The Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling two-seater convertible of all time. Hitting the streets in 1989, at a time when the roadster market had all however dried up, this bona fide motoring icon could have been impressed by long-forgotten British and Italian sportscars, however it pushed the boundaries of reliability into the realms of really being useable.
Over 4 generations, and greater than 1,000,000 offered, the MX-5 continues to be going robust to at the present time.
The preliminary thought was a easy because the automobile itself. Developed in keeping with the Japanese precept of “jinba ittai”, or “the oneness of horse and rider”, the MX-5 supplied a novel idea: it was truly enjoyable to drive!
It wasn’t the quickest automobile in the marketplace and even that well-equipped, however, with close to excellent weight distribution, a easy rag prime and rear-wheel-drive, it was an inexpensive sportscar for the lots.
And automobile lovers have been shopping for these iconic roadsters ever since. These days the MX-5 House owners Membership is likely one of the largest automobile golf equipment on the earth, and that ought to let you know the whole lot you’ll want to know.
It’s true to say that the recognition of the MX-5 had the aftermarket scrambling to make efficiency upgrades from the very starting. So, whether or not you’ve gotten the UK-spec MX-5, a JDM Eunos Roadster, and even the US Mazda Miata, you’ll be capable to discover extra modifications to your Japanese drop prime than for nearly every other automobile on the market.
So, with all that in thoughts, right here’s ten of one of the best.
1. Coilover suspension
Simply because the MX-5 comes with virtually legendary dealing with doesn’t imply that it could actually’t be improved. Particularly with regards to the later fashions which misplaced the simplicity – and arguably slightly of the driver-focused aptitude – that got here with the primary two generations.
Actually, like all factory-spec automobiles, the Mazda is constructed to cater for a number of totally different markets all over the world, which is why compromises needed to be made with regard to one of the best chassis efficiency and – let’s simply say – a extra engaging trip peak.
Nevertheless, a set of aftermarket coilovers, maybe the most well-liked modification within the historical past of the MX-5, can be utilized to beef up the dealing with for the last word B street thrash… and a few even work on the circuit. The MX-5 stays an infinitely standard weekend track day hero, in spite of everything.
The excellent news is that swapping out your suspension is a comparatively easy process. Top and damper-adjustable coilovers can be found off-the-shelf from all the massive model producers. This implies you don’t must go for an costly customized setup, nor do you must purchase an inexpensive package that may inevitably go unsuitable.
One different benefit of coilovers is the fast and simple adjustability. For many suspension kits, switching between a quick street and a track-focused setup is an easy job, serving to you take advantage of this succesful little automobile in each scenario.
2. Alloy wheels
If a spot of decreasing is the most well-liked modification for the Mazda MX-5, a cheeky wheel swap is available in at a detailed second. What with the quantity of aftermarket wheels out there, it’s no shock that many homeowners – particularly these with early fashions – select a wheel improve for higher appears, and sometimes higher efficiency.
For apparent causes, light-weight wheels are at all times a good suggestion on the MX-5, and barely wider wheels (enabling the fitment of fatter, grippier tyres) can help the dealing with as a lot as a good suspension setup. Simply be conscious of the scale you select. It’s attainable to suit large wheels on the early (NA and NB) fashions, however this may truly be detrimental to their drivability. Keep on with an inch or two over the usual diameter and you shouldn’t have any issues.
Fashions from 1989 to 2005 include a 4x100PCD fitment, whereas all fashions thereafter include 5×114.3PCD wheels. Each fitments are frequent on a large number of autos the world over and this has made them extraordinarily standard with aftermarket wheel producers. When one wheel will match a number of various automobiles it cuts their prices over producing designs for a single mannequin. And naturally, there’s extra likelihood that individuals will truly purchase them.
What this additionally means is that aftermarket wheels to your MX-5 are available in a selection of sizes and designs. Better of all, as a result of there’s so many, they are often comparatively pleasant in your pockets too.
3. Bolt-on tuning
The recognition of the MX-5 implies that bolt-on tuning components will not be solely available, they’ll usually be had for a lot lower than you may suppose.
In contrast to many different automobiles, the place off-the-shelf upgrades are slightly onerous to seek out, there’s a complete host of primary tuning components for the MX-5 – together with stainless-steel exhausts and efficiency air filters – for nearly any price range.
The elemental precept of engine tuning is to get extra air into the cylinders so extra gasoline will be burned. An even bigger explosion means extra energy, which is why efficiency air filters can show a straightforward and cost-effective improve. These assist the engine “breathe in” extra simply, sucking in additional air by a high-flow filter that’s far much less restrictive than normal. Match that additional air with extra gasoline and also you get extra energy. Easy.
In case your air filter takes care of the respiratory partly, your exhaust is what helps the engine breathe out. Normal MX-5 exhausts are notoriously restrictive so becoming an aftermarket merchandise will movement gasses out of the engine extra effectively, releasing up just a few extra horsepower alongside the way in which. As many consider the early fashions to be slightly underpowered as normal, each horsepower counts.
One other large benefit in fact, is that an aftermarket exhaust will look higher and sound a lot sportier.
