefore, it is not necessary to recalibrate charging systems or purchase special chargers”.

The benefits of this are that AGM batteries won’t potentially spill acid into your boot over time, unlike other batteries, which would also require far more routine care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

If you’re after a ‘set and forget’ method with your battery, then AGM is undoubtedly the best choice for you.

Why is my Miata battery draining?

We’ve heard of Miata owners accepting that their battery needs replacing, only to die again just a few weeks later.

There are several reasons that this could be happening, and since you’ll still have your warranty, we’d recommend getting a replacement battery to ensure it’s not the culprit.

Once you’ve confirmed that and you’re still having issues, it’s time to investigate what could be causing them.

Aftermarket alarms and head units are often the leading cause of this problem, but OEM alarms are also known to cause an issue.

Draining an AGM battery can severely damage or even kill the battery entirely.

Not only that, but you can’t jump-start AGM batteries using the traditional methods, as they need a 1-12 amp power delivery, which can take up to 24 hours for a full charge.

Therefore, we highly recommend avoiding a complete battery drain with AGM batteries whenever possible.

Our first two checks, besides obvious things, like ensuring you’ve remembered to turn the lights off, would be the following:

Aftermarket head unit – Have you recently had a new stereo installed? If so, this will be the most likely issue, and it would appear that the electrics are malfunctioning somehow.

Alarm – Even if you’ve not activated your Miata alarm, it can still cause battery drain. We recommend disconnecting the alarm and seeing if that solves the problem.

If this is the case, we recommend getting yourself a car battery maintainer.

However, it will be worth investigating the issue, as you’ll inevitably want to arm your alarm away from home where you can’t leave the car on charge sometime.

On a problem-free Miata, we would still expect to see a few weeks of battery life from a frequently-driven car before any issues arise with a healthy battery and electronics.

Miata battery lifespan

Typically, we expect around ten years’ lifespan from the OEM Mazda batteries on a frequently-driven Miata.

Replacement batteries will often not last as long as the OEM battery, with most owners expecting around a five-year lifespan, which is why the best warranty can often be significant.

Climate and weather can often play a huge role in the lifespan of your battery. If you live in an exceptionally hot or cold region, we would expect the battery lifespan to decrease dramatically.

Temperature extremes are where a decent warranty on your battery will be more vital than ever.

Can I use a cheap lawn/tractor battery in my Miata?

Cheap batteries have been a common trend among owners looking to save a few bucks, but as we explained previously, it’s a false economy in the long run.

You’ll need to frequently check the battery, top it up with water, worry about venting, and run the risk of it exploding. On top of that, the cheaper batteries typically only come with a 6-month warranty, which isn’t ideal.

Not only are you likely to end up using the ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ theory here, but you also risk damaging your Miata in the process.

We don’t feel it’s worth the risk for such a small saving every few years.

Should I buy a used Miata battery?

We’re surprised how many owners consider this; the simple answer is no.

New batteries come with a warranty and a limited lifespan unless you know when the original owner had it fitted.

In addition, you have the original receipt for an exchange. We definitely wouldn’t consider a used battery.

How to replace a Miata battery

Once you’ve purchased your new Miata battery, you’ll need to follow this simple process for installation of your fresh new battery:

Remove the negative terminal using a 10mm wrench or socket
Next, remove the positive terminal
Loosen both 12mm (or 14mm) battery tie-down nuts
Remove the tie-down by angling the hooks towards the front of the car and lifting
Remove the insulating shroud
Lift the battery from the car
Now that you’re ready to fit your new battery reverse the process above, ensuring that you connect the positive terminal before the negative terminal
Stand back and admire your hard work!

If you’d prefer a Miata battery replacement instruction video, we recommend following this guide:

NC Miata (MK3 MX5 owners) will likely need to reset the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) after replacing the battery.

If you replace your battery, if the DSC is off with no response from the button, or if your ‘DSC OFF’ light flashes, you’ll need to follow these steps.

This can also be found on page 152 of the manual:

Ensure the new battery is connected
Turn the key in the ignition to the ‘ON’ position, but don’t start the engine
Turn the steering wheel full-lock to the left until it hits the lock stop (it can be somewhat challenging without power steering!)
Turn the steering wheel to the right until you hit the lock stop
Re-center the steering wheel
Ensure the ‘DSC OFF’ light turns off
Turn the ignition to the ‘OFF’ position
Turn the ignition to the ‘ON’ position
Ensure that the ‘TCS/DSC’ light goes off. If not, repeat the above steps carefully.

Best NA/NB Miata batteries

Now that you know everything regarding replacing your Miata battery, it’s time to find the ideal replacement to restore your car to its former glory.

Although most Miata owners would like to buy the OEM Panasonic replacement, unfortunately, they aren’t even available from the Mazda dealerships, which will likely provide you with a third-party gel/wet cell equivalent. Which, once again, we advise avoiding at all costs.

Since there are superior batteries on the market to Mazda’s offerings, we’ve listed the best products to help you choose the right battery for your NA or NB Miata.

If you’re looking for NC or ND batteries, scroll down to find our favorite picks.

WestCo 12V31M Miata Battery

Voltage: 12 Volts
Capacity (C20): 31 Ah
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 320 A
Length: 194 mm
Width: 130 mm
Height: 180 mm
Weight: 25 Lbs
Battery type: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
Warranty length: Typically 1 year (Check with reseller)
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your WestCo 12V31M Miata battery here

Our comment: The WestCo 12V31M is typically one of the most popular choices among NA and NB Miata owners, with many reporting that the battery is still going strong after five years of use.

Some have opted to trim the rubber vent tubes to ensure the perfect fit since they are rounded rather than rectangular.

However, a quick trim with scissors is all it takes to eliminate possible breathing issues.

The WestCo 12V31M provides an excellent OEM replacement for NA/NB owners. We would have given it five stars if it had an improved warranty.

Odyssey Extreme PC925MJT Miata Battery

Voltage: 12 volts
Capacity (C20): 28 Ah
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 330 A
Length: 168.6 mm
Width: 179 mm
Height: 148.1 mm
Weight: 26 Lbs
Battery type: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
Warranty length: Limited 3 and 4-year full replacement warranty
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Odyssey Extreme PC925MJT Miata battery at Amazon or eBay

Our comment: Like the WestCo above, this battery comes from East Penn Manufacturing Co., except this is the superior alternative.

It comes at a little extra cash but includes improved performance and a much better warranty.

With a 3-10 year service life, it’s the ultimate ‘set and forget’ battery you’ll only need to check on every few years.

It has a 70% longer life cycle than conventional batteries and a fast recharge feature capable of fully charging in 4-6 hours.

A slight modification to the mounting bracket required a snug fit, but we certainly wouldn’t let that put us off.

Although the Amazon rating isn’t the best, this is down to owners complaining that it doesn’t fit their car. Perhaps we need to write a battery guide for their cars, too!

Manufacturer description: “Some batteries provide enormous cranking power. Others, deep cycle reserve power. The revolutionary ODYSSEY battery is designed to do both.”

“How is this possible? The answer begins with flat plates made of 99.99% pure virgin lead – not lead alloy. Pure lead plates can be made thinner, so we can fit more of them in the battery. More ODYSSEY battery plates mean more plate surface area. And that means more power – twice as much as conventional batteries.”

Deka/East Penn 8AMU1R Miata Battery

Voltage: 12 volts
Capacity (C20): 31 Ah
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 320 A
Length: 198 mm
Width: 132 mm
Height: 182 mm
Weight: 24 Lbs
Battery type: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
Warranty length: Typically 1 year (Check with reseller)
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Deka/East Penn 8AMU1R Miata battery on eBay

Our comment: Once again, the Deka battery is another offering from East Penn Manufacturing Co. and is remarkably similar to the WestCo 12V31M, which they also make.

The Deka is a like-for-like replacement of the former popular Marathon battery, made by the same manufacturer.

Given that they both have incredibly similar specs, we would choose either of these as a budget, depending on which you can get cheaper.

Many owners have stated that this battery fits without any modification so it may be the more convenient option for a straight fit.

The Odyssey above will be the better choice for those of you after a superior battery for your NA/NB.

Manufacturer description: “The Deka AGM Battery was designed for more than performance; it was designed for the enthusiast. Completely spillproof and leakproof; frequent replacement and high maintenance are over“!

“The AGM technology increases power while improving driver and environmental safety. The key to this technology is the highly porous microfiber separators, which completely absorb and trap the electrolyte. Molded top and side connection terminals provide versatility, increased strength and durability. The Deka AGM Battery provides the most advanced power and value in the industry.”

Best NC/ND Miata batteries

For the NC/ND models, Mazda opted to move the battery under the hood, much to many Miata enthusiasts’ disappointment.

From the NC onwards, Mazda began providing far more electronics.

Therefore, a more substantial battery is recommended for maximum efficiency in theNC and ND Miata.

We’ll show you our favorite batteries before ending the list with a battery relocation kit for those looking to return the NC/ND to the ‘true’ Miata-style, returning the battery to the trunk.

Optima Batteries 8073-167 D51R YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery

Voltage: 12 volts
Capacity (C20): 38 Ah
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 450 A
Length: 234 mm
Width: 126 mm
Height: 227 mm
Weight: 26 Lbs
Battery type: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) SpiralCell Technology
Warranty length: Typically 3 years (Check with reseller)
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Optima Batteries 8073-167 D51R YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery here

Our comment: Optima’s YellowTop D51R has proven a fantastic option for NC/ND owners.

Utilizing their SpiralCell technology, this is fantastic for those looking to upgrade your in-car entertainment or run additional power on your battery.

Although this may look and sound like the perfect option, Optima has received criticism recently.

After moving their manufacturing plant from the US to Mexico in 2008, many have stated the former quality expected from the company declined.

Although this is a somewhat mixed opinion, we would ensure that a decent warranty with the reseller was in place before going ahead with the purchase, just in case.

Manufacturer description: “The OPTIMA YellowTop high-performance AGM battery is one of the only true dual-purpose automotive batteries available.”

“With premium cranking power and unparalleled cycling capability (rechargeability), it is perfect for modern accessory-loaded vehicles. With a 40-year history of technological innovation and engineering OPTIMA products offer unstoppable power for extreme enthusiasts.”

Braille B3121 No-Weight Extreme Use Carbon Fiber Battery

Voltage: 12 volts
Capacity (C20): 31 Ah
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 550 A
Length: 168 mm
Width: 132 mm
Height: 173 mm
Weight: 21 Lbs
Battery type: Advanced AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Racing Technology
Warranty length: Typically 2 years (Check with reseller)
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Braille B3121 No-Weight Extreme Use Carbon Fiber Battery here

Our comment: For those planning a substantial engine swap, want the best performance for your race car, or want to treat your Miata to the best battery, look no further.

This tiny, lightweight, carbon fiber battery packs more of a punch in a smaller, lightweight package than its competitors.

If you’re serious about racing, then each pound counts, and this could present the perfect opportunity for enhanced performance and weight saving at the same time.

Braille has an excellent reputation; many owners have been delighted with their batteries in the long haul.

It is a fantastic choice that will be a convenient fit in the front or rear (with a relocation kit) of your NC/ND Miata, and best of all; it’s currently at the same price as the Optima.

Manufacturer description: “At under 22 pounds, the B3121 is our lightest do eveything battery yet. Using our Advanced AGM racing technology we have put a lot of power into a very small package.”

“With 1380 pulse cranking amps this has enough power to start more than any other battery in its weight class. This is the perfect model for those who want to shave half the weight of a stanard Group 34 battery and still have enough power to crank over a large V8.”

Duralast Gold Battery 51R-DLG

Voltage: 12 volts
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): 500 A
Length: 238 mm
Width: 129 mm
Height: 223 mm
Weight: 28 Lbs
Battery type: Wet Cell
Warranty length: Typically 3 years (Check with reseller)
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Duralast Gold Battery 51R-DLG here

Our comment: If you’re after a cheap, cheerful, reliable NC/ND Miata battery, look no further than the Duralast Gold battery.

The Duralast Gold has become the most popular choice among NC/ND owners looking to conveniently swap out their tired OEM battery for a quick, easy, and reasonably priced replacement with a good warranty.

Although we advise against wet cell batteries for the Miata, given that the NC/NDs typically have the battery under the hood, this wouldn’t be a problem given the adequate ventilation compared to the trunk.

If you’re using a battery relocation kit to put the battery in the trunk, we certainly wouldn’t recommend using this option but opting for the Braille alternative above.

All in all, this presents an excellent option for those of you wanting to straight-swap your under-hood NC/ND battery at a reasonable price.

Manufacturer description: “Duralast Gold is engineered to deliver the maximum Cold Cranking Amps and Reserve Capacity ratings to meet or exceed your vehicle’s original specifications.”

