Top Five Must Have Improvements [Archive] (2024)

triaker

28th March 2010, 16:27

So, now that I am a Miata-ite (97 STO), I have been scouring the site for upgrades to my Miata. I have found that there is a wealth of knowledge here, and so it made me wonder---what are the TOP FIVE, must have/do modifications to the NA series Miatas? So far, I have replaced the old top with a 2001 salvaged top, which gave me better fabric, a glass window, and defrost. I swapped out a cheesy aftermarket radio for an Alpine head unit with iPod control and put the iPod in the lockable middle console. I am swapping out the factory sealed beams for e-Code Hellas with Silverstar bulbs this week. So I am curious as to what people think are the must-have's for their cars.

Don't be shy!

Myah's Daddy

28th March 2010, 16:46

wannafbody

28th March 2010, 16:48

poobs

28th March 2010, 17:35

bluem65

28th March 2010, 17:47

steve jordan

28th March 2010, 17:52

Nice91

28th March 2010, 18:02

AZMX5

28th March 2010, 18:03

Darth_Firebolt

28th March 2010, 18:13

Lanny Chambers

28th March 2010, 18:24

Darth wins: unless it's been done in the past year, a brake flush will amaze you. So will new shocks and a good alignment. But those are more or less maintenance, not upgrades.

Air horns and swaybars, baby.

Darth_Firebolt

28th March 2010, 18:49

ehsteve

28th March 2010, 18:54

mineobile

28th March 2010, 19:09

gtxhawaii

28th March 2010, 19:23

wannafbody

28th March 2010, 19:56

clewlew

28th March 2010, 20:21

whiteshadow

28th March 2010, 20:26

A magnetic base push button light for the interior so you can see to put the key in the ignition.

i put an led aimed at the ignition. works great.

my fav five would be, after maintenance

tires/wheels
suspension ( shocks/sways )
brakes
e-codes
buzzer disable

GEW

28th March 2010, 20:51

Darth wins: unless it's been done in the past year, a brake flush will amaze you. So will new shocks and a good alignment. But those are more or less maintenance, not upgrades.

Air horns and swaybars, baby.

Now I'm curious--how would one be amazed by a brake flush?

just me

28th March 2010, 21:03

Erikir

28th March 2010, 21:10

shocks (they're probably beyond worn out)
alignment (see garage section)
tires (with lightweight 15" wheels.)
swaybar(s) (cheap and easy to install)
Butterfly brace (big improvement in ride quality and handling)

Notice that just about everything people are suggesting are maintenance to/improvement to handling? These are the things that make the car even more fun to drive :)

Darth_Firebolt

28th March 2010, 22:09

Now I'm curious--how would one be amazed by a brake flush?

go flush your brake fluid, then report back. : ]

CJB

28th March 2010, 23:02

I think my top 5 would have to be:

1. Front suspension inc. hubs
2. Syn fluid change
3. Repair bad oil leak. (crankshaft seal)
4. Shocks.
5. New cooling components. Hoses, thermostat, heater core, radiator, and last but not least Water Wetter. Water pump was replaced by PO.

pepsiaddict

28th March 2010, 23:07

Wowak

28th March 2010, 23:07

lets see.. if you threw a stock NA at me, the first five things I'd do would be:

1: replace the sunvisors with lights
2: shim the parking brake so its not where my knee wants to be
3: replace the driver's side door handle with a leather strap so it's not where my other knee wants to be
4: foamectomy
5: E-code headlights.

That's assuming it didn't need all the standard maintenance, which would be
1: plugs and wires
2: valve cover gasket
3: CAS O-ring
4: full fluids change
5: shifter boots

After that I'd be looking at shocks and tires.

LopatCee

28th March 2010, 23:16

Hmm, my "new" 92 has a Shasta list so Im in the same boat, just an older car!

This is what I've come up with and am in the process of doing--

New shoes--the FO had what we call Pep Boys 29.99 specials and the rears were nearly shot. I found a deal on Bridgestone Potenza AS and they were just put them on today. What a difference!

Exhaust--Racing Beat cat back-- Son got that installed on Thursday--and increased flow was noticed in a bit better low end performance. (Sounds nice--not loud--just like a fine aged wine)

Timing belt--This one is going to be tacked while son is home on spring break in a week. I don't know when the old one was changed, it should be on #2 based on mileage, but I don't know, and before I start doing long fun runs, it needs to be done.

Cold Intake--going to be put in with the timing belt, since alot of things have to move to get to the belt. Letting the engine breath makes a difference! This is the other end of the equation: what goes in, must come out.

