Light, rear-wheel drive and backed by a wide range of aftermarket parts, the Mazda MX5 makes a natural base for modifying. But the right MX5 mods depend on which generation you own. An NA from the early nineties needs different things from an NC or a modern ND.
This guide sets out a sensible order to modify in, then looks at where to start on each generation, from the NA (Mk1) through to the ND (Mk4).
Before you start: get the order right
The order you modify in matters as much as the parts you choose. A sensible sequence for any MX5 looks like this:
- Condition. Check the bushes, dampers, brakes and tyres, and look for rust in the sills and around the rear arches. New parts will not perform properly on a tired chassis.
- Handling. Suspension and good tyres come first. On a car this light, better body control and grip make a noticeable difference without any extra power.
- Braking. Uprated pads and braided brake lines give a firmer, more consistent pedal, which matters once the car is cornering harder.
- Power and sound. An exhaust adds sound and character, and is the natural next step once the chassis is sorted.
Following this order means each upgrade builds on the last, rather than exposing a weakness elsewhere.
MX5 NA (Mk1) mods
Built from 1989 to 1997, the NA is the original MX5, instantly recognisable by its pop-up headlights. It was offered with 1.6 and 1.8 engines and has near 50/50 weight distribution, which makes it a rewarding car to develop.
Where to start: suspension. On a car of this age, original dampers are likely to be worn, so a quality coilover kit can transform how it drives. Kits designed specifically for the NA include the MeisterR ZetaSport, while the MeisterR Sportive and TEIN Street Basis Z cover both the NA and NB. Our guide to the benefits of coilovers explains what to look for.
Next steps: braided brake lines and uprated pads, followed by an exhaust. Because the NA is a light, low-powered car, a well-chosen exhaust adds plenty of character without the car feeling out of balance.
Shop parts for your car in our MX5 NA collection.
MX5 NB (Mk2) mods
The NB was built from 1998 to 2005. It kept the same basic formula as the NA but swapped the pop-ups for fixed headlights and gained a glass rear window. The 1.8 engine produced 140hp at launch, rising to 146hp with the 2001 facelift.
Where to start: suspension again. The MeisterR Sportive and TEIN Street Basis Z coilover kits cover both the NA and NB, making the NB just as easy to set up. Adding uprated anti-roll bars, such as those from Whiteline, lets you fine-tune the balance between front and rear grip.
Next steps: brakes, then an exhaust. If you are choosing between springs and a full kit, our guide to lowering springs vs coilovers covers the trade-offs.
Shop parts for your car in our MX5 NB collection.
MX5 NC (Mk3) mods
Built from 2005 to 2015, the NC weighs around 1,080kg, against 955kg for the original NA. The 1.6 engine was dropped, leaving a 1.8 and a 2.0, and from 2006 the NC became the first MX5 offered with a retractable hard top.
Where to start: body control. With more weight to control than the earlier cars, tighter suspension makes a clear difference to how the NC turns in and settles in corners. A coilover kit is the most complete solution, but uprated anti-roll bars are an effective first step on their own, reducing roll without changing the ride height.
Next steps: braided brake lines and pads, then an exhaust. A performance exhaust gives the NC a more purposeful sound.
Shop parts for your car in our MX5 NC collection.
MX5 ND (Mk4) mods
On sale since 2015, the ND returned the MX5 to its roots. It is around 100kg lighter than the NC, bringing it back to roughly the weight of the original 1989 car. It is offered with 1.5 and 2.0 engines, and in 2018 the 2.0 was raised from 160hp to 184hp. Alongside the soft top, the RF (Retractable Fastback) has an electrically folding roof.
Where to start: stance and body control. If you want a lower, more planted look without losing the car's everyday usability, you have two routes. Lowering springs offer a modest fixed drop at a lower cost, while coilovers add adjustable height and matched damping. Our guide to lowering springs vs coilovers explains which suits your driving.
Next steps: an exhaust, then brakes. As the ND is the newest generation, some cars may still be under warranty, so check how any modification affects your cover before fitting.
Shop parts for your car in our MX5 ND collection.
Where to start, at a glance
|
Generation |
Years |
Engines |
First mod |
Next steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NA (Mk1) |
1989 to 1997 |
1.6, 1.8 |
Coilovers |
Brake lines and pads, exhaust |
|
NB (Mk2) |
1998 to 2005 |
1.6, 1.8 |
Coilovers |
Anti-roll bars, brakes, exhaust |
|
NC (Mk3) |
2005 to 2015 |
1.8, 2.0 |
Coilovers or anti-roll bars |
Brakes, exhaust |
|
ND (Mk4) |
2015 onwards |
1.5, 2.0 |
Lowering springs or coilovers |
Exhaust, brakes |
Upgrades that suit every MX5
Whichever generation you own, these upgrades apply across all four:
- Coilovers. Adjustable ride height and damping matched to the springs. Browse our full range of coilovers, including kits from BC Racing.
- Anti-roll bars. Uprated anti-roll bars reduce body roll and let you adjust the car's balance without changing the ride height.
- Braided brake lines. Braided brake hoses from brands such as HEL Performance resist expansion under pressure for a firmer pedal. Pair them with uprated brakes for track days.
- Exhaust. A performance exhaust system gives the MX5 a sharper, more distinctive sound.
- Wheels and tyres. A lighter set of alloy wheels reduces unsprung weight and completes the look once the car is lowered.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best first mod for an MX5?
On most cars, suspension. Coilovers or uprated anti-roll bars improve body control and grip, and every later upgrade builds on them. On an older NA or NB, check the condition of the bushes and dampers first.
Which MX5 generation is best to modify?
Each suits a different build. The NA and NB are light and simple, with a wide choice of parts. The NC offers a 2.0 engine and a retractable hard top option. The ND is around 100kg lighter than the NC, with up to 184hp in 2.0 form.
What are some cheap MX5 mods?
Braided brake lines, uprated anti-roll bars and lowering springs all make a noticeable difference for a modest outlay compared with a full coilover kit or exhaust system.
Build your MX5
Whichever generation you drive, start with the chassis and build from there. Browse parts for your car in our MX5 collection, or go straight to the NA, NB, NC or ND. For more on suspension, read the benefits of coilovers and our guide to lowering springs vs coilovers.