“Even in extreme conditions, Duralast Gold is designed to give you the starting power you need, combined with robust construction for dependability and long life. Install it with confidence“!

Flyin’ Miata Mazda ND battery relocation kit

Value for money:
Purchase link: Discontinued

Our comment: These kits have been designed with V8 conversions in mind and provide the perfect solution for those unhappy with Mazda’s decision to move the battery under the hood.

Many owners have voiced their opinions on the battery moving to the front of the Miata, and with this kit, you’ll be able to turn it back to its rightful place.

Flyin’ Miata recommends using the Odyssey PC925T from earlier in our guide with this kit for the ultimate fitment.

They state that it will work with an OEM setup but require some problem-solving.

Although it’s not the perfect solution, it’s worth considering, especially for those of you swapping out your engine.

Manufacturer description: “Anyone who’s been around Miatas knows that the battery only belongs in one place: the trunk. Mazda forgot this in 2006 with the NC, and forgot it again with the ND redesign. Well, we’ve accepted it for too long and now we’re taking action.”

“Includes a Sparco battery switch, a 350A fuse and fuse holder, a kill switch bracket, and all of the wiring (4ga) and hardware needed to move the battery and mount the various bits other than the battery bracket itself. We recommend using an Odyssey PC925T and the matching Odyssey bracket, available all over the place.”

Our Miata battery winners

NA/NB Drifted Choice

Our NA/NB winner is the Odyssey Extreme PC925MJT Battery

With the best performance and warranty to match, we feel it’s worth paying a little extra to get the best battery for your NA/NB.

We know many owners who have had fantastic long-term results from this battery.

Also, this is the perfect choice for those looking for a battery to suit the Miata ND relocation kit from Flyin’ Miata.

With an extended life cycle, a fast-charge feature, and an excellent warranty, we believe this has firmly earned its spot as the winner on our list.

Odyssey Extreme PC925MJT Battery

Budget Miata NA/NB Choice

Our Budget NA/NB Choice is the Deka/East Penn 8AMU1R Battery

A straight replacement for your OEM NA/NB battery, this fantastically-priced offering from Deka just edged past the popular WestCo due to price, but you can’t go wrong with either battery.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free replacement to run on your stock or lightly modified Miata, look no further than the Deka Gold.

Deka/East Penn 8AMU1R Battery

Miata NC/ND Drifted Choice

Our Miata NC/ND Battery winner is the Braille B3121 No-Weight Extreme Use Carbon Fiber Battery

If your eyes are already watering at the potential cost when you see the words ‘carbon fiber,’ you can wipe them now.

Despite its unique, tiny, lightweight design, this Braille battery is, in fact, a genuine bargain when compared to some of its competitors.

Designed with Corvette V8s in mind, your Miata certainly isn’t too much of a challenge for this incredible battery.

Braille B3121 No-Weight Extreme Use Carbon Fiber Battery

Miata NC/ND Battery Runner-Up

Our Miata NC/ND Battery Runner-Up is the Duralast Gold Battery

You won’t do better for your money than the exact OEM fit Duralast Gold.

If your original Mazda battery has given up, fear not, as the Duralast Gold comes recommended by just about every NC/ND owner and presents an excellent value-for-money option, with a great warranty included.

Duralast Gold

Thank you for reading our Miata Battery guide.

We hope we’ve helped you decide when figuring out which battery is best suited for your Miata. Now that it is sorted, why not treat your little roadster to a new shift knob?

Photography credits

We want to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with the buttons at the bottom of your screen. Find this information helpful? Please post a link to it on your Miata owners’ clubs. We appreciate your support.

The post Ultimate Miata Battery Guide – Get Juiced! first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Miata Supercharger Guide

Joe Terrell — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 11:00:48 +0000

Are you thinking of upping the power of your Miata? If so, a supercharger is one of the ultimate upgrades. This ultimate guide reviews the best supercharger kits available for all generations.

TDR Rotrex Supercharger (NA)
FFS Eaton MP62 Kit (NA/NB)
FFS Magnuson TVS 900 Supercharger (NA/NB)
Kraftwerks Supercharger (NB)
TDR Rotrex Supercharger (NB)
Flyin’ Miata Supercharger (NC)
Kraftwerks Supercharger (NC)
Edelbrock 15540 Supercharger (ND)
HKS Supercharger Pro (ND)
Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our Miata Supercharger summary

Miata NA Choice	Miata NB Choice	Miata NC Choice	Miata ND Choice

Rotrex Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata NA	FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers) Eaton MP62 Kit (NA/NB)	Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata NC	HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit for Mazda Miata ND

Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

The Mazda Miata (or the MX-5/Eunos as it’s often known elsewhere) is undoubtedly our generation’s two-seater affordable sports car icon. Launching in the late eighties and progressing through four iterations, this successful cabriolet is still in production.

The low curb weight, front engine, rear-wheel drive (FR) configuration has meant that all four generations (NA, NB, NC, ND) of the fun-focused soft top make great daily drivers, circuit cars, and with the correct tuning and upgrades, even drift cars.

Don’t believe us? Check out this tuned Miata that takes on the competition in a drift battle for the ages.

Although the Miata provides the perfect opportunity in the twisties for low-budget fun, it can sometimes lack the necessary grunt regarding the straights, whether at the track or when you’re carving the canyons.

Do you crave instant throttle response and a progressive power curve from your humble MX-5? Luckily, the aftermarket tuning scene has provided a vast range of aftermarket supercharger kits to suit the power goals you’ve been craving.

Not sure whether a turbo or supercharger setup will suit your needs? Let’s take a more in-depth look at the differences between the two.

Turbocharging or supercharging?

If you are new to forced induction, you may ask yourself which of these two paths is better.

Let us start by saying that both these options have merits and drawbacks.

For those of you looking to achieve substantial power figures from your Miata, a turbocharger may be an ideal consideration for your needs.

However, suppose you’re not too bothered about the power figures on paper and prefer the car to remain as Mazda intended – but with an additional kick up the butt! In that case, a supercharger kit will be the perfect solution.

A supercharger makes the most of the usable powerband, allowing you to plant your foot in the twisties without the fear of facing in the opposite direction, which is far more likely with a turbo kit.

Another additional benefit of superchargers is that you don’t have to suffer from lag issues, unlike turbo kit owners.

The main supercharger appeal is that they’ll provide a satisfying, predictable torque curve, perfect for a lightweight two-seater sports car like the Mazda Miata.

I’ll let Marty and Moog explain the in-depth difference with a highly scientific test.

If you want to learn more about forced induction, head over to our complete turbocharger vs supercharger guide.

Similarly, if you want more information regarding turbocharging your Miata, head to our Miata turbo kit guide.

All caught up? Great!

Forced induction

As mentioned, the aftermarket has many options for Miatas, including coilovers, cold air intakes, exhaust kits, shift knobs, LED lights, and turbocharged and supercharged varieties.

In this day and age, it is pretty common to come across Miatas with more heavily modified engines. Are you keen on joining them?

In this guide, we are focusing solely on the best superchargers readily available on the market today.

Unfortunately, as the early generations of the Miata are nearing thirty years old, some aftermarket options have fallen off the table. With this guide, we aim to offer you options available to order right now.

Supercharged Miatas in the media

Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire YouTube channel takes a fourth-generation (ND) Mazda Miata equipped with a Flyin’ Miata supercharger system for a review down his favorite canyon run.

Still not convinced about forced induction for your Miata? Try this compilation of the best Miata sounds with over twenty different cars that are turbo charged, supercharged, or tuned naturally aspirated.

Matt Watson of “CarWow” fame is a proud owner of a supercharged NB Miata. Here, Matt takes us through all his modifications to his pride and joy.

Engineering Explained also chose to go down the supercharging route to boost the performance of his “budget dream car” – an ND Mazda Miata.

If you add forced induction to your Miata with a supercharger, you will need to tighten up that handling. We have written this Miata coilover guide just for you.

Let’s take a look at our Mazda Miata supercharger kits

To read more about these products, click the supercharger kit name or photo. Click on the purchase link to be taken to a retailer to buy that system for your car.

TDR (Track Dog Racing) Rotrex Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata (NA)

Manufacturer: Track Dog Racing
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) 1.6 (NA) 1989-1993
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: TDR (Track Dog Racing) Rotrex Supercharger Kit (NA)

Our comment: Supercharging options for the classic NA platform Mazda Miata are thin today. After some research, a well-regarded kit still available today is this Rotrex offering.

While the entry-level price is strong, this kit offers everything you need to double the stock bhp of your 1.6 Miata.

An intercooler and supporting hardware should enable you to run this power level without compromising your Mazda’s reliability, thus reducing the risk of detonation.

Manufacturer description: “Ready for over 200 RWHP out of your stock 1.6? Fast and reliable HP in a Miata. Kit includes the ROTREX Supercharger, intercooler, all required mounting hardware and detailed installation instructions.”

Features

Rotrex C30-74 blower with 80mm 4-rib pulley
TDR auto tensioner supercharger mounting system
TDR air to air front mount intercooler
TDR custom radiator air flow panels
TDR stainless steel intercooler piping
TDR custom silicone hoses including a cold air intake system with K&N filter
TDR Custom fender mounted supercharger oil cooler setup
Supercharger oil reservoir with hoses and fittings
TDR Insulated Header Heat Shield
TDR Oil Catch Can System
TDR plug and play fuel card engine management
TDR custom fuel injectors
Walbro 190lph fuel pump and strainer kit
NGK spark plugs
TDR Hood Lift Kit

Videos:

Hit play to see an NA model Miata equipped with a TDR Rotrex supercharger.

FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers) Eaton MP62 Kit (NA/NB)

Manufacturer: FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers)
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) 1.6 (NA) 1989-1993 & Mazda Miata (MX-5) (NB) 1998-2005
Supercharger type: Roots
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers) Eaton MP62 Kit (NA/NB)

Our comment: Fast Forward Superchargers provides a great selection of supercharger kits for NA/NB Miatas, and thanks to their personalized service from the owner, Tom, they’ve earned themselves one of the highest-regarded reputations in the Miata scene.

We’ve heard some incredible stories about Tom’s kindness and hospitality, which goes a long way with trusting your precious Miata to be in the right hands.

If you’re looking for support, FFS’s online forum is frequently visited by Tom, who helps people with every potential supercharger issue imaginable.

Their MP62 supercharger kit is the entry-level option, which has everything you need to get your NA/NB hitting 160-170 wheel horsepower on a ’90-’93 1.6L Miata and 190-200 WHP with the ’94-’05 1.8L variation.

This CARB-approved kit provides everything you could need to have your NA/NB Miata running 10psi on 91 octane pump gas.

If you like the sound of this kit, but it’s not providing as much power as you’d hoped, then make sure you check out our next option.

Manufacturer description: “This is the CARB approved FFS MP62 (or optional CARB approved TVS 900) Supercharger kit that includes everything needed for a reliable 10psi boost on 91 octane pump gas. The highest output CARB compliant supercharger kit on the market available for the Mazda Miata! Every fitting, hose, and belt needed to complete the installation!”

Features

Eaton MP62 Supercharger (or optional TVS 900)
70mm Throttle Body
FFS Engineered High Flow Cast Throttle Body Adapter
FFS Engineered High Flow Cast Intake Manifold
omplete Plug and Play FFS Engine Management with Boost Fuel, Timing Control + ECool
High Flow Fuel Rail
Separate 6-Rib Belt and Pulleys with Automatic Belt Tensioner
Iridium Spark Plugs
High Flow K&N Intake + Cold Air Box
All Fittings and Hoses for Kit Installation

Videos:

Hit play to see an NA model Miata equipped with the Fast Forward Superchargers kit, and make sure you take an additional moment to appreciate a rather epic mustache.

FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers) Magnuson’s MP900 TVS Supercharger (NA/NB)

Manufacturer: FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers)
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) 1.6 (NA) 1989-1993 & Mazda Miata (MX-5) (NB) 1998-2005
Supercharger type: Roots
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: FFS (Fast Forward Superchargers) Magnuson’s MP900 TVS Supercharger (NA/NB)

Our comment: As mentioned above, this is for those looking to achieve the maximum power potential from your supercharged NA/NB Miata.

Although this isn’t a complete kit, the MP900-TVS provides the ultimate supercharger experience paired with FFS’s full MP62 kit above.

Thankfully, this is once again CARB-approved and is a bolt-on replacement for the existing MP62 supercharger or an optional upgrade with your MP62 purchase.

FFS opted to make this a separate upgrade for those that wanted to go one step further with their power gains, but they understood that not everyone would want to push the boundaries to this extent.

Where the MP62 can push out 200 WHP, the MP900-TVS allows you to go beyond 300 HP while requiring less power to drive, cooler discharge temperatures, and is far quieter than its competitors.