Air Horn--the little car needs a big voice and guess what? I have to change the horn wire to the old crushed beer can OEM horn so I can get through inspection. Here in NJ air horns are verbotten. I found that out when I brought my 74 Mercury Capri out from CA with triple horns my dad put in and boy did the inspectors jump when they honked it! I still have them, but there is no room in the Toy--the Nautlius fits in like a charm, and if you have itty bitty hands its easy to install.

Next year...another Shasta list! My advice-- think hard about what your really want--go fast fun mods or does the car need more basic things like a clutch or...? There are some things Id like to do to spruce the Toy up, the seats are a bit worn and faded, but the tops in good shape and with maintenance and fiddling, its getting set right. Next winter I may have to do something like the clutch and I'm thinking of doing some suspension work.

halmcgee

28th March 2010, 23:28

triaker

29th March 2010, 03:15

triaker

29th March 2010, 03:18

jambo101

29th March 2010, 03:49

shade tree dan

29th March 2010, 04:08

utahmike

29th March 2010, 04:11

iti_uk

29th March 2010, 07:27

2. strut tie bar

Really? In the top five?

IMHO, in order;

1 - Decent tyres (with 15" wheels, optionally)
2 - Suspension refresh (new bushes and replace old dapers)
3 - Hardtop
4 - Foamectomy
5 - replace gearbox and turret oil.

Chris

Lt. Dan

29th March 2010, 07:55

#1 tires
#2 helmet
#3 gas
#4 rockstar <--- so you can stay awake after 12hr grave yard shift and still make it to.
#5 track time

This man is a GENIUS!!!

Mal

29th March 2010, 08:12

1 DRL's
2 New Horn
3 Trunk lock mod
4 Lighted rear view mirror
5 ECodes or equivalent

The first 4 can be done for $10 if you're handy and have junk yard access. You've done some of the good ones; particularly the top. Don't jump in to the suspension and engine until you've driven the car as is quite a bit and done a ton of research...

Myah's Daddy

29th March 2010, 08:20

2. strut tie bar

Even though Miata have shocks huh?

Mad Swede

29th March 2010, 08:55

The following have transformed my Miata (there oare others, but he asked for 50:

1. Illuminas
2. FM sways
3. 15" wheels with nice summer tires (winters on orig 14's also if needed)
4. Randall cowl intake
5. Synth in tranny (whatever works best for you)

JGard

29th March 2010, 09:29

not much to add here, but of what I've done to the car, here have been my favorites:

1. Hella e-codes w/ H4 bulbs
2. new steering wheel (hate the stock 91 wheel so much)
3. "normal" maintenance (plugs, wires, fluid & filter changes)
4. visor removal
5. shocks/springs (preferably swap the NB setup into the NA, gives you 1" extra suspension travel)

Vincents_c

29th March 2010, 09:57

miata54

29th March 2010, 10:01

-Frame rails
-Alignment
-Foamectomy
-Loud horn
-Shocks/springs/wheels/tires/brakes/forced induction/roll bar/driving school.

Dave:

You were doing great on the top five, until you hit #5 and then it became 12! :D

Nice91

29th March 2010, 10:09

Dave:

You were doing great on the top five, until you hit #5 and then it became 12! :D

:rofl: YOU know what I mean!! .....how do you stop once you start modding these cars?

Richard Dekker

29th March 2010, 10:13

Top Five:

1) FM Butterfly brace (you'll be amazed!)
2) 15x7 wheels (Panasports for the classic look, or something lighter) w/ GOOD to EXCELLENT 215-45-R15 tires
3) AFCO coil-overs (JIC coil-overs are a close second)
4) Braided stainless-steel brake lines w/ good brake fluid
5) TIE Borla cat-back exhaust (classic sound)
5) TIE H4 E-code headlights (Bosch, Hella, Cibie) w/ 80/100W H4 bulbs (Moss Motors low-profile headlight kit w/ HID Xenon bulbs in the low-beams is better, but more expensive)

brf0007

29th March 2010, 10:21

After just getting my car in January, my favorite things so far have been:
1) Hardtop with new weather strip (so long water leaks)
2) R&R carpet to remove mildew smell, and added in dynamat for entire interior. Sure is quiet, love that.
3) lighting above my knees. opened up mirror, added in LEDs, now when I lose things above shin level its ok. :)
4)serious 5% window tint on rear window to keep over-sized Texas truck headlights out of my face at night.

Next on list (just for Tuesday 3/30/10):
1)butterfly brace
2)Shocks

PS. where can I get butterfly brace? who sells? Thanks

Darth_Firebolt

29th March 2010, 10:29

Hey guys what about the brakes meng if you have power you need to stop O_O.

have you flushed your brake fluid yet?

