Miata Exhaust System Tips

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat rear-wheel-drive roadster that has been in production since the 1990 model year. Originally known as the Miata, then as the MX-5 – before Mazda realized that Miata is what owners prefer and issued a name compromise – this comely roadster remains a fan favorite. Indeed, in early 2011 Mazda reported that it had reached 900,000 models sold, demonstrating the continuing demand for Mazda’s smallest car.

Now in its third generation, the Miata is proof that no automaker should mess with success. The changes down through the years have been evolutionary, not revolutionary lest enthusiasts decide they had enough and started to look elsewhere. Fortunately for Mazda, the competition is slim and includes cars posing limited threat such as the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet or are simply too pricey such as the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK300. Other competitors include the Volkswagen Eos, Nissan 370Z Roadster and the Mini Cooper Convertible.

First Generation

The original Mazda Miata was big on looks, but small on power. Its 1.6-liter four cylinder engine is rated at 116 horsepower and 100 foot-pounds of torque and paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Still, because the original model barely topped 2,100 pounds, it was able to get from 0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds. Not bad numbers for that day and about what the MG and Fiat roadsters achieved before those cars were pulled from the market in the 1980s.

Second Generation

Just prior to the second generation Miata’s release in 1996, Mazda gave the roadster a 1.8-liter engine rated at 128 horsepower in 1994, bumped up to 133 horsepower in 1996. Later models topped 140 horsepower and, with the introduction of a turbocharged “Mazdaspeed” variant in 2004, this 178 horsepower rated special edition was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and 0 to 60 mph times dropped below 7 seconds. Fewer than 5,500 Mazdaspeed MX-5s were produced, 4,000 for model year 2004 and just 1,428 for 2005. If you get your hands on one, you possess a gold mine as this model represents the only production turbocharged MX-5 Miata from Mazda.

Third Generation

The current Mazda Miata is in its third generation and has remained mostly unchanged since its 2006 introduction. This model is slightly larger and heavier, taking into account standard safety equipment and the now larger 2.0-liter 16-valve four cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed manual. A 6-speed automatic, with paddle shifters, is also available. The current Miata is rated at 167 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 140 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm.

The Mazda Miata’s cult-like following has inspired a dedicated aftermarket parts battalion. From turbo kits to cold air intakes and from performance exhaust systems to superchargers, the Mazdaspeed persona missing from most Miatas can be added by weekend mechanics and enthusiasts. Clutches, flywheels, cams, gears and pulleys can keep your Miata “like new” and give it the performance needed to take on your neighbor’s Z4.

Here is a list of brands offering exhaust parts and systems for the Miata:

• Magnaflow