Look no further if you’re looking for the ultimate setup for your NA/NB Miata.

Manufacturer description: “This utilizes EATON’s latest 6th Generation supercharger rotor technology found in such industry leading performance vehicles as the Corvette ZR-1, the Cadillac CTS-V, and the 2013 Mustang GT500.”

“These Twin Vortices Series Superchargers feature a pair of four-lobe, high-helix rotors with 160-degrees of overall twist that are housed in Magnuson’s patented high-flow housing. This highly efficient package requires less power to drive, delivers cooler discharge temperatures, and is much quieter than many of its competitors.”

Videos:

Hit play to see an NA model Miata equipped with the Fast Forward Superchargers Magnuson’s MP900-TVS supercharger upgrade in action.

Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata (NB)

Manufacturer: Kraftwerks
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) (NB) 1998-2005
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Discontinued

Our comment: The highly regarded Kraftwerks Miata supercharger system uses a Rotrex supercharger at its core and a complete package of supporting components to upgrade your NB model Miata.

We like this kit as it offers vast additional performance with little or no fabrication required. Kraftwerks does a great job of offering a true bolt-on kit that includes everything from fuel injectors, engine management, and an intercooler which reduces the engine’s intake air temperature.

Manufacturer description: “KraftWerks is proud to introduce its completely redesigned Mazda Miata supercharger systems, available for 1998-2008 Mazda Miata.”

“Like all KraftWerks supercharger kits, Miata systems are based off of the impressive Rotrex supercharger and include everything necessary for a truly bolt-on installation.”

“At the heart of each KraftWerks Miata kit is the Rotrex C30-74 centrifugal supercharger. Rotrex’s patented traction drive technology works unlike any other supercharger, and means that power’s always available, all the way to redline. The results are impressive: 195 hp and 150 lb-ft torque on 1.8L engine.”

“Each Miata supercharger system is a comprehensive design and includes all necessary components to ensure safe, reliable operation. Standard-issue with each kit is a large, front-mount intercooler to help ensure low intake air temperatures for optimal performance. All necessary aluminum tubing, silicone couplers, and clamps are also included for easy installation. Proper air/fuel ratios are ensured with the included Grams Performance 350cc/min. fuel injectors, DeatschWerks 255 lph fuel pump, and electronic fuel box. Convenient, plug-and-play fuel injector adapters are also included, making each kit a true bolt-on experience.”

“Rotrex superchargers are renowned for their compact size, high adiabatic efficiency, low vibration, and quiet operation. Their unique traction drive technology is what makes all of this possible, which, unlike other superchargers, transmits power through frictional forces between its rolling elements. Each Rotrex unit features its own self-contained oiling system that remains independent of the engine. Its dual-action oil pump supplies traction fluid to the supercharger while the supplied cooler ensures proper fluid temperatures at all times.”

Features

1998-2005 kit: 195 hp / 150 lb-ft torque @ 9.5 psi (#150-10-9805B)
Rotrex C30-74 supercharger (optional C30-94)
High-flow front-mount intercooler (2.5 x 6 x 12 in.)
Grams Performance 350cc/min. fuel injectors
DeatschWerks 255 lph fuel pump
Plug-and-play fuel injector connectors
Electronic Fuel Box
Recirculating bypass valve
Powder-coated aluminum intake and intercooler piping
High-quality CNC-machined brackets
Automatic belt tensioning system
High-quality fasteners, clamps, and hardware
Comprehensive installation manual
MAF relocation system
Reusable high-flow air filter
High-quality silicone hoses and adapters
Rotrex self-contained oiling system with oil cooler
Retain all factory accessories

Videos:

Talk the torque review this Kraftwerks supercharger equipped Mazda Miata NB.

TDR (Track Dog Racing) Rotrex Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata (NB)

Manufacturer: Track Dog Racing
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) 1.8 (NB) 1998-2005
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: TDR (Track Dog Racing) Rotrex Supercharger Kit (NB)

Our comment: Supercharging options for the classic NA platform Mazda Miata are thin on the ground in 2023, but after some research, we found a well-regarded kit that is still available today on offer by Rotrex.

While the entry-level price is strong, this kit offers everything you need to double the stock bhp of your 1.6 Miata while putting less strain on the engine components.

An intercooler and supporting hardware should enable you to run this power level without compromising on your Mazda’s reliability.

Manufacturer description: “Ready for over 240 RWHP out of your stock 99-05 1.8? Fast and reliable HP in a Miata. Kit includes the ROTREX Supercharger, intercooler, all required mounting hardware and detailed installation instructions.”

Features

Rotrex C30-84 blower with 80mm 4-rib pulley
TDR auto tensioner supercharger mounting system
TDR air to air front mount intercooler
TDR custom radiator air flow panels
TDR stainless steel intercooler piping
TDR custom silicone hoses including a cold air intake system with K&N filter
TDR Custom fender mounted supercharger oil cooler setup
Supercharger oil reservoir with hoses and fittings
TDR Insulated Header Heat Shield
TDR Oil Catch Can System
TDR plug and play fuel and timing card engine management
TDR custom fuel injectors
Walbro 190lph fuel pump and strainer kit
NGK spark plugs
TDR Hood Lift Kit

Videos:

Hit play to see an NB model Miata equipped with a TDR Rotrex supercharger.

Flyin’ Miata Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata (NC)

Manufacturer: Flyin’ Miata
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) (NC) 2006-2015
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Discontinued

Our comment: Flyin’ Miata is a world-renowned name when it comes to MX-5 modifications, and this kit for the NC model Miata offers excellent performance, a comprehensive installation package, and excellent customer feedback.

The kit has even been tested on official Mazda cars, which speaks volumes and explains why it suits the characteristics of the NC so well.

When compared in context with the Kraftwerks kit, the value for money does pale a little, a fact reflected by the fewer stars awarded. This is still an excellent option if you have the cash.

Manufacturer description: “This is a gorgeous piece of work that really wakes up the car. How good is it? Mazda USA put it on their Super20 show car. Mazda Germany put it on two show cars and even considered a limited production run. Yes, it’s engineered to factory levels.”

“The heart of the kit is a custom casting that incorporates an intake manifold, an air/water intercooler and the reliable and popular MP62 supercharger. The 6-rib serpentine belt drives the supercharger, using Mazda’s own automatic tensioner. It’s a very clean setup. The air/water intercooler means that intake temperatures are kept to a reasonable level, keeping the power safe for your engine and opening the door for future upgrades. Paint it black, and nobody would ever expect the engine bay was hiding such a secret.”

“The really delightful thing about this kit (beside its exceptional build quality) is its absolute transparency. There is nothing telling you that you’re driving a modified car. No odd noises, no lumps or bumps in power delivery (much, much smoother than the factory turbo cars were), just that your car will now pull much, much harder from low rpm to redline. Engine power increases to approximately 225 hp at the wheels for the federal version and 215 hp for the California. Basically, it turns your car into the Mazdaspeed that Mazda never made.”

“To put that power into perspective, Automobile tested the Super20 show car and clocked a 5.3 second 0-60 time.”

“Engine management is handled by a reprogrammed stock ECU. This means OBD-II compatibility and no emissions hassles even in California. You must purchase a tuning interface cable to load the ecu reflash. We will send you a map to upload using your laptop and the tuning cable. You then need to datalog your car using the same program and email the logs to us. We will tweak your file until it is perfect for your car – this may take a couple of iterations of logging. You can use the cable for future datalogging or to retrieve engine codes if necessary.”

“We’ve also taken it through the rigourous CARB testing for use in California, and passed with flying colors. The California version runs slightly lower boost.”

Videos:

Jump behind the wheel of this Mazda Miata NC tuned with a Flyin’ Miata supercharger a the race track.

Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata (NC)

Manufacturer: Kraftwerks
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) (NC) 2006-2015
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit (NC)

Our comment: The second Kraftwerks supercharger kit in our guide is built for the NC model Miata.

The Kraftwerks team has done a fantastic job of ensuring that your component upgrade needs will be handled with this very affordable package.

From the robust and performant Rotrex supercharger unit itself, the cooling, the fueling, and the engine management are all supplied in this kit.

Based on the performance and features, we rate this kit five stars.

As well as the kit above, Kraftwerks also offers an additional “Black Edition” option for NC owners to consider:

Kraftwerks Black Edition Supercharger Kit w/o Tune

Manufacturer description: “Kraftwerks Performance is pleased to announce the release of a revised supercharger system for the new Mazda Miata MX-5 with stronger ribbed belt and revised charge piping. At the heart of the new system is the Black Edition Rotrex C30-94.”

“The Kraftwerks Miata supercharger system provides instant throttle response and a progressive power curve that increases all the way to redline without the typical spiking or surging turbochargers are known for. This unique, more usable power curve results in reduced cylinder pressures, less strain on engine components, and increased reliability.”

Features

Rotrex C30-94 Black Edition Supercharger Unit
Ultra high efficiency
Silent operation
Low operating temperatures
Self contained lubrication and cooling system
High reliability
Fuel and Engine Tuning
Optional EcuTek Tuning package
Base Maps Developed in Collaboration with Moto-East
550cc Grams Performance Fuel injectors
265 Lph Grams Performance Fuel Pump
Independent Drive System
Does not share belt with engine accessories for greater reliability
If the drive belt breaks, you won’t be left stranded
Allows for more flexible offset supercharger placement
Toothed Belt System
Zero slip under the heaviest loads and hardest accelerations
Offset Supercharger Placement
Allows for greater clearance around belts, thus reducing chances for rubbing
Allows for simple and more efficient tubing layout
No poorly designed, inefficient and goof-looking custom hoses/tubing into the throttle body
Improved Water pump Belt Routing
Improved support on custom nose pulley for water pump.
Increased traction and efficiency of water pump
Optimized Tubing and Intercooler Layout
2.5″ mandrel bent aluminum hot side tubing into intercooler made possible because of newly designed washer bottle (included)
3.0″ mandrel bent aluminum cold side tubing into throttle body made possible because of independent drive and offset supercharger configuration
8 Row, 3.5″ thick Intercooler
Intercooler good up to 460whp
Ease of Installation and Tuning
Simple bolt-on installation. No cutting, drilling, or welding
4.5 hours installation time (approximate)
Kits sold with or without tuning

Videos:

Watch a professional garage installing a Kraftwerks supercharger kit on a Mazda Miata NC.

Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata (ND)

Manufacturer: Edelbrock
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) (ND) 2015-2018
Supercharger type: Roots
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger Kit (ND)

Our comment: Edelbrock is now offering a supercharger performance package for the new generation of Miatas equipped with the SKYACTIV®-G engine.

This Eaton-powered supercharger delivers 198rwhp and 182rw torques for the lightweight ND platform. Edelbrock also offers 50 state legal tunes available directly from their website.

These features and a reasonable price point make the Edelbrock supercharger kit an excellent choice for upping the power on your modern Miata.

Manufacturer description: “This E-Force Supercharger system is designed exclusively for the SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L engine. It’s unique design allows for maximum flow, while retaining great daily driving characteristics.”

“It has been designed from the ground-up and utilizes the Eaton® R900 TVS rotor assembly for maximum efficiency in a compact package. To cool the incoming air, is a air-to-water intercooler and heat exchanger.”

“All these features help the E-Force deliver dramatically improved performance with a smooth linear power curve. ”

“Lastly, the supercharger assembly is finished with a durable black powder coating for a unique look that will let everybody know your car is E-Force powered! Important Installation Note: Supercharger systems without tuners are not eligible for supplemental warranty.”

“ Supercharger systems sold without tuners are only emissions legal when used with the correct Edelbrock program, which can be downloaded at www.edelbrock.com.”

“For safety, the Edelbrock supplied program will retain the factory vehicle speed limiter setting.”

Videos:

Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger Dyno Results for an ND model Miata.

HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit for Mazda Miata (ND)

Manufacturer: HKS
Fitment: Mazda Miata (MX-5) (ND) 2015-2018
Supercharger type: Centrifugal
Value for money:rating
Purchase link: HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit (ND)

Our comment: HKS has brought its tuning expertise to the ND Miata market with its GT2 supercharger pro kit.

This high-quality Japanese bolt-on kit includes everything you need (including engine management and tuning) to inject serious power into your 2l Miata.

This supercharger delivers a potent but safe and usable power curve results with a hike of 50 wheel horsepower for your ND. You can also order the optional 80mm pulley to deliver an additional power bump of 13-wheel horse power at a risk of slightly more engine wear.

HKS has a fantastic reputation in the tuner world for producing high-quality products that deliver excellent results. They tend to be pricey, but you know you are getting some of the best kits.

We are confident to recommend HKS kits. Although this is one of our guide’s most expensive kits, you will buy an over-engineered and safe performance upgrade for your Miata.

It is highly recommended.