Stenner302

29th March 2010, 10:58

PS. where can I get butterfly brace? who sells? Thanks

Flyin' Miata -- www.flyinmiata.com

I bought a bunch of parts (intake, full exhaust, springs, swaybars) before I had even bought my car a few years back, just anticipating what I thought I'd want. WRONG. Those are all good but my particular car needed other things instead, which could only be found by driving it for at least a few months. First 5 should have been:

1) Chassis stiffening - Butterfly is great, but at least frame rails and subframe braces.
2) Valve cover gasket
3) Swaybars
4) Take off plastic rock guard panel and find any rattles/loose bolts. I drove for 2 years with a terrible rattle because I couldn't find it with the plastic pan in place. (Turned out to be lower bolt on the alternator.)
5) Brighter Headlights

After that: tires, shocks, lowering springs, THEN engine mods. I would go turbo if doing it again.

Zoom-Zoom Guy

29th March 2010, 11:00

Stenner302

29th March 2010, 11:01

brf0007

29th March 2010, 11:33

Flyin' Miata -- www.flyinmiata.com

What have you done to me? I have spent the last hour not working and looking through their website drooling. My wish list is now even longer, and if my GF knew about this, she would probably find you and destroy you with her "whatever, everything's fine" look. Thanks a lot man... :rofl:

Gene-M

29th March 2010, 12:13

Trunk lock mod
Loud horn
DRLs
15" wheels and tires
speaker upgrade
Suspension upgrades (shocks etc.)

The first five are things I've already done. The suspension package (FM II) is something that I'm putting off for another year or two. It is not yet critical since my shocks have less than 25k on them, and my current financial demands are also telling me to wait.:bang:

Stenner302

29th March 2010, 12:16

BAHKACK

29th March 2010, 12:50

wallijonn

29th March 2010, 13:27

"Improvements"
"Upgrades"
"Modifications"

Which one?

Improvements:
Louder Horn (132dB Freeway blasters with air horns; separate relays for both)
E-Code headlights
Short Shifter & Shifter Knob
bracing
rear glass window top

Upgrades:
sway bars (alone, stock)
FM NB Stage 1 kit & sway bars (as part of a kit)
FM rails / Butterfly brace
lighter wheels & stickiest tyres
8.5mm spark plug wires w/Iridium spark plugs; optimized timing
cloth top with zipperless glass window

Modifications:
big brake kit
deuce roll bar
LSD if it's missing
cold air intake
3 point engine bay brace
Power Plant Frame brace
FI: turbo or super charger

IMO:
An improvement is something you replace when the original part is still good. An upgrade is something you replace when the original part goes bad. A modification is something that is added, usually not necessary.

Indiana Randy

29th March 2010, 17:16

triaker

31st March 2010, 02:33

All these questions lead me to a follow-up to my original post (and thanks for all the responses..so many mods to choose from!):

For those who have special edition Miatas (the M-editions, STO's, etc.)--is there any concern that the mods will detract from the value of the car, or is it a matter of function over resale (thinking I will NEVER sell my Miata, so I'll mod it to fit my needs). Or is this a concern to even bother with? Not that my STO is worth a gazillion bucks or anything.... Just curious.

Crazee_20

31st March 2010, 03:14

http://www.gomiata.com/90mapa.html

just found this.. what exactly does it come with?

owm

31st March 2010, 03:38

Errm, if you click on "additional info" it will tell you the package contents :)

4 Genuine Mazda Oil Filters with O Rings
1 Genuine Mazda Air Filter
4 NGK Spark Plugs

I think there is a typo though. Should be 1 oil filter and not 4?

http://www.gomiata.com/90mapa.html

just found this.. what exactly does it come with?

gtxhawaii

31st March 2010, 04:22

Erikir

31st March 2010, 09:36

All these questions lead me to a follow-up to my original post (and thanks for all the responses..so many mods to choose from!):

For those who have special edition Miatas (the M-editions, STO's, etc.)--is there any concern that the mods will detract from the value of the car, or is it a matter of function over resale (thinking I will NEVER sell my Miata, so I'll mod it to fit my needs). Or is this a concern to even bother with? Not that my STO is worth a gazillion bucks or anything.... Just curious.

The value of my car, which is an M edition, is how much I enjoy it.

An M edition is worth what, $5000? Mods could reduce the value to $4000 maybe? So what if I lose $1000 when I gain so much more in personal enjoyment.

