Modified 30th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata (SHORT-TAKE) // Do mods make it worse?!?

[@redcarrot1148]

I installed the coilovers, sway bars and the GWR brace kit (not Mazdaspeed brace kit) in succession. The coilovers by themselves reduced body roll significantly; the addition of the sway bars enhanced it further still. They also highlighted the lack of chassis stiffness that had became the new weak link. In a stock car it would be less of a factor as the soft suspension would absorb most of the load before body flex ever comes into play. I am sure Mazda engineers had taken this into consideration in their chassis design so it's not a design flaw per se. While the Miata handled great with the new coilovers and sway bars, it still lacked that on-rail feel of, say, the S2000 and Boxster. Comparing the three cars' chassis it's easy to see why that is. The body flex effectively disrupts the suspension from doing its job by intermittently absorbing the initial load and subsequent rebound. The brace kit does a great job in solidifying the chassis. And as a result it allows me to get a far better read on shock compression and rebound as well as tire traction limit than before. In other words I am more in tune with the car. Performance aside it make the Miata that much more enjoyable (to me).

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you, RedCarrot for the detailed comment. Very good insight and having driven several Miatas with different states of tune, I feel that your spot on with your assessment - and I aim to double check and find out by adding the underbody bracing following with swaybars. It was very noticeable to me, the difference the braces made and like you said, how their benefits made the car that much more enjoyable to drive.

[@georgecuni1321]

Cool vid looking forward to your next mods

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you! 👍😁

[@jamescarson6681]

Thank you for doing these Mazda videos, really fun yet informative to watch! I'm intrigued to hear more of your thoughts on the underbody brace kit - do you reckon it has less scuttle shake or cowl shake thats notorious in convertibles? Thanks in advance

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you for the watch and positive comment 👍. I’m intrigued about the body brace as well. I do think it contributes, but there’s only one way to find out 😁 guess I’m going to have to get one and test it out.

[@gregblack3860]

Very nice car .thanks as always . Love to see you review a Nd 2 with a turbo kit .

[@TheLemonFactor]

I’d love to review an ND2 turbo kit as well 😁

[@Dan-xj9vd]

It would be great but ND2 turbo kit does not exist yet :(

[@smilepermile8165]

Great video Chad, any video with a ND Miata gets a 👍 from me! By the way, that Voodoo knob magnum shifter looks really beautiful but as its constructed from metal, just not sure if it will burn your hand in the hot temperatures and pain your hand in the cold temperature days...

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you 😁. Good point about the shift knob - something for me to think about. 🤷‍♂️

[@billzziv6859]

Very good video, thanks again. I went with the house brand sways from Goodwin, and I definitely feel the car remains much flatter in turns. I am going to look into the underbody brace.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you, Bill. 👍. Do you have the stock shocks and springs with your upgrades sway bar, or did you upgrade them as well?

[@billzziv6859]

Have you looked any more into after market bracing? I have been looking into the shock tower brace, but it sounds like most of the people that have done it, have not really noticed a difference. My 2017 does not have any brace on the top. Thanks.

[@TheLemonFactor]

My car came with the shock tower brace, but I may consider the underbody bracing, however it’s expensive and does add weight.

[@tonycoughlin9256]

I got lucky enough when my Camry caught on fire and I got fed up with my 1995 300zx to find a 30ae RF for sale just an hour away. While doing business at Tully Mazda in Nashua NH was single handily the WORST customer experience in my life; I have a dream car I never knew was something I needed so badly. I started looking up new sports cars, but was quite bored of Mazda's color offerings and really wanted to get everything in one (heated recaros etc, stuff that wasn't offered in one package till 2020) I stumbled upon 0/279/3000. AKA Charmander. With a few minor mods that will be ever expanding Charmander is a phenomenal machine. I never ever thought I'd buy a brand new car being so cheap but man this was worth it.