Manufacturer description: “New Mazda MX-5 continues philosophy of a historic lightweight sports car that exist for a very long time. HKS recommends superchargers as a power-up menu for cars with N/A engines. HKS had already successed in power-up of N/A engines such as 350Z, S2000 and CR-Z.The MX-5 power-up menu also uses HKS GT2 supercharger to make possible a comfortable yet exciting sports driving.”

“HKS GT2 supercharger system is now available for owners of latest model MAZDA MX-5 with 2.0 L engine. The new HKS GT2 supercharger for MX-5 is complete kit that takes full advantage of the potential of the stock N/A engine. At the heart of this system is the high efficiency centrifugal rotor assembly with an intercooler for lower inlet air temperatures. This is assisted by an air intake box which further shields heat and reduces intake noise. Centrifugal Supercharger systems increase boost with engine rpm, delivering smooth power delivery and an engaging driving experience which is in line with the manufacturers original concept for the car: “Jinba Ittai” (THE ONENESS OF HORSE AND RIDER).”

“CONCEPT AND FEATURES: Full piping and intercooler, supercharger assy and mounting bracket, spark plugs 50003-M45HL, suction pipe and power flow air intake, cold air intake box with sound isolation, traction fluid, traction fluid cooler and washer fluid tank for relocation.”

Videos:

Check out this 230-hp Miata with an HKS supercharger under the hood.

Our winner

As we are showing different generations of the Miata platform, and each kit offers a range of power levels (based on supporting mods), we can’t compare each kit directly. However, we can look at which kit offers the best value for money, regardless of platform.

Our winner is the Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata (NC)

The Kraftwerks kit for the NC model car offers fantastic value for your cash. You are looking at a truly complete forced induction conversion, from cooling to fueling to engine management.

Couple this ease of installation with powerful Rotrex-powered performance, and you have a killer package on your hands.

Kraftwerks Supercharger Kit for Mazda Miata NC

Thank you for reading our Mazda Miata supercharger guide

Now that you have the right Miata supercharger for your Mazda, why not read our Miata exhaust guide to get that car sounding on point?

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what route you’d like to go down with your power options, you’ll soon need to consider upgrading the stock seats for something more supportive.

We’ve put the best Miata racing seats on the market head-to-head in our Ultimate Miata Seats Guide.

You can also check out our Ultimate Mazda Miata Cold Air Intake Guide to learn more about how to keep intake air temperatures much cooler.

Are you looking to keep the electronics of your Miata in tip-top condition? Then make sure you check out our Miata Battery guide.

Want to start fresh and do an engine replacement on your Miata? Then, make sure to visit our Ultimate Miata Engine Swap Guide first.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with the sharing buttons at the bottom of your screen.

UPDATED 20/11/2019: Added HKS GT2 supercharger kit for the ND and updated the lead table.
UPDATED 21/04/2023: Added new videos and more internal links.

Photography credits

Drifted would like to extend thanks for the following sources for images.

The post Ultimate Miata Supercharger Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Mazda Miata Cold Air Intake Guide

Joe Terrell — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:59:00 +0000

Not sure which cold air intake kit is best for your Miata? We’ve put the best CAI’s for each generation head-to-head in this guide.

Miata/MX-5 NA (89-97) Cold Air Intakes
Miata/MX-5 NB (99-05) Cold Air Intakes
Miata/MX-5 NC (05-15) Cold Air Intakes
Miata/MX-5 ND (15+) Cold Air Intakes
Jump to winners

Miata NA Intake Winner	Miata NB Intake Winner	Miata NC Intake Winner	Miata ND Intake Winner

Randall Cowl Intake Duct	K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit	AEM Cold Air Intake	Mishimoto Performance Air Intake

Discontinued	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Mazda’s Miata has continued to set the standard for the affordable two-seater, rear-wheel-drive car market since the early 90s. Even today, it deservedly maintains the throne as one of the most sought-after roadsters on the market.

With immense popularity within grip racing and drifting scenes, the mighty Miata is almost a jack-of-all-trades for bang-for-your-buck fun.

Sure, the Miata has evolved leaps and bounds over the years, but even if you get behind the wheel of the classic NA these days, we guarantee it’ll put a massive grin on your face.

Although it won’t keep up with any supercars since it somewhat lacks in the power department, a Miata is about as close as you’ll get to copping yourself a daily-driven go-kart.

Once you’ve had your Miata for a while and enjoyed the fun that top-down motoring and drifting offer, you’ll probably want to do some upgrades.

Thankfully, due to its popularity in motorsport, the Miata offers some of the most comprehensive aftermarket tuning support.

With the wealth of online information, such as our Miata Tuning Guides, you can quickly transform your humble stock Miata into a track-slaying weapon.

If you’re not shy about spending a few bucks to achieve the best possible power gains, we highly recommend looking at our Miata turbo kit, and Miata supercharger kit guides.

Alternatively, if you want to improve your Miata’s sound, perhaps add some engine bay bling and allow it to breathe a little more freely. There’s the option of upgrading your cold air intake.

CAIs are one of the most popular off-the-shelf modifications for the Miata. Although the power claims from the manufacturers are often somewhat inflated, they can still be a worthwhile upgrade to consider.

It’s always important to get your engine breathing as freely as possible, and there’s no better way of doing so than relocating your air filter to inhale the coldest air possible.

As you’ve probably guessed, an engine bay gets hot, especially when pushing your Miata to its limits. Hence, the job of a CAI is to provide additional cooling to the engine to improve its efficiency.

When a CAI is coupled with an exhaust, you get the optimum airflow and provide a much-improved soundtrack, which you can enjoy to its maximum potential with the roof down.

As you’ve probably guessed, there’s a wide variety of exhausts available for every Miata variant, so we highly recommend taking a look at our Miata exhaust guide where we break the best choices down by each generation.

Once you’ve got your Miata breathing efficiently, you can unlock the remaining bolt-on potential by purchasing a set of coilovers. Luckily, we’ve once again broken them down by each generation in our Miata Coilover Guide to help you find the perfect solution.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best CAI options on the market and once again break them down by each generation to help you make the difficult decision when it comes to purchasing the perfect setup for your needs.

Whether you’ve got an old-school drift slag NA or a fresh-out-the-showroom ND, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the ultimate cold air intake.

Miata/MX-5 NA (89-97) Cold Air Intakes

The Miata NA is the ultimate choice for fun motoring on a budget.

NA’s can often be picked up for an absolute bargain, making them the perfect candidate for a project drift or track car.

Thankfully, due to their simplicity and gaining a considerable aftermarket following over the years, there’s a vast array of aftermarket NA cold air intakes to tickle your fancy.

Racing Beat Cold Air Intake

Manufacturer: Racing Beat
Fitment: 90-93 1.6L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Racing Beat NA Cold Air Intake here

Our comment: Racing Beat’s intake is one of the most popular on the market among NA and NB owners alike.

This cold air intake kit provides a vastly improved deep, aggressive sound over the NA’s stock setup and provides convenient installation.

Racing Beat’s CAI provides a reasonable price tag along with fantastic quality.

Many owners have claimed to achieve around 5 HP gains, with the kit relocating the air filter to a cooler part of the engine, taking in the cooler air behind the headlight.

When the formerly known Miata Magazine reviewed the Racing Beat CAI, they stated, “Around 3500 rpm a new pull develops that increases with the RPM. Around 5,000 the power gain is easily noticed over the factory system. The Racing Beat intake will look good under any hood with its curvy aluminum elbow, but under its good looks is a performer”.

One of the main benefits of the Racing Beat kit is its CARB-legal, which means you’ll be able to pass emissions testing across the US.

Manufacturer description: “The Miata High Flow Air Intake Kit for the 1990-93 Miata combines the advantages of a low restriction K&N air filter with a smoother air passage into the factory air meter assembly to improve horsepower and throttle response“.

“Designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in the USA by Racing Beat, this handsome assembly, with its polished aluminum casting, positions the air filter cone away from the exhaust header to minimize the intake of heated air“.

Randall Cowl Intake Duct

Manufacturer: Randall
Fitment: 89-97 1.6 & 1.8L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:
Purchase link: Discontinued

Our comment: Are you looking to add reasonably-priced carbon fiber bling to your Miata’s engine bay? Look no further!

Due to its imaginative design, the Randall Cowl Intake Duct often takes the crown as the best choice for those keen to achieve maximum performance from your NA Miata.

Taking advantage of its unique design, the Randal Cowl Intake pulls the cool, high-pressure air from the Miata’s cowl area, unlike most CAIs, which extract air from the front of the bay. Randall’s design is hugely beneficial in hot-weather scenarios and has repeatedly proven to keep engine temps down.

Flyin’ Miata claims that this method achieved a 5 HP gain in a real-world test scenario with a closed hood. They also state that they noticed significantly improved intake growl under load.

The downside of the Randall kit is that you’ll need to cut a hole above the firewall, which may not be allowed in some competitions, so it’s worth doing your homework if you’re likely to have challenging race restrictions.

Due to its popularity and simplicity, a common trend among the Miata community is to build a DIY Randall Cowl. If you’re doing a budget build and aren’t looking for engine bay bling, this could be a perfect alternative.

Manufacturer description: “Randall intake replaces the snorkel from your stock airbox with a carbon fibre tube that gets cool air from the high pressure area in front of the windshield. Cold air is dense air, which means more power for you“.

“Installation involves cutting a hole in the flange at the top of your windshield, above the firewall. This may not be allowed in some race classes, so do your homework. 1.25″ holesaw required, not included“.

Apexi Power Intake

Manufacturer: Apexi
Fitment: 89-97 1.6 & 1.8L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Apexi Power Intake for 1990-93 models here |
Buy your Apexi Power Intake for 1994-97 models here

Our comment: Apexi’s air filters are known for being the industry leaders, and they almost always take the win when it comes to comprehensive airflow testing.

This simple design, which integrates a heat shield to keep the temperatures down, provides a tried and tested method for generating maximum airflow and performance while also improving the look and sound of your Miata.

Although the Randall Cowl will arguably provide better cooling, the Apexi kit still significantly increases airflow without the need to cut into your firewall.

Manufacturer description: “The Power Intake is the premier air filter designed to create pure horsepower. The intake funnels used in racing machines take advantage of a characteristic where air travels along the side of the side of surfaces“.

“New funnel design, element material and air flow channeling characteristics make the Power Intake one of the most efficient air cleaners on the market today“.

DDM Works Performance Intake

Manufacturer: DDM Works
Fitment: 89-97 1.6 & 1.8L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your DDM Works Performance Intake 1990-93 models here |
Buy your DDM Works Performance Intake for 1994-97 models here

Our comment: There have been mixed opinions about the DDM Works kit, and although it’s excellent quality and looks the part, many people feel that they’ve noticed a decrease in performance after fitting.

We feel that this is partly down to their use of a foam filter, which isn’t a common sight these days.

Some owners have worked around this issue by fitting a universal K&N Filter.

Still, we would prefer to buy a ready-made kit off the shelf rather than purchasing various parts since there are so many worthwhile alternatives out there.

Manufacturer description: “The DDMWorks intake replaces your Miata’s restrictive air box with a beautiful stainless steel heat shield and free flowing foam filter. It is a simple way to add a nice growl to your Miata and gives you some stylish under hood looks!”

“ADD SOME PERFORMANCE AND A NICE GROWL TO YOUR ENGINE!”

Jackson Racing Cold Air Intake System

Manufacturer: Jackson Racing
Fitment: 89-93 1.6L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Jackson Racing Cold Air Intake System here

Our comment: Another unique tried and tested NA CAI, which has stood the test of time, comes from Jackson Racing.

Those familiar with the Miata scene will have undoubtedly heard of this one, and it’s undoubtedly one of the better options on the market.

Jackson Racing is known for its high quality and undeniable fantastic looks, and the kit comes in at the upper end of the price scale.

Unfortunately, this kit is often known for suffering from cracking issues over time. Although this is typically an easy fix, we’d instead take the more convenient route, especially given the price tag.

With that said, this is a great kit; it’s unfortunate that it has flaws. We’re also highly skeptical of their supposed 14 HP claims, alongside almost every other Miata enthusiast!

Manufacturer description: “The Jackson Racing Cold Air Intake allows your car to breathe clean, cool air for maximum horsepower, up to 14HP in most cases“.

“A strategically placed scoop brings cold air into the throttle body with increased velocity. The combination of cool air and pressurized air (at speed) will increase your horsepower“.

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit

Manufacturer: K&N
Fitment: 89-93 1.6L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your K&N Cold Air Intake Kit here

Our comment: Although K&N has made some impressive kits, such as the Typhoon, for the later Miata generations, their NA is, unfortunately, a little too basic in comparison.

They may well be among the highest-regarded filter manufacturers on the market, but this kit won’t offer much performance gains, despite K&N claiming so.

