I’m not sure I consider cleaning and fluid changes a “mod”. Seems more like regular maintenance to me. The other stuff like suspension, roll bar, wheels/tires seem like good mods. I gotta get to work on my ‘94. I hate the cheap all-seasons on it.
Nope. The first things you do when you buy a Miata is 1. Yank the stupid visors out. They are usless and usually look ugly. 2. Ditch the spare tire and jack. Pointless extra weight. 3. Yank the baby teeth. Also pointless weight and ugly. 4. Better brake pads. Stopping fast is more important than starting fast. 5. Advance the timing. Free mod for butt hp increase. All the fluids and shining up the paint are good ideas. And any NA on stock suspension is definitely going to need replacement. Good video.
@@yuankaicai9086 These are the tow hitches that protrude from the grill. So, along with ditching the spare tires and jack, and the tow hooks, Goodeggpro is preparing for you to be stranded by the side of the road if you get a flat, or need a tow. Kind of dumb for barely any improvement in handling.
Except for maintenance I would start with: 1. Roll bar 2. Wheels/tires 3. Coilovers 4. Oversized radiator 5. Brake pads After that I would make it nicer with a bucket seat, a shifter rebuild, an aftermarket steering wheel, new suspension bushings and get an aftermarket shift knob. After all that I would start with simple power upgrades like an exhaust, a header and an intake, then I would probably get the head shaved slightly.
@@ericsson_motorsportsyou’d have to be some kind of retarded magician to get a Miata to flip. That said, Delrin door bushings and Flyin’ Miata frame rail braces are worthy and relatively non-invasive additions. Aftermarket shifter and steering wheel are completely unnecessary. And the car already has bucket seats. Not the most aggressive bolstering of course, but where is your body going to shift to in a Miata? The above bracing, sway bars and new shifter bushings are probably the best things you can do for a Miata for the least money.
@@mr.butterworth i agree but when you said "you’d have to be some kind of retarded magician to get a Miata to flip" its just so funny bro lmaooo. i mean i agree its almost ipossible to flip a miata
The very first "mod" I did to my Miata is to RUST PROOF it! Flood every cavity with penetrating oil, chain lube spray, even old engine oil if you're a cheapskate. Heated vaseline/wax mix is best, but anything oily is better than nothing. I used "Fluidfilm", will put "Mike Sanders" grease in next year. Fixing rust is a royal pita, so make sure it doesn't even start.
The first things i bought were hardtop, smoked blinkers and taillights, doing fluid changes and getting new tires. Now i´m going for new wheels and new tires again.
Do Suspension first! I did almost all these mods before suspension and that was a mistake. Putting on the Flyin Miata stage 1 kit was a game changer. I still can't get over how much better the entire car is. I should've done it 2 years ago. Also, a roll bar and nice exhaust could have been in this video as well, while not as dramatic of improvements, it all makes the car more enjoyable!
Hey man, when I do long projects on my cars, they're usually full of tools and dirt from not being driven as much. A good cleaning really does feel like a mod sometimes because it completely changes the way it looks lmao
Great vid. Just bought a Miata and now I appreciate even more how previous owners took care of it. Almost all mods you mentioned are already done - hardtop, coilovers, breakes, rx8 gearknob, perfect cleaning, fresh oils, aftermarket radio - but nothing more. Still feels and looks very clean. Now it's my turn! :D
When I first got my miata, the first thing i did was make the car road worthy again, meaning i fixed all the parts that needs to be repaired as quickly as possible like the cooling system, the brakes, suspensions, and parts inside the engine like head gaskets, thermostats, thermostat housings, intake and exhaust manifold. Next is the tires, wheels and tires makes a huge difference especially when you daily drive your miata. Exterior and interior mods are the last pieces i’ve changed.
After 4 years still a good video. The first “mod” I did to my ‘92 was toss the double-folding visors and the second was upgrade the weak diff with a 1.8 diff /axles/shaft 👍
Good videos dude. Any Miata is a good start. Maintenance is always first "mod". Then new tires. Then regular oil and filter changes. Then, storage, daily driving, and finally a mate to help you clean it and praise it for being so wonderful and loved. The rest is just superfluous!
Actually, it you only go to 14deg BTDC it is ok. If you step up to 18deg BTDC then yes, you need higher octane. With fluid change, don't forget the brake and clutch fluid then replace pads (rotors if necessary). If you don't plan on any suspension mods for a while, get an alignment. Been more than 60k miles since timing belt change? Add that onto the list and if you do it, change water pump as well and probably all hoses/belts.
I completely agree with this list Alex. The only thing I think people didn't mention are the sway bars. Coilovers and sway bars together are an epic combination!
One thing that I've heard that completely changes the car are frame rails. Some people even recommend doing them before a roll bar if you arent doing autox or HPDEs regularly and need to rollbar to pass tech.
Just inherited a 1994 1.8 NA from my mother-in-law last year. Only had 60k original miles and just completed the big maintenance check at the dealership. I still did the trans, diff and gear shift fluid changes with Redline products along with the shifter rebuild kit, and put on new tires. The coolant and brake fluid had already been changed by the dealership. Completed the engine oil change last week when the odo rolled over to 65K. I also did the Delrin door bumper upgrade which noticeably stiffened it up. Will soon be throwing on the Flying Miata rail braces that are waiting in the garage along with some new Moss Miata seat covers and floor mats. Then will be changing the spark plugs and upgrading the wires to Magnecor. Will likely paint the valve cover and polish the intake manifold at the same time. Saving up for the Flying Miata 2.5 suspension kit, roll bars and wheel/tire upgrade to 15". This is fun. It has put my El Camino restoration on hold. I always have a permanent smile plastered on my face when I drive this car, even though it lacks power. I love being able to red line it on every shift and still be in total control. I used to own a 1969 MG Midget years ago and this car brings it all back, but without the engine gremlins.
