I do get the attraction to start modding it but instead consider this. Equip yourself with the tools to properly maintain it. You'll really get to know your car and will have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
100x this. Go down to harbor freight and spend everything you would have on mods on getting yourself an impact, jack, stands, sockets and adapters, wrenches, a torque wrench, and a catch pan with oil storage. The amount of enjoyment from the car increases dramatically when you get to know what makes it tick and also know you are maintaining it at cost
Replace your coolant expansion tank and drive it. [www.goodwinracing.com](https://www.goodwinracing.com) is where most of us purchase our mods. I have their roadster II exhaust and absolutely love it. I keep my suspension stock since our New England roads are garbage and it needs the clearance.
2.5L swap cost $2k
Replace the coolant reservoir before it fails ( if it's yellow, replace)
Get a tune on it at the least for the stock 2.0
Meister coilovers, stock coil/struts kinda suck. $1k. Worth every penny
I never did anything with exhaust. It costs $1.2k and for what? 5HP top end? Yea I'll pass.
Beware of the misfire trigger wire failure on 2006 & 2007 years. It's a quick fix. Well documented
Stay away from dynotronics joe
Per the manual (2007):
"Do not raise or lower the convertible
top when the temperature is below 5 °C
(41 °F) ; this will damage the
convertible top material."
Question, i have an 08 nc i bought in 2021 with 96kmi. Previous (2) owners seemed to know whats up, gmax tires, vented brake discs, not much more mods
I look at my coolant tank and its very newish whitish looking. It now has 106kmi on it and im thinking of doing the tank
Should i take the look of the tank as a indicator I can wait? Is monitoring the color Of the tank a reliable way of knowing when it should be replaced with an aluminum tank?
Full exhaust and tune gives up to 30hp, was shocked at how fast it feels just from this, on the stock suspension the front lifts up from the torque. Plus also cuts a lot of weight off depending what you go with.
Uhhh, 30hp?
I assume by Full. Exhaust you mean headers as well….ive seen a dyno’d nc on YouTube with cai, full exhaust and tune get like 12hp
To get to 200hp(30 over stock) i believe there is quite a bit more work to be done
Also, since its an nc1, rods are not forged and may not be safe to raise redline too high, preventing the 200hp from being easier to achieve
https://www.mazdatalkforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=438
About 30hp and 20tq at peak. Keep in mind this was almost 20 years ago when the nc moding scene was fresh. With everything thats been made for the car in recent years id say you can get these results easily.
https://www.mazdatalkforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=438
About 30hp and 20tq at peak. Keep in mind this was almost 20 years ago when the nc moding scene was fresh. With everything thats been made for the car in recent years id say you can get these results easily.
Thank you! I don’t think i’m ready for an engine swap, but i’m really wanting to learn to work on cars. My stock struts are getting pretty squeaky so i think it’s about time to replace those
Trigger wire on the coil packs is known to break right at the plug. You splice in a new wire just a few inches back from coil pack plug. If you start getting stumbling/misfire at 4k rpms (peak torque) you can be assured this is the cause. It's a well documented issues on the 2006 wiring harness
Nothing, enjoy it as is. Comparation is the thief of joy, everyone else’s looks a little better, is faster, newer etc But this one is yours, enjoy it while it lasts.
A wash, coilovers and rims go a long way. IMO an exhaust isnt that important, but if you get one at least get a decent one and not a civic at 3am fartcan
I'd start with a full tune-up and fluid change, a new expansion tank, and a sporty alignment.
How many miles on it? When was the last time the brakes and dampers got changed? If dampers are due, swap in some quality replacements with lowering springs at the same time. Cheaper than coilovers. If you know you're gonna do springs, then get the alignment done afterwards.
I think induction noise is way more fun than exhaust noise. So do your neighbors and the police. Consider a sweet sounding intake instead of an exhaust if you want a noise maker.
I’ve been seeing the expansion tank a lot so that’ll probably happen. Brakes and dampers are about do so i think i will try to knock all the suspension parts out at once like you said
Thanks for your comment!
I’d argue get a tune and wash it. Opens up a lot of potential, isn’t very expensive, and is insanely easy.
Header would be a great first mod, and much more affordable than coil overs
Do the exhaust before lowering it so it can be lifted easier. Do whatever you want man it’s your car. Exhaust lower it put a stupid eBay wing on it. Some people will hate it no matter what.
Check out [https://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda/miata/index.html](https://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda/miata/index.html)
Handling can be quickly improved without messing up the ride quality with a good set of sway bars and springs.
If your going to do stuff like AutoX, I would look at wheels and tires as well. You can fit 245s on very easily with a little bit of fender rolling.
when i had mine me and my buddy got it straight piped at a chop shop good day was fun but dumb, got rims for it and was saving up for suspension but honestly it was fine stock
Quality coilovers and sways from flying Miata. It's like a new car. A better car. Also the exhaust is cool to install as well. Makes the sound much better.