If you’re a fan of K&N, then Racing Beat has utilized their filter to make a more impressive kit, and that would be the one we would choose.

The positives with this kit are that it comes with a 10-million-mile warranty, which should last a few. Errm. Family generations.

Due to the design, they claim it won’t need any cleaning or maintenance for up to 100,000 miles, either.

It’s also CARB legal in all 50 states, which is ideal for those in states where it’s likely to cause an issue.

A simple, convenient option for NA Miata owners, but not the one we’d personally be choosing for performance gains.

Manufacturer description: “K&N is one of the leader in high quality performance cold air intake systems for car and trucks. We feel it is one of the best dollars to horsepower investments you can make for your vehicle. Our first air intake kit was built in 1992. K&N manufactures over 500 different part numbers and our team of engineers are constantly designing, building and testing new air intake systems“.

“K&N starts with the largest conical shaped high-flow air filter that fits into the engine compartment using factory holes and mounting points. This extra filter size provides even more airflow at lower restriction than a standard K&N O/E replacement filter that is limited to the size of the factory air box. The oversized air filter also captures and holds more dirt increasing the service life before a cleaning is required (up to 100,000 miles)“.

Napp Motorsports Cold Air Intake Kit

Manufacturer: Napp Motorsports
Fitment: 89-93 1.8L Mazda Miata NA
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Napp Motorsports Cold Air Intake Kit here

Our comment: An exciting newcomer to the NA cold air intake game at the end of 2022 comes from Napp Motorsports.

They claim this setup provides the best power gains, thanks to its “over-the-radiator” design.

Although this is only available for 1.8 engines (swapped into an NA6 or in the factory NA8), Miata enthusiasts have requested a 1.6 version. With any luck, one may be coming soon.

One consideration for this setup is that you must have a standalone for this (MAF/AFM Delete).

An exciting element of this kit is that you can download the design and 3D print the included Cobra intake at home.

However, since they’ve heavily modified the design, it’s worth checking out the changes and considering the additional parts required.

Napp Motorsports are boldly claiming that this is the “ultimate Miata cold air intake,” we’re excited to see more real-world feedback on the kit.

One thing is for sure. It’s certainly got Miata enthusiasts excited on their YouTube video. As you probably guessed, we rarely see brand-new Miata CAI designs hitting the market over 30 years later!

Manufacturer description: “Touted as the best intake for NA Miata’s, the “Over-The-Radiator” style Cobra intake pulls air from in front of your radiator where the air is the coldest. Cooler air means more power, and who doesn’t love more power.“.

“This is a full plug and play kit, currently only for 1.8 Engines (swapped into an NA6 or in the factory NA8). You must have a standalone for this (MAF/AFM Delete)“.

Miata/MX-5 NB (99-05) Cold Air Intakes

Although the NA and NB share many similarities, the CAI choices on the market are entirely different. Don’t panic; this isn’t a bad thing! There are excellent choices out there for all generations.

K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit

Manufacturer: K&N
Fitment: 99-05 Miata NB 1.8L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit here

Our comment: After ending our NA guide on a bit of a negative note with their earlier K&N variation, the highly regarded brand has redeemed itself with their NB offering, with a highly-effective design this time.

This kit adds a premium-sounding intense, deep growl to your Miata and features the typically excellent build quality you’d expect from K&N.

If you’re after engine bay bling, this is one of the best-looking kits. While there are dyno claims of 3-4 HP power increases, this is much of a muchness when compared to its rivals.

This provides significantly improved airflow, a slight power increase, great looks, quality, and a reasonable price.

Many owners say they would happily repurchase it purely based on the intoxicating sound.

The K&N Typhoon is available in both red and polished variations.

HPS Short Ram Air Intake

Manufacturer: HPS
Fitment: 99-05 Miata NB 1.8L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your HPS Short Ram Air Intake here

Our comment: Another fantastic option for the NB is this HPS Short Ram Air Intake, which uses a similar design to the K&N above and integrates the K&N filter.

HPS has also included a heavy-duty powder-coated heat shield to help keep the temperatures to a minimum, allowing for maximum cold airflow.

The HPS kit is frequently regarded as one of the best-sounding intakes for NB’s and comes alive in the upper rev range.

Some owners have mentioned minor trimming to the silicon elbows and pipes, which may be worth considering.

This is a fantastic kit, and the K&N filter is always a welcome addition. For the money, we feel that the K&N Typhoon will likely be the better buy this time.

Manufacturer description: “Built for performance and show, the HPS Red shortram air intake kit with heat shield for 1999-2005 Mazda Miata 1.8L Non Turbo offers a free-flowing mandrel-bent aluminum tube induction system designed to increase horsepower, torque and improve throttle response while maintaining safe air fuel ratio“.

“The heavy duty powder coated heat shield included in the kit blocks out the heat from the engine and maximize the cooling effect. Compare to the cold air intake, HPS short ram cool air intake is a convenient way to change your intake in case of rainy days where water might be inducted into your cold air system“.

DDM Works Performance Intake

Manufacturer: DDM Works
Fitment: 99-05 Miata NB 1.8L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your DDM Works Performance Intake here

Our comment: Despite us not being huge fans of their NA kit, DDM Works has released a superior ‘Stage 2’ kit for NB owners, which no longer features a foam filter.

DDM’s new kit certainly provides adequate bling in the bay with its full-polished piping and airbox, and there’s no question that it looks the part and has exceptional quality to match.

We’ve heard plenty of good things about this kit, but it comes with a rather hefty price tag compared to the two previous variations, so we felt that a 4* rating was fair.

If bling is your thing, this could be a suitable choice – it certainly stands out!

Manufacturer description: “It’s finally here and it doesn’t get any better than this! The DDMWorks Stage 2 is a fully enclosed Cold Air intake for the naturally aspirated 1999-2005 Miata“.

“The DDMWorks Stage 2 intake replaces your stock restrictive air box and crossover tube with a high quality stainless steel enclosed intake box and stainless steel cross over tube, along with all the necessary silicone connectors and clamps to install it on your car“.

AEM Short Ram Intake

Manufacturer: AEM
Fitment: 99-05 Miata NB 1.8L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your AEM Short Ram Intake here

Our comment: AEM has frequently performed highly in our various intake guides here at Drifted, and their NB Miata CAI is no exception.

Combining excellent quality with a fantastic sound and a similar pipework route to the K&N and HPS kits proves that the design has been well-refined over the years to provide maximum performance.

Expect a mild sound increase in the lower rev range before an aggressive growl comes into play between 2-3k revs.

One of this kit’s best features is its CARB-legal, which will be helpful for those of you where it’s likely to be a concern.

You won’t be disappointed if you go with this or the K&N Typhoon.

Manufacturer description: “Our dynos are used to estimate power gains and to test various lengths and diameters of the intake duct that will meet our stringent performance standards“.

“AEM uses CAD design to produce their intake systems and they use dyno results, on-road evaluation, and race tracks to validate the results“.

Racing Beat High Flow Air Intake Kit

Manufacturer: Racing Beat
Fitment: 99-05 Miata NB 1.8L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Racing Beat High Flow Air Intake Kit here

Our comment: Racing Beat again opted for their unique NB design, featuring a 180-degree bend that points away from the engine.

This intake is noticeable even in the lower rev range and comes alive in the upper revs.

Racing Beat has again opted for using the K&N air filters for their kit, which we hold in extremely high regard.

Although this isn’t the best-looking kit, it’s excellent quality, CARB legal, and Racing Beat claims up to 6 HP gains, although we think you would need more supporting mods to accomplish that.

The Racing Beat kit is a solid choice but not one of our personal favorites.

Manufacturer description: “The Miata High Flow Air Inlet Kit for the 1999-05 Miata (non-turbo) combines the advantages of a low restriction, reusable K&N air filter with a smoother air passage into the factory air meter assembly to improve airflow. Designed and engineered by Racing Beat, this attractive assembly, with its polished aluminum casting, positions the genuine K&N air filter element in the area behind the headlamp“.

“The High Flow Air Inlet Assembly replaces the stock air box and positions the air filter over this body panel opening. Not only does this unit look great, but the sound of the air rushing through the inlet tube gives the Miata a decidedly more aggressive sound!”

Miata/MX-5 NC (05-15) Cold Air Intakes

Although there are fewer options for NC than in the previous generations, there are still some fantastic choices.

One of the main positives with NCs is the ease of access to airflow from behind the front bumper, where most kits remained within the bay for NA and NBs.

The improved location allows cooler air to reach the engine, but the downside is that it requires longer piping.

Racing Beat Cold Force Intake

Manufacturer: Racing Beat
Fitment: 05-15 Mazda Miata NC 2.0L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Racing Beat Cold Force Intake here

Our comment: Racing Beat returns with a completely revamped design for the NC, which utilizes the forced air through the NC’s central grill opening.

They’ve certainly thought this design through, and it features unique white piping with a custom-engineered K&N air filter.

Although this is once again an excellent choice, it comes with a higher price tag than most of its competitors.

If you like the look of this product, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

The Racing Beat kit is a solid choice but not one of our personal favorites.

Manufacturer description: “Cold Force MX-5 Intake for 2006-2011 models – Racing Beat introduces the Cold Force Intake for the MX-5 NC. The Cold Force MX-5 intake system is designed to maximize the cold airflow and allow entry of pressurized, cool ambient air into the intake system. Each Cold Force High Flow system includes: a machined aluminum air mass housing, a flow-insulated inlet tube, a high-density plastic ram air duct, an original K & N air filter element, complete mounting hardware, and detailed installation instructions“.

“The high throughput ram air inlet duct is securely located behind the front bumper and positioned to draw air through the MX-5 NC’s main grill opening. Inside the ram air inlet channel is a K & N filter element attached to the sturdy intake manifold for directing air to the air mass meter. The passage through which the intake tube enters the engine compartment is tightly sealed with a three-wave neoprene foam gasket“.

AEM Cold Air Intake

Manufacturer: AEM
Fitment: 05-15 Mazda Miata NC 2.0L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your AEM Cold Air Intake for 06-09 models here |
Buy your AEM Cold Air Intake for 2010+ models here

Our comment: AEM returns to our list with another unique offering, which is arguably the most popular choice among NC owners, and quite rightly so.

This positions the filter in the lower part of the front bumper, where it can extract the maximum possible airflow.

AEM’s kit is exceptionally designed and crafted with their typically high standards.

We think this is the best thought-through NC kit on the market and comes at a reasonable price, too.

Although we somehow doubt their claims of 10 HP gains, we’re sure that its ideal location will provide some much-needed cooling for your NC’s engine.

Manufacturer description: “AEM Cold Air Intake Systems are designed to produce horsepower and torque gains. They replace the restrictive factory airbox and air filter to give you better performance and better engine sound“.

“AEM cold air intakes relocate the air filter outside the engine compartment so cooler air can be fed into your engine. Cooler air carries more oxygen, which translates into a more intense explosion in the combustion chamber for more horsepower and torque“.

DC Sports Cold Air Intake System

Manufacturer: DC Sports
Fitment: 06-09 Mazda Miata NC 2.0L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your DC Sports Cold Air Intake System here

Our comment: Look no further for those who are after a cold air intake kit on a budget for your NC, which is 50-state CARB legal.

DC Sports have by far the cheapest kit on our list, but as with most car parts, you’ll likely get what you pay for, so be prepared to make some minor adjustments.

The instructions with this item aren’t the best and don’t feature any pictures, but it fits similarly to the AEM kit, so we’re sure that if you’re handy with a spanner, you’ll find your way around it quickly enough.

If not, professional installation may be an ideal solution to ensure the perfect fit, so you would probably be better off buying the tried-and-proven AEM CAI above.

Manufacturer description: “DC Sports intake tubes feature lightweight aluminum alloy construction with a silver powder coated finish that is corrosion resistant. Designed to improve throttle response and increases horsepower and torque“.

“Our Cold Air systems re-locates the air filter outside the engine compartment for cooler air ingestion, providing lower air intake temperatures to the engine“.

Miata/MX-5 ND (15+) Cold Air Intakes

The ND is the modern-day Miata, which is still being rolled out of car showrooms worldwide to the present day.

It’s undoubtedly undergone some transitions in its lifetime, but it’s still one of the most exciting and affordable two-seater sports cars on the current market.

Over its lifetime, Mazda has continued to improve its intakes, and you will struggle to see significant improvements over the well-refined stock unit on the ND.

Still, you can certainly enhance the sound and add a unique touch to your engine bay with these great CAI choices.

AEM Cold Air Intake System

Manufacturer: AEM
Fitment: 15+ Mazda Miata ND 2.0L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your AEM Cold Air Intake System here

Our comment: We’ve held AEM in high regard throughout our guide, but their ND offering, unfortunately, falls short of the mark compared to their previous efforts.