I doubt my Miata is worth less than the $5000 I paid for it (the cost more in Canada). Stripped, painted, replaced rubber, mouldings, carpet, leather, upgraded suspension, rebuilt engine, supercharger...
Sure, I'll never get the money back for it, but I don't get money back after I enjoy a movie either, but I do get fun :)

IKIGAI

31st March 2010, 11:06

Some of my top five improvements are in my sig–

- FCM Shock Mounts and bumpstops (shocks too but that's maintenance right?)
- e-Codes
- Oris Windstop (awesome if you do any freeway or cold weather driving)
- Trunk console release mod (improves usability)
- Door buzz kill (dramatically improves livability)

No particular order, they're just items my Miata needed right away when I bought it. YMMV.

To your "mod special editions" question, there's plenty you can do that's reversible if you are worried about future resale value. But if you really want your car to be worth more when you sell it than when you bought it you need to either steal a Miata then resell it or buy a super low mileage example and never drive it. I'd rather drive mine and take my chances on breaking even but thats MHO...

triaker

1st April 2010, 00:11

Erikir--thanks for the input. I paid 3900 for my STO in December, and figured it would never become one of those worth-a-million rarities in a decade...lol (I wish).

So my quest has been for finding the upgrades that make the Miata more livable, more fun to drive, more economical, safer. I noticed today after starting my car to move it into the sun while installing my new e-codes and H4 bulbs that I must have a small oil leak as I had smoke coming from under the hood. I'll chase this down in the morning, but I think one of my upgrades will be to synthetic oils, as I have 122k on the car and maybe it's time to get something better performing.

And judging by the many, many replies, I'll look into improving the ride with some better shocks, and maybe something to spiff up the handling a bit.

Thanks for all the suggestions!!

utahmike

1st April 2010, 00:28

This man is a GENIUS!!!

thank you sir

vampireboy

1st April 2010, 03:07

foamectomy!!!
???

no wonder my back hurts after driving for more than 20 minutes lol

Naripsta

1st April 2010, 04:21

This is what I did to mine lol,

1. Flush out old dirty brake fluids
2. Removed rear sway bar
3. Nitto NT-450 all around

Planning to...

4. OEM Hollow Spoke wheels
5. Better tires + Speakers.

Masraum

1st April 2010, 08:39

15 inch wheels, shocks, springs

ding ding ding, we have a winner.

I also like the door lock, hold-the-door-handle-while-closing mod. I hate having to hold the door handle while closing the door if you're locking it. There's a mod to fix that in the garage.

Also, the foamectomy makes the seats more like they should be in a sportscar.

good tires (great tires)

good alignment

triaker

4th April 2010, 19:08

annamiata

4th April 2010, 19:13

supercharger
low profile head lights
shocks
15-16 wheels and tires
hard top

Too many Mods. These all my favorite.

timing belt, wiring etc.. those are required maintenance and they don't count.

Nick Nack

13th April 2010, 23:09

stimpy14

13th April 2010, 23:35

Nick Nack

18th April 2010, 19:06

heavywear

21st April 2010, 12:44

2. Nautilus Horn ($41.00) (http://www.3rdstrategy.com/3rdMillennium%20Air%20Horn%20Kit.htm)

Horn is AWESOME and was easy, thanks SO much for the link

wannafbody

21st April 2010, 15:13

415 MX 5

21st April 2010, 17:37

If it is your major hobby then anything goes. If it's also your daily driver, so much more the affordability and fun. Some great maintenance has been mentioned here, but how about plain old fun "mods" for aesthetics.

*MagnaFlow muffler for the perfect sound, quet till you put the hammer down.
*Polished style bars, not functional for safety though, but look great.
*Upgraded 4" headrest speakers from Raven Wing Performance...an amazing world of difference in your sound system w/top down at 75 mph.
*Aftermarket 15"+ wheels, I love the Chaparral S 15 X 7's.
*Reupholstered or new seat covers.
*Rosewood Eurosport steering wheel w/ matching rosewood brake handle and gear shift knob.
*White instrument gauge faces with illuminescent lighting.

I know that's more than five, so take your pick.

m97edition

21st April 2010, 19:22

My top 5 mods

1) Oris wind stop, girls love it
2) Cibie e-codes, best safety mod
3) Lock mod, use it constantly
4) Koni Sports, amazed at how much better the ride is also lowered the car to 12.5
5) Summer/Performance tires, for me RE-11's, expands handling potential exponentially

Maintenance that made a difference

1) Annual bolt tightening, you will be amazed how it makes the car stiffer
2) Motorcraft tranny fluid, eliminated a lot of shifting issues for me
3) Lanny's alignment, makes the car so tossable yet controllable when pushed
4) Zaino, lot's of compliments
5) EBC greens, great bite very little dust

Skeletonkey

21st April 2010, 19:50

Assuming the car is in great/perfect running order, my top 5 would be;

1. 15 inch wheels, tires.
2. Koni Sport Adjustable Shocks.
3. Springs.
4. A high-flow breathing system; Intake, Header, Exhaust.
5. Lighter Flywheel.

