Does your Mazda Miata NB feel a little… bouncy? Do you dream of a car that hugs the road like a race car, but the world of coilovers feels like a confusing maze? You’re not alone! Choosing the right coilovers for your beloved NB can be a real head-scratcher. There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which ones will give you that perfect blend of comfort and performance without breaking the bank.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to clear the fog and help you find the coilovers that will make your Miata NB handle like a dream. We’ll break down what makes good coilovers, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to transform your NB’s ride.
So, get ready to dive in and discover how to give your Miata NB the suspension upgrade it deserves. Let’s get started on finding the perfect coilovers for your next adventure!
Our Top 5 Coilovers For Miata Nb Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Coilovers For Miata Nb Detailed Reviews
1. AUTOSTARSHIP Height Adjustable Coilover Lowering Kit Compatible for 1990-2005 Mazda Miata MX5 NA NB Suspension Coil Spring Strut Shocks (4pcs)
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your 1990-2005 Mazda Miata MX5 NA NB with the AUTOSTARSHIP Height Adjustable Coilover Lowering Kit. This kit is designed to give your Miata a sportier look and a more engaging driving feel. It’s made from strong, lightweight aluminum to help improve your ride. This kit is perfect for Miata owners who want to lower their car and enjoy a more aggressive stance.
What We Like:
- Precise Fitment: This kit is made for many 1990-2005 Mazda Miata models, including Base, SE, LE, M Edition, STO, 10th Anniversary, and LS convertibles. It fits both NA and NB generations.
- Performance Springs: The springs have a front rate of 8kg/mm and a rear rate of 6kg/mm. They are built for durability, tested over 600,000 times to ensure they keep their shape.
- Aggressive Stance: The coilovers lower your Miata by 5-10cm, giving it a cool, lowered look that many drivers love. It won’t stay at the original height, so you get that sporty appearance right away.
- Premium Materials: Made from strong 6063 aluminum with T6 treatment, these coilovers are tough. Aluminum also keeps the weight down for a better driving experience.
- Complete Kit: The package includes a full set of coilovers and two stainless steel wrenches.
What Could Be Improved:
- Non-Adjustable Dampers: The dampers are not adjustable, meaning you can’t fine-tune the stiffness of your ride.
- Professional Installation Recommended: While installation is included, the product strongly suggests professional installation, which means an extra cost.
The AUTOSTARSHIP coilover kit offers a stylish and performance-oriented upgrade for your Miata. It’s a great way to achieve that desired lowered look and potentially improve handling.
2. maXpeedingrods Coilovers for Mazda MX-5 NA NB 1989-2005
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your Mazda MX-5 NA or NB with the maXpeedingrods Height Adjustable Coilovers Suspension Kit. This gold-colored kit is designed to give your Miata a lower, more aggressive look and improve its handling. It’s built with strong materials to last and is ready for installation.
What We Like:
- Fits many Mazda Miata MX-5 models from 1989 to 2005.
- Lowers your car for a sportier appearance and better steering feel.
- Features strong springs that are tuned for performance (7kg/mm front, 6kg/mm rear).
- Comes with preset damping for consistent and reliable handling.
- Made from tough 6061 aluminum alloy for strength and durability.
- Easy to install right out of the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- This kit will lower your car; it does not keep the original ride height.
- Some specific model years might have exclusions (check the application list carefully).
This maXpeedingrods coilover kit offers a significant upgrade for your Miata’s performance and style. It’s a solid choice for drivers looking to enhance their driving experience.
3. Rev9 R9-HS2-030_2 compatible with Mazda Miata (NB) 1999-05 Hyper-Street II Coilover Kit w/ 32-Way Damping Force Adjustment Lowering Kit
Rating: 9.1/10
The Rev9 R9-HS2-030_2 Hyper-Street II Coilover Kit is a performance upgrade designed specifically for your Mazda Miata MX-5 (NB) from 1999 to 2005. This kit lets you lower your car and adjust how it rides. It offers a lot of control over your suspension. You can change the stiffness and the height of your car separately. This means you can get the look and feel you want for your Miata.