My favorite mods on my '91 have been roll bar, frame rails, and sway bars. I'm running oem spec shocks and springs and this package handles great! This is my daily driver and weekend fun car so I need a setup that can do it all.
Bought a ND 2 years ago. 1. Mod : Upgradet front brakes with 4 pot calipers and steel bradet lines all around. 2. Sound tube delete. 3. Mishimoto Oil catch can. Reverse camera was already in when I bought it. 4. New stiffer springs from Eibach- original Mazda Germany part. Shocks are already Bilstein from factory. I am also OK with the factory tires ( 205/45 R 17 W Bridgestone RE 001 ) NA and NB`s runs best on 195/50-15 Hankook Semi Slick RS3 - 222 from my experience in no speed limit Germany.
One thing people often forget/neglect but is a great mod is new engine mounts. The rubber on most are usually just as bad/old as the suspension components everyone says to swap out. I'd highly recommend the Innovative mounts, you can lower your engine slightly and get even sharper handling/turn in response. With that a lot of the little body rigidity issues go away imo.
how do you only have 531 subs?! this video is solid. im only a couple weeks away from owning my first miata and ive been watching all kinds of "first things to do with a miata" videos and this is just as good a video as some of the more established channels. good on ya, you earned my sub!
Awesome video! Always glad when people mention maintenance items. It’s always important to get the car in good shape overall before worrying about power mods or things like that.
My brother talked me into getting a Miata. So I finally got myself a NA Miata from 91 like a week ago. I already like driving it. It feels like it's not been driven a lot/hard in the past (my shifter still feels really tight), but yeah, suspension is litterally the first thing I noticed. My brother installed coilovers in my car a decade ago and I already forgot how much of a difference this makes.
2 years late but I recommend removing the two front seats and lifting the carpet and cleaning all the gunk that falls UNDER the carpet. Most people find coins and random screws and bobbypins down there. While your at it, remove any of the old brittle sound deadener and add 1-2 layers of .70 thick sound deadening mat to the big flat side of the transmission tunnel and on the center of the flat part of your floor and you'll eliminate all drone from even the most annoyingly loud exhausts and the overall drive "feels" and "sounds" like your in a quality-built car. You'll also get less heat from the transmission tunnel on your leg. You only need about 20lbs worth total but it makes a HUGE difference.(for the weight-conscious: you wont feel those 20lbs, and that's likely because its weight low to the ground so it will lower your center of gravity.)
On my 97 mk 1 , I've put adjustable coil overs on, new rad, head skimmed , all new belts, sensors, relays, water pump ,new elec fan, 4 new wheel discs, calipers, pads, complete copper brake pipes , engine strut , interior strut , white dash dials, wooden steering wheel. Back half stainless steel exhaust. Better headlights and indicators .New battery. Runs great but more to do yet. I need a hard top , a roll bar and my original wheels refurbished. Could do with a respray. Owned for 10 happy driving years 🙂👍.
Only just found your page the other day. On my 4th Miata and they're the best. Your info is educational and entertaining. Look forward to binge watching everything you have . :)
I just bought a 2000 gen II. The most fun you can have in a car with clothes on. Can not go wrong. Enjoy it. Can not get over how affordable this much fun could be. Bought one and its not you? Thousands of people follow these like a cult. So there is NO problem to resale. Only thing I hear is what mods to do. Hell stock they blow away cars costing 10x what these do. Dont really see a down side to these.
1 - Rims-Tyres. 2 - 93-94 Octane Petrol. 3 - Locate window washer fluid resovoir to the boot to be friends with the battery. 4 - Drive the snot out of it and have fun, leaving the resale higher because it wasn't modded. 5 - Keep it rust free, clean and waxed.
My mod list for a miata Coilovers All round Poly bushing Ball joints Anti sway bars front and rear Tie rod links and bushing Cold air intake with u shaped pipe ARC air chamber (now rare to find goes behind radiator) Bigger throttle body with heavy spring BOSCH super 4 spark plugs 8.5 mm MSD or Magnecor plug leads/wires Headers / free flow cat/ de-resonated pipe exhaust with only racing muffler at the back ( racing beat gives the best tone without droning) Street Comp clutch and lightened flywheel. And a mega squirt ms2 stand-alone ecu For my project mx5/eunos roadster
A NA Miata comes with a Momo sport steering wheel as stock. If you have the 3 spoke wheel, get the cap of the center of the wheel out and you got a steering wheel that is awsome.
Great video! But i must say that the Miata’s stock shifter knob is actually quite nice, it has a great feel and is weighted as well, stock shifter knob+ short shifter kit= race car feel 👍
Sway bars and links, Delrin door bushings, FM butterfly brace, master cylinder brace, 200 TW tires, FM alignment, shifter rebuild with the Motorcraft fluid, upgraded brakes and, of course, all maintenance items. Nice job, keep 'em coming. Aloha
+1 master cyl. brace. I was skeptical if it would be any help on my NC until I got my mate to stomp on the pedal and saw how much the firewall flexes under heavy braking. It's not the distance so much as all the extra force you need to apply to brake hard when the whole braking assembly is moving away from you
Yo wtf!?!? I loved this video so much, looked at the time posted and realized it just came out and somehow ur a small youtuber. Lowkey mad but also glad that I’m here in the beginning. I definitely though u had like a mil sub count already... cause I really love the video style and keep them coming fr.