... oh & a timing bump in there somewhere...!

BTW, triaker. Great sig. line!

poormxdad

22nd April 2010, 06:03

My top 5 mods

Maintenance that made a difference

1) Annual bolt tightening, you will be amazed how it makes the car stiffer

m97,

Doing something toward that same end occurred to me the other day. I drive on some of the worst paved roads ever. I hit some pavement ridge on I-64 the other day and it made the CD player skip.

What exactly do you mean--what do you tighten?

poormxdad

m97edition

23rd April 2010, 14:47

m97,What exactly do you mean--what do you tighten?poormxdad

I have a maintenance list I do every fall and spring. In the spring I put the car up on ramps/stands and check/change tranny/diff fluid levels, inspect oil cooler lines/tires, replace brake fluid, look for leaks, etc. Anyway while I'm under there I will tighten every nut and bolt I see to spec using the Mazda workshop manual for my year car and a torque wrench. The manual is great, gives an exploded view with torque specs for each nut/bolt. The first time I did this (at ~30k miles) I was amazed at how much it "tightened" up the ride and eliminated rattles. For me it is well worth the ~30 minutes on the creeper.

Good shocks can also make a difference on things like disc skips, I have Koni yellows and love em.

poormxdad

27th April 2010, 17:52

Folks,

Apologies for derailing the thread... Here are my Top Five.

1. "Stuff the Tunnels". Absolutely without question the single thing that most changed how much I enjoy my Miata. I can listen to Jerry Garcia at 75 mph with the top down. Honest. See here http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=367581

2. Remove the visors

Those were at the top because they're free or near free.

3. Summer UHP Tires. I bought four (old compound) Azenis 615s when Discount Tire had the rebate, plus online discount, plus free shipping. Sat in my son's room over the winter. Used them as as excuse for...
4. 15 X 8 6UL in Nickel with black valves and black spline drives.

Sticky tires and lighter than 19 pound wheels--yes, 19--have really transformed driving.

5. Koni Sports with FCM NB-style mount kit, 36mm bumps

poormxdad

2002tiitomx5

27th April 2010, 21:17

71Bacon

27th April 2010, 21:23

. I have found that there is a wealth of knowledge here, and so it made me wonder---what are the TOP FIVE, must have/do modifications to the NA series Miatas?

Don't be shy!

1st would be a VooDoo shifter knob for increased performance, better mileage, improved handling, better weather, hair retention, and weight loss.

2nd would be Wire wheels, without a doubt

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs385.snc3/23518_1408271614347_1459144483_2646507_3713837_n.j pg

There are no mods after that

templar

28th April 2010, 20:52

These three are my faves...

Glass rear window.

3rd brake light flasher.

Padded console arm rest.

jimbonnie

28th April 2010, 21:33

miata54

28th April 2010, 22:13

chrisgarney

29th April 2010, 00:28

One improvement that was suggested and sounds great to me was to replace the stock rear view mirror with one that has map lights on it. Has anyone done this and if so, what did you use? One person said they used a mirror from a 1990 Buick, but didn't say what model.... This sounds like an easy mod to tie into the power from the lame light on the top of the windscreen..... Suggestions? My STO has no other interior lights.

See my write up here: http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=373895. Pretty much any lighted rear view mirror will work.

Sorry, every time someone asks this question I pimp my post, but it's also been discussed many times before. Honestly though, this would be in my top 5 mods.

Mal

29th April 2010, 09:50

I can't believe all the horn mods...use your finger!!!!Sometimes it's necessary to use the horn for warning rather than punishment. Sorry, I see you're from NY, my mistake.

Hear hear on the lighted mirror. Best interior lighting mod for sure. I think the trunk lock is the best overall.

purplecow

29th April 2010, 11:32

triaker,

If I were you, the following would be the top 5 things I would look at.

1. Suspension Upgrade... Preferably coilovers (new shocks and springs) and front swaybar.

2. 15" wheels and tires. Stay light. Actually, you already have 15" rims on the STO, so just upgrade the tires for now. You should be able to run 195/50/15 or 205/50/15 (not sure what the stock STO rim width). I splurged on my tires and it only was $500. Don't get those crappy a$$ all season tires.

3. Exhaust System.

4. Torsen limited slip differential. STOs didn't come with one. Came standard on the R-package, M-Edition, and Popular equipments package. STOs came with the base rear differential.

