If you’ve ever fallen in love with a Miata, you already know the saying — “Miata is always the answer.”
For me, it started as a bone-stock NA MX-5 — a fun little weekend car that turned into a full-blown track weapon.
In this builder profile, I’ll walk you through how my MX-5 transformed from a daily driver into a Time Attack-ready machine, step by step.
The Starting Point
I found my 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata on Facebook Marketplace — a clean base with 140,000 miles, a 5-speed manual, and zero rust.
It wasn’t fast, but it handled like nothing else I’d driven.
The goal? Build something I could daily, take to weekend autocrosses, and eventually, compete in local Time Attack events.
Stage 1: Maintenance and Reliability
Before any mods, reliability came first.
I went through the car top to bottom, replacing everything that could fail on track:
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Fresh timing belt and water pump
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New clutch and flywheel
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Upgraded radiator and silicone hoses
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Rebuilt brakes with stainless steel lines
This stage wasn’t glamorous, but it laid the foundation for everything that came next. A solid baseline meant more time driving — less time wrenching trackside.
Stage 2: Suspension & Handling
If there’s one area where Miatas shine, it’s handling — and this is where I spent the most effort.
Upgrades:
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BC Racing Coilovers (custom spring rates for track setup)
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Racing Beat Sway Bars front & rear
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Polyurethane bushings throughout
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949 Racing 6UL Wheels wrapped in sticky Yokohama A052s
The transformation was immediate.
Turn-in became razor-sharp, body roll vanished, and the car felt like it was glued to the tarmac.
This setup also made the car a bit harsher for daily driving — but that’s the tradeoff for precision.
Stage 3: Power and Performance
I didn’t want to go crazy with power — the Miata’s magic is its balance.
Still, a little extra punch makes every straightaway more exciting.
Engine Mods:
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Flyin’ Miata Intake & Header
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Custom 2.5” Exhaust System
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ECU tune optimized for 91 octane
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Lightweight crank pulley
The result?
About 150 horsepower to the wheels — not huge, but more than enough to make this 2,200 lb car feel alive.
Throttle response improved dramatically, and the sound… let’s just say it’s addictive above 5,000 RPM.
Stage 4: Safety & Track Prep
Once I started tracking more seriously, safety became non-negotiable.
Track-Ready Upgrades:
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Hard Dog Roll Bar
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Sparco Sprint Racing Seat
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6-point harness
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Fire extinguisher mount
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Tow hooks and brake ducting
It’s still street legal, but inside, it now looks all business.
The roll bar added rigidity and peace of mind — plus, it’s a requirement for most sanctioned events.
Stage 5: Aerodynamics & Fine Tuning
At higher speeds, the Miata starts to feel light in the rear, so I added subtle but functional aero pieces:
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APR Carbon Fiber Rear Wing
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Front Splitter with Rod Supports
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Rear Diffuser (custom DIY setup)
Combined with a slightly lower ride height and a corner balance, these changes made the car feel planted even on long, sweeping corners.
Lap times dropped by nearly two seconds at my local track — proof that aero isn’t just for looks.
Time Attack Performance
After a year of steady upgrades and tuning, the car finally competed in its first Time Attack event at Gingerman Raceway.
On a 1:48.6 best lap, it held its own against turbocharged Civics and newer BRZs — not bad for a naturally aspirated NA Miata.
The reliability, balance, and predictability of the car make it the perfect platform to grow as a driver.
Lessons Learned from the Build
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Do reliability first. Performance is worthless if your car doesn’t finish a session.
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Balance > Power. A well-handling car beats a fast one in most corners.
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DIY where you can. Half the fun of building a car is learning the process.
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Seat time is king. The best mod you can buy is track experience.
Final Thoughts from Arsh’s Garage
The MX-5 may not have supercar horsepower, but it’s the purest driving experience you can build on a budget.
Every upgrade taught me something new — about cars, about patience, and about the thrill of improving a machine one bolt at a time.
From stock cruiser to track-ready beast, this little roadster has earned its place in my garage and my heart.
And if you’re thinking of starting your own project? Do it.
Because at the end of the day — Miata is still the answer.
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