From a previous owner, my wish list was straight pipe,13x8 wheels,soft top delete, exhaustintake mod,itbs,spare tire relocate,2 8inch woofer out back. I got most accomplished ,except the itbs. If I had 2 more seats, I would have kept it!!!!
my Top 5 every miata mod: 1 - Wheels - Elevates the look, and completes the look 2 - Coilovers - Miata is already so low to the ground; go even lower 3 - Tow strap - you gotta show your car is gooofy ah 4 - Sway Bar - Huge difference to stiffen up the body 5 - Headlights - Nice new set of eyes brings life to the miata, full pop up headlight, or that sleeper miata look everyone loves
Great video! I'd die the priorization of mods quite similar. The only thing that should also be mentioned ist the complete replacement of the brake fluid! This might be even some decades in there, aged (and coloured) like Scottish Whisky. Brake calipper overhaul is also a recommended thing to do as a preventive maintenance for a car in its late tventies. Brake pistons often die look pretty nasty under the outer gaiters. Not expensive but you should know what you're doing. Cheers!
Tribute washer nozzles, cibie or bosch e-code headlights, a good front swaybar (before coilovers), delrin door strikers. These should be some of the first things miata owners do. You can do all of these for $200 and make a much nicer/livable daily driver. Hardtop as a first mod is a terrible idea. It's a convertible. Enjoy it as it's intended to be driven, with the top down. That's a lot of cash for a first mod that can go towards suspension or tires and then decide whether you want a hard top or not. It was the first thing I sold from my 95M (no regrets). Not to mention, in major cities they are stolen pretty regularly. I do agree with the detailing. My first miata, a red 94 was seriously faded. I waited 3 years and detailed it just before selling and the paint looked almost brand new after a solid day with a harbor freight DA polisher.
oh, I forgot one! Cleaning out behind your front fenders, cleaning/expanding your drip holes in the pinch weld, and cleaning out your rear rain rail drains.
Didn't even know you had a channel on here, been following you on insta for a little bit now 😂 Great video, lots of good information. First things I did to my miata was a shifter rebuild, wheels and tires, and coilovers and fluid changes, made a considerable difference, 100%.
The first thing I did was replace the stock radiator with and aluminum core radiator. The first cosmetic thing I did was replace the stock headlights with some LED halo lights. And next I plan to put a new stereo in, and then replace the sun visors with some LED cabin lights.
Really enjoyed the video! Points were concise, music was quiet enough to hear you talk, good video quality. Glad I found the channel, I’m hoping to get a miata soon myself.
Just bought 16X8’s XXR 513 with 0 offset and I ordered BC Racing BR Series Coilovers so I can’t wait. I went to replace my brake pads and my caliper was rusted shut so I couldn’t so I might have to go with what you said about the 1.8L brakes
my first change is going to be new suspension = coilowers, sway bars and that 's all for the suspension next thing is going to be those mounts on engine and diff and thats all for now and I forget about rolebar
5x Racing shifter rebuild(brass bushing for long term).. huge difference! Before my 6 speed felt like each gear was a neutral lol another non-performance mod is stereo/speakers especially on tired old Bose system like my 01 had
Since I live in Sweden it was kind of hard to get my hands on some paco´s strong arms or anything equivalent. So I ended up welding the front end after Flyinmiatas templates. I couldn´t believe the difference, I was honestly very disappointed of the handling before this since it behaved very very strange mid corners (coils+ns2r). But this got rid of it all, with barely any weight increase and very low cost.
i plan on getting a miata as soon as the BMV opens back up so i can take my driving test any recomendations for what i should look for when checking the condition of the car ive heard underbody rust is a common occurence
Bobis32 Commentary check for any years on the top. I got mine with a very little one so I thought it was no big deal. Then the cold came and it became huge because of how often I was trying to close it.
I'd suggest buying a couple of the cursed water plug caps so you aren't stranded for a while (part # FEA713104) and maybe start looking for an affordable speedometer cable. These are 2 items that will typically go bad. Just did the shifter rebuild, what a difference!
i do get this was posted a year and a half ago but what were the exact spec of your wheels? 15x8 +/- what exactly id guess around +25 but just wondering to be sure because i like your setup. thanks.
@@rxivild by the time you're 16 and can drive the NB will be just as cheap as the NA's are now. Sadly, by that time people will start to pump up the NA's price because it is already considered a vintage car, thus it will appreciate in value and only the shitboxes with 200k miles or clapped out slammed NA's will be available. Keep in mind the NB has all the charm and characteristics of a NA (minus the poppies :( ) and a more rigid chassis with more power.
1. Make sure all basic maintenance stuff is up to date 2. Check & Replace any worn bushings, tie-rod ends, bearings, etc 3. Brake pads 4. Wheels & Tires 5. New struts + maybe springs / coilovers 5. Dont bother adding any power until the above is done 😂
Hey Alex, your Miata is beautiful and your advice and videos are great. I’m hoping to get a Miata soon for myself. Just subscribed. Thanks again for sharing and look forward to more of your content in the future!
If you ever do ITB’s could you make a video? I’m debating between that or twin webers on my 1.6 but it’s all for the sound for me, I’m actually happy with the power atm lol and I don’t want forced induction
I want a Miata that i can put like spoilers and different bumpers and stuff on but i have no clue what year I should get or anything i literally have no idea about cars.
