Top 10 Best CHEAP MX-5 Miata Engine Mods!

The original MX-5 Miata was released with a measly power level that even your grandma would snicker out. But have no fear there are some very accessible parts that can add a modest amount of extra pep, starting with. ⇊ More ⇊

Cold Air Intake: 0:27
Exhaust Headers: 1:03
Exhaust & Muffler: 1:36
14deg Timing: 2:12
RX7 Air Flow Meter: 3:03
A/C & Power Steering Delete: 3:40
Spark Plugs & Leads: 4:10
Head Skimming: 4:47
1.8 Engine Swap: 5:28
Boost: 6:11

►VIDEO INFO

Credit to "Zack Pradel" for the RX-7 footage!

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[sync]

My mod is to lose some of my own body weight. Imagine the gains!

[yowie]

No mention of "painting things red" or "adding stickers"? Disappointing.

[TheCarPassionChannel]

It might not add much in terms of power but I've always loved having a super light flywheel. On an n/a 1.8L you can hook up a 1.6L Fidanza flywheel and unprung organic clutch, total weight is around 16lbs including the clutch, compared to 32lbs+ for stock 1.8 gear. Revs are so much faster, shift speed easily cut in half and easier on the synchros with the lightweight disc.

[bakerXderek]

Getting a 92 supercharged Miata soon and can't wait. This car's a dream.

[Alstrak]

Not exactly an engine mod but the legend says, that if you turn the headlights off in a race, you will unlock the car's true potential and still lose.


Note: Only works on the NA Miata

[Adam.Piper]

As an mx5 mk1 owner, I can really appreciate this video. To me the MX5 was never about stupid levels of power, so those that engine swap or supercharge ruin the character it you ask me, but your improvements are great. There subtle, don't have any negative effects and can give you that nicer exhaust note and even restore the engine to as sweet as it was 20+years ago. Great video.

[rhiantaylor]

At least in the UK, the cool intake mod is normally assumed to go together with timing advance - to avoid pre-ignition of course.

[MrSinner]

Imma just stop the video at 0:04, thanks for the pick-me-up

[Shazzkid]

Cold air intake is good yet 99% of every installed cold air instake kit gets installed next to the exhaust 😂

[alexmessina]

Great review. Takes a huge amount of guesswork and trial end error (especially error) out squeezing HP out of the 1.6. Personally, I love the willing 1.6 and it just craves to rev out and live about 4.5K RPM. Thanks for this!

[wholelottamiata]

If you do all of these minus boost you’ll have spent $2000 and gained 15hp 😂

[pauljohnson]

Fantastic update!...I have done everything on your list except for #8...and that's next.
Previously advanced to the supercharged/intercooled route (Absolutely LOVED This) except the SC mounting brackets didn't share the love...back to N.A.
Now having a ball rowing the gears, but, between #8 and maybe a Haltech, kinda going back to the roots of the car and seeing what happens...sticking to what can be done on pump gas...It's all about the journey right? 👊 🍻

[mr.adventure]

A standalone ECU with tuning is very popular and really does make a difference. Swapping to the exhintake or the MSM intake cam on the NB engine head with an ECU upgrade is also good. ITB's with tuning and other engine mods are also done (not very often though).

[theodoun]

Your videos are fantastic Brendan! Giving me the confidence to install a turbo kit in my own na8. No hands on experience, but I am a 3rd year mech eng student, so I have a small idea of how things work! I'm from Melbourne myself so hopefully bump into you at an mx5 event one day :) cheers

[HavocJr-gbkx]

Thank you so much!!! I’m planning to get this car for my first, I’m 18 now so imma go after it. This video is exactly what I need cuz I’m definitely gonna modify it the tuner way.

[martinmiazga]

Throw a 1.8 in there with the biggest turbo you can find. Strip the interior and get rid of unnecessary weight. And now since miatas have no down force, you have yourself a plane.

[oldtimerman]

Thanks great vid, im loving my nb, what a truly enjoyable car to drive

[DmDetails]

I just detailed one of these and recorded it. Awesome car for sure!!

[petermad]

Already save the video when I buy my first Miata ❤️

[RKW]

Great video and very timely. My 1.6 is getting a few corona upgrades at the moment and when it's back together I'll have 1-7 covered. Next will be the head skim but that might have to wait a year or so. Love your videos and content. Keep up the excellent work.