NA [89-98]

 

Mazda MX5 NA Performance & Tuning Parts

The original Mazda MX-5 (NA) set the template for the modern roadster: pop-up headlights, a kerb weight under a tonne, and a chassis designed around driver feel rather than outright grip. Now over 30 years old, it remains a favourite for suspension and handling upgrades, with a strong following in both road and track-day circles.

Because the NA is now well into its fourth decade, tuning work on these cars often does double duty as restoration. Ageing rubber bushes and worn dampers are common by this age, so many owners start with a full suspension refresh - coilovers or lowering springs plus new bushes and an anti-roll bar upgrade - to bring the chassis back to how it left the factory, or beyond it. Chassis bracing is also popular here, since the NA's shell can flex more than later generations, particularly on cars used for spirited driving or track days.

Braking is another common area of focus: braided lines and upgraded pads are a straightforward way to sharpen pedal feel on a car whose factory brakes were modest even when new. On the engine side, the 1.6 and 1.8-litre units respond well to induction and exhaust changes for both sound and a modest power gain, though most NA owners prioritise handling over outright power given the car's low weight to begin with.