Great video. Good stuff. Not a fan of a roll bar in the NA with its lower seat back. Being rear-ended is way more likely than a roll-over and I don't want to whack my skull on solid steel. I would add: sway bar(s) and end links. At least a front upgrade (FM sway bar is great) if not both makes a major improvement to turn-in and cornering with no negative effect on ride quality. It isn't crazy expensive AND is relatively easy to swap. After tires, this is my favorite first performance mod suggestion even for Miatas that are only street driven and have no other suspension mods. (But this does assume that shocks, bump stops, and upper mounts are not worn out.) And right after that, headlamps. It's so nice to see better at night.
I really like my Megans. BC is good as well. Tein makes quality coilovers and the basis versions are pretty affordable IIRC. Raceland is budget friendly, my roomate has been running them for a couple years and they're pretty much worn out now. They're decent at first but far too soft and bouncy imo.
hi alex, just a friendly suggestion to rename the video if you want to be accessible to NEW miata owners! (like myself). I saw this video two months ago and it took forever to find it when I got my NB bc the title wasnt what I thought it was. Just a suggestion! keep up the great work i enjoy all the videos
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
How many times did I say "huge" in this video? 😂
Not enough!
A huge amount of time :D
I’m not sure I consider cleaning and fluid changes a “mod”. Seems more like regular maintenance to me. The other stuff like suspension, roll bar, wheels/tires seem like good mods. I gotta get to work on my ‘94. I hate the cheap all-seasons on it.
Yes
Yes
Nope. The first things you do when you buy a Miata is
1. Yank the stupid visors out. They are usless and usually look ugly.
2. Ditch the spare tire and jack. Pointless extra weight.
3. Yank the baby teeth. Also pointless weight and ugly.
4. Better brake pads. Stopping fast is more important than starting fast.
5. Advance the timing. Free mod for butt hp increase.
All the fluids and shining up the paint are good ideas. And any NA on stock suspension is definitely going to need replacement. Good video.
Hahaha forgot about the visors, I think I took them out first day.
What is the baby teeth?
I’m pulling out the sun visors in favor of the led lights that go on the visor hinge mounts.
@@yuankaicai9086 Air conditioning and power steering
@@yuankaicai9086 These are the tow hitches that protrude from the grill. So, along with ditching the spare tires and jack, and the tow hooks, Goodeggpro is preparing for you to be stranded by the side of the road if you get a flat, or need a tow. Kind of dumb for barely any improvement in handling.
Man I’m just tryin to get my ac to work
+1 lol
+1
+1
I don’t even have an AC 🙃
1+
Except for maintenance I would start with:
1. Roll bar
2. Wheels/tires
3. Coilovers
4. Oversized radiator
5. Brake pads
After that I would make it nicer with a bucket seat, a shifter rebuild, an aftermarket steering wheel, new suspension bushings and get an aftermarket shift knob.
After all that I would start with simple power upgrades like an exhaust, a header and an intake, then I would probably get the head shaved slightly.
Why is a roll bar your top priority?
@@KrysKu07 I think safety is very important and Miatas are really unsafe in rollover accidents
@@ericsson_motorsportsyou’d have to be some kind of retarded magician to get a Miata to flip. That said, Delrin door bushings and Flyin’ Miata frame rail braces are worthy and relatively non-invasive additions. Aftermarket shifter and steering wheel are completely unnecessary. And the car already has bucket seats. Not the most aggressive bolstering of course, but where is your body going to shift to in a Miata?
The above bracing, sway bars and new shifter bushings are probably the best things you can do for a Miata for the least money.
@@mr.butterworth i agree but when you said "you’d have to be some kind of retarded magician to get a Miata to flip" its just so funny bro lmaooo. i mean i agree its almost ipossible to flip a miata
Yeah they’re all hardtop convertibles, right?
Structural integrity= about balsa at high speeds.
Haven’t done a single mod since I drove it off the showroom floor in 2003. It’s perfect just the way it is.
Respect!
The very first "mod" I did to my Miata is to RUST PROOF it! Flood every cavity with penetrating oil, chain lube spray, even old engine oil if you're a cheapskate. Heated vaseline/wax mix is best, but anything oily is better than nothing. I used "Fluidfilm", will put "Mike Sanders" grease in next year. Fixing rust is a royal pita, so make sure it doesn't even start.
Suspension and alignment as well as the 5x racing shifter rebuild were both game changers for my car!
Yes! So much fun with good suspension and shifter feel.
I got all of these done... but my motor mounts are dead. It will feel awful until I replace those but I ordered some
The first things i bought were hardtop, smoked blinkers and taillights, doing fluid changes and getting new tires. Now i´m going for new wheels and new tires again.
Heck yeah! 👍🏼
Dont forget the coilovers
@@noetoto646 Got a new Bc Racing set right next to me :S
@BURNOUTS&BUTTSTUFF is that because they cost more than the car😐
Do Suspension first! I did almost all these mods before suspension and that was a mistake. Putting on the Flyin Miata stage 1 kit was a game changer. I still can't get over how much better the entire car is. I should've done it 2 years ago. Also, a roll bar and nice exhaust could have been in this video as well, while not as dramatic of improvements, it all makes the car more enjoyable!
Cleaning ? That’s now a mod.
