The Guide to Mazda Miata NB Coilovers. The NB Miata was manufactured from 1998 to 2005. With 1.6L and 1.8L engine options producing 110hp-146hp, the NB isn’t a straight-line speed demon. However, with a curb weight of around 2,300 pounds and a low center of gravity, the NB Miata is a joy to drive. Despite its lack of speed, its handling prowess makes it a popular choice as a dedicated track car, as well as a fun daily driver or weekend cruiser. Check out our NA Miata Coilover Guide if you have a 1990-1997 Miata.
Because the NB is naturally aspirated, engine mods aren’t always the best way to improve performance. A few thousand dollars in mods won’t get you much horsepower, so money is often better spent on performance handling mods like coilover upgrades.
Coilovers not only improve handling and cornering on the street and on the track, but they also improve appearance by allowing you to lower or stance the Miata. This guide will go over the advantages of NB Miata coilover upgrades, important factors to consider when selecting the right coilover, and our favorite brands broken down by function.
Considerations for Miata Coilovers
There are several factors to consider before purchasing coilovers. Spring rates, dampening adjustability, and tube design are a few of the other components we’ll look at. Finally, we’ll discuss the differences between NB Miata lowering springs and coilovers for those who aren’t sure which they need.
The most important thing to remember when evaluating these factors is your end goal. Are you looking for stance, improved street performance, a hybrid street/track setup, or a dedicated track car? The more advanced the setup and adjustability, the higher the cost, so budget will be a limiting factor in what you can and cannot get.
Twin-Tube vs. Mono-Tube
Because we’re in the weeds, we’ll only hit the high points. The internal components of the shocks and how they are constructed are referred to as mono vs twin tube. If you’re interested in the engineering aspects of how they’re built and function, you should read this article. Otherwise, here are some key highlights:
- Mono-tube dampening forces are more consistent and are more sensitive to small suspension movements.
- Because of the foregoing, mono-tube coilovers are stiffer, making them better for track use.
- Twin-tube is less expensive to manufacture, and twin-tube coilovers are less expensive.
- Because they are less sensitive and precise, twin-tubes are more comfortable for street driving.
The main takeaways here are that if you want track coilovers, you should get mono-tube coilovers. Twin-tube designs are more practical for street driving your NB Miata because they are less expensive and more comfortable.
Adjustability of Dampening
Dampening essentially regulates how much the coil springs compress and rebound. Controlling or adjusting the compression and rebound is referred to as adjustable dampening. Because it controls the compression and rebound of the spring, it is essentially a way to adjust the softness or stiffness of the suspension.
There are two types of coilovers: those with pre-set dampening and those with adjustable dampening. Adjustable options typically include 8 to 32 dampening adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension for your specific tire and wheel setup, various track events, and so on.
NB Miata coilovers with adjustable dampening are roughly twice as expensive as pre-set options. While adjustable dampening is nice to have, it isn’t absolutely necessary unless you track your car or drive through various terrains where adjusting dampening is beneficial for ride comfort and so on.
If you’re just looking for street performance or stance, we don’t think it’s worth the money. It’s a must-have if you track your car.
Rates for the Spring
Spring rates are the third critical factor. Spring rates are measured in pounds per inch and refer to the amount of weight or pressure required to compress a spring one inch. It also indicates how stiff the suspension is. With 700lbs/in spring rates, Spec Miata suspension is about as stiff as it gets. Because of the stiffness of the spring, driving something like this on city streets would be excruciating.
There are three main takeaways. Track cars require extreme stiffness for maximum performance. Street cars seek a compromise between performance and comfort. Stance guys and cars that intend to go very low require stiffer springs to avoid bottoming out.
Lowering Springs vs. NB Miata Coilovers
Coilovers feature upgraded struts/shocks as well as upgraded springs. If you want to keep your OEM struts/shocks, simply replace the factory coil springs with lowering springs. Lowering springs are less expensive because they only include the springs, but they do not include height or dampening adjustability. They are also more difficult to install.
Springs are an acceptable upgrade if you want a fixed drop amount and slightly better handling performance. However, with entry-level coilovers starting at $419 for the NB, we always recommend getting coilovers. They not only provide better performance, but they also provide height adjustability, which is important for fine-tuning your suspension setup with your wheels/tires to avoid rubbing. You’ll also need adjustability if you want to go really low for stance.
Any day of the week, coilovers.
- Advantages of Miata NB Coilovers
- Adjustable ride height
- Improved handling and performance
- Adjustability of dampening (in more expensive options)
- Ride that is more comfortable or smoother
- Replacement for worn or old suspension at a low cost.
