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The Mazda Miata has been a beloved sports car since its debut in 1989, known for its sleek design and outstanding handling. However, like any vehicle, there’s always room for improvement. If you’re a Miata owner looking to take your driving experience to the next level, consider modifying your car. In this article, we’ll explore five of the best modifications for the Mazda Miata, ranging from simple and affordable upgrades to more involved modifications requiring professional installation.

Best tires for Mazda Miata

Miata at world challenge
Pirelli World Challenge | Icon Sports Wire, Getty Images

The best tires for Mazda Miata are the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. These tires provide excellent grip and handling in dry and wet conditions, making them a top choice for Miata owners who enjoy spirited driving. They also offer a comfortable ride and good durability, making them an excellent choice for daily use.

Other top tire choices for the Mazda Miata include the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R and the Continental ExtremeContact Sport. Ultimately, tire choice is the most crucial modification as it is how a car contacts the road.

Adjustable coilover suspension for Miata

Mad Mike Miata at Goodwood
Mad Mike Mazda Miata | Michael Cole, Getty Images

Coilovers are a popular modification for Mazda Miata owners looking to improve their car’s handling and performance. These suspension components allow for adjustable ride height and damping, so drivers can fine-tune their car’s suspension settings to suit their driving needs.

By installing coilovers on a Miata, drivers can achieve a lower center of gravity, which improves the car’s handling and stability in corners. Additionally, coilovers provide a stiffer ride, which can help to reduce body roll and improve overall control. Some of the best brands of coilovers for a Miata are Bilstein, Fortune Auto, Ohlins, and KW.

Performance brakes for MX-5 Miata

2016 Mazda Miata mazdaspeed
2016 Mazda Miata | Victor Decolongon, Getty Images

Now that you are driving faster with more grip and control, you must also slow down. Performance brake pads and rotors can provide better heat dissipation, which means they can withstand more heat and maintain their stopping power even during intense driving conditions.

Additionally, performance brakes can provide a better pedal feel and modulation. Some popular brands of performance brakes for the Mazda Miata include Brembo, StopTech, and EBC. If you have a first-generation Miata, you can upgrade to second-generation brakes to save money. A basic brake pad upgrade can yield a lot of benefits as well.

Stiffer sway bars for Mazda Miata

Stiffer sway bars are a popular modification for Mazda Miata owners who want to improve their car’s handling and reduce body roll in corners. These suspension components connect the left and right wheels of the vehicle, and by increasing their stiffness, drivers can reduce the body roll that occurs during hard cornering.

This allows for better weight distribution and improved grip, leading to faster lap times and a more engaging driving experience. Some popular brands of stiffer sway bars for the Mazda Miata include Racing Beat, Flyin’ Miata, and Whiteline. According to Racing Beat, the sway bars will make the car more direct and planted in corners.

Bucket seat and steering wheel

1995 Mazda Miata modified
1995 Mazda Miata | Media News, Getty Images

Upgrading the seats and steering wheel in a Mazda Miata can provide several benefits for drivers who want to improve their driving experience. Bucket seats can give better support and comfort during hard cornering, reducing the amount of body movement and allowing drivers to control the car better. Upgrading the steering wheel can enable drivers to make more precise inputs and feel more connected to the road.

A smaller steering wheel can also provide much-needed leg room in the small chassis. Overall, upgrading the seats and steering wheel in a Mazda Miata can significantly improve the driving experience. It is one of the best upgrades for any car you plan to drive fast.

What modifications should you do to a Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Along with the list mentioned above, important pieces of safety equipment should be a given. While they aren’t going to improve lap times, things like a roll bar, fire extinguisher, and good seatbelts should always be some of the first things you “modify” on your car. But for the more exciting things like tires, brakes, suspension, and a seat, there are plenty of options for the beloved roadster. We encourage you to research each one and choose options that meet your needs.

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