5. Roll bar. (I personally like the Hard Dog Hard Core Double Diagonal)

6. Appearance improvement. R-Package front and rear airdam. You already have the rear spoiler from an R-Package. Also a power antenna from a salvage yard.

Ok. That was six. But I would look into these if I were you.

Lt. Dan

29th April 2010, 11:36

Step 1: Moss Motors catalog

Step 2-4:??????

Step 5: PROFIT!!!!

Mr. Bad Example

29th April 2010, 12:36

97montego

1st May 2010, 13:21

Wivvix

1st May 2010, 14:20

Mal

1st May 2010, 20:40

gdeangel

1st May 2010, 21:11

Since it's your money:

1) Suspension upgrades (i.e. FCM, XIDA, etc. coilovers & sway bars)
2) 6UL wheels with 225/45-15 Hankook RS-3's (street) or R-compounds (track / solo)
3) Hard Dog roll bar and SFI harness
4) Increase HP (supercharger or turbo) with proper engine management hardware and software.
5) Proper seats to work with the harness.

Sorry, but such an open ended question will get you everyone's wish list of upgrades.

My advise it determine how you want to use the car and figure out what parts will most economically get you to your goal :)

Jeff Anderson

2nd May 2010, 07:30

Erikir

2nd May 2010, 11:03

What is the "T" looking thing with yellow covers or ends to the left of the panel. I've been racking my inadequate brain and can't figure it out.

Mini shift light.

wallijonn

2nd May 2010, 11:51

foamectomy!!!
???

no wonder my back hurts after driving for more than 20 minutes lol

I'm thinking of buying a used NA6 seat, removing the cover, swapping all the old foam for Memory foam, then re-installing the cover.

TetsuoMX5

2nd May 2010, 11:53

1. Good tires - on the OEM 14" alloys is fine.
2. Cupholder, OEM style or the generic flip down type.
3. E-code headlights.
4. Compact air horn.
5. Headrest speakers (if not already equipped).

The thing about an air horn is it's not full blast or nothing like an electric horn. It takes a fraction of a second for the compressor to spool up, so a very quick toot at reduced volume is possible as a more friendly greeting or warning. A full blast, long, loud honk is still available for the idiots. :D

wallijonn

2nd May 2010, 12:03

I can't believe all the horn mods...use your finger!!!!

Having been hit twice in parking lots, I now drive with both thumbs on the horn button when I'm at a Mall, the Supermarket, any store, and when in heavy traffic - local or highway (when I get trapped n the highway I'll also turn on my headlights during the day).

Last time I got hit the lady got in her car, started it, and put it into rear without looking back. Her stereo, of course, was blaring inside the car. Her windows where, of course, rolled up.

Okay, how many of you start your cars and the sound is high? How many of you pull into parking spaces, necessitating putting it into reverse when getting out? Ever notice that if there's a wall most SUVs and pickups tend to pull into their parking spot? They'll never see a little Miata when backing up.
"Beep, beep?"

Mikes95M

2nd May 2010, 16:41

1. Hella Ecodes ($76.92) (http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=350)
2. Nautilus Horn ($41.00) (http://www.3rdstrategy.com/3rdMillennium%20Air%20Horn%20Kit.htm)
3. Clutch Switch Override ($7.95) (http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4531&parentid=0&stocknumber=08-80000) & Door/Lights Buzzer Delete (free) (http://www.miata.net/garage/buzzer.html)
4. Jared's Additional Interior Lighting($45.00) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda-Miata-90-05-LED-interior-foot-well-dome-light-kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eaa1ed5f4QQitemZ20 0422643188QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcce ssories)
5. Upgraded Audio (speakers and hu)

Ecodes don't come with bulbs in this link. Here we go beating a dead horse, what stock power 55/60 bulb will work the best in this housing? This thread now has me thinking even though I don't drive this car much at night.

AndyC BRG

2nd May 2010, 22:43

My top five

- Hella ECodes (best bank for the buck)
- Shocks (Koni adj)
- FM sways
- Azenis (14") still provoke stupid grins
- Better brake pads, fluid change
- Speaker changeout (doors and headrests, caught them at 40% off, asked for them for a birthday present)

Thinking about the next five now. Father's day coming soon!

jveley

3rd May 2010, 05:31

What is the "T" looking thing with yellow covers or ends to the left of the panel. I've been racking my inadequate brain and can't figure it out.

It's the baton for the relay.

gelkins

3rd May 2010, 20:56

*Arm-restler. Okay, so I'm cheap.:D

*the storage pouch "thingy" that attaches to the area behind the headrests. It provides extra storage.