Not only is the air filter in a less desirable location with a lack of protection from hot air, but there have also been some quality issues regarding the provided aluminium coolant overflow reservoir, which has been prone to leaking.

Given that there are several better choices for the money for the ND, we’d personally recommend passing up on the AEM this time around.

Manufacturer description: “Air enters the system through an oversized AEM Dry flow synthetic washable air filter for outstanding air flow, filtration and performance“.

“The air filter is located in the original air box space and is protected by a heat shield which is designed to reduce intake air temperature and increase horsepower. Attached to the heat shield is an aluminum coolant overflow reservoir that replaces the stock reservoir so that the air intake will fit properly. The air intake tubing is constructed from mandrel-bent aluminum featuring a durable gunmetal gray powder coated finish“.

Mishimoto Performance Air Intake

Manufacturer: Mishimoto
Fitment: 15+ Mazda Miata ND 2.0L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Mishimoto Performance Air Intake here

Our comment: Mishimoto enters our guide for the first time, and they certainly haven’t disappointed with their fantastic air intake kit.

Despite coming in cheaper than AEM, they provide a fully enclosed powder-coated airbox for keeping the temperatures as low as possible.

Although they don’t make excessive power figure claims, they say it may help you achieve up to 3 HP; you’ll undoubtedly notice some improvements from a sound perspective.

Mishimoto is happy to stand by its quality products, which is why they offer a lifetime warranty for this fantastic piece of kit, which comes highly recommended.

Overall, this is a fantastic piece of kit, especially for the price, which we’re confident won’t leave you disappointed (unless you have unrealistic power expectations!)

Manufacturer description: “The Mishimoto 2016 Miata intake creates a sound that enhances this driving experience even more while looking amazing in your engine bay“.

“The stock intake duct is utilized to supply cold air to the intake filter, while the CNC-machined MAF housing makes for accurate sensor readings. This ND Miata air intake features a high-flow filter to let your engine breathe, as you rip down back roads with the gas pedal mashed to the floor“.

Injen Short Ram Intake

Manufacturer: Injen
Fitment: 15+ Mazda Miata ND 2.0L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Injen Short Ram Intake here

Our comment: Although this is one of the more popular kits among ND owners, we felt it fell short of the mark this time.

With a previous design to the last AEM kit, it’s not in an excellent location for cool air nor has adequate protection from the engine bay heat.

For this reason, both intakes have been mocked for being ‘hot air intakes’ by ND enthusiasts.

There have been some in-depth tests carried out by ND owners, where they established that the Injen runs warmer than the stock intake on the ND, so for that reason, we’ve had to reflect that in the rating.

There are many happy owners out there, though, and the Injen certainly provides a deeper, more aggressive tone that comes alive in the upper half of the rev range.

Manufacturer description: “Is your engine choking for air and in need of some additional horsepower? If so, Injen has exciting news for you! The SP series of cold air intakes from Injen Technology will allow your engine to breathe deeper and enhance the performance that youve been craving“.

“The SP series of cold air intakes is Injens flagship system in their lines of traditional aluminum cold air intake systems“.

Corksport Cold Air Intake

Manufacturer: Corksport
Fitment: 15+ Mazda Miata ND 2.0L
Value for money:
Purchase link: Buy your Corksport Cold Air Intake here

Our comment: It was a tough decision between this and the Mishimoto since they both feature similar designs and have opted for a completely different route to Injen and AEM.

We highly recommend researching this and the Mishimoto to see which kit suits your needs best. They certainly look similar under the hood, and they both provide noticeable growl and minimal power enhancements.

You can’t go wrong with either kit, so it merely boils down to personal preference.

Manufacturer description: “The CorkSport CAI combines the OEM cold air ducting with a high flow intake system for the best of both worlds“.

“The CAI box and lid is CAD designed for a precise fit in your engine bay. The CorkSport CAI also utilizes the OEM rubber isolators for mounting, so installation is a breeze“.

Our winners

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choice regarding cold air intakes for the Mazda Miata. Here are our recommended products for each generation.

Our Drifted Mazda Miata NA Intake Winner

Our Mazda Miata NA Cold Air Intake winner is the Randall Cowl Intake Duct.

The Randall cowl provides a simple yet highly effective design with a fantastic-looking carbon fiber snorkel. The Randall Cowl is an excellent choice for those seeking maximum power gains without worrying about competition legislation.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer has discontinued the Randall Cowl, so you may want to try and source a used option, build a DIY version yourself, or check out the alternatives on the market.

If you’re looking to compete in your Miata and can’t cut into the firewall or don’t like the idea of doing so, we’d recommend checking out our runner-up, the Apexi Power Intake.

The new Napp Motorsports offering released at the end of 2022 looks like an exciting prospect for 1.8 owners and is worth considering. We’re yet to try it, but the initial feedback is excellent, and the ability to 3D print it yourself is an additional bonus.

Randall Cowl Intake Duct

Our Drifted Mazda Miata NB Intake Winner

Our Mazda Miata NB Cold Air Intake winner is the K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit.

K&N pulled through to offer what we feel is the best choice for the Mazda Miata NB with their Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit.

Great looks, an intoxicating sound, a fantastic filter element, and the typical K&N quality at a reasonable price have made this our winner.

Our NB runner-up goes to AEM’s Short Ram Intake System, which features a similar tried-and-tested design.

K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake Kit

Our Drifted Mazda Miata NC Intake Winner

Our Mazda Miata NC Cold Air Intake winner is the AEM Cold Air Intake.

AEM has perfected its kit for the NC, and they’ve released two different variants for the NC model years to ensure the perfect fit and performance.

The AEM kit positions itself inside the front bumper to extract the maximum possible airflow, providing efficient cooling and an excellent yet not overly aggressive sound.

Combined with a reasonable price tag, we’ve chosen this as our personal choice.

If you’re looking for something a little different, or if the AEM doesn’t suit your needs, the Racing Beat Cold Force Intake is another excellent contender for the NC.

AEM Cold Air Intake

Our Drifted Mazda Miata ND Intake Winner

Our Mazda Miata ND Cold Air Intake winner is the Mishimoto Performance Air Intake.

Although Mazda has done a fantastic job with their stock ND intake, there’s no harm in improving the sounds and aesthetics in the engine bay, and the Mishimoto Performance Air Intake is a perfect choice.

If you’re looking for an alternative intake for your ND, the Corksport Cold Air Intake is a serious contender for the crown.

Mishimoto Performance Air Intake

Thank you for reading our Best Miata Cold Air Intake guide.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence to find the perfect product for your Miata. There are some fantastic options on the market, whichever generation Miata you’re lucky enough to own, so we hope we’ve helped you make the perfect choice for your needs.

Photography credits

We want to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

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The post Ultimate Mazda Miata Cold Air Intake Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Miata Engine Swap Guide

Joe Terrell — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:37:52 +0000

Want to know the best Miata engine swap out there? Join us as we explore the best options available to increase the humble roadster’s performance.

Introduction
Forced Induction or Engine Swap?
Miata Engine Swap Cost
Best Miata Engine Swap
Conclusion

Introduction

Mazda’s Miata is a tuner’s dream, and we receive endless requests for new articles from enthusiasts looking to build the ultimate Miata – and believe us – there’s certainly no shortage of them!

We’ve compiled a selection of tuning guides to help you make the most out of your Miata, and our ultimate Miata mods guide also provides the top products that we feel are the perfect upgrades.

It’s easy to see why so many favor the Miata. Although it may get dismissed as a ‘hairdresser’s car’, an engine swap provides the perfect chance to leave the haters in your dust (or smoke) on both the twisties and the straights as you comb your way to victory.

Jokes aside, whether it be the original NA Miata or the updated NB Miata, this car provides one of the most incredible handling platforms alongside one of the most affordable price-points, making it appealing to the masses.

After its initial unveiling at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, it was a complete game-changer in the two-seater roadster line-up, and with a showroom price of just $14,000, they were pretty damn hard to resist.

But let’s be honest, although the Miata has insane handling capabilities. Its straight-line speed leaves little to be desired.

Even if straight-line racing isn’t your thing, if you begin wanting to flick out the back end, you’ll soon realize that lower-powered variants will feel a little gutless.

With the earlier 90-98 Mazda Miata MX-5 NA editions featuring just 115 hp from the 1.6L powerplant, it’s certainly not enough to keep the tail wagging in stock form.

Although Mazda addressed the less displacement issue with the later-added 1.8L engine with 133 hp, drifters and tuners alike will soon be lusting after more. Luckily, the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers endless possibilities for you to make it your own.

Mazda made the Miata a sensible alternative to the RX-family. However, with the complications surrounding the far more exciting rotary engine, these roadsters offer the perfect chassis to build your uniquely crazy Mazda.

Not to mention, the Miata has probably the best aftermarket part catalog in the car industry. There are even complete engine swap packages specifically designed to this fun roadster.

Want to do one of the craziest Miata engine swap builds the world has ever seen? Then, you’ve come to the right place!

Forced Induction or Engine Swap?

For some, the appeal of forced induction will understandably be a consideration.

Since we’ve already written turbocharger and supercharger kit guides, enthusiasts often ask whether forced induction or an engine swap is the better choice.

For many Miata owners, going down the forced-induction route with their already-healthy engine could well present a better choice than opting for an engine swap.

With some Miata’s reaching over 500 hp with a boosted setup, we certainly wouldn’t be ruling it out as a possibility.

Given the added complications that can come with an engine swap, a boosted setup can often be a more convenient and cheaper option.

There’s no need to buy mounts or have custom fabrication, nor do you need to think about additional elements such as electrical components.

With that said, engine swaps open up a whole new realm of possibilities and endless potential to explore.

For those who have perhaps blown your Miata engine or feel that it’s seen better days, it could be the perfect opportunity to fit an insane powerplant and build the ultimate sleeper Miata.

But, before you make your decision, you’re going to want to take a look at our next consideration.

Miata Engine Swap Cost

For many of you, you’re likely wondering whether it’s more viable to replace your blown Miata engine or swap it out for something a little more exciting.

Since replacement Miata engines can be picked up conveniently with the asking price often falling below $2500, keeping things simple by upgrading from a 1.6 Mazda BP inline engine to 1.8L could be the most reasonably-priced possibility.

Oftentimes, you can find even better deals at the local car parts auction.

However, let’s face it, the majority of you will be here on the hunt for crazy power with intentions of building a tire-slaying Miata.

Unfortunately, engine swaps aren’t quite as convenient as Forza Horizon, and Need For Speed will have you believe, so you’re going to want to consider a few things first.

If you head to Miata owners clubs, you’ll soon see that just about every swap imaginable has been carried out, with some costing way more than others.

But, unless you’re a mechanical genius with an endless pocket of cash, you’re likely to have some limitations.

Some swaps are more common than others, and while several offerings have off-the-shelf Miata basic swap package kits for everything you could need, others will require you to do the hard work yourself.

When it comes to engine swaps, you’re going to need to consider things such as wiring, and fabrication, neither of which are simple.

One option is to hire a skilled professional to do the work – in which case; it certainly won’t be cheap, either.

So, off-the-shelf kits are going to be the best choice for those that are less skilled. Otherwise, you’ll quickly end up with a budget that’s likely to spiral out of control.

You’re also going to need to consider additional components such as the transmission if you’re searching for significant power since the earlier models are only capable of handling around 250 hp before issues are likely to arise

With this said, the cost of swaps can vary, with cheaper engines and convenient kits costing just a few thousand bucks, through to a full conversion which could potentially cost you up to $49,995 – which certainly won’t meet everyone’s Miata budget requirements!

We’re exploring a vast range of options in this guide, so the cost will depend on the swap you choose and how much labor you’re likely to need to fork out.

Projects like this are where skilled buddies can be hugely helpful – better stack up on the beers right away!

Now that you understand the positives and negatives that can come with an engine swap – let’s look at our powerplant considerations.

Best Miata Engine Swap

Although we’d love to tell everyone to fit a 1LR-GUE engine into their Miata, we’re keeping things (sort of) sensible and providing a wide range of options to consider.

Whether you’ve got a minimal budget or deep pockets, are looking for an off-the-shelf kit, or wanting to try something a little more unique, there’s something for everyone in this selection.

LSx V8 Miata Swap

It’ll come as no surprise to see that the LS-engine has made its way here.

After searching for Miata swaps, it won’t take long to be bombarded with LS-builds.

Although Flyin’ Miata used to offer an eye-watering priced drive-in, drive-out swap for the Miata, there are now many options to choose from when it comes to LS swap kits, which is why it’s become such a tempting proposition for many. Let’s be real, this is one of the most popular engine conversions in the world!

Sure, it’s not going to be the cheapest swap by any stretch of the imagination. If you want to do things properly, we expect that even for just the parts, you’re likely to need to save beyond $15,000 with a used LS-block, assuming you’re capable of doing the job yourself.