Who says its a mod
Noah it’s in the thumbnail
Oh dindt see it in the thumbnail the title still says things to do not mods to do
He said things to do and mods
Hey man, when I do long projects on my cars, they're usually full of tools and dirt from not being driven as much. A good cleaning really does feel like a mod sometimes because it completely changes the way it looks lmao
Great vid. Just bought a Miata and now I appreciate even more how previous owners took care of it. Almost all mods you mentioned are already done - hardtop, coilovers, breakes, rx8 gearknob, perfect cleaning, fresh oils, aftermarket radio - but nothing more. Still feels and looks very clean. Now it's my turn! :D
The wind at 8:34 perfectly emphasized the top down feeling
When I first got my miata, the first thing i did was make the car road worthy again, meaning i fixed all the parts that needs to be repaired as quickly as possible like the cooling system, the brakes, suspensions, and parts inside the engine like head gaskets, thermostats, thermostat housings, intake and exhaust manifold. Next is the tires, wheels and tires makes a huge difference especially when you daily drive your miata. Exterior and interior mods are the last pieces i’ve changed.
After 4 years still a good video. The first “mod” I did to my ‘92 was toss the double-folding visors and the second was upgrade the weak diff with a 1.8 diff /axles/shaft 👍
Good videos dude. Any Miata is a good start. Maintenance is always first "mod". Then new tires. Then regular oil and filter changes.
Then, storage, daily driving, and finally a mate to help you clean it and praise it for being so wonderful and loved. The rest is just superfluous!
Advancing timing will increase your power and torque across the whole band, but it makes higher octane a necessity so the engine doesn't knock
Actually, it you only go to 14deg BTDC it is ok. If you step up to 18deg BTDC then yes, you need higher octane. With fluid change, don't forget the brake and clutch fluid then replace pads (rotors if necessary). If you don't plan on any suspension mods for a while, get an alignment. Been more than 60k miles since timing belt change? Add that onto the list and if you do it, change water pump as well and probably all hoses/belts.
@@gatorcellman ...plus crank and camshaft seals while you're in there, especially if they show signs of leakage.
Just got a 1990 miata with only 100k miles this was super helpful thanks!!
I just got a 94 with 53k miles !! Clean title too. For 5200$.. good deal?
Awesome! Happy to help.
Josh Bro got a 1997 m edition with 100k miles for 2,900
I completely agree with this list Alex. The only thing I think people didn't mention are the sway bars. Coilovers and sway bars together are an epic combination!
Nice! Yeah I don't think I've driven a miata with upgraded sway bars actually. I actually have my rear bar removed.
One thing that I've heard that completely changes the car are frame rails. Some people even recommend doing them before a roll bar if you arent doing autox or HPDEs regularly and need to rollbar to pass tech.
A lot of people mentioning frame rails! Might have to get some for my car.
@@AlexPerrucci After I get some new wheels soon they are next on the list.
Just inherited a 1994 1.8 NA from my mother-in-law last year. Only had 60k original miles and just completed the big maintenance check at the dealership. I still did the trans, diff and gear shift fluid changes with Redline products along with the shifter rebuild kit, and put on new tires. The coolant and brake fluid had already been changed by the dealership. Completed the engine oil change last week when the odo rolled over to 65K. I also did the Delrin door bumper upgrade which noticeably stiffened it up. Will soon be throwing on the Flying Miata rail braces that are waiting in the garage along with some new Moss Miata seat covers and floor mats. Then will be changing the spark plugs and upgrading the wires to Magnecor. Will likely paint the valve cover and polish the intake manifold at the same time. Saving up for the Flying Miata 2.5 suspension kit, roll bars and wheel/tire upgrade to 15". This is fun. It has put my El Camino restoration on hold. I always have a permanent smile plastered on my face when I drive this car, even though it lacks power. I love being able to red line it on every shift and still be in total control. I used to own a 1969 MG Midget years ago and this car brings it all back, but without the engine gremlins.
Heck yeah, that’s awesome! Yeah these cars are super fun! Easy to work on too.
My favorite mods on my '91 have been roll bar, frame rails, and sway bars. I'm running oem spec shocks and springs and this package handles great! This is my daily driver and weekend fun car so I need a setup that can do it all.
Bought a ND 2 years ago. 1. Mod : Upgradet front brakes with 4 pot calipers and steel bradet lines all around. 2. Sound tube delete. 3. Mishimoto Oil catch can. Reverse camera was already in when I bought it. 4. New stiffer springs from Eibach- original Mazda Germany part. Shocks are already Bilstein from factory. I am also OK with the factory tires ( 205/45 R 17 W Bridgestone RE 001 ) NA and NB`s runs best on 195/50-15 Hankook Semi Slick RS3 - 222 from my experience in no speed limit Germany.
One thing people often forget/neglect but is a great mod is new engine mounts. The rubber on most are usually just as bad/old as the suspension components everyone says to swap out.
I'd highly recommend the Innovative mounts, you can lower your engine slightly and get even sharper handling/turn in response. With that a lot of the little body rigidity issues go away imo.
Good tip! Mine probably needs this.
My NA has been sitting for 3 three years now, all it needs is a transmission. Idk why but this video really motivated me to restore it.
how do you only have 531 subs?! this video is solid. im only a couple weeks away from owning my first miata and ive been watching all kinds of "first things to do with a miata" videos and this is just as good a video as some of the more established channels. good on ya, you earned my sub!
Thank you! Glad this could be helpful!
@@AlexPerrucci This video definitely helped that sub count! 😁
Awesome video! Always glad when people mention maintenance items. It’s always important to get the car in good shape overall before worrying about power mods or things like that.
