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, nevertheless it pushed the boundaries of reliability into the realms of really being useable.
Over 4 generations, and greater than one million bought, the MX-5 remains to be going robust to at the present time.
The preliminary thought was a easy because the automobile 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 really enjoyable to drive!
It wasn’t the quickest automobile available on the market 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 fans have been shopping for these iconic roadsters ever since. These days the MX-5 Owners Club is among the greatest automobile golf equipment on the earth, and that ought to inform you all the pieces 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 have got 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 almost another automobile on the market.
So, with all that in thoughts, right here’s ten of the very best.
1. Coilover suspension
Simply because the MX-5 comes with nearly legendary dealing with doesn’t imply that it may’t be improved. Particularly in terms of the later fashions which misplaced the simplicity – and arguably slightly of the driver-focused aptitude – that got here with the primary two generations.
In truth, like all factory-spec vehicles, 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 the very best chassis efficiency and – let’s simply say – a extra enticing trip peak.
Nevertheless, a set of aftermarket coilovers, maybe the preferred 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 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 should go for an costly customized setup, nor do you need to purchase an inexpensive equipment that can inevitably go mistaken.
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 automobile in each scenario.
2. Alloy wheels
If a spot of reducing is the preferred modification for the Mazda MX-5, a cheeky wheel swap is available in at an in depth second. What with the quantity of aftermarket wheels obtainable, it’s no shock that many house owners – particularly these with early fashions – select a wheel improve for higher appears to be like, and sometimes higher efficiency.
For apparent causes, light-weight wheels are all the time 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 doable to suit large wheels on the early (NA and NB) fashions, however this could really be detrimental to their drivability. Stick 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 bunch of various vehicles it cuts their prices over producing designs for a single mannequin. And naturally, there’s extra likelihood that folks will really purchase them.
What this additionally means is that aftermarket wheels in your MX-5 are available in a alternative 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 elements usually are not solely available, they’ll typically be had for a lot lower than you would possibly assume.
Not like many different vehicles, the place off-the-shelf upgrades are slightly laborious to seek out, there’s a complete host of primary tuning elements 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 gasoline might be burned. An even bigger explosion means extra energy, which is why efficiency air filters can show a simple and cost-effective improve. These assist the engine “breathe in” extra simply, sucking in additional air by way of a high-flow filter that’s far much less restrictive than customary. Match that additional air with extra gasoline and also you get extra energy. Easy.
In case your air filter takes care of the respiration partly, your exhaust is what helps the engine breathe out. Normal MX-5 exhausts are notoriously restrictive so becoming an aftermarket merchandise will move gasses out of the engine extra effectively, liberating up just a few extra horsepower alongside the best way. As many imagine the early fashions to be slightly underpowered as customary, each horsepower counts.
One other large benefit in fact, is that an aftermarket exhaust will look higher and sound a lot sportier.
4. Remapping
Other than easy bolt-on mods, the third and fourth era MX-5s (NC and ND) may also profit from a remap by way of their diagnostic (OBD2) port.
Remapping is the fast and easy approach to optimise the ability output on trendy engines which can be managed by an ECU. Basically a robust pc module, the ECU takes care of essential parameters akin to fuelling and ignition timing in response to a set programme written by the producer. That is what’s often called the engine map.
A normal 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 essentially the most excessive temperatures.
That is so the automobile might be bought to be used nearly wherever on the planet. A normal engine ought to run simply as nicely 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.
After all, 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 also optimise another bolt-on modifications – akin to aftermarket exhausts and air filters – to take advantage of them too.
5. Turbo conversions
If primary engine tuning doesn’t fairly minimize the mustard, how about an much more vital energy hike with an aftermarket turbo conversion?
A turbocharger is basically an exhaust-driven pump that’s used to compress air and drive it into the cylinders. As soon as once more, extra air implies that extra gasoline might 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 obtainable within the early nineties. The BBR used a Garrett turbocharger and a conversion equipment (manufactured by Brodie Brittan Racing) to provide 150bhp. That’s round 35bhp over customary.
Whereas this uncommon instance has now turn out to be a sought-after collector’s car, it has been a lot imitated through the years, making aftermarket turbocharger conversions a well-liked alternative for MX-5 house owners.
There are various conversions available on the market for the Mk1, Mk2 and even the Mk3 MX-5 within the type of bolt-on kits that don’t require making the elements your self. Many of those are designed to utilise unique gear producer (OEM) turbochargers from Subaru or Mitsubishi vehicles. Though you will want a spot {of professional} engine mapping to make all the pieces run easily, the conversion itself is comparatively easy for any competent spanner swinger.