YouTuber Taylor Ray attempted to prove otherwise by attempting to keep his build under $10k, but we’ll let this video summarize how that went.

In all fairness, we expected the budget to go way beyond this. However, it proves that even when trying to prove a point to the masses, a budget LS build will be challenging.

Miata LS Swap Kits

If you’re looking for off-the-shelf kits, then there are a wide variety of options available, which all use tried and proven components.

CX Racing offers some of the cheapest LS-conversion parts on the market, and their transmission mounts, diff mounts, and swaybar spacers will help with the LS-swap puzzle.

If you’re interested in all of the bargain-priced CXRacing swap parts, make sure you check out their eBay Store.

Flyin’ Miata also offers NA, NB, and NC conversion parts.

LFX Miata swap kits are another popular choice.

V8Roadsters are another highly-regarded alternative for all your LSx swap needs, as well as MiataRoadster, and LSXEverything.

As you can see, the support for the LS-swap is insane. Although it’s not the cheapest option, it’s going to be an awesome swap for just about every motorsport discipline imaginable, from drifting through to drag racing.

Typically, LS1 and LS3 engines are the most popular, and with the potential to head down the turbocharged route, you’re certainly never going to need more power than an LS engine can provide in Miata!

The final result?

Nissan SR20DET

Nissan’s SR20DET certainly needs no introduction here at Drifted. Most commonly found under the hood of the Nissan Silvia, the SR20 has heaps of tuning potential.

It’s not unknown to see this iconic JDM legend hit breaking the 1,000 hp when it comes to upper power potential, but even in stock form with bolt-on mods, you can expect to get nearer 300 hp.

Given the SR20’s desirability in the US, since the USDM Nissan 240SX didn’t get treated to the SR, prices can often be on the higher side, which might make it a less tempting option.

However, if you have a spare SR lying around, there are convenient Miata SR20 swap kits out there for easy installation.

For our European visitors, there’s also the JapTuning SR20 swap kit.

Other potential Nissan possibilities include the RB20DET, RB25DET, and the 2UZ-FE for those keen to stick with the JDM roots.

Toyota 2JZ

While we’re on the subject of JDM, how could we possibly leave the holy grail of Japanese powerplants off our list?

Sure, the 2JZ-GTE is going to be way out of budget for most Miata builds, but the 2JZ-GE is well worth considering.

With a potential 800 hp on offer with the addition of a turbo kit, transforming the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE with an NA-T turbo kit upgrade provides the perfect opportunity for bargain performance.

The GE engine is commonly found in the likes of the IS300, GS300, and SC300, making it far more common than its rarer 2JZ-GTE counterpart, located in the Supra and Aristo.

If this sounds tempting, make sure you also check out what the 1.5JZ could offer.

GM Ecotec

One of the more commonly found Miata swaps is the General Motors Ecotec engine.

With the 2.4L LE5, provided with models such as the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5/G6 being the most popular choice, EcotecMiata produces a high-quality off-the-shelf swap kit for convenient installation.

For those that are brave enough to undertake an engine swap without the helping hand that a kit provides, the Ecotec has the potential to be one of the most reasonably-priced Miata engine swaps available.

Sure, the 200 hp/200 lb/ft torque that the Ecotec provides is nothing too crazy. Still, the smooth torque curve makes this reasonably-priced, conveniently sourced engine is understandably a tempting proposition to many.

The Ecotec is often seen as a rival contender to Honda’s K20 when it comes to Miata swaps, but it probably isn’t going to provide quite the same level of excitement, nor does “Ecotec just kicked in, yo” have the same appeal!

However, since we’ve seen excellent condition Ecotec engines popping up for sale for as little as $500, it could present the perfect budget swap opportunity if you’ve got the skills and some useful homies.

If you’re hunting more power, then the M52 supercharger can be modded to fit, and there are also turbocharging possibilities, both of which could potentially provide up to 300 hp, which is plenty to provide ear-to-ear grins in a Miata.

It is worth considering whether the swap is worthwhile for those of you with a healthy BP engine, though, since they’re capable of 220 hp with far less fuss than fitting an Ecotec powerplant.

Dodge Hellcat

If sixth-gear burnouts in a Miata are your thing – look no further!

Hellcat engines aren’t going to be within budget for everyone, but for those seeking utter ridiculousness, this 6.2L, 700 hp Miata should provide a nice dose of inspiration.

Suzuki Hayabusa

The Hayabusa became the fastest production motorcycle in 1999, with an incredible top speed of 194 mph.

The 1,299 cc inline-four motorbike engine has since found its way into several lightweight cars, and it could be the perfect match for the Miata.

Although there are a few builds that have surfaced online over the years, we feel that there’s still room for potential when it comes to building the ultimate MiataBusa.

With some twin-turbo offerings pushing out over 350 hp, these popular Mini engine swaps aren’t going to be the cheapest offering.

Still, with a potential 11,000rpm on offer, this incredibly light motorbike engine could present a perfect opportunity for a unique Miata build.

Mazda 13B

Let’s face it, deep down, we all know that a rotary Miata would be incredible, even if they’re a pain in the backside.

Admittedly, it’s typically rotary owners swapping out their rotaries, rather than tuners looking to install them, but when maintained correctly, they’re incredible engines.

The rotary’s size (along with the obvious reliability concerns) are the primary considerations with this swap.

Thankfully, Lucky7Racing also provides an off-the-shelf 13B mount kit for the Miata for those that are looking to keep their engine swap build within the Mazda heritage.

There are fewer engines that sound more incredible than a rotary out there, so if impressive redline capabilities and BRAP BRAP noises are a temptation, the rotary should be on your considerations list.

It’s not all fun and BRAPS with the rotary, though.

With the need to carry out frequent rebuilds, combined with disappointing fuel economy, they’re not going to be too tempting for many.

On a positive note, this means that rotary’s often pop up for surprisingly affordable prices, and you’re likely to be able to grab yourself a bargain 13B to build the ultimate baby RX7.

With the most ridiculous 13B builds achieving 1,300 hp, the possibilities are endless, and the noises shall be glorious!

Honda K-Series

Honda K-Series inline four swaps are hugely common in lightweight two-seaters, and you get the bonus of triggering the Honda haters by screaming ‘VTEC YO’ each time you drive your Miata. Win-win!

Both the K20 and the K24 engines are the perfect match for the Miata, fitting like a glove and keeping in-line with the Miata ethos.

Thankfully, KPower Industries offers an off-the-shelf Miata K24 swap kit.

Naturally aspirated K-series motors are capable of up to 300 hp in naturally-aspirated form and offer a potential redline of 9,000 rpm.

Given that these lightweight, high-revving engines are ideal for such a wide range of swaps, they’re often a bit more expensive than some of the offerings in this guide, but we wouldn’t expect the price to be too crazy.

With immense aftermarket support and forced induction opportunities, the K-Series is a fantastic choice that could potentially reach up to 600 hp with extensive upgrades.

Honda J-Series V6

For those looking for a V6 swap, the J-Series is often a popular choice. If you sweep through the Miata forums, you’re bound to find owners who swear by this swap.

Thankfully, as with most of the popular swaps, there’s an off-the-shelf kit to go with your Miata, and this time it’s Minitec coming up with the goods.

Since the J-Series Honda engine can be found in such a wide variety in the Honda family, engines are easily sourced and exceptionally reasonably priced.

With over 300 hp in stock form, the J-Series is similar to the Miata’s stock engine weight and provides impressive low-end torque.

Although it’s possible to have spare change from around $10,000 with this swap, you may be pushing the stock gearbox beyond its limits with 300 hp on offer, which may need to become an additional consideration.

Overall, an excellent, reasonably priced, easily sourced option, with the added bonus of annoying the Honda haters.

GM LFX V6

Another popular alternative to the above J-Series V6 is the 3.5-liter GM LFX.

Commonly found in the Chevrolet Camaro and CTS, this is another fantastic candidate for those interested in a V6 and seeking a sensible 300 hp-range with your build

V8Roadsters this time provides a whole range of off-the-shelf parts to help with the conversion, and with the commonly-found LSX being readily available, it’s a tempting prospect.

Although it’s slightly heavier than the BP engine, the additional length helps to even out the weight distribution, and despite being taller, it still fits snugly in the bay without the need to chop your hood to pieces.

Overall, it’s an excellent option, and with a 7,200 rpm redline, it fits the Miata ethos far better than some of the big-power V8 torque monsters out there.

Jaguar 3.0-liter AJ30 V6

Still want to go down the V6 route but want to be more “Bri’ish?” Fear not, Roketeer – a UK-based tuning firm has got you covered!

You might have already come across this engine swap thanks to YouTuber Alex Kersten if you are subscribers of the Car Throttle and Auto Alex channels. His Miata, which he affectionately calls “Phil” comes with this powerplant under the hood.

Rocketeer refers to this engine as the MXV6, and it is based upon the aforementioned Jaguar V6. It makes around 230 horsepower, which is more than enough to make the lightweight MX-5 plenty fast. The 220 lb-ft of torque naturally helps, too!

The base Jaguar engine was conceived when Jaguar was under the ownership of American automotive juggernaut Ford. So, it is safe to say that this is one of the most reliable engine swaps on this list.

If you are interested, Rocketeer will happily provide everything you need for a direct swap for just $7,995.

That includes everything from a carbon fiber intake manifold, the front subframe, mounting brackets, and a bespoke clutch. However, you’ll have to source the engine by yourself.

Toyota 1GZ-FE V12

You probably think we’re kidding, but nope. Our searches for unique Miata swaps turned up this beauty.

The best thing about this swap? It’s just an everyday guy that decided it’d be a good idea to whack a V12 into his Miata engine bay.

Oh, and those damn sexy headers!

We love the work and effort that’s gone into this build. As you probably guessed, it’s not the most straightforward swap out there, and we’d quite happily see this be the only one, as the work is fantastic.

Amusingly, the owner has also established that there’s still room for twin turbos in the bay, so we can’t wait to see how crazy this could get.

If you love this awesome project as much as we do, then make sure you follow That V12 Miata Bruh on YouTube.

Conclusion

There’s an incredible variety of options out there when it comes to finding the perfect engine swap for your Miata build.

Although the stock engines respond well to forced induction, we can understand the temptation to go with something more unique, with even more potential further down the line.

Since Miata’s are incredibly affordable, they provide an incredibly exciting chassis in stock form. With some off-the-shelf handling upgrades and an engine swap, they’ve got the potential to be some of the most exciting cars on the road.

There’s no end to the potential that this humble two-seater roadster has to offer, so feel free to go wild with your build.

If you’ve built a unique Miata in your own original design, and you’d love for us to feature it in this guide, then make sure you drop us a line. We’re always interested in sharing epic builds with our huge worldwide fanbase.

So, there we have it! We hope that we’ve covered everything you could want to know about the best engine swaps for your Miata in this guide.

Thank you for reading our Miata engine swap guide.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

The post Ultimate Miata Engine Swap Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

Ultimate Miata Shift Knob Guide

Joe Terrell — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 09:50:28 +0000

Are you looking to upgrade your Miata shift knob but struggling to narrow down the choice? We’re sharing our top picks in this guide.

Introduction
Nardi Evolution
Nardi Prestige
TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob
Skunk2 Racing Shift Knob
RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Style Shift Knob
ISR Performance Shift Knob
NRG “The Bat” (Adjustable)
Crystal Transparent Bubble Shifter
Flower Shift Knob
VMS Racing Carbon Fiber Shift Knob
Our winners

In a hurry? Here are our Miata shift knob winners:

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice

TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob	NRG "The Bat" Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter	Nardi Prestige

Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Introduction

With stick shifters becoming increasingly uncommon in the modern-day world of fancy automatic gearboxes, the Miata has thankfully stayed true to the beloved stick shifter.

Since the humble Miata is a true driver’s car, there’s nothing more satisfying than cranking your way through the gears and having total control of the rev-matching downshifts without an irritating computer spoiling the fun.

Not only can a shift knob transform the looks of your interior for a reasonable price, but it can also completely transform the feel of each gear shift with the massive variety of choice that’s available.

If you’re looking to make the most of your gear-changing efficiency, many Miata enthusiasts opt to upgrade to a short shifter kit.

With a short shifter, the throw between gears will be significantly reduced, allowing you to accelerate faster, and many believe owners praise the vastly improved shifting experience.

However, the Miata has a far shorter throw than most cars, with the latest ND model being the shortest yet. Therefore, this isn’t always an aftermarket part that everyone feels is worth the money when it could be spent on other upgrades.

So, whether you think a short shifter or the stock setup will be best for your needs, this list will provide you with the perfect shift knob to complete the package.

For those that have opted for a short shifter, you will need to ensure that the kit hasn’t changed the stock thread/pitch size of the Miata before purchasing your ideal gear knob.