4. Remapping
Except for easy bolt-on mods, the third and fourth era MX-5s (NC and ND) may profit from a remap by their diagnostic (OBD2) port.
Remapping is the fast and easy option to optimise the facility output on fashionable engines which might be managed by an ECU. Basically a robust pc module, the ECU takes care of essential parameters comparable to fuelling and ignition timing in keeping with a set programme written by the producer. That is what’s often called the engine map.
An ordinary engine map is designed to make sure that the automobile works successfully in all situations, together with at excessive altitudes, in international locations with poor high quality gasoline and in probably the most excessive temperatures.
That is so the automobile will be offered to be used virtually anyplace on the planet. An ordinary engine ought to run simply as effectively within the Arctic Circle because it does within the Sahara Desert, however these generalised settings aren’t essentially geared in the direction of the optimum energy output.
In fact, minus 50 diploma temperatures, oxygen-starved mountain passes and low-quality petrol isn’t as a lot of a priority in most international locations, together with right here within the UK. So, a remap can be utilized to optimise settings for real-world situations, safely rewriting the map in favour of extra energy and torque.
Maybe better of all, a remap may optimise every other bolt-on modifications – comparable to aftermarket exhausts and air filters – to take advantage of them too.
5. Turbo conversions
If primary engine tuning doesn’t fairly lower the mustard, how about an much more vital energy hike with an aftermarket turbo conversion?
A turbocharger is actually an exhaust-driven pump that’s used to compress air and pressure it into the cylinders. As soon as once more, extra air implies that extra gasoline will be burned for extra energy. The benefit of compelled induction is that it’s not simply extra air going into the engine – it’s a lot extra air!
Tuners have been strapping turbochargers onto MX-5 engines since day one. There was even an official dealer-supplied MX-5 BBR Turbo mannequin out there within the early nineties. The BBR used a Garrett turbocharger and a conversion package (manufactured by Brodie Brittan Racing) to supply 150bhp. That’s round 35bhp over normal.
Whereas this uncommon instance has now change into a sought-after collector’s automobile, it has been a lot imitated through the years, making aftermarket turbocharger conversions a well-liked selection for MX-5 house owners.
There are a lot of conversions in the marketplace for the Mk1, Mk2 and even the Mk3 MX-5 within the type of bolt-on kits that don’t require making the components your self. Many of those are designed to utilise authentic tools producer (OEM) turbochargers from Subaru or Mitsubishi automobiles. Though you will want a spot {of professional} engine mapping to make the whole lot run easily, the conversion itself is comparatively easy for any competent spanner swinger.
Failing that, in fact, you could possibly at all times go for an aftermarket supercharger package, and even an engine swap. We’ve seen the whole lot from American V8s and Honda VTECs to Mazda rotary engines slotted into the little roadster through the years. The one restrict right here is your creativeness – and your price range.
6. Aftermarket audio
The manufacturing facility infotainment system within the newest MX-5 affords the whole lot a Twenty first-century motorist might ever want. However as you may count on, Bluetooth music streaming, satellite tv for pc navigation, hands-free calling and smartphone connectivity weren’t a precedence on the sooner Mazda fashions.
This was for a few causes: first, as a result of the MX-5 was designed to be as gentle and driver-focused as attainable, and second… as a result of a lot of that stuff didn’t exist within the late Nineteen Eighties.
Now, whereas it’s additionally true that you simply’ll be onerous pressed to seek out any early automobile with the usual stereo system intact, Mazda did have the foresight to depart loads of room within the dashboard. With the assistance of an aftermarket facia adaptor, a easy DIY job will match a single or double DIN stereo to all Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 fashions. Which means, not like on most fashionable classics, you possibly can benefit from the most recent head items with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and all of the trimmings.
And what in regards to the Mk4? Nicely, swapping the usual stereo isn’t one for the faint of coronary heart as a result of it’s extra built-in into the inside. However the remainder of the system is well upgraded with off-the-shelf equipment.
Actually, putting in extra highly effective aftermarket audio system is extraordinarily frequent throughout your complete MX-5 mannequin vary. There’s even a particular direct-fit speaker package for the unique JDM Eunos which got here with small audio system within the headrests. Moreover, who doesn’t love a convertible with a good sound system, eh?
7. Efficiency brake upgrades
Tiny wheels imply tiny brakes. So, whereas the Mk1 and Mk2 had been constructed to be extraordinarily gentle, they’re moderately outdated now and lots of go for a direct-fit brake improve to maintain the whole lot in verify. Particularly with regards to any quick street or monitor use.
Later MX-5 generations are a lot heavier than the unique choices, making brake upgrades much more essential if you wish to obtain one of the best all-around efficiency. The more practical your brakes, the much less you’ll want to use them. Extra time on the accelerator is akin to extra energy, so a brake improve is a fairly first rate mod for these searching for extra pace.
Efficiency brake upgrades are available for all MX-5 fashions. These begin with cost-effective direct-fit, uprated disc and pad kits, and go all the way in which as much as full-on big-brake conversions with large discs, race pads and multi-piston calipers.