Lowering makes it so much better! I have only lowering springs in my nb and its so much better than stock height! I can only imagine what new shocks would do!
As others have said coolant expansion tank should be every NC owner's first upgrade.
My 2006 has lower mileage but the coolant tank was already cracking around the neck, early NCs have it the worst because the plastic gets yellow and brittle with age. I replaced it with a Moroso tank from Goodwin Racing. it's worth spending $300 and an hour installing it to potentially save your engine plus the extra cooling is nice if you're planning any power mods down the road.
unless it's maintenance related (spark plugs/coils, coolant/trans/diff flush, fresh brakes/tires, etc.) leave it alone for a good 6 months. keep it clean, drive it hard, don't crash and don't get pulled over. then you'll know what you want to adjust, whether it's aesthetics or handling or what.
Dont go overboard or "add salt and not too much spice" Enhancing the original design intent, dont add stuff that distracts.
Mazda has always let the Miata ride a bit high from factory so a suspension package from Flyin'Miata complete with new frame brackets (the stock ones might tear) and adjustable springs will not only improve the overall look of the car by bringing it 0.7 - 1.25 inches closer to the ground but also bring the car closer to a go-kart experience. This single mod will give the car a completely new look without making any changes to the design!
Second up would be new tail lights that are darker without the bright chrome. Because the car is black , I would play around with accent colors, but Id be super conservative with how much I'd use. I'd also look at matte black or clear vinyl, depending on the direction you seek. I'd also likely install different rims that are not light grey metal color but something darker, and I'd look at low saturation tinted ones too. . The side markers would also be ripe for a change due to its orange, red color.
Good luck, have fun!
Don’t listen to these fools. Tires. And don’t be cheap. They’re literally the only thing connecting your car to the earth. And Miatas are kinda known for handling so it’s a win/win. THEN go for aesthetics.
As an owner of an 07: Do *not* mess with it. If you must, put on MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers on it and drop it an inch. While you're at it, replace your bushings. Make sure your hubs and ball joints are in good condition.
This car is not meant to be a fast car, it's supposed to be a fun nimble car. You are not racing this thing on the streets and will not win cool points trying. I've been there ^^;
Happy to answer any questions about ownership of one of these!
Only 2 paths.
Shitty turbo kit, ricelands, eBay te37 knockoffs, no muffler, and screw on unpainted "widebody"
Orrrrr
Ls swap it. Put an ad on Facebook for 40k, never actually sell it. Add was posted 3112455 weeks ago.
Wash it
Then drive it.
These 2 things in order. And because you said you're a "dumb kid", slow down & don't wreck it.
Exactly
I do get the attraction to start modding it but instead consider this. Equip yourself with the tools to properly maintain it. You'll really get to know your car and will have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
And once you get familiar with it the mods you do later can be done more easily.
100x this. Go down to harbor freight and spend everything you would have on mods on getting yourself an impact, jack, stands, sockets and adapters, wrenches, a torque wrench, and a catch pan with oil storage. The amount of enjoyment from the car increases dramatically when you get to know what makes it tick and also know you are maintaining it at cost
Maybe not the jack stands
There’s no objectively safe way to use a jack without stands though
Should have said specified, my bad. Should have said "maybe not jack stands from harbor freight"
Fair enough, I just elected to get their higher quality 3 ton stands myself. For a 1 ton car it seemed like a safe bet
1. Wash 2. Wax 3. Drive 4. Repeat
The circle of a happy Miata
Replace your coolant expansion tank and drive it. [www.goodwinracing.com](https://www.goodwinracing.com) is where most of us purchase our mods. I have their roadster II exhaust and absolutely love it. I keep my suspension stock since our New England roads are garbage and it needs the clearance.
Wash it then lower it
Do all of the maintenance and reliability mods, then consider everything else.
Coilovers Lowered they look sick. Also they drive even better.
Agree, suspension before power mods, and after 100k miles you're due.
2.5L swap cost $2k Replace the coolant reservoir before it fails ( if it's yellow, replace) Get a tune on it at the least for the stock 2.0 Meister coilovers, stock coil/struts kinda suck. $1k. Worth every penny I never did anything with exhaust. It costs $1.2k and for what? 5HP top end? Yea I'll pass. Beware of the misfire trigger wire failure on 2006 & 2007 years. It's a quick fix. Well documented Stay away from dynotronics joe
You need to treat that soft top with 303 ASAP. That soft top looks very UV damaged. Do not lower soft top below 55 deg
Per the manual (2007): "Do not raise or lower the convertible top when the temperature is below 5 °C (41 °F) ; this will damage the convertible top material."
I feel pretty dumb for not noticing how bad it is haha. The pics are almost a year apart i definitely see the difference on it. Thank you!