*cool air scoop

*good headrest speakers

*wind blocker (the cheaper one)

One more please - a cover for the co*ckpit

:jump:

71Bacon

5th May 2010, 00:43

Get youse some Supercharger Spray...

... just a couple 'pffsssstt pffssstt' and poof, instant blower. Spray on, no need to wipe off

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs385.snc3/23518_1408271654348_1459144483_2646508_5670985_n.j pg

from Global Chemical Unlimited, the makers of Happy Fun Ball :D

seanchris16

5th May 2010, 01:16

tops picks eh?

1. switch all fluids.
2. cat back.
3. paint job.
4. light weight wheels.
5. suspension.

optional TURBOOO!

miataintx

7th May 2010, 10:38

Mikes95M

26th May 2010, 22:05

OK, several weeks ago I ordered the Ecodes from Susquehanna MotorSports, and a week later get an email saying that they were out and have them in the mail in a couple of days. Well I still haven't got them or a reply to my email. Has anyone else had an issue with this company? Sorry that only half of my quote was shown but came from a 5-2-10 post.

Ecodes don't come with bulbs in this link. Here we go beating a dead horse, what stock power 55/60 bulb will work the best in this housing? This thread now has me thinking even though I don't drive this car much at night.

ehsteve

26th May 2010, 23:15

Mikes95M

27th May 2010, 11:18

They were backordered last year when I bought mine. Got them about a week or two later, no problems. It happens.

That's what I kind of figured. I will post again when I get them installed.

dagnabbit

27th May 2010, 11:46

the significant upgrades over the past 21 years that I felt really made a difference on my 1990 (stock stripped down model, and it's mostly stock- if I mess with significant power upgrades then I have to do significant brake and suspension upgrades. Wanted to see how long Mazda engineering would last. So far, 21 years and 300K+ miles.)

1. more airflow through the engine without cramming airflow down its throat. Very good thing. :-)
- Borla stainless catback
- High flow cat
- Racing Beat intake w K/N filter

2. Synth fliuds in tranny and differential. I think this made more of a difference than using synth in the engine... engine oil will break down, dino or synth.

3. Good tires on factory alloys. My 14" alloys are so lightweight. Good skins are crucial for any level of performance. I try to find a balance of wet/dry road handling since it's my daily driver.

4. heavy front and rear sway bars. Haven't done a performance suspension yet. Will do in the future and I know this will make a huge difference. But the sway bars really changed the handling for me.

5. Voodoo shift knob. I had no idea it would make THAT much difference from the stock knob. 6 years later and I still think it's one of the best bang for the buck upgrades I've ever done.

For me, anything that changes the feel from my hands to the road (either shift knob or steering wheel, since that's what my hands are on, to the tires on the pavement) was significant. I guess that can be interpreted any number of ways and will mean different things to different drivers.

Mikes95M

2nd June 2010, 22:51

They were backordered last year when I bought mine. Got them about a week or two later, no problems. It happens.

Another week gone by and they haven't replied to my emails and their toll free number will not connect....always sounds like a fast busy signal. I am getting worried!

Mikes95M

11th June 2010, 22:40

Another week gone by and they haven't replied to my emails and their toll free number will not connect....always sounds like a fast busy signal. I am getting worried!

They are having a cash flow problem and dropped their toll free number. After a call to their regular number, I was assured the lights would ship soon. I received them tonight and agree that this was a good thing to go with the E codes! :jump:

I can't wait until a nice fog free night to go out and fine tune the light pattern. :thumbs:

triaker

12th June 2010, 22:58

Disaster

17th June 2010, 08:15

Good stuff, this thread.

I like dividing the list into maintenance and upgrades.

From a maintenance side...15-20 years is a long time and things that might not be part of regular maintenance, should be looked at.

1. Anything rubber or intended to seal or flex should be looked at. The top ones that come back over and over are; CAS seal. Valve cover gasket. Rear main seal. heater hoses. shifter boots. Timing belt if not done already.

2. Fluid fills. The obvious, but also brake fluid change, radiator flush, trans and diff oils.

3. Anything that might rust or corrode. Grease brake pins. Lube in shifter turret (part of boot job.)

4. Wheels and tires. The stock wheels are great, but on some older cars they have been replaced with heavy aftermarket wheels. Light wheels are one of the things that make this car drive great. Find a deal on stock wheels or replace with lightweight aftermarket ones (Konig makes very reasonably priced lightweight wheels.) Put decent rubber on the car. Some cars haven't been driven much so they have lots of tread left on very old, hardened tires. Put new sticky rubber on.