[@TheLemonFactor]

The 30AE does offer quite a list of features that at least then you weren’t able to spec all in one car making for a great deal.

[@Flatus4La]

Ok whats with the tease at 4:12 with the modified air intake? Thx

[@TheLemonFactor]

Hmmmm, not sure what you’re seeing, maybe because the image has a filter applied it’s playing tricks, but I’m not aware of a custom air intake on Ben’s car. 🤷‍♂️

[@RussianProduCer]

Where can one attain lotus style badges for the ND?

[@giangigiangi-fq1ep]

Great Video, interesting upgrade... many are on my MX5...

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you! Many upgrades will end up on the project car too 😉

[@justchillin619]

I have the goodwin underbody bracing with stock sway bars. It really just makes the car feel more solid over bumps, which is nice. It doesn't really do much for body roll I would say, so it is probably his JBR sway bars that gave it the better feeling in that regard.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Agreed. But the added solidness/tightness is noticeable and welcome 👍

[@billzziv6859]

Does the underbody bracing help with the "jittery" sensation over rough highways?

[@TheLemonFactor]

I’ve never experienced an jitteriness on the highway 🤷‍♂️

[@sanantoniorose9832]

You point out that the car has the Goodwin RoadsterSport suspension package. But then you say it has the Progress Technologies springs on the Koni shocks. I see that you were mislead by what appears to be an error in the Goodwin catalog page where they do say Progress springs The package comes with the RoadsterSport springs which are almost 70% stiffer than the Progress Technologies springs that Goodwin also sells. Maybe Goodwin meant to say combined with these progressive rate springs which the RoadsterSport springs are.

[@jessepotter365]

Hey Chad. I heard you mention shift knobs. Check out Raceseng before making a decision. They may seem like a lot for just a shift knob, but it's also something you interact with every time you drive. A heavier knob certainly makes a difference in perceived smoothness while shifting. The style and color options also help make the knob stand out.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the aftermarket shift knob 👍. Thanks for recommending Raceseng - you’re not alone 😁. Now the hard part - which one to buy? 😜

[@2007MXV]

Every Miata needs a Voodoo knob.

[@TheLemonFactor]

😁

[@floridaman2528]

Interesting, I have Ohlins plus sways and the car feels great but I don’t have a comparison. Was wondering if the bracing makes sense too, hopefully you try bracing out.

[@TheLemonFactor]

👍

[@Garnetmica]

I run Ohlins, sways and a full set of chassis braces on my NC2. The braces definitely made a difference.

[@EjinRenos]

Its definitely a combination of braces and supports. Sway bars alone do add some noticable change but not as greatly as a full body reinforcement. The underbody braces are one if the few MazdaSpeed part options available for the MX5. That's right. People say MazdaSpeed is dead however they are more aftermarket now than slap a turbo and a badge on factory models now.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I think it’s the braces that has contributed to the increased “tightness“ of the car.

[@EjinRenos]

@@TheLemonFactor They are found on the global cup car so I am willing to bet that's the key to success there. Though I don't complain about body roll so much.

[@TheLemonFactor]

👍

[@bobreno4042]

I have the sways and Progress springs and now will add the underbody bracing, this car just keeps getting better! Btw Love my Voodoo shift knob and stubby antenna (now reception loss and just a matter of personal taste)

[@TheLemonFactor]

It’s a great, fun car 👍😁. Enjoy!

[@tonycoughlin9256]

In terms of body lean: Just do a front bar. You really don't get much from the rear. I only run a Karcepts front bar and MAN!!! It absolutely gets rid of all the body lean.

[@mr_monkey818]

Great video!

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you! Appreciate your support and positive comment 😁👍

[@A_guan]

Would you recommend lowering springs or coilovers? For street use mainly but I do want to minimize the wheel gap and gain some performance

[@TheLemonFactor]

If you’re looking for height and damping adjustability then coilovers. If a modest drop of let’s say 1” is all you’re looking for a good matching spring/shock would be more than acceptable.

