Upgrade your Mazda Miata suspension? Read Top Miata guide!

Introduction
What is suspension?
Why Upgrade Your Suspension?
Types of Suspension Upgrades
Suspension kits
Coilovers
Sway Bars
Bushings
Braces and Strut Tower Bars
Alignment
Suspension Tuning
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

If you’re a Miata MX5 owner, you know how fun it is to drive. The nimble handling and tight steering make it an ideal car for winding roads and tight corners. However, if you’re serious about performance, upgrading your Mazda Miata suspension can take your driving experience to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll explore why upgrading your suspension is a game-changer for the Miata MX5 and what you need to know before you start. From Miata suspension kits to Miata air suspension, we will cover all relevant topics so you can get a clear picture of every suspension mod you can do to your bellowing Miata.

What is suspension

Before we get into why you should upgrade your suspension, let’s define what suspension is. Suspension is the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect your car’s wheels to its frame. Its primary function is to absorb the impact of bumps and other road irregularities to keep your car stable and comfortable. However, suspension also affects your car’s handling, steering, and braking, making it a critical component of any high-performance vehicle.

Why Upgrade Your Miata Suspension?

Now that we know what suspension is let’s explore why upgrading it can be a game-changer for your Miata MX5. The stock Miata suspension is designed to provide a balance of comfort and handling for daily driving. However, if you want to push your car to its limits on the track or twisty roads, the stock suspension can be limiting. Upgrading your suspension can:

Improve handling: A high-performance suspension can improve your car’s handling by reducing body roll, improving grip, and providing more precise steering.
Increase traction: Upgrading your suspension can also increase traction by keeping your tires in better contact with the road.
Reduce braking distance: A high-performance suspension can also improve your car’s braking performance by reducing dive and squat.
Provide a more enjoyable driving experience: A well-tuned suspension can provide a more enjoyable driving experience by making your car more responsive and engaging to drive.

Types of Miata Suspension Upgrades

Now that we know why upgrading your suspension is important, let’s explore the different types of suspension upgrades available for the Miata MX5.

Suspension kits

Mazda Miata suspension kit is a popular upgrade that can significantly improve the car’s handling and performance. There are a variety of suspension kits available for the Mazda Miata, ranging from basic lowering springs to complete coilover systems. Some Miata suspension kits also include upgraded sway bars, strut braces, to further improve the car’s handling and responsiveness. When selecting a suspension kit for your Miata, choose one that is designed specifically for your year and model, and consider your driving style and intended use of the vehicle.

Miata air suspension upgrades is less common than the other types of suspension upgrades. Miata air suspension replaces the traditional coil springs and shock absorbers with air bags and air compressors, allowing for adjustable ride height and stiffness.

One of the main benefits of Miata air suspension is its ability to provide a smooth ride even over rough roads. By adjusting the air pressure in the suspension, you can reduce the impact of bumps and potholes, making your ride more comfortable and enjoyable.

Another advantage of Miata air suspension is its versatility. You can adjust the ride height to suit your driving needs, whether you’re cruising around town, hitting the track, or attending a car show. Plus, air suspension allows you to lower your Miata for a sportier look and better aerodynamics, then raise it back up for practicality.

Coilovers

Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade for the Miata MX5. They are a complete suspension system that replaces your car’s stock springs, shocks, and struts with a fully adjustable coilover system. Coilovers allow you to adjust your car’s ride height, damping, and spring rate to suit your driving style and needs. They also offer more precise control over your car’s handling and can improve your car’s performance on the track.

The power of Sway bars

Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, are another popular suspension upgrade for the Miata MX5. Sway bars connect the left and right wheels of your car and help to reduce body roll during cornering. Upgrading your sway bars can improve your car’s handling and reduce understeer or oversteer.

Bushings

Upgrading your car’s bushings can also improve its handling and responsiveness. Stock bushings are designed for comfort, not performance, and can wear out over time. Upgrading to stiffer polyurethane or solid bushings can reduce flex and improve your car’s handling.

Braces and Strut Tower Bars

Braces and strut tower bars connect different parts of your car’s chassis, reducing flex and improving your car’s handling. These upgrades are especially useful for stiff body cars like the Miata MX5, which can benefit from additional rigidity. Strut tower bars connect the top of your car’s shock towers and help to reduce flex during hard cornering. Braces, on the other hand, connect different parts of your car’s chassis, such as the front and rear subframes, and help to improve overall stiffness and handling.

Alignment

Proper alignment is essential for getting the most out of your suspension upgrades. A professional alignment can ensure that your car’s suspension is set up to provide optimal handling, traction, and tire wear. A typical alignment will adjust your car’s camber, caster, and toe, depending on your driving needs.

Suspension Tuning

Finally, suspension tuning involves fine-tuning your suspension settings to suit your driving style and needs. This can involve adjusting your coilover settings, sway bar stiffness, and other suspension settings to optimize your car’s handling, traction, and braking performance. Tuning your suspension can take some trial and error, but the results can be well worth it.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Miata suspension can be a game-changer, providing improved handling, traction, braking, and an overall more enjoyable driving experience. Whether you’re a track enthusiast or just want to improve your daily driving, upgrading your suspension is a worthwhile investment. Just be sure to do your research, choose high-quality parts, and get your suspension professionally installed.

Top Miata offer a wide range of high-quality suspension upgrades, including coilovers, sway bars, chassis bars, and more.

FAQ

Q: Can I install suspension upgrades myself?

A: While some suspension upgrades like sway bars and bushings can be installed by a competent DIYer, more complex upgrades like coilovers and strut tower bars should be installed by a professional. Improper installation can lead to handling issues, premature wear, and even safety concerns.

Q: What’s the best suspension upgrade for the Miata MX5?

A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best suspension upgrade depends on your driving needs and goals. However, popular upgrades for the Miata MX5 include coilovers, sway bars, and strut tower braces.

Q: Will upgrading my suspension make my car ride harsher?

A: Not necessarily. While some suspension upgrades can make your car ride firmer, modern suspension technology allows for a balance of comfort and performance. Coilovers, for example, allow you to adjust your suspension settings to suit your driving needs and comfort preferences.

Q: How much does it cost to upgrade my suspension?