What We Like:
- 32-Way Damping Adjustment: You can fine-tune the shock’s stiffness to your liking. This lets you choose between a comfortable ride or a sporty, firm feel.
- Independent Ride Height and Spring Tension: You can lower your car to the perfect height without affecting how the springs work. This gives you more control over your car’s stance and handling.
- Durable Construction: The mono-tube shocks have a steel alloy body. This means they are built to last and handle tough driving conditions.
- Designed for Lowering: This kit is made to lower your vehicle the right way, giving it a sportier look and improved handling.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Factory Ride Height Option: This kit is a lowering kit. It cannot be adjusted back to the car’s original factory ride height.
- No Installation Instructions: The kit does not come with instructions. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
This coilover kit offers serious adjustability for Miata owners looking to customize their car’s stance and handling. If you’re ready for a more performance-oriented ride and a lower profile, this Rev9 kit is worth considering.
4. Godspeed(MSS0150) MonoSS Coilover For Mazda Miata 90-05(NA/NB) Ver2 / With (2.75″ EXTENDED TOP HAT)
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to give your Mazda Miata NA or NB a serious handling upgrade? The Godspeed(MSS0150) MonoSS Coilover system, featuring a Ver2 design and a 2.75″ extended rear top hat, is here to transform your driving experience. This kit is built for performance, offering a customizable ride that can handle everything from your daily commute to spirited track days.
What We Like:
- It works with Mazda Miata MX-5 (NA/NB) models from 1990 to 2005.
- The 2.75″ extended rear top hat gives the rear shocks more room to move.
- You get 16 levels of damping adjustment. This lets you fine-tune your ride for different driving situations.
- The mono-tube stainless steel shocks are durable and smooth.
- A Koyo Japan bearing ensures a smooth stroke for the internal piston.
- The aluminum and steel parts are powder-coated for protection and a great look.
- You can adjust spring tension and ride height separately.
- It comes with a full 1-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation by experienced professionals is highly recommended. This means you might need to pay for installation if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
This coilover kit offers a fantastic balance of performance and adjustability for your Miata. It’s a solid investment for any enthusiast looking to improve their car’s handling.
5. Rev9 R9-HPX-1050_2 Hyper-Street ONE Coilover Lowering Kit
Rating: 9.4/10
The Rev9 R9-HPX-1050_2 Hyper-Street ONE Coilover Lowering Kit is a fantastic upgrade for your Mazda Miata. It lets you make your car sit lower and handle better. This kit is designed for the 1999-2005 Mazda Miata NB, but it also fits a wider range of Miatas from 1990 to 2015. You can adjust the height to get the perfect look and feel. It’s built to last and improve your driving experience.
What We Like:
- You can easily adjust the ride height to make your Miata look exactly how you want it.
- It helps your Miata handle corners better, making driving more fun.
- The kit is built with good quality parts that should last a long time.
- Installation is straightforward for most DIYers.
- It fits many different Miata models, making it a versatile choice.
What Could Be Improved:
- For some drivers, the ride might feel a bit stiff compared to stock.
- While it fits many Miatas, always double-check compatibility for your specific year.
- The adjustment process might require a bit of learning for beginners.
If you want to give your Mazda Miata a sportier look and feel, this Rev9 coilover kit is a solid option. It offers great adjustability and improved handling for a more engaging drive.
Coilovers for Your Miata NB: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Ready to give your Mazda Miata NB a serious suspension upgrade? Coilovers are a fantastic way to improve handling, lower your car’s stance, and customize its look. But with so many options, how do you pick the right set? This guide will help you navigate the world of Miata NB coilovers.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for coilovers, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Adjustable Ride Height: This lets you precisely control how low your Miata sits. You can go for a subtle drop or a slammed look.
- Adjustable Damping (Rebound/Compression): This is a big one! Adjustable damping lets you fine-tune how stiff or soft your suspension feels. You can make it comfortable for daily driving or firm it up for track days. Some coilovers offer independent adjustment for rebound (how fast the shock extends) and compression (how fast it compresses).
