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Since the 1990s, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been THE answer to almost all automotive-related questions. The latest ND-generation is no different; it gives you the purest form of driving excitement. It is not blisteringly fast, but it drives so well that you don’t care about raw horsepower—until you do.
The car is already a blast, but with the right tweaks here and there, you can give it the power it deserves and improve its driving excellence even further.
Here’s our list of those right tweaks.
1. Performance Upgrades
Miataspeed/Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger
Why not go all out right away? With the Mazdaspeed/Edelbrock E-Force supercharger kit, you’ll bump up the horsepower significantly and with virtually no headache. The kit is a complete system for 2016+ ND Miata. Stage 1 comes with a 3.25-inch pulley producing 5-6psi of boost, adding around 60 more horsepower at the rear wheels.
Image: Edelbrock
The kit is CARB-legal and preserves daily driveability. It may require a professional installation if you’re not good at wrenching, but it is still pretty straightforward. There is also a Stage 2 kit that adds over 100 HP, but it requires supporting mods and is not really suitable for daily driving.
MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust System
No build is complete without more exhaust growl. Give your Miata just that, plus free up some horsepower with the MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust System. Crafted from mandrel-bent stainless steel, it delivers a less restricted exhaust flow, lighter weight, and that throaty note you crave. It bolts on easily and plays nicely with stock, tuned, or supercharged engine.
ACT XACT Streetlite Flywheel
Miss the lightning-quick throttle feel of the old cable-throttle Miatas? Swap in the ACT XACT Streetlite Flywheel to restore that old, more connected feel. It’s 40% lighter than stock, reduces rotational mass, and snaps throttle response back to life—to some extent. You’ll notice crisper revs and faster engine braking.
Fukin Tuned Throttle Response Controller
Speaking of throttle response, the Fukin Tuned throttle response controller is the right way to upgrade. Just plug in the Fukin Tuned controller after a 15-minute DIY job and eliminate that factory throttle lag for good.
The unit gives you four driving modes with nine levels in each, so you get 36 individual throttle response settings. From more pep in your step to full raw power, you can dial in your Miata’s throttle response for daily driving, track days, or spirited canyon runs. It’s the simplest and best Miata mod for an instant performance gain.
2. Chassis Bracing & Suspension
Cusco Power Braces & Strut Bars
The ND Miata is lightweight and a roadster, so its structural rigidity is not up to par with regular sports cars; its chassis flexes under load. Cure it with a suite of Cusco goodies straight from Japan. Each piece bolts in with basic tools, giving you a planted feel whether carving canyon roads or hustling through cones at your local autocross event.
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Front Power Brace – Stiffens the front end for sharper turn-in.
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Floor Center & Rear Power Braces – Tie the chassis together for balanced rigidity.
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Front Strut Bar – Reduces strut tower twist and improves steering feedback.
Cusco Street Zero A Coilovers
To reduce body roll and fine-tune the handling characteristics of your ND Miata, a set of quality coilover suspension setup like the Cusco Street Zero A is the way to go. These cut body roll, offer adjustable ride height and damping, and actually improve ride comfort over the factory setup. They’re our top pick for daily-drivable street suspension.
Cusco Sway Bars
Lowered your Miata? Upgrading to stiffer Cusco front and rear anti-roll bars brings your suspension geometry back on point and minimizes even the tiniest bit of roll.
3. Braking, Wheels, and Tires
Miataspeed/Wilwood Track Day Brake Kit
High-speed corner entry demands reliable brakes. The Mazdaspeed/Wilwood Track Day Kit uses 4-piston calipers, high-performance rotors, and race-compound pads for fade-free stopping power.
The kit comes with anything you need to beef up the front brakes: Wilwood Forged Superlight calipers, 6061 billet caliper mounting brackets, MiataSpeed 340x28mm rotors, 6061 T6 Aluminum Rotor Hats, and DOT-approved stainless steel brake lines. The kit requires 17” and larger wheels.
Wheels & Tires of Your Choice
Choosing wheels is personal, but we recommend a lightweight 17″ set from a reputable brand (Rays Engineering, Enkei, etc.) to slash unsprung mass and get the looks your souped-up Miata deserves. Pair them with sticky performance rubber—Michelin Pilot Sport, Continental ExtremeContact, or similar—to maximize traction in corners and under braking. Your steering will feel crisper, and lap times will drop.
The Miata is one of the best driver’s cars right out of the box. But with the right mods, you can transform it and be surprised by how capable the ND platform really is.