Failing that, in fact, you would all the time go for an aftermarket supercharger equipment, and even an engine swap. We’ve seen all the pieces 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 provides all the pieces a Twenty first-century motorist might ever want. However as you would possibly anticipate, 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 doable, and second… as a result of a lot of that stuff didn’t exist within the late Eighties.
Now, whereas it’s additionally true that you simply’ll be laborious pressed to seek out any early automobile with the usual stereo system intact, Mazda did have the foresight to go away 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, in contrast to on most trendy classics, you’ll be able to benefit from the most recent head items with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and all of the trimmings.
And what concerning the Mk4? Properly, 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.
In truth, putting in extra highly effective aftermarket audio system is extraordinarily widespread throughout all the MX-5 mannequin vary. There’s even a particular direct-fit speaker equipment for the unique JDM Eunos which got here with small audio system within the headrests. Apart from, 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 previous now and plenty of go for a direct-fit brake improve to maintain all the pieces in examine. Particularly in terms of 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 very 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 reasonably 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 best way 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 widespread observe vehicles 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 any case, it’s not like you have got a structural metal roof to assist out within the occasion of any mishaps. Even the, a lot sought-after, hardtops obtainable for early MX-5s don’t provide a lot in the best way of driver safety.
There are various easy bolt-in roll bars available on the market, and so they have proved widespread for each mannequin through the years. Whether or not that’s to cater to competitors rules, or just for essentially the most hardcore, motorsport-inspired styling, it’s a time-tested mod that all the time appears to be like the half.
Other than the apparent security benefits, a roll bar will assist stiffen the automobile by triangulating key factors on the chassis. This reduces flex and helps maintain the optimum geometry throughout even essentially the most excessive cornering. On this method, a roll cage (or rear roll bar) is as a lot a dealing with modification as it’s for security or model.
9. Chassis stiffening
Talking of chassis stiffening, there are a lot of different methods to strengthen and stiffen the chassis. As we stated, the MX-5 was initially constructed for full of life dealing with, however there are nonetheless enhancements to be made throughout all the mannequin vary.
Chassis stiffening isn’t about getting the very best geometry, it’s about retaining the very best geometry once you’re on the restrict. Once 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 automobile too hardcore for the highway.
Sway bars lock the suspension collectively on every axle to cut back the flex underneath laborious cornering. By retaining the utmost tyre contact patch on the tarmac, the grip is maintained for so long as doable. Thicker ARBs merely maintain the chassis geometry for longer.
Polyurethane bushes are additionally a well-liked alternative amongst early MX-5 house owners. It is smart as a result of, because of the age of Mk1 and Mk2 fashions, it’s nearly inevitable that the usual rubber bushes may have degraded considerably by now.
Bushes are the versatile joints that maintain your chassis parts collectively. Basically, they provide slightly damping to make your automobile driveable with out extra vibrations or metal-on-metal contact.
The difficulty with customary rubber bushes is that they could be a little too versatile, and they’re going to turn out 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 can be particularly designed to cease you from sliding round when cornering – or to assist using racing harnesses – is among 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 house owners can’t get sufficient of these aftermarket buckets. Fortunately they all the time look nice, too.
With lots available on the market, to not point out direct-fit subframes to make set up fast and simple, there’s quite a lot of alternative for a budget-friendly seat swap. A lot in order that it’s simple to go mistaken.
The primary mistake is shopping for seats that don’t bodily match within the tiny cabin. These customary ‘tombstone’ seats are small for a cause. Aftermarket seats are basically common gadgets, and plenty 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 vehicles which (barring just a few particular editions) sometimes got here with primary material upholstery.
After all, these are getting slightly tougher 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 the very best locations to search for yours.
Phrases by Midge Burr
With 20 years’ expertise writing and modifying modified automobile magazines, Midge Burr is an knowledgeable in all issues vehicles. He attracts on his experiences as a professional mechanic, long-time automobile builder and keen highway rally participant, and is satisfied he’s just about pushed each kind of car underneath the solar – together with a Mazda MX-5 – from touring vehicles and racing lorries to monster vehicles and rally vehicles.
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 will provide insurance for your Mazda. And, as a specialist insurance coverage dealer for all issues modified vehicles, we can cover mods on a like-for-like foundation. We additionally provide agreed value cover the place we agree on the true worth of your automobile and any mods you have got in order that, within the occasion of a complete loss, you’re capable of begin rebuilding.
Name us on 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that fits you.