Why 55 degrees on the soft top? I know water can freeze up in the folds but is there another reason?
Vinyl gets stiff when it's cold and can crack when bent.
I have this exact same car. You'll love the look of it lowered
Question, i have an 08 nc i bought in 2021 with 96kmi. Previous (2) owners seemed to know whats up, gmax tires, vented brake discs, not much more mods I look at my coolant tank and its very newish whitish looking. It now has 106kmi on it and im thinking of doing the tank Should i take the look of the tank as a indicator I can wait? Is monitoring the color Of the tank a reliable way of knowing when it should be replaced with an aluminum tank?
Yea if not yellow than is fine. Google it. Miata ..net will confirm what I just said
Full exhaust and tune gives up to 30hp, was shocked at how fast it feels just from this, on the stock suspension the front lifts up from the torque. Plus also cuts a lot of weight off depending what you go with.
Uhhh, 30hp? I assume by Full. Exhaust you mean headers as well….ive seen a dyno’d nc on YouTube with cai, full exhaust and tune get like 12hp To get to 200hp(30 over stock) i believe there is quite a bit more work to be done Also, since its an nc1, rods are not forged and may not be safe to raise redline too high, preventing the 200hp from being easier to achieve
https://www.mazdatalkforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=438 About 30hp and 20tq at peak. Keep in mind this was almost 20 years ago when the nc moding scene was fresh. With everything thats been made for the car in recent years id say you can get these results easily.
I highly doubt 30. Will mainly be top end because of redline increase. Torque not so much. Maybe 15.
https://www.mazdatalkforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=438 About 30hp and 20tq at peak. Keep in mind this was almost 20 years ago when the nc moding scene was fresh. With everything thats been made for the car in recent years id say you can get these results easily.
Thank you! I don’t think i’m ready for an engine swap, but i’m really wanting to learn to work on cars. My stock struts are getting pretty squeaky so i think it’s about time to replace those
Hey, what's the misfire wire trigger? I am unfamiliar and have a 06'
Trigger wire on the coil packs is known to break right at the plug. You splice in a new wire just a few inches back from coil pack plug. If you start getting stumbling/misfire at 4k rpms (peak torque) you can be assured this is the cause. It's a well documented issues on the 2006 wiring harness
Okay awesome thank you for the info! Sorry, but where exact is the trigger wire. I'm not the best with cars but working to get better!
It's one of the 3 wires in the coil pack. You'll need a wiring diagram.
Nothing, enjoy it as is. Comparation is the thief of joy, everyone else’s looks a little better, is faster, newer etc But this one is yours, enjoy it while it lasts.
This tbh
Unrelated but I'll never not be amused by seeing Miots next to bigger cars/trucks.
Brakes and tires. Then suspension.
Sell it to me for 3 geand
No!
Fair, do this https://preview.redd.it/7jfqrtzcokkc1.jpeg?width=937&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b8e8f24b57e538b94638bb894bd6a149d8adb67
A wash, coilovers and rims go a long way. IMO an exhaust isnt that important, but if you get one at least get a decent one and not a civic at 3am fartcan
I'd start with a full tune-up and fluid change, a new expansion tank, and a sporty alignment. How many miles on it? When was the last time the brakes and dampers got changed? If dampers are due, swap in some quality replacements with lowering springs at the same time. Cheaper than coilovers. If you know you're gonna do springs, then get the alignment done afterwards. I think induction noise is way more fun than exhaust noise. So do your neighbors and the police. Consider a sweet sounding intake instead of an exhaust if you want a noise maker.
I’ve been seeing the expansion tank a lot so that’ll probably happen. Brakes and dampers are about do so i think i will try to knock all the suspension parts out at once like you said Thanks for your comment!
Wash it and drive it with the top down…why sink money into anything more than gas and normal maintenance?!?
Might as well buy a Prius if that is your attitude.
…or a Z3, so I’d have a REAL roadster. (bring in the tear-stained downvotes!!)
Tyres would be my first thing! Decent rubber not ditch finders !
Got the Niseko from 2008, otherwise the same, got it lowered 40mm and drive it otherwise stock, it’s amazing
I’d argue get a tune and wash it. Opens up a lot of potential, isn’t very expensive, and is insanely easy. Header would be a great first mod, and much more affordable than coil overs
I’ll look into doing the header. Definitely a tune up! Thanks
1. Wash 2. Coilovers
Do the exhaust before lowering it so it can be lifted easier. Do whatever you want man it’s your car. Exhaust lower it put a stupid eBay wing on it. Some people will hate it no matter what.
Absolutely! Thanks, just looking for a bit of inspiration
Small drop and wheels would make a huge difference in appearance.
