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, but it surely 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 today.
The preliminary concept was a easy because the automotive itself. Developed in accordance 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 automotive available on the market and even that well-equipped, however, with close to good weight distribution, a easy rag prime and rear-wheel-drive, it was an reasonably priced sportscar for the plenty.
And automotive lovers have been shopping for these iconic roadsters ever since. These days the MX-5 Owners Club is without doubt one of the largest automotive golf equipment on the planet, and that ought to inform you all the pieces 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’ve the UK-spec MX-5, a JDM Eunos Roadster, and even the US Mazda Miata, you’ll be capable 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 in relation to the later fashions which misplaced the simplicity – and arguably a bit of the driver-focused aptitude – that got here with the primary two generations.
The truth is, like all factory-spec vehicles, 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 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 final word B street thrash… and a few even work on the circuit. The MX-5 stays an infinitely well-liked weekend track day hero, in spite of everything.
The excellent news is that swapping out your suspension is a comparatively easy activity. Top and damper-adjustable coilovers can be found off-the-shelf from all the large model producers. This implies you don’t must go for an costly customized setup, nor do you must purchase an affordable package that can inevitably go unsuitable.
One different benefit of coilovers is the short and simple adjustability. For many suspension kits, switching between a quick street and a track-focused setup is a simple job, serving to you profit from this succesful little automotive in each scenario.
2. Alloy wheels
If a spot of decreasing is the preferred modification for the Mazda MX-5, a cheeky wheel swap is available in at a detailed second. What with the quantity of aftermarket wheels accessible, it’s no shock that many house owners – particularly these with early fashions – select a wheel improve for higher seems, and infrequently 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 support the dealing with as a lot as an honest suspension setup. Simply be conscious of the dimensions you select. It’s doable to suit big wheels on the early (NA and NB) fashions, however this may truly be detrimental to their drivability. Persist 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 mess of automobiles the world over and this has made them extraordinarily well-liked 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 individuals 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 will not be solely available, they will typically be had for a lot lower than you may assume.
Not like many different vehicles, the place off-the-shelf upgrades are a bit arduous to seek out, there’s an entire host of primary tuning components for the MX-5 – together with stainless-steel exhausts and efficiency air filters – for nearly any finances.
The elemental precept of engine tuning is to get extra air into the cylinders so extra gas 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 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. Customary MX-5 exhausts are notoriously restrictive so becoming an aftermarket merchandise will move gasses out of the engine extra effectively, releasing up a number of extra horsepower alongside the way in which. As many imagine the early fashions to be a bit underpowered as customary, each horsepower counts.
One other big benefit after all, 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 era MX-5s (NC and ND) may also profit from a remap by way of their diagnostic (OBD2) port.
Remapping is the short and easy option to optimise the facility output on fashionable engines which can be managed by an ECU. Basically a strong laptop module, the ECU takes care of essential parameters comparable to fuelling and ignition timing in accordance with a set programme written by the producer. That is what’s generally known as the engine map.
A typical engine map is designed to make sure that the automotive works successfully in all situations, together with at excessive altitudes, in international locations with poor high quality gas and in probably the most excessive temperatures.
That is so the automotive might be bought to be used virtually wherever on the planet. A typical 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 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 – comparable to aftermarket exhausts and air filters – to profit from 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 basically 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 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 accessible 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 customary.
Whereas this uncommon instance has now turn into a sought-after collector’s car, it has been a lot imitated over time, making aftermarket turbocharger conversions a well-liked selection for MX-5 homeowners.
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 components your self. Many of those are designed to utilise unique tools producer (OEM) turbochargers from Subaru or Mitsubishi vehicles. Though you’ll need 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, after all, you would all the time go for an aftermarket supercharger package, 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 over time. The one restrict right here is your creativeness – and your finances.
6. Aftermarket audio
The manufacturing unit infotainment system within the newest MX-5 gives all the pieces a Twenty first-century motorist might ever want. However as you may 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 Nineteen Eighties.
Now, whereas it’s additionally true that you simply’ll be arduous 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, not like on most fashionable classics, you possibly can make the most of the most recent head models with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and all of the trimmings.
And what concerning 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 definitely upgraded with off-the-shelf equipment.
The truth is, 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. In addition to, who doesn’t love a convertible with an honest sound system, eh?
7. Efficiency brake upgrades
Tiny wheels imply tiny brakes. So, whereas the Mk1 and Mk2 had been constructed to be extraordinarily mild, they’re moderately previous now and lots of go for a direct-fit brake improve to maintain all the pieces in examine. Particularly in relation to any quick street or monitor use.
Later MX-5 generations are a lot heavier than the unique choices, making brake upgrades much more necessary 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 fairly respectable mod for these on the lookout for extra velocity.
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 big 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 one of the crucial well-liked monitor vehicles since its inception, becoming a roll hoop – or perhaps a full cage – isn’t only a well-liked modification for circuit use, it’s one thing of a necessity.
In any case, it’s not like you’ve a structural metal roof to assist out within the occasion of any mishaps. Even the, a lot sought-after, hardtops accessible for early MX-5s don’t provide a lot in the way in which of driver safety.
There are various easy bolt-in roll bars available on the market, and so they have proved well-liked for each mannequin over time. 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 all the time 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 preserve 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 fashion.
9. Chassis stiffening
Talking of chassis stiffening, there are various different methods to strengthen and stiffen the chassis. As we stated, the MX-5 was initially constructed for energetic dealing with, however there are nonetheless enhancements to be made throughout your complete mannequin vary.
Chassis stiffening isn’t about getting the most effective geometry, it’s about retaining the most effective geometry once you’re on the restrict. While 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 automotive too hardcore for the street.
Sway bars lock the suspension collectively on every axle to scale back the flex underneath arduous 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 selection amongst early MX-5 homeowners. It is smart 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 bit damping to make your automotive 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’ll turn 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 well-liked 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 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 all the time look nice, too.
With a lot available on the market, to not point out direct-fit subframes to make set up fast and simple, there’s a variety 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 customary ‘tombstone’ seats are small for a motive. Aftermarket seats are basically 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 you’ll want to select correctly.
One other well-liked improve is taking the leather-based seats from the Japanese Eunos and becoming these into the UK spec vehicles which (barring a number of particular editions) sometimes got here with primary fabric upholstery.
After all, these are getting a bit more durable to come back by these days, however there are nonetheless a number of 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 professional in all issues vehicles. He attracts on his experiences as a professional mechanic, long-time automotive builder and keen street 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 vans and rally vehicles.
Bear in mind to take out modified MX-5 insurance coverage
For those who’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’ve 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.
