The 4 Commandments of Miata Modification

Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is the best selling roadster of all time and the most raced car on the planet. Year after year it breaks records for tearing up the track. Racing is part of the Mazda DNA. Miatas get lighter, faster and even more nimble with each passing year. The 2019 Miata comes with more power and a higher redline than ever before.

Your Miata already has a lot in common with the Global MX-5 Cup Car, but sometimes East Texans want to add enhancements or refinement. Before you modify your Miata or any car, here’s what you need to do.

Specify Your Miata Modification Goal

If you just start changing things, you’re going to waste time and money, and you probably won’t be pleased with the end result. Why are you modifying your car in the first place? What do you hope to gain? Be more specific than just improving performance. Spell out your aesthetic goals as well as the ones related to performance.

Be Realistic

If you use your car as a daily driver, the biggest tires and turbo available might not be the best idea. High-performance tires have stiffer sidewalls, so you’ll have a less comfortable ride on rough roads. If you add a cold air intake or exhaust system for increased airflow you’ll see a horsepower gain, but your neighbors might complain it’s too loud.

Set Your MX-5 Modification Budget

A turbocharger is expensive on its own, and it takes a trained mechanic to install one properly. However, it can’t be your only upgrade, because adding that much extra power will change the way your MX-5 drives. You’ll also need new wheels, tires and other handling components. Coilovers might be the daddy of suspension upgrades, but cheap sets will be a disappointment. If you can’t afford good ones, stick with a good spring/shock combo.

Before you start to modify your Miata, research what you’ll need and get firm pricing so you can see it through to the end.

Check out our comparison of the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GT86.

Talk to Experts

At Velocity Mazda, our service technicians work on all makes and models, and they specialize in all things Mazda. When you start researching MX-5 modification, they can point you in the right direction. With their years of experience, vast Mazda knowledge and extensive training they’ll help ensure your car is as safe and efficient as possible. Schedule your service online today.

 

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