Yes! Have to.
My brother talked me into getting a Miata. So I finally got myself a NA Miata from 91 like a week ago. I already like driving it. It feels like it's not been driven a lot/hard in the past (my shifter still feels really tight), but yeah, suspension is litterally the first thing I noticed. My brother installed coilovers in my car a decade ago and I already forgot how much of a difference this makes.
Awesome!
2 years late but I recommend removing the two front seats and lifting the carpet and cleaning all the gunk that falls UNDER the carpet. Most people find coins and random screws and bobbypins down there.
While your at it, remove any of the old brittle sound deadener and add 1-2 layers of .70 thick sound deadening mat to the big flat side of the transmission tunnel and on the center of the flat part of your floor and you'll eliminate all drone from even the most annoyingly loud exhausts and the overall drive "feels" and "sounds" like your in a quality-built car. You'll also get less heat from the transmission tunnel on your leg. You only need about 20lbs worth total but it makes a HUGE difference.(for the weight-conscious: you wont feel those 20lbs, and that's likely because its weight low to the ground so it will lower your center of gravity.)
Good vid. Hardtop is a must for me
Thanks! Yeah I love hardtops haha.
Why? It's a convertible...
@@emisintra what I’m gonna do is get a soft top miat and add the hard top mounts and hard top for the winter
@@fyretnt I have a mx5 as a daily for 22 years now. I don't feel any need for a hard top in the winter
@@emisintra I may need one as I’m a Canadian but when I turn 16 I want a miata so that’s good to know
Oil catch can, differential (if yours doesn't have one), coilovers, cold air intake and hardtop. Done
On my 97 mk 1 , I've put adjustable coil overs on, new rad, head skimmed , all new belts, sensors, relays, water pump ,new elec fan, 4 new wheel discs, calipers, pads, complete copper brake pipes , engine strut , interior strut , white dash dials, wooden steering wheel. Back half stainless steel exhaust. Better headlights and indicators .New battery. Runs great but more to do yet. I need a hard top , a roll bar and my original wheels refurbished. Could do with a respray. Owned for 10 happy driving years 🙂👍.
Only just found your page the other day. On my 4th Miata and they're the best. Your info is educational and entertaining. Look forward to binge watching everything you have . :)
Thanks so much! I agree, Miata’s are super fun. 👍🏼
how long do your miatas usually live?
@@daddybeastgames2005 I keep a while til the notion strikes me to get something new. They've all been great though. 👍
Thousandth like, right here! I’m considering a Miata as a sort of a budget mid-life crisis purchase.
Perfect for that!
Im 13 and starting to save up for one
I just bought a 2000 gen II. The most fun you can have in a car with clothes on. Can not go wrong. Enjoy it. Can not get over how affordable this much fun could be. Bought one and its not you? Thousands of people follow these like a cult. So there is NO problem to resale. Only thing I hear is what mods to do. Hell stock they blow away cars costing 10x what these do. Dont really see a down side to these.
1 - Rims-Tyres.
2 - 93-94 Octane Petrol.
3 - Locate window washer fluid resovoir to the boot to be friends with the battery.
4 - Drive the snot out of it and have fun, leaving the resale higher because it wasn't modded.
5 - Keep it rust free, clean and waxed.
My mod list for a miata
Coilovers
All round Poly bushing
Ball joints
Anti sway bars front and rear
Tie rod links and bushing
Cold air intake with u shaped pipe
ARC air chamber (now rare to find goes behind radiator)
Bigger throttle body with heavy spring
BOSCH super 4 spark plugs
8.5 mm MSD or Magnecor plug leads/wires
Headers / free flow cat/
de-resonated pipe exhaust with only racing muffler at the back ( racing beat gives the best tone without droning)
Street Comp clutch and lightened flywheel.
And a mega squirt ms2 stand-alone ecu
For my project mx5/eunos roadster
Sounds awesome man! That ARC air chamber is nice.
Alex Perrucci , I’ve driven a miata with an ARC chamber installed it is just dope! it de- restricts so much air- flow at the top end, try it.
A NA Miata comes with a Momo sport steering wheel as stock. If you have the 3 spoke wheel, get the cap of the center of the wheel out and you got a steering wheel that is awsome.
Great video! But i must say that the Miata’s stock shifter knob is actually quite nice, it has a great feel and is weighted as well, stock shifter knob+ short shifter kit= race car feel 👍
Never realized it was weighted. Mine must have just been pretty worn then, my knob and wheel were gross lol.
Sway bars and links, Delrin door bushings, FM butterfly brace, master cylinder brace, 200 TW tires, FM alignment, shifter rebuild with the Motorcraft fluid, upgraded brakes and, of course, all maintenance items. Nice job, keep 'em coming. Aloha
+1 master cyl. brace. I was skeptical if it would be any help on my NC until I got my mate to stomp on the pedal and saw how much the firewall flexes under heavy braking. It's not the distance so much as all the extra force you need to apply to brake hard when the whole braking assembly is moving away from you
Yo wtf!?!? I loved this video so much, looked at the time posted and realized it just came out and somehow ur a small youtuber. Lowkey mad but also glad that I’m here in the beginning. I definitely though u had like a mil sub count already... cause I really love the video style and keep them coming fr.
Haha thank you! ❤
Very informative! I don't have a Miata yet but when I do I'm upgrading all of these! Thanks so much!
Best Miata Video I have watched so far. Watched a few
Thank you!
the shift knob was the first thing i did when i got my miata. next was the exhaust, then headlights, turn signals, tires.