What size is a Miata shift knob?

When you’re doing your searches online, chances are you won’t see a vast selection if you’re searching specifically for the Miata, but opting for the correct thread pitch size – 10 x 1.25, will open up a whole realm of possibilities.

Then you’ll realize there are way too many to choose from!

Commonly known as 10 x 1.25, this can also be referred to as M10 x 1.25, or 10mm x 1.25mm, so any of these knobs will happily fit, with aftermarket knobs being a universal design.

If you’ve fallen in love with a shift knob that isn’t the correct 10 x 1.25 thread pitch, then don’t panic. There’s a great variety of shift knob adapters out there that will enable you to run just about any shifter you desire.

Shift knob considerations

If you’ve driven a wide variety of different cars, the chances are that you realize how much difference the feel of a shifter can make.

Weight

Although you may be wondering why weight would make a difference here, it can drastically affect the shifter’s throw, which is why many opt for a heavier or weighted shift knob.

With a heavier shift knob, it’ll often ‘assist’ with getting the car through the gears, where a lighter option will likely need a bit more persuasion.

Materials

When it comes to choosing a material, many opt for the likes of Delrin, where others prefer wood for that old-school feel or even aluminium for a modern touch.

Although this comes down to personal preference, mainly based on looks, it’s worth remembering that metals, such as steel and aluminium, can become painfully hot for those of you that live in warmer climates.

So, if you’re lucky enough to live in a hot region, consider opting away from the metal choices. The last thing you want to do is wait for the shift knob to cool down before you can drive away!

Shape and size

The ergonomics of a shift knob play a vital role, and it’s worth trying out a variety of shapes and sizes before you decide which one is going to suit you best.

For example, if you’re racing, where vital milliseconds count, an awkwardly shaped shifter could make a drastic difference to one that you can reach for efficiently at those critical moments.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a shift knob for your daily cruiser, you’ll be able to choose from just about any design imaginable.

Whether you’re looking for a carbon fiber pool ball or a flowery JDM, *ahem* adult design shifter, there’s something out there for everyone.

How to remove a Miata shift knob

Many owners have struggled to remove their Miata shift knobs, but before you reach for additional weaponry that could end up damaging the shifter, make sure you check out some of the helpful YouTube videos out there.

Ultimate Miata Shift Knobs

When it comes to finding the perfect shift knob, there can be thousands of options to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites for this guide.

If you’re opting for a shifter that we’ve not featured, then you’ll want to ensure it’s an M10 x 1.25mm (or 10 x 1.25) fitment. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter for it to fit your Miata.

Now that you know what you’re looking for and how to remove the stock shift knob, it’s time to find the perfect upgrade!

Nardi Evolution

Manufacturer: Nardi
Fitment: Universal
Value for money:
Purchase link: Nardi Evolution Shift Knob

Our comment: When the most lucrative car manufacturers in the world choose to use Nardi products in their OEM-spec cars, you know they’re going to be of impressive quality.

Italian manufacturer Nardi is one of the most impressive aftermarket part specialists, often the wheel, and shift knob, of choice for the world’s best drifters.

Their old-school Evolution design is perfect for the gentleman drifters, racers, or fair-weather drivers alike.

The stylish mahogany finish sets it aside from its competitors, suiting the NA/NB Miata interiors to perfection.

If you’re not the perfect gentleman, and the wood grain is one step too far, but you like the design of this shift knob, there’s also their black leather alternative to consider.

We would expect nothing but exceptional quality from Nardi. Although it’s not the cheapest choice, there’s a reason that manufacturers such as Ferrari are happy to showcase Nardi products in their OEM supercars.

Manufacturer description: “Nardi is widely known for its established reputation as a steering wheel & Shift knob manufacturer of the highest quality. With a history that spans over 70 years, Nardi has been supplying their brand products not only to the world’s leading automakers but also to racing enthusiasts worldwide”.

“The company has made considerable investments in past and recent years to consolidate itself with a reputation second to none. Nardi designers and engineers collaborate using state-of-the-art technology, to ensure optimized ergonomics, comfort and reliability. Yet the level of craftsmanship involved in the manufacturing process is still, in fact, very much a traditional process where every steering wheel is assembled and finished by highly skilled artisans”.

Nardi Prestige

Manufacturer: Nardi
Fitment: Universal
Value for money:
Purchase link: Nardi Prestige Shift Knob

Our comment: If you liked the sound of the Nardi quality that we mentioned above, but the design wasn’t to your taste, then the Prestige range could well be the ultimate choice.

This shifter is an absolute pleasure to use and comes with stunning Nardi quality combined with perfected stitching from their artisans.

Are you looking for the gentleman’s mahogany (wood) alternative? We’ve got you covered.

TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob

Manufacturer: TOMEI
Fitment: M10 x 1.25mm
Value for money:
Purchase link: TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob

Our comment: You might be thinking that the price tag on this genuine TOMEI shifter is too good to be true, but we can assure you it’s just an absolute steal!

TOMEI offers a choice of either a 70mm or 90mm variant to choose from with this design.

This shifter is crafted from Duracon, a material of Polyoxymethylene composites known for their high degree of crystallinity, high strength, hardness, and good chemical and environmental resistance, including heat and moisture absorption.

With a weight of approximately 5 ounces, it’s one of the lightest choices in our guide, so it’s not going to be the ideal choice if you’re after a heavy shifter, but it’s a genuine bargain otherwise.

Manufacturer description: “Get the aggressive shifting you need with a 70mm Tomei Duracon shift knob. This 70mm knob gives you a firm shifter, while still offering a smaller, more responsive feel”.

“Tomei products have been utilized in nearly every motor sport imaginable. Tomei’s racing heritage means their research and design team have firsthand knowledge of the extreme demands racing puts on an engine. This shifter is built to stand up to hard use while remaining good as new”.

Skunk2 Racing Shift Knob

Manufacturer: Skunk2 Racing
Fitment: M10 x 1.25mm
Value for money:
Purchase link: Skunk2 Racing Shift Knob

Our comment: This billet stainless steel shifter from Skunk2 is a simple yet attractive design, with a 5-speed layout embossed on top.

This shift knob could provide an ideal solution for those looking for a heavier option, weighing 400 grams and a perfect combination with a Skunk2 short shifter.

Unlike the previous choices, those living in warmer climates may find the steel design is likely to get excessively hot on the warmer days, which may be worth considering.

Manufacturer description: “Skunk2 Shift Knobs are machined from billet stainless steel and feature a PVD titanium coating that resists scratching and wear. Skunk2 Shift Knobs are custom-weighted to over 400-grams and designed to be used in conjunction with the Skunk2 Racing Short-Throw Shifters”.

“The added weight of the shift knob helps promote smoother and more positive shifting. This combination provides the ultimate in positive shift engagement for high-performance drag racing, road racing, and street performance applications”.

RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Style Shift Knob

Manufacturer: RYANSTAR
Fitment: Universal
Value for money:
Purchase link: RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Style Shift Knob

Our comment: If you’re looking for a bargain-priced carbon fiber-style shifter, then this may be the perfect option.

Although many are delighted with this shifter, the quality control does seem to be hit or miss at times. Thankfully Amazon has a great returns process, and they’d undoubtedly resolve any issues.

It may not be genuine carbon fiber, but it still looks the part, and we wouldn’t be too concerned about weight saving on a shift knob!

Manufacturer description: “Shift knobs made with high quality plastic with carbon fiber pattern and adapters made with aluminum”.

ISR Performance Ti Finish Shift Knob

Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Fitment: M10 x 1.25mm
Value for money:
Purchase link: ISR Performance Ti Finish Shift Knob

Our comment: This unique offering from ISR Performance provides a fantastic-looking titanium finish.

Unfortunately, there are very few details available for this shifter, which is why we’ve marked it down slightly on the rating, despite having an excellent price tag.

We would expect it to be steel and one of the heavier options on this list, which means it probably won’t be ideal for hotter climates.

NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter

Manufacturer: NRG
Fitment: M10 x 1.25mm
Value for money:
Purchase link: NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter

Our comment: Unlike the previous carbon fiber offering, this option from NRG has been crafted from genuine carbon fiber alongside a unique design.

Not only does it look fantastic, but you can adjust the height of this shift kob, making it the perfect choice for a weekend racer looking for precise shifter positioning when at the track.

Alongside the adjustability, the weighted aluminium and carbon fiber construction of the shifter increases the inertial weight to allow for smoother shifting.

We love this innovative design, and the carbon fiber finish will undoubtedly be the perfect finishing touch for any Miata interior.

Manufacturer description: “This product improves the overall look of the interior of the vehicle while providing some performance gain. Different shapes of the knob are ergonomically correct depending on shifting style. Height adjustable for low and high shifting advantage”.

“Weighted aluminum construction with real carbon fiber body improves shifting by increasing inertial weight in order to allow shifter to more smoothly and quickly engage into the gear box. A secret storage for your special stuff can be protected inside empty space of the shift knob”.

Crystal Transparent Bubble Shifter

Manufacturer: EZAUTOWRAP
Fitment: Universal
Value for money:
Purchase link: Crystal Transparent Bubble Shifter

Our comment: If you’ve spent as many hours watching old-school JDM drifting videos as we have, you’ll undoubtedly recognize these “di*do”-style shift knobs!

With a vast selection of sizes and colors, this shift knob will be the perfect choice for those who want their Miata to capture attention.

Since you’ll be able to choose from 10cm to 30cm and just about every color imaginable, it’s no surprise that these shift knobs are soaring in popularity.

Manufacturer description: “Provide a JDM/VIP look to your interior with this Laser Cut Acrylic Plastic shifter knob”.

Dewhel Flower Shift Knob

Manufacturer: Dewhel
Fitment: Universal
Value for money:
Purchase link: Dewhel Flower Shift Knob

Our comment: Another JDM-style design that has captured tuning enthusiasts’ attention is the infamous flower shifter knobs.

These are the perfect choice for our female fans but could also provide an additional laugh for male Miata enthusiasts with their wind-up buddies calling it a hairdressers car.

It may not look quite as impressive as some of the ‘true’ JDM shifters with real flowers in the acrylic. Still, those are notoriously expensive, and this provides an excellent, reasonably priced US-based alternative.

Manufacturer description: “Made from high quality durable acrylic”.

VMS Racing Carbon Fiber Shift Knob

Manufacturer: VMS Racing
Fitment: M10 x 1.25mm
Value for money:
Purchase link: VMS Racing Carbon Fiber Shift Knob

Our comment: Here’s the final carbon fiber choice in our guide, and this high-quality, hand-laid option may well be the perfect answer for many.

The reviews have praised the quality of the item, but others have stated that it may leave a slight gap between the boot and the shift knob.

In their description, VMS Racing has stated the following: “If the shift knob is not aligned correctly after fully threaded, the locking nut is raised up until the numbers align at the desired position and then tightened against each other”.

If you were to have any issues and be dissatisfied with the product, we do not doubt that Amazon will provide a convenient refund process, so it’s well worth a try.

Manufacturer description: “VMS Racing Shift Knobs are manufactured from ONE solid piece of Aircraft-Quality, T-6061 Billet Aluminum that is Precision-Machined for a firm, reliable feel against your palm that results into positive shifting”.

“The Carbon Fiber is then Hand-Laid and a glossy finish is applied for a long-lasting protection and comfortable feel against your palm. All this to ensure a long lasting finish that will provide years of trouble-free reliability. These are special processes that are used by most major OEM manufacturers”.

Our winners

When it comes to shifting knobs, much of it comes down to personal preference, and we feel you can’t go far wrong with any of the choices in this guide.

Here are our recommended picks.

Our Drifted Choice award goes to the NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter

Our Miata shift knob winner is the NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter.

With its unique, adjustable-length design, this is the perfect option for drifters and racers that want pinpoint precision with their shifter location.

Not only is it practical, but it looks fantastic and comes with a reasonable price tag for genuine carbon fiber.

A fantastic all-around choice, even if the design isn’t to everyone’s taste.

NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter

Our Premium Miata Shift Knob Choice

Our Premium Choice is the Nardi Prestige Shift Knob.

For those looking for a classy addition to their interior, the Nardi Prestige leather shift knob is our premium pick.

Also, the mahogany alternative can look incredible alongside matching wooden accessories.

Nardi Prestige Shift Knob

Our Budget Miata Shift Knob Choice

Our Budget Choice is the TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob.

Much to the surprise of many, JDM tuning legends TOMEI has brought one of the most reasonably-priced offerings to our guide.

You may be expecting it to be less than their typical quality, but that’s certainly not the case, thankfully! It’s just a genuine bargain.

If you like the style of this shifter, we do not doubt that it’ll make the perfect addition to your Miata.

TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob

Thank you for reading our Miata Shift Knob guide.

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