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 might have been impressed by long-forgotten British and Italian sportscars, nevertheless it pushed the boundaries of reliability into the realms of really being useable.
Over 4 generations, and greater than one million offered, the MX-5 remains to be going sturdy to today.
The preliminary concept was a easy because the automotive itself. Developed in response to 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 automotive in the marketplace and even that well-equipped, however, with close to good weight distribution, a easy rag prime and rear-wheel-drive, it was an inexpensive sportscar for the lots.
And automotive fans have been shopping for these iconic roadsters ever since. These days the MX-5 Owners Club is without doubt one of the greatest automotive golf equipment on the planet, and that ought to inform you every part it is advisable 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 might have the UK-spec MX-5, a JDM Eunos Roadster, and even the US Mazda Miata, you’ll have the ability to discover extra modifications in your Japanese drop prime than for nearly another automotive on the market.
So, with all that in thoughts, right here’s ten of the most effective.
1. Coilover suspension
Simply because the MX-5 comes with virtually legendary dealing with doesn’t imply that it may’t be improved. Particularly with regards to the later fashions which misplaced the simplicity – and arguably a little bit of the driver-focused aptitude – that got here with the primary two generations.
The truth is, like all factory-spec automobiles, the Mazda is constructed to cater for a number of completely different markets around the globe, which is why compromises needed to be made with regard to the most effective chassis efficiency and – let’s simply say – a extra engaging experience peak.
Nonetheless, 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 highway thrash… and a few even work on the circuit. The MX-5 stays an infinitely widespread weekend track day hero, in any case.
The excellent news is that swapping out your suspension is a comparatively easy job. Peak and damper-adjustable coilovers can be found off-the-shelf from all the large model producers. This implies you don’t should go for an costly customized setup, nor do you must purchase an inexpensive package that may inevitably go flawed.
One different benefit of coilovers is the fast and simple adjustability. For many suspension kits, switching between a quick highway and a track-focused setup is a simple job, serving to you take advantage of this succesful little automotive 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 seems, and infrequently 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 assist the dealing with as a lot as a good suspension setup. Simply be aware of the dimensions you select. It’s potential to suit enormous wheels on the early (NA and NB) fashions, however this could 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 widespread on a large number of autos the world over and this has made them extraordinarily widespread 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 folks will truly purchase them.
What this additionally means is that aftermarket wheels in 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 signifies that bolt-on tuning components aren’t solely available, they’ll typically be had for a lot lower than you would possibly suppose.
In contrast to many different automobiles, the place off-the-shelf upgrades are a little bit laborious to seek out, there’s an entire host of fundamental tuning components for the MX-5 – together with stainless-steel exhausts and efficiency air filters – for nearly any funds.
The elemental precept of engine tuning is to get extra air into the cylinders so extra gas 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 via a high-flow filter that’s far much less restrictive than commonplace. Match that further air with extra gas and also you get extra energy. Easy.
In case your air filter takes care of the respiratory partially, 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 best way. As many consider the early fashions to be a little bit underpowered as commonplace, each horsepower counts.
One other enormous benefit in fact, is that an aftermarket exhaust will look higher and sound a lot sportier.
4. Remapping
Apart from easy bolt-on mods, the third and fourth technology MX-5s (NC and ND) may also profit from a remap via their diagnostic (OBD2) port.
Remapping is the fast and easy solution to optimise the facility output on trendy engines which are managed by an ECU. Basically a strong laptop module, the ECU takes care of essential parameters similar to fuelling and ignition timing in response to a set programme written by the producer. That is what’s generally known as the engine map.
A regular engine map is designed to make sure that the automotive works successfully in all circumstances, together with at excessive altitudes, in international locations with poor high quality gas and in essentially the most excessive temperatures.
That is so the automotive will be offered to be used virtually anyplace on the planet. A regular 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 circumstances, safely rewriting the map in favour of extra energy and torque.
Maybe better of all, a remap may also optimise another bolt-on modifications – similar to aftermarket exhausts and air filters – to take advantage of them too.
5. Turbo conversions
If fundamental engine tuning doesn’t fairly reduce the mustard, how about an much more important 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 signifies that extra gas will be burned for extra energy. The benefit of pressured 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 commonplace.
Whereas this uncommon instance has now grow to be a sought-after collector’s car, it has been a lot imitated through the years, making aftermarket turbocharger conversions a preferred selection for MX-5 homeowners.
There are various 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 unique gear producer (OEM) turbochargers from Subaru or Mitsubishi automobiles. Though you’ll need a spot {of professional} engine mapping to make every part run easily, the conversion itself is comparatively easy for any competent spanner swinger.
Failing that, in fact, you would at all times go for an aftermarket supercharger package, and even an engine swap. We’ve seen every part 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 funds.