Still on step 1 after 2 months, already replaced the diff, trans, starter, alternator, and am about to replace the throttle body and iac v.
From a previous owner, my wish list was straight pipe,13x8 wheels,soft top delete, exhaustintake mod,itbs,spare tire relocate,2 8inch woofer out back.
I got most accomplished ,except the itbs. If I had 2 more seats, I would have kept it!!!!
Sounds like a fun ride! Definitely understand wanting more room.
my Top 5 every miata mod:
1 - Wheels - Elevates the look, and completes the look
2 - Coilovers - Miata is already so low to the ground; go even lower
3 - Tow strap - you gotta show your car is gooofy ah
4 - Sway Bar - Huge difference to stiffen up the body
5 - Headlights - Nice new set of eyes brings life to the miata, full pop up headlight, or that sleeper miata look everyone loves
Great video!
I'd die the priorization of mods quite similar.
The only thing that should also be mentioned ist the complete replacement of the brake fluid!
This might be even some decades in there, aged (and coloured) like Scottish Whisky.
Brake calipper overhaul is also a recommended thing to do as a preventive maintenance for a car in its late tventies. Brake pistons often die look pretty nasty under the outer gaiters.
Not expensive but you should know what you're doing.
Cheers!
Tribute washer nozzles, cibie or bosch e-code headlights, a good front swaybar (before coilovers), delrin door strikers. These should be some of the first things miata owners do. You can do all of these for $200 and make a much nicer/livable daily driver. Hardtop as a first mod is a terrible idea. It's a convertible. Enjoy it as it's intended to be driven, with the top down. That's a lot of cash for a first mod that can go towards suspension or tires and then decide whether you want a hard top or not. It was the first thing I sold from my 95M (no regrets). Not to mention, in major cities they are stolen pretty regularly. I do agree with the detailing. My first miata, a red 94 was seriously faded. I waited 3 years and detailed it just before selling and the paint looked almost brand new after a solid day with a harbor freight DA polisher.
oh, I forgot one! Cleaning out behind your front fenders, cleaning/expanding your drip holes in the pinch weld, and cleaning out your rear rain rail drains.
Yes! Cleaning the pinch weld holes and rain rail is a big one. What’s different about the tribute nozzles?
The tribute nozzles plug right into the hood and are a fan spray pattern instead of the water pistol style spray of the stock ones.
Didn't even know you had a channel on here, been following you on insta for a little bit now 😂
Great video, lots of good information. First things I did to my miata was a shifter rebuild, wheels and tires, and coilovers and fluid changes, made a considerable difference, 100%.
What about rerouting the cooling system? Thanks!!
I would wholeheartedly endorse finding a shop that does corner balancing and get that done. The handling afterward is outstanding.
My shop right down the street does actually! Might have to try that.
The first thing I did was replace the stock radiator with and aluminum core radiator. The first cosmetic thing I did was replace the stock headlights with some LED halo lights. And next I plan to put a new stereo in, and then replace the sun visors with some LED cabin lights.
Nice video! I need another Miata in my life.
Yes you do!
Great content, no nonsense up to the point & precise useful information. Top gear or Hagerty should hire this guy!
Thank you!
We're still stuck on step 1: Getting it started :D - Sweet video though, bookmarked for later :)
Really enjoyed the video! Points were concise, music was quiet enough to hear you talk, good video quality. Glad I found the channel, I’m hoping to get a miata soon myself.
Thank you! Good luck with your search!
Just bought 16X8’s XXR 513 with 0 offset and I ordered BC Racing BR Series Coilovers so I can’t wait. I went to replace my brake pads and my caliper was rusted shut so I couldn’t so I might have to go with what you said about the 1.8L brakes
Nice! Yeah I’m actually still using the 1.6 brakes just with new rotors and pads.
my first change is going to be new suspension = coilowers, sway bars and that 's all for the suspension next thing is going to be those mounts on engine and diff and thats all for now
and I forget about rolebar
solid plan!
Advancing timing *increases* high-end power.
i expected far more subscribers for the quality of your videos!
Thank you!
5x Racing shifter rebuild(brass bushing for long term).. huge difference! Before my 6 speed felt like each gear was a neutral lol another non-performance mod is stereo/speakers especially on tired old Bose system like my 01 had
keep it up bro i have a miata myself and love watching ur vids !
Hey man where did you get all the oem weather strips for the hard top I just got one and dude they are the worst
Ordered them from the local Mazda dealer through my work. They have them on Moss Miata though.
@@AlexPerrucci sounds good..thanks!!
Since I live in Sweden it was kind of hard to get my hands on some paco´s strong arms or anything equivalent. So I ended up welding the front end after Flyinmiatas templates. I couldn´t believe the difference, I was honestly very disappointed of the handling before this since it behaved very very strange mid corners (coils+ns2r). But this got rid of it all, with barely any weight increase and very low cost.
You got to change out the brake fluid in the clutch fluid it's usually 20 years older more it full of water
i plan on getting a miata as soon as the BMV opens back up so i can take my driving test any recomendations for what i should look for when checking the condition of the car ive heard underbody rust is a common occurence
Bobis32 Commentary check for any years on the top. I got mine with a very little one so I thought it was no big deal. Then the cold came and it became huge because of how often I was trying to close it.
Check out this video I did, covers most of what you need to know!
ruclips.net/video/jLSQKiO4BNI/видео.html
great vid man! looking into getting my self an mx5!
well deserved subscription from me. Ive been watching your videos because im thinking about buying a miata next.