8. Roll cages
One of many extra basic additions for older fashions is a rear “roll-over” bar. Because the MX-5 has been one of the vital standard monitor automobiles since its inception, becoming a roll hoop – or perhaps a full cage – isn’t only a standard modification for circuit use, it’s one thing of a necessity.
In any case, it’s not like you’ve gotten a structural metal roof to assist out within the occasion of any mishaps. Even the, a lot sought-after, hardtops out there for early MX-5s don’t supply a lot in the way in which of driver safety.
There are a lot of easy bolt-in roll bars in the marketplace, they usually have proved standard for each mannequin through the years. Whether or not that’s to cater to competitors laws, or just for probably the most hardcore, motorsport-inspired styling, it’s a time-tested mod that at all times appears the half.
Except for the plain security benefits, a roll bar will assist stiffen the automobile by triangulating key factors on the chassis. This reduces flex and helps hold the optimum geometry throughout even probably the most excessive cornering. On this approach, a roll cage (or rear roll bar) is as a lot a dealing with modification as it’s for security or type.
9. Chassis stiffening
Talking of chassis stiffening, there are numerous different methods to strengthen and stiffen the chassis. As we mentioned, the MX-5 was initially constructed for full of life dealing with, however there are nonetheless enhancements to be made throughout your complete mannequin vary.
Chassis stiffening isn’t about getting one of the best geometry, it’s about preserving one of the best geometry once you’re on the restrict. Whenever you begin including in additional energy, beefed-up suspension and higher brakes, it’s straightforward to see why many select to tune the remainder of the chassis to maintain the optimum geometry dialled in.
Thicker aftermarket sway bars (i.e. anti-roll bars or ARBs) are one of many easiest modifications for optimising grip, however with out making your automobile too hardcore for the street.
Sway bars lock the suspension collectively on every axle to cut back the flex below onerous cornering. By preserving the utmost tyre contact patch on the tarmac, the grip is maintained for so long as attainable. Thicker ARBs merely maintain the chassis geometry for longer.
Polyurethane bushes are additionally a well-liked selection amongst early MX-5 house owners. It is sensible as a result of, as a result of age of Mk1 and Mk2 fashions, it’s virtually inevitable that the usual rubber bushes can have degraded considerably by now.
Bushes are the versatile joints that maintain your chassis elements collectively. Basically, they provide slightly damping to make your automobile driveable with out extra vibrations or metal-on-metal contact.
The problem with normal rubber bushes is that they could be a little too versatile, and they’ll change into much more slack as time goes on. The elevated extra motion pushes the chassis geometry away from optimum on the street.
Polyurethane replacements can be utilized to tighten up the chassis for much less flex and, as one thing of a bonus, they don’t degrade over time both. This makes them a comparatively low cost and standard funding for all MX-5s from the Mk1 to the Mk4.
10. Bucket seats
Becoming seats which might be particularly designed to cease you from sliding round when cornering – or to assist the usage of racing harnesses – is likely one of the hottest mods for the little Mazda. Whereas it’s not so prevalent on the Mk3 and Mk4 fashions (mainly as a result of the usual seats are fairly plush already) Mk1 and Mk2 house owners can’t get sufficient of these aftermarket buckets. Fortunately they at all times look nice, too.
With a lot in the marketplace, to not point out direct-fit subframes to make set up fast and simple, there’s plenty of selection for a budget-friendly seat swap. A lot in order that it’s straightforward to go unsuitable.
The primary mistake is shopping for seats that don’t bodily match within the tiny cabin. These normal ‘tombstone’ seats are small for a cause. Aftermarket seats are primarily common objects, and lots of include excessive shoulder bolsters. In an MX-5 these can cease you from shutting the door or placing the roof up. So you should definitely select properly.
One other standard improve is taking the leather-based seats from the Japanese Eunos and becoming these into the UK spec automobiles which (barring just a few particular editions) usually got here with primary material upholstery.
In fact, these are getting slightly more durable to come back by these days, however there are nonetheless just a few units on the market, particularly as many Eunos house owners have already upgraded to aftermarket seats. On-line auctions and specialist Mazda breakers are one of the best locations to search for yours.
Phrases by Midge Burr
With 20 years’ expertise writing and enhancing modified automobile magazines, Midge Burr is an professional in all issues automobiles. He attracts on his experiences as a certified mechanic, long-time automobile builder and keen street rally participant, and is satisfied he’s just about pushed each sort of auto below the solar – together with a Mazda MX-5 – from touring automobiles and racing lorries to monster vans and rally automobiles.
Keep in mind to take out modified MX-5 insurance coverage
In case you’re the proud proprietor of an MX-5 or an imported Eunos Roadster or Miata, we are able to supply insurance coverage to your Mazda. And, as a specialist insurance coverage dealer for all issues modified automobiles, we are able to cowl mods on a like-for-like foundation. We additionally supply agreed worth cowl the place we agree on the true worth of your car and any mods you’ve gotten in order that, within the occasion of a complete loss, you’re in a position to begin rebuilding.
Name us on 0800 369 8590 or e-book a callback at a time that fits you.