[@tonycoughlin9256]

Hey I noticed the MA inspection sticker, Where are ya'll from? I'm here in MA too and would love to meet a few other miata nuts. You guys ever hit track days with Masstuning? We should do some cruises man!

[@TheLemonFactor]

I’m just outside Boston (southwest). No track days yet, but hopefully when things get a little better. 👍

[@Garnetmica]

I’m in Central MA, I have an ‘09 Miata NC2 and a ‘21 Accord Sport 2.0T. Would be fun to catch up. There may be a Miata gathering in Clinton MA on 04/17. More information in the New England section on Miata.net

[@TheLemonFactor]

Great idea! 👍

[@Garnetmica]

I just sent you over an email.

[@TheLemonFactor]

👍

[@vincentsoo1634]

Can you comment on the ride comfort of the springs and koni vs the meister's?

[@TheLemonFactor]

I’m very happy with the flexibility in ride height and ability to fine tune the damping of the MeisterRs to suit your needs. The Koni shocks and Progress springs offer a very comfortable ride and would be a great option if you’re happy with the fixed ride height drop. Based on my experience the MeisterRs can be firmed up more. Hope this helps.

[@Moriggia]

@@TheLemonFactor what do you think about the maintenance costs of both? Meister crd vs koni with lowering springs (eibach) in the long run?

[@HansDerninger]

High quality, interesting subject, thanks

[@TheLemonFactor]

Hans, thank you for the watch and support 😁👍

[@2007MXV]

I did suggest to you to do the GD wheel...told ya!

[@TheLemonFactor]

Although I really like the GD Corsa 330 and it's size, I do prefer the contouring of the Kenstyle, as well as better price point.

[@robertboone8607]

Enjoy what you have ...not what you want !

[@ecristofoli]

You know you can still get a 30th AE MX-5 all-stock with very low mileage. So it's not too late to own a rare car like that.

[@TheLemonFactor]

That is a possibility 🤔

[@Dan-xj9vd]

Nice color but I would recommend to Ben to get a ceramic coating (after polishing) to preserve and improve the gloss of his paint. Your video seems to reveal some microscopic paint scratches.

[@redcarrot1148]

I noticed it in the video as well LOL. I LOVE my car to pieces but it's no garage queen. I put it through its pace and use drive through car wash so fine scratches / swirl marks is inevitable.

[@Dan-xj9vd]

@@redcarrot1148 How do you like the drive with the Continental tires? I need to change Bridgestone OE tires.

[@todd5082]

That’s a lot of money for a different color. Most of those items came with the 2020GT. BUT, one thing my car doesn’t have is the “anniversary badge”.

[@Dan-xj9vd]

Recaro seats is an extra 4,700$ option on an 2020 GT trim and you don't get Alcantara. Sounds crazy but the 30AE was a good deal for all the options in that trim.

[@redcarrot1148]

It actually works out to be a little less than a '20 GT (or '19 GTS) with the Brembo pkg had it been offered. Recaro seats, Rays forged wheels, Brembo, color matching interior threads/piping, etc. Not everybody cares for that stuff. But for those that do, like myself, then it's the perfect Miata for them.

[@todd5082]

@@redcarrot1148 I also got mine right above cost. No way to negotiate an anniversary model down that low but I agree with ya. I guess it really comes down to the exterior color for most of us. This is my third Miata and I’ve owned 2 RX7s. Very happy.

[@businessmanph]

Everything is a trade off. Want more power you will get less mpg. Want more power your car will be louder. Want a wrap. Car will be heavier. Same with supercharger.

[@matthew571]

get to the point. keep up the work :)

[@matthew571]

What I mean- we don't need to hear your thought process. just flow baby. keep up the good work :)

[@JdA210]

You made a mistake putting those stripes on your car. He made a mistake buying that ugly ass color.