- Spring Rate: Springs come in different stiffness levels. Softer springs offer more comfort, while stiffer springs improve handling by reducing body roll. Many coilovers let you choose your spring rates.
- Top Mounts: These connect the coilover to your car’s chassis. Some coilovers come with adjustable top mounts, which allow for camber adjustments. Camber is the angle of your wheels when viewed from the front.
- Pillowball Bearings: These are strong, spherical bearings that replace rubber bushings. They offer a more direct connection between the suspension and the chassis, leading to sharper handling. However, they can transmit more road noise.
Materials Matter: What Makes Them Strong
The materials used in coilovers directly impact their durability and performance.
- Steel: Many coilover bodies and springs are made from strong steel. Look for high-quality steel that resists rust and corrosion. Some brands use anodized aluminum for various parts to reduce weight.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter than steel. You’ll often find aluminum used in shock bodies, spring perches, and top mounts. This helps reduce unsprung weight, which is good for handling.
- Rubber Bushings vs. Pillowball Bearings: As mentioned, rubber bushings offer a quieter ride but can wear out and feel less precise. Pillowball bearings provide superior performance but can be noisier.
Quality Factors: What Makes Them Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can make a set of coilovers stand out or fall short.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often have a track record of quality and customer support. Do your research and see what other Miata NB owners say.
- Build Quality: Inspect the welds, the finish, and the overall construction. Poorly made coilovers can fail prematurely.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
- Ease of Adjustment: How simple is it to change ride height and damping settings? Some systems are much more user-friendly than others.
- Corrosion Resistance: Especially if you live in an area with salt on the roads, good corrosion resistance is crucial for longevity.
User Experience and Use Cases: Who Are They For?
Coilovers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Think about how you use your Miata NB.
- Daily Drivers: If your Miata is your everyday car, you’ll want coilovers that offer a balance of comfort and improved handling. Look for adjustable damping so you can soften them up for cruising and firm them up when you want to have some fun.
- Weekend Warriors/Autocrossers: For those who enjoy spirited driving or participate in autocross events, stiffer spring rates and more aggressive damping settings are often preferred. Adjustable damping is essential here to dial in the suspension for different tracks or courses.
- Track Enthusiasts: Serious track use demands the highest performance. This often means very stiff springs, advanced damping adjustments, and potentially features like camber plates for precise alignment.
- Show Cars/Stance Builds: If your main goal is to achieve a specific low look, adjustable ride height is your priority. You might sacrifice some ride comfort for aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Miata NB Coilovers
Q: What is the main benefit of installing coilovers on my Miata NB?
A: Coilovers let you lower your car for a cool look and improve its handling by making the suspension stiffer and more responsive.
Q: Can I adjust the height of my Miata NB with coilovers?
A: Yes, most coilovers let you adjust how high or low your car sits. This lets you get the perfect stance.
Q: How do I adjust the stiffness of my coilovers?
A: You can usually adjust the stiffness, called damping, with a small knob or tool. This lets you make the ride softer or harder.
Q: Will coilovers make my Miata NB ride rough?
A: They can, especially with stiff springs. But adjustable damping lets you find a comfortable setting for everyday driving.
Q: What are spring rates and why do they matter?
A: Spring rates tell you how stiff the springs are. Stiffer springs reduce body lean in corners, making your car handle better.
Q: What’s the difference between rubber bushings and pillowball bearings in coilovers?
A: Rubber bushings are softer and quieter but can wear out. Pillowball bearings are harder and give a more direct feel but can be noisier.
Q: Can coilovers help with alignment issues?
A: Some coilovers have adjustable top mounts that let you change the camber angle of your wheels, which can improve alignment.
Q: How much do coilovers for a Miata NB typically cost?
A: Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for basic sets to over a thousand dollars for high-performance options.
Q: Do I need any special tools to install coilovers?
A: Yes, you’ll likely need common tools like wrenches, sockets, and a jack. Some specialized tools might be helpful.
Q: Where can I find reviews for Miata NB coilovers?
A: You can find reviews on car enthusiast websites, forums, and by searching YouTube for product reviews.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!