Replacing your stock NB suspension will cost approximately the same as upgrading to coilovers. Furthermore, if you are still using your stock suspension and have not replaced it, you will most likely notice a significant improvement in handling, ride quality, and comfort. While coilovers are generally thought to be less comfortable, they are unquestionably superior to worn-out suspension.
Coilovers are the best way to go if you want track-quality handling, a bit more street performance, serious drops or stance, or simply to replace factory suspension.
When it comes to price and performance, Raceland coilovers are our favorite bang-for-your-buck coilovers for the NB Miata. These are the best choice for anyone looking for a wider stance or improved street performance. They aren’t the best track setup with twin-tube shocks and pre-set dampening, but they are a lot more comfortable for street driving. Raceland provides excellent customer service and a lifetime warranty, making these coilovers difficult to beat.
Raceland’s are height adjustable, allowing you to lower your NB from 1-inch to 3-inches. Their spring rates are optimal for both riding comfort and performance, at 425lbs/in in the front and 350lbs/in in the rear. They’re stiff enough to get low and provide solid performance, but soft enough to drive on a daily basis.
Even better, Raceland offers Affirm financing with terms of up to 12 months if $419 out of pocket is a stretch.
Related : The Coilover Upgrade Guide for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe
1) Raceland New Balance Miata Coilovers
Street or stance tier
1-3′′ reduction in height
Price: $419 (best bang-for-the-buck)
When it comes to price and performance, Raceland coilovers are our favorite bang-for-your-buck coilovers for the NB Miata. These are the best choice for anyone looking for a wider stance or improved street performance. They aren’t the best track setup with twin-tube shocks and pre-set dampening, but they are a lot more comfortable for street driving. Raceland provides excellent customer service and a lifetime warranty, making these coilovers difficult to beat.
Raceland’s are height adjustable, allowing you to lower your NB from 1-inch to 3-inches. Their spring rates are optimal for both riding comfort and performance, at 425lbs/in in the front and 350lbs/in in the rear. They’re stiff enough to get low and provide solid performance, but soft enough to drive on a daily basis.
Even better, Raceland offers Affirm financing with terms of up to 12 months if $419 out of pocket is a stretch.
2) Apexi N1, Skunk2, and BC Racing
Hybrid Street/Track Tier
Lowering: approximately 1-3′′
Price: ~$1,000
Once you get above $1,000, you can start getting some good track-level coilovers. All of these coilovers are mono-tube designs with 16-32 way dampening adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune your setups for track days while also adjusting them for street driving. Just keep in mind that some of these options will not go lower than 1.5′′ because they are more track oriented.
The advantages of spending twice as much on coilovers are the addition of dampening adjustment and the mono-tube design. These coilovers will be more sensitive and precise, making them ideal for use on the racetrack. Most of these setups have stiffer spring rates, which makes them slightly less comfortable for daily driving, though dampening adjustability can help to compensate.
Finally, these are excellent coilovers, but we do not recommend them unless you regularly track your NB Miata. The Raceland’s are good enough for the occasional track day, so unless you’re a serious track guy who also streets your Miata, we recommend saving the money.
3) Suspension Ohlins / Spec Miata
Dedicated track, Tier
lowering: 0-2 inch
Price: $2,000+
First and foremost, the spec miata suspension features upgraded shocks and Eibach race springs. They are not coilovers and do not have height or dampening adjustability. There is no way to adjust it because it is extremely stiff. However, if you race spec, you must have the suspension.
Now, if you have a dedicated track Miata but don’t do spec and like to mix up the types of track days you do, something high end like Ohlins is best. If you’re looking for suspension this expensive, you probably know what you’re doing, so we’ll keep this brief. Track cars should have the highest quality suspension with the most adjustability.
It should be noted that these suspension options are excessive for street cars.
Summary of NB Miata Coilovers
Overall, the best coilover setups are determined by your objectives. For street driving or stance, some twin-tube inexpensive coilovers with no dampening adjustability will suffice. You’ll also want moderate spring rates to achieve a good balance of comfort and performance.
When it comes to tracking your Miata, we recommend spending a little more money and getting mono-tube designs with adjustable dampening. These setups have stiffer spring rates but also flexible dampening, making them versatile and suitable for both the street and the track. When we get into dedicated track setups, the cost of the coilovers approaches that of some NB Miatas.
In the end, if all you want is street performance, lowering, or stance, sticking with a more entry-level and budget-friendly option is the best way to go. For daily driving, mono-tube, dampening, and stiffer spring rates are unnecessary.
What coilovers do you have on your NB Miata?