Hi, do i need to reroute the cooling system on a 1990s, thanks!
You don’t need to, mine is stock still. If you’re going to be going turbo or tracking the car alot you might want to.
@@AlexPerrucci thanks a lot !!, im new on the miatamian world, haha
I'd suggest buying a couple of the cursed water plug caps so you aren't stranded for a while (part # FEA713104) and maybe start looking for an affordable speedometer cable. These are 2 items that will typically go bad. Just did the shifter rebuild, what a difference!
Key word: affordable haha. Shifter rebuild is niceeee.
i do get this was posted a year and a half ago but what were the exact spec of your wheels? 15x8 +/- what exactly id guess around +25 but just wondering to be sure because i like your setup. thanks.
15x8 +20
Cooling system and replacing and linking both fans to the fan switch … one of the best mods also
k so i'm 16 and i'm planning maintenance for my car in 2 years
I'm 11 and researching a lot of stuff for miatas, they're my dream car
@@rxivild by the time you're 16 and can drive the NB will be just as cheap as the NA's are now. Sadly, by that time people will start to pump up the NA's price because it is already considered a vintage car, thus it will appreciate in value and only the shitboxes with 200k miles or clapped out slammed NA's will be available. Keep in mind the NB has all the charm and characteristics of a NA (minus the poppies :( ) and a more rigid chassis with more power.
13 and waiting for 18😭
@@rxivild x2, im 13
@@andrewaton3353 same age when I first saw a miata. Now I'm 17 and getting a miata in a month. Keep dreaming!
Ok stupid question but what is sticking out of the "mouth" of your front bumper. I've seen this on so many miatas.
Its a tow strap!
1. Make sure all basic maintenance stuff is up to date
2. Check & Replace any worn bushings, tie-rod ends, bearings, etc
3. Brake pads
4. Wheels & Tires
5. New struts + maybe springs / coilovers
5. Dont bother adding any power until the above is done 😂
Getting a clapped out miata next week but only has around 90k miles gonna be a awesome project
Sounds like fun! 👍🏼
ayy we rockin the some wheels! looks good bro
Kian what rims are they ?
Hey Alex, your Miata is beautiful and your advice and videos are great. I’m hoping to get a Miata soon for myself. Just subscribed. Thanks again for sharing and look forward to more of your content in the future!
Thanks so much!
this was definitely a great MOD VIDEO 🙌🏽🔥
I have 14 degrees of timing in mine and it’s pretty quick but it has less top speed in each gear
Nice! Yeah I liked mine with 14 degrees.
Hey, I was just wondering what the duck tail wing is called that you have on your car?
It’s an autokonexion ducktail trunk.
What part of Atlanta are you in? We just picked up our first Miata.
If you ever do ITB’s could you make a video? I’m debating between that or twin webers on my 1.6 but it’s all for the sound for me, I’m actually happy with the power atm lol and I don’t want forced induction
Will do for sure!
Thank you! And congrats on your subscribers, even in the 3 days since you reached 400 you’re now just shy of 600
Maverick Loggins it’s insane 😳😍 the Miata community is strong!
Alex, what is the offset on your 15x8s and brand? Thanks
+20 TR Motorsports
@@AlexPerrucci 👍
don't forget to change the blinker fluid
I want a Miata that i can put like spoilers and different bumpers and stuff on but i have no clue what year I should get or anything i literally have no idea about cars.
Great video. Good stuff. Not a fan of a roll bar in the NA with its lower seat back. Being rear-ended is way more likely than a roll-over and I don't want to whack my skull on solid steel.
I would add: sway bar(s) and end links. At least a front upgrade (FM sway bar is great) if not both makes a major improvement to turn-in and cornering with no negative effect on ride quality. It isn't crazy expensive AND is relatively easy to swap. After tires, this is my favorite first performance mod suggestion even for Miatas that are only street driven and have no other suspension mods. (But this does assume that shocks, bump stops, and upper mounts are not worn out.)
And right after that, headlamps. It's so nice to see better at night.
Did installing the roll bar get rid of the 65mph shimmy?
I'd say so. I never really noticed a specific shimmy at speed. It just felt way more solid all around after installing the bar.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR EXCELLENT EXPLANATIONS 😀👍😊👏🙏
What brand coil overs are good? Backyard Budget Build
I really like my Megans. BC is good as well. Tein makes quality coilovers and the basis versions are pretty affordable IIRC. Raceland is budget friendly, my roomate has been running them for a couple years and they're pretty much worn out now. They're decent at first but far too soft and bouncy imo.
Great video very helpful 👍🏿
Thank you, glad this helped!
Are you sure about 205's on 8" wide wheels? 7 or 7.5" is normally used for 205's 8" is 215-235mm. Great video on a great car.
where can i buy a after market steering wheel with an airbag??
thanks for the videos man always quality
Awesome Video. You look like a mix between Aaron Kyro and Gavin Free lol.
Best mod driver talent....
For the NA a duck lip front spoiler is a must
Where did you get that lip? I want to get one just like that
hi alex, just a friendly suggestion to rename the video if you want to be accessible to NEW miata owners! (like myself). I saw this video two months ago and it took forever to find it when I got my NB bc the title wasnt what I thought it was. Just a suggestion! keep up the great work i enjoy all the videos
Is your chin spoiler a r package replica? Where did you get it from?
Yes. Got mine on amazon.
I thought this was Arron Kyro