5. Shocks. If it is running on the original shocks they are not performing as intended...not after a couple of centuries. KYB GR2's are the least expensive replacement, and get good reviews.

6. Good alignment, camber/toe adjust. There are lots of threads on how much an improvement this can make on handling.

There are some great upgrades available from the community.

1. Replace sealed beams with H4 e-codes. Much, much brighter and better distributed light.

2. Foamectomy. Huge difference for taller individuals.

3. Wind blocker. A favorite of people with longer hair. Can actually talk on your cell phone with top down. Highway cruising not so tiring. Can drive on cold nights, with top down and heater on comfortably.

4. Roll bar. Some controversy on this one, but it is the only way you will recover from putting it shiny side down.

5. Horn replacement. Haven't done this one myself, but stock horn is really quiet and you really WANT to be noticed in this car.

6. Shock bump stops and mounts. The NA suffers from a lack of suspension travel, and the suspension stops abruptly on the stock bump stops. After market stops, like the ones by FatCatMotorsports, will yield a bit more travel and a more progressive stop at the end of the travel. You can get more travel still, with after market mounts, also from FCM or FM (FlyinMiata) or ISC Racing.

7. Stiffer sway bar. FM, Racing Beat make them.

lets see.. if you threw a stock NA at me, the first five things I'd do would be:

1: replace the sunvisors with lights
2: shim the parking brake so its not where my knee wants to be
3: replace the driver's side door handle with a leather strap so it's not where my other knee wants to be
4: foamectomy
5: E-code headlights.

That's assuming it didn't need all the standard maintenance, which would be
1: plugs and wires
2: valve cover gasket
3: CAS O-ring
4: full fluids change
5: shifter boots

After that I'd be looking at shocks and tires.

lawaimike

17th June 2010, 16:41

I LOVE this thread, I'm gonna' do it all. My favorite mod, though, is the DLR (daylight running lights) also called the "Twilight" mod. Search for it here, there is lots of good info, or click the cardomain link below to see what I did, fast, cheap, works good, and now people see me! :D

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3827829/4

poobs

17th June 2010, 18:19

whiteshadow

17th June 2010, 20:31

Go turbo. They will have to chisel your face to get your smile off

mmm turbo....i am so wanting to do this. especially since the motor only has 6k miles on it. 9psi would be enough for me.

TURBOKID

17th June 2010, 21:25

97montego

18th June 2010, 20:45

9psi would be enough for me.

HAHAHAHAHHAHHHAHHHAHHAHHAHa!!!! rofl. :D Gasp, Gasp HAHAHA!!

84im

18th June 2010, 21:11

So far I've installed:
1. better headlights
2. louder horn
3. Magnaflow muffler (muffler was free-sounds nice-cost me $75 to install
4. Big front brakes (949), including brake proportioning valve (FM)
5. New, street/track brake pads
6. New iPod stereo
7. New headset speakers
8. New center counsel
9. 949 15 x 8 6UL wheels (awesome)
10. 225/45 Hanooks
11. Full suspension upgrade: (Koni shocks (including front Race, coilovers, 949 endlinks, FM sways, and Fat Cat bump stops.
12. Boss Frog roll bar (this will be my street/track car), but I'm not happy with how it has affected the seat belt retractors.

Future Mod:
Supercharger or turbo
Clutch upgrade/flywheel to go with Super/turbo
Racing seat & harness

whiteshadow

18th June 2010, 21:25

HAHAHAHAHHAHHHAHHHAHHAHHAHa!!!! rofl. :D Gasp, Gasp HAHAHA!!

should i go for more?

triaker

19th June 2010, 14:21

AZautoXr

19th June 2010, 18:40

1) Konis
2) Racing Beat hollow front swaybar
3) Racing Beat header
4) Borla stainless catback
5) TIRES !!!

Now, if I was allowed to bunch a few of those together:

1) Suspension, and include coilovers and stiffer springs
2) Intake/exhaust to let it breeeeeeeaaaathe!
3) Lightest wheels and best tires money can buy
4) Cold side supercharger, either MP62 or FFM kit
5) NC brakes on an NA would be ... SOOOO Sweet

Only 5, right? :D <mad laughter>

edger

2nd September 2010, 04:14

Get youse some Supercharger Spray...

... just a couple 'pffsssstt pffssstt' and poof, instant blower. Spray on, no need to wipe off

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs385.snc3/23518_1408271654348_1459144483_2646508_5670985_n.j pg

from Global Chemical Unlimited, the makers of Happy Fun Ball :D

How did you install the prm filter? I have one laying around from my old MX-3 and didn't the miata in the list of their website. you got instructions to help a fellow miata owner?