The Mazda MX-5, known in the US as the Miata, is one of the most popular two-seater sports cars. It was produced in 1989 and remains popular among fans of Japanese classics. For many drivers, the Miata is genuinely the perfect car. However, even in this case, there is something to improve.
Mazda MX-5 Performance Upgrades: The Ultimate Guide
This article will discuss the available options for improving the model, which all Mazda MX-5 owners can use.
1. Installing a roll cage
The Mazda MX-5 has never been a benchmark car in terms of safety. While manufacturers achieved acceptable results with the III and IV generation models, earlier versions of the Miata, available at the crashed Mazda 3 auction, had several significant problems. To fix them, such car owners need to consider installing a safety cage. This work is not considered the most difficult, but it is responsible, so entrusting it to real professionals is better.
If positive results are achieved, the MX-5 will become a more durable vehicle and will be able to protect the driver from severe damage in case of various troubles on the road. At the same time, the changes made will not significantly impact the car’s behavior on the road. Driving will remain just as pleasant and well-controlled even at high speeds.
2. Soundproofing the interior
All versions of the Mazda MX-5 are loud sports cars that create a high noise even when driving slowly. Combined with the almost complete lack of sound insulation, this feature becomes a serious problem for some people, creating significant discomfort. To fix it, need to perform several manipulations. All of them will be aimed at improving the sound insulation of the cabin, which requires special attention. Using various noise-absorbing materials will make it possible to reduce the unpleasant sensations of the driver and passenger significantly.
This is especially important for those MX-5 owners who use their cars for long trips. The only drawback of such an upgrade may be an increase in the weight of the Miata. However, the difference between the before and after will be insignificant, and it will be almost impossible to feel its negative consequences.
3. Installing a chassis strut
The Mazda MX-5 has a reasonably strong structure. At the same time, it is inferior to many modern models in this parameter, which does not allow it to have the status of an ideal vehicle. A simple solution, such as installing a chassis strut, will help correct the situation. For specialists, this work will be pretty straightforward. It will only be necessary to achieve the optimal strength of the chassis strut attachment to the frame. Having done this, can get several significant advantages.
In addition to strengthening the entire structure, it will achieve a more pleasant feeling from driving the Miata and better car behavior on the road. If you want to make the design of the famous Japanese model even more rigid, its owners can install a strut mount strut. Such an addition will not be superfluous, and even novice drivers will notice the positive effect of its presence.
4. Replacing wheels and tires
The MX-5 models of different years use standard wheels with 14-18 inches diameter. In most cases, they are pretty heavy (especially on Miatas produced from 1989 to 2010), which is unacceptable for new cars. In this regard, to make the MX-5 more modern, it is necessary to install the lightest wheels possible. This solution will improve the quality of the ride and will have a positive effect on performance. If these wheels also have a negative offset, then the handling of the Miata will become close to ideal.
The new wheels should be complemented with modern tires. Their presence will give MX-5 owners the opportunity to feel complete control over the car and even reduce fuel consumption (because the new tires have less rolling resistance). All this will turn the Miata into an even more fabulous car than before the upgrade.
5. Replacing seats
Almost all versions of the Mazda MX-5 are comfortable but still inferior to many other sports cars in this indicator. To reach their level, Miata owners must change the interior slightly. Particular attention should be paid to the seats, significantly affecting comfort. It is recommended that these standard elements of the car’s interior be replaced with new analogs.
The latter must have an anatomical shape and various additions that support the neck, back, and other body parts during sharp acceleration and driving at high speed. Replacing the seats installed by Mazda specialists with new ones is not the cheapest task. At the same time, only beginners who have no idea about the interior of the MX-5 can call this work challenging.
6. Lowering ground clearance
It needs to be lowered to make the Mazda MX-5 even better than its original version. This means using any available means (for example, replacing the springs with shorter ones) to lower the car closer to the road surface. Having done this work, the Miata owner will receive several significant benefits. The first is a decrease in lift, thanks to which it can accelerate to higher speeds and simultaneously not experience problems with control.
Next, reducing the ground clearance will make it possible to change the car’s center of gravity (it will become closer to the road). This move will make the MX-5 more stable and prevent it from tipping over. Finally, low ground clearance will reduce air resistance, which will positively affect the aerodynamics of the Miata and its behavior when driving at high speeds.
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Final Words
Many consider the Mazda MX-5 the perfect car. It is reliable, fast, easy and pleasant to drive. However, this model requires some modernization today, which will help make it even more perfect. This article briefly describes the most accessible modification options. After reading it carefully, I believe that every Miata owner will not have problems with the work and can get the car of his dreams.