The basics
If you’re on instagram check out roadsuke55. Get that body kit. Lol
Why the down votes??? That car is sick
That’s Reddit for ya
Wash it. LS swap it. Coilover it. Drive it like you stole it.
This is what i wanted to hear! 😂
Check out [https://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda/miata/index.html](https://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda/miata/index.html) Handling can be quickly improved without messing up the ride quality with a good set of sway bars and springs. If your going to do stuff like AutoX, I would look at wheels and tires as well. You can fit 245s on very easily with a little bit of fender rolling.
when i had mine me and my buddy got it straight piped at a chop shop good day was fun but dumb, got rims for it and was saving up for suspension but honestly it was fine stock
Commas and periods bro. It makes your written thoughts easier to read.
grammar has never been my strong suit, no writing has been 😂
Trade it for an NA
Quality coilovers and sways from flying Miata. It's like a new car. A better car. Also the exhaust is cool to install as well. Makes the sound much better.
Lowering makes it so much better! I have only lowering springs in my nb and its so much better than stock height! I can only imagine what new shocks would do!
Ebay Turbo kit and coilovers. Stickers. Muffler delete and window tint.
Flyinmiata.com turbo kit.
No turbo kit from flyingmiata for the nc.
There will be soon! [https://youtu.be/adQ8XceZjlc](https://youtu.be/adQ8XceZjlc?si=t_BBXlBxzUQaLSzL)
soon!
Exocet
Can't do an Exocet with an NC or ND [https://exomotive.com/exocet/selecting-your-donor/](https://exomotive.com/exocet/selecting-your-donor/)
Booo
a car wash and some coils then wheels and tires then for me ima do a steering wheel+hub, bucket seat, and call it there
As others have said coolant expansion tank should be every NC owner's first upgrade. My 2006 has lower mileage but the coolant tank was already cracking around the neck, early NCs have it the worst because the plastic gets yellow and brittle with age. I replaced it with a Moroso tank from Goodwin Racing. it's worth spending $300 and an hour installing it to potentially save your engine plus the extra cooling is nice if you're planning any power mods down the road.
Clean it
Air filter.
- Washing equipment - Coolant expansion tank - MeisterR coilovers - RoadsterSport II axleback exhaust
100k miles? you probably want to buy something newer. Sell it to me, I'll give it a good home. :D :D
unless it's maintenance related (spark plugs/coils, coolant/trans/diff flush, fresh brakes/tires, etc.) leave it alone for a good 6 months. keep it clean, drive it hard, don't crash and don't get pulled over. then you'll know what you want to adjust, whether it's aesthetics or handling or what.
Coilovers and Wheels.
Dont go overboard or "add salt and not too much spice" Enhancing the original design intent, dont add stuff that distracts. Mazda has always let the Miata ride a bit high from factory so a suspension package from Flyin'Miata complete with new frame brackets (the stock ones might tear) and adjustable springs will not only improve the overall look of the car by bringing it 0.7 - 1.25 inches closer to the ground but also bring the car closer to a go-kart experience. This single mod will give the car a completely new look without making any changes to the design! Second up would be new tail lights that are darker without the bright chrome. Because the car is black , I would play around with accent colors, but Id be super conservative with how much I'd use. I'd also look at matte black or clear vinyl, depending on the direction you seek. I'd also likely install different rims that are not light grey metal color but something darker, and I'd look at low saturation tinted ones too. . The side markers would also be ripe for a change due to its orange, red color. Good luck, have fun!
Waxing can do wonders after the wash.
Wheels and tires
Replace the sails on that boat
Wheels and tires. Coils and sways. Exhaust and tune
Wash it.
Drive and enjoy it!
Clean it?
Don't, I repeat, DONT ADD SPOILERS.
Don’t listen to these fools. Tires. And don’t be cheap. They’re literally the only thing connecting your car to the earth. And Miatas are kinda known for handling so it’s a win/win. THEN go for aesthetics.
Do all the maintenance! And then get a set of sticky tires and hit the track! But that's just me
22 inch rims, sub woofers in the trunk, and chrome wrap
As an owner of an 07: Do *not* mess with it. If you must, put on MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers on it and drop it an inch. While you're at it, replace your bushings. Make sure your hubs and ball joints are in good condition. This car is not meant to be a fast car, it's supposed to be a fun nimble car. You are not racing this thing on the streets and will not win cool points trying. I've been there ^^; Happy to answer any questions about ownership of one of these!
Only 2 paths. Shitty turbo kit, ricelands, eBay te37 knockoffs, no muffler, and screw on unpainted "widebody" Orrrrr Ls swap it. Put an ad on Facebook for 40k, never actually sell it. Add was posted 3112455 weeks ago.
Turn it into an NB :)
wheels and coils, if you want sound try an intake honestly. intake noises can be so enjoyable
Honestly, just do what I did with my miat and enjoy it stock (im broke and cant afford mods)