The Mazda Miata is a legendary sports car revered for its responsive handling and open-top fun. It’s popular around the world as an affordable yet potent sports car. Even the best cars, however, can be improved with some choice upgrades. Regardless of which Miata model you park in your garage, there is room for improvement.
Here are five must-have modifications to take your Miata to the next level using top-quality Mazda OEM parts.
1. Lower it Down with Suspension Upgrades
One of the best ways to enhance your Miata’s performance and style is to upgrade the suspension. Lowering springs and shocks like the KW V1 coilover kit will reduce body roll and improve handling by lowering the center of gravity. Sway bars and end links from brands like Progress add stiffness for flatter cornering. Don’t forget supportive chassis bracing to increase structural rigidity. With so many options and Mazda OEM parts out there, you can customize the suspension to match your driving needs.
2. Stop Faster with Big Brake Kits
The Miata’s stock brakes get the job done for street driving. At the same time, larger rotors, calipers, and performance pads from Brembo, StopTech, and other brands transform the braking. Multi-piston calipers and cross-drilled rotors provide tremendous stopping power and resistance to fade on the track. Steel-braided brake lines give a firmer pedal feel. Swapping out your brake fluid for higher temperature DOT 4 fluid completes the upgrade.
3. Stickier Footprint with Wheels and Tires
The Miata gains a broader stance and traction with wider wheels and grippy high-performance tires. Lightweight wheels like the Enkei RPF1 reduce unsprung weight for better suspension response. Sticky summer tires like the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R or Michelin Pilot Sport 4S connect you to the road. Get the right tire size to match your wheels and suspension. A squared set-up with the same width tires front and rear balances the handling.
4. Free Up Horsepower with Exhaust Upgrades
The most enjoyable way to add power to your Miata is a less restrictive exhaust system. Header upgrades reduce weight while improving exhaust flow. Cat-back exhausts like those from Racing Beat balanced sound and power gains. Or go straight piped for maximum noise. Just don’t remove the catalytic converter unless you plan to off-road only. Otherwise, a high-flow cat maintains emissions compliance. A tuned exhaust gives your Miata a bark to match its bite.
5. Turn Up the Boost Forced Induction
For truly tire-shredding power, you have to go with forced induction with a supercharger or turbocharger kit. The extra airflow packs in more power by force-feeding the engine. Kits from Flyin’ Miata and Jackson Racing add 50-100% more horsepower to transform your Miata into a monster. Supporting mods like a clutch and limited-slip diff help put the power down. Just be prepared for a serious boost in performance!
With carefully chosen upgrades using Mazda OEM parts, you can mold your Miata into the ultimate sports car. Start with suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires to sharpen handling. Then unlock more power with exhaust and forced induction modifications. The only limit is your imagination and your budget. Contact your local Mazda dealership to locate the right Mazda OEM parts to turn your dream Miata into reality.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
