NB [98-05]

 

Mazda MX5 NB Performance & Tuning Parts

The second-generation MX-5 (NB) kept the NA's lightweight, rear-wheel-drive formula but moved to fixed headlights and a stiffer, more refined chassis. It's a popular base for both road tuning and motorsport use, with a wide range of suspension and brake upgrades available to sharpen what was already a well-balanced car.

The NB's stiffer shell compared to the NA means suspension upgrades tend to make a more immediate difference, without needing to address chassis flex first. Coilovers and uprated anti-roll bars are the most common starting point, giving owners control over ride height and body roll, followed by upgraded bushes to keep the geometry consistent as the factory rubber ages.

Braking upgrades — braided lines, pads and in some cases bigger discs — are a popular pairing with suspension work, particularly on cars that see track days or spirited road use. On the engine side, the NB was offered with a wider range of engines than the NA, including the VVT-equipped 1.8, and many owners look at induction and exhaust upgrades to complement the car's naturally responsive nature. As with the NA, the NB's appeal lies in balance rather than raw power, so most tuning work here is aimed at refining handling rather than chasing big performance figures.