6. Aftermarket audio
The manufacturing unit infotainment system within the newest MX-5 affords every part a Twenty first-century motorist might ever want. However as you would possibly 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 mild and driver-focused as potential, 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 just’ll be laborious pressed to seek out any early automotive 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. Because of this, in contrast to on most trendy classics, you may make the most of the newest head models with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and all of the trimmings.
And what concerning the Mk4? Effectively, 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 definitely upgraded with off-the-shelf equipment.
The truth is, putting in extra highly effective aftermarket audio system is extraordinarily widespread throughout the 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. In addition to, 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 have been constructed to be extraordinarily mild, they’re moderately outdated now and lots of go for a direct-fit brake improve to maintain every part in test. Particularly with regards to any quick highway or observe use.
Later MX-5 generations are a lot heavier than the unique choices, making brake upgrades much more vital if you wish to obtain the most effective all-around efficiency. The more practical your brakes, the much less it is advisable use them. Extra time on the accelerator is akin to extra energy, so a brake improve is a reasonably respectable mod for these on the lookout 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 best way as much as full-on big-brake conversions with enormous discs, race pads and multi-piston calipers.
8. Roll cages
One of many extra traditional additions for older fashions is a rear “roll-over” bar. Because the MX-5 has been some of the widespread observe automobiles since its inception, becoming a roll hoop – or perhaps a full cage – isn’t only a widespread modification for circuit use, it’s one thing of a necessity.
In spite of everything, it’s not like you might have 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 best way of driver safety.
There are various easy bolt-in roll bars in the marketplace, they usually have proved widespread for each mannequin through the years. Whether or not that’s to cater to competitors laws, or just for essentially the most hardcore, motorsport-inspired styling, it’s a time-tested mod that at all times seems the half.
Apart from the plain security benefits, a roll bar will assist stiffen the automotive by triangulating key factors on the chassis. This reduces flex and helps hold the optimum geometry throughout even essentially the most excessive cornering. On this means, a roll cage (or rear roll bar) is as a lot a dealing with modification as it’s for security or fashion.
9. Chassis stiffening
Talking of chassis stiffening, there are numerous different methods to strengthen and stiffen the chassis. As we stated, the MX-5 was initially constructed for vigorous dealing with, however there are nonetheless enhancements to be made throughout the complete mannequin vary.
Chassis stiffening isn’t about getting the most effective geometry, it’s about preserving the most effective geometry whenever you’re on the restrict. While you begin including in additional energy, beefed-up suspension and higher brakes, it’s simple 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 automotive too hardcore for the highway.
Sway bars lock the suspension collectively on every axle to cut back the flex below laborious cornering. By preserving the utmost tyre contact patch on the tarmac, the grip is maintained for so long as potential. Thicker ARBs merely maintain the chassis geometry for longer.
Polyurethane bushes are additionally a preferred selection amongst early MX-5 homeowners. 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 could have degraded considerably by now.
Bushes are the versatile joints that maintain your chassis parts collectively. Basically, they provide a little bit damping to make your automotive driveable with out extra vibrations or metal-on-metal contact.
The difficulty with commonplace rubber bushes is that they could be a little too versatile, and they’re going to grow to be much more slack as time goes on. The elevated extra motion pushes the chassis geometry away from optimum on the highway.
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 widespread funding for all MX-5s from the Mk1 to the Mk4.
10. Bucket seats
Becoming seats which are particularly designed to cease you from sliding round when cornering – or to assist the usage of racing harnesses – is without doubt one of the most popular 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 homeowners 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 quite a lot of selection for a budget-friendly seat swap. A lot in order that it’s simple to go flawed.
The primary mistake is shopping for seats that don’t bodily match within the tiny cabin. These commonplace ‘tombstone’ seats are small for a purpose. Aftermarket seats are primarily common gadgets, 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 remember to select properly.
One other widespread 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) sometimes got here with fundamental material upholstery.
In fact, these are getting a little bit tougher to come back by these days, however there are nonetheless just a few units on the market, particularly as many Eunos homeowners have already upgraded to aftermarket seats. On-line auctions and specialist Mazda breakers are the most effective locations to search for yours.
Phrases by Midge Burr
With 20 years’ expertise writing and enhancing modified automotive magazines, Midge Burr is an knowledgeable in all issues automobiles. He attracts on his experiences as a certified mechanic, long-time automotive builder and keen highway 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 vehicles and rally automobiles.
Keep in mind to take out modified MX-5 insurance coverage
Should you’re the proud proprietor of an MX-5 or an imported Eunos Roadster or Miata, we are able to supply insurance for your Mazda. And, as a specialist insurance coverage dealer for all issues modified automobiles, we can cover mods on a like-for-like foundation. We additionally supply agreed value cover the place we agree on the true worth of your car and any mods you might have 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 book a callback at a time that fits you.
