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, 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 continues to be going sturdy to today.
The preliminary concept was a easy because the automotive 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 really 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 inexpensive sportscar for the lots.
And automotive lovers have been shopping for these iconic roadsters ever since. These days the MX-5 Owners Club is among the largest automotive golf equipment on the earth, and that ought to inform you every little thing that you must 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 got 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 some other 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 nearly legendary dealing with doesn’t imply that it will probably’t be improved. Particularly relating to the later fashions which misplaced the simplicity – and arguably just a little of the driver-focused aptitude – that got here with the primary two generations.
In actual fact, 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 most effective chassis efficiency and – let’s simply say – a extra engaging journey 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 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 any case.
The excellent news is that swapping out your suspension is a comparatively easy job. 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 equipment that can inevitably go improper.
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 an easy job, serving to you benefit from this succesful little automotive in each state of affairs.
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 accessible, it’s no shock that many homeowners – particularly these with early fashions – select a wheel improve for higher seems to be, 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 support the dealing with as a lot as a good suspension setup. Simply be conscious of the scale you select. It’s potential to suit enormous wheels on the early (NA and NB) fashions, however this could really 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 autos the world over and this has made them extraordinarily well-liked with aftermarket wheel producers. When one wheel will match a number of various vehicles it cuts their prices over producing designs for a single mannequin. And naturally, there’s extra likelihood that individuals will really 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 implies that bolt-on tuning elements aren’t solely available, they will usually be had for a lot lower than you may assume.
Not like many different vehicles, the place off-the-shelf upgrades are just a little exhausting to search 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 finances.
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 customary. Match that further air with extra gas and also you get extra energy. Easy.
In case your air filter takes care of the respiration partially, your exhaust is what helps the engine breathe out. Commonplace MX-5 exhausts are notoriously restrictive so becoming an aftermarket merchandise will move gasses out of the engine extra effectively, liberating up a number of extra horsepower alongside the way in which. As many imagine the early fashions to be just a little underpowered as customary, each horsepower counts.
One other enormous 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 profit from a remap via their diagnostic (OBD2) port.
Remapping is the short and easy approach to optimise the ability output on trendy engines which are managed by an ECU. Basically a robust laptop 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 generally known as the engine map.
An ordinary 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 probably the most excessive temperatures.
That is so the automotive will be bought to be used nearly wherever on the planet. An ordinary engine ought to run simply as properly 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.
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 optimise some other bolt-on modifications – comparable to aftermarket exhausts and air filters – to benefit from them too.
5. Turbo conversions
If primary engine tuning doesn’t fairly lower the mustard, how about an much more important 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 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 accessible within the early nineties. The BBR used a Garrett turbocharger and a conversion equipment (manufactured by Brodie Brittan Racing) to supply 150bhp. That’s round 35bhp over customary.
Whereas this uncommon instance has now change 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 house owners.
There are numerous 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 authentic gear producer (OEM) turbochargers from Subaru or Mitsubishi vehicles. Though you will have a spot {of professional} engine mapping to make every little thing run easily, the conversion itself is comparatively simple for any competent spanner swinger.
Failing that, in fact, you could possibly at all times go for an aftermarket supercharger equipment, and even an engine swap. We’ve seen every little thing 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 presents every little thing 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 gentle 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 exhausting pressed to search out any early automotive 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 reap the benefits of the most recent head items 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.
In actual fact, putting in extra highly effective aftermarket audio system is extraordinarily frequent throughout the complete 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. 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 have been constructed to be extraordinarily gentle, they’re fairly previous now and plenty of go for a direct-fit brake improve to maintain every little thing in verify. Particularly relating 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 the most effective all-around efficiency. The more practical your brakes, the much less that you must use them. Extra time on the accelerator is akin to extra energy, so a brake improve is a reasonably first rate mod for these in search of 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 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 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 spite of everything, it’s not like you’ve got 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 numerous 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 rules, or just for probably the most hardcore, motorsport-inspired styling, it’s a time-tested mod that at all times seems to be the half.
Other than the plain security benefits, a roll bar will assist stiffen the automotive by triangulating key factors on the chassis. This reduces flex and helps maintain the optimum geometry throughout even probably 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 fashion.
9. Chassis stiffening
Talking of chassis stiffening, there are lots of different methods to strengthen and stiffen the chassis. As we mentioned, the MX-5 was initially constructed for energetic 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 maintaining the most effective geometry whenever you’re on the restrict. If 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 beneath exhausting cornering. By maintaining 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 well-liked selection amongst early MX-5 house owners. It is sensible as a result of, because of the age of Mk1 and Mk2 fashions, it’s nearly inevitable that the usual rubber bushes can have degraded considerably by now.
Bushes are the versatile joints that maintain your chassis parts collectively. Basically, they provide just a little 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’re going to 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 well-liked 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 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 at all times 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 loads of selection for a budget-friendly seat swap. A lot in order that it’s straightforward to go improper.
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 you should definitely 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 material upholstery.
In fact, these are getting just a little tougher to come back by these days, however there are nonetheless a number of 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 most effective locations to search for yours.
Phrases by Midge Burr
With 20 years’ expertise writing and modifying modified automotive magazines, Midge Burr is an knowledgeable 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 auto beneath the solar – together with a Mazda MX-5 – from touring vehicles and racing lorries to monster vehicles and rally vehicles.
Bear 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 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 car and any mods you’ve got 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.