For the MX-5 NC, too, we are giving you a guide for building a perfect road or racetrack car. Which way you want to go with your MX-5 NC, you should think about before the conversion. The MX-5 is significantly optimized in both concepts, only the subsequent area of use is different. The basic assumption here is always a good basic condition without rust and with good suspension bushings.
As with the other blogs, we first start with the perfect conversion for use on the road:
Stage 1:
In the first stage, we start with the optimization of the areas in which the MX-5 is already doing very well: suspension and wheels.
To optimize the suspension system, we use a Silver's Neomax-N coilover kit, which means that the MX-5 NC goes around corners much better, but still retains sufficient residual comfort for longer tours. When it comes to wheels, we use rims in the size 8x17 Offset 42 with Nankang NS-2R in 215/45R17 as tires for the NC. With the rim model, of course, it depends on your personal taste. In addition, Lugnuts can of course be installed to match the new rims to round off the look of the wheel-tire combination.
Stage 2:
After successful optimization of the driving behavior, driving on the road is much more fun, to the detriment of the braking system. After the first stage of conversion, customers often have the problem that they are getting the OEM brake system to the limit. In our second stage, we will remedy this. The brake upgrade kit with complete RX-8 brake system finds its way into the MX-5 NC. This should prevent further fading problems on the road. The StopTech brake discs and pads used here have the pleasant side effect that they improve the braking force enormously and reduce braking times.
Stage 3:
After we have prepared the NC perfectly for fast road use, the third stage is about passenger safety. In order to guarantee this safety when used quickly on the road, we install the Track roll bar for the MX-5 NC. This means that all passengers should be protected in the event of a collision, and the rigidity of the vehicle is improved, which has positive effects on the driving behavior of your NC.
Stage 4:
In the fourth stage we deal with the drive train of the MX-5 NC. In order to improve the gear connection and at the same time improve the behavior of the differential, we use our differential revision with a 4.4 axle ratio (also called simply "short axle") in combination with a KAAZ limited-slip differential. The effects of the upgrade limited-slip differential are really enormous. The rpm offset when shifting is reduced, which means that the car drives much more lively. The limited-slip differential ensures sufficient grip when cornering, which makes the rear of the MX-5 NC more predictable while driving on the limit.
Stage 5:
Now it's finally time to increase the performance! All these stages have prepared the NC perfectly for this final stage, to now completely round off the car. For this purpose, we recommend our Stage 1 natural aspirated performance package to every customer. This includes our header with a sports catalytic converter, which really rounds off the vehicle.
Now we are dealing with the perfect conversion for the racetrack. Compared to the road upgrades, the vehicle is built more with the focus on the racetrack. However, the basic concept of our stages is the same.
Stage 1:
As with road vehicles, we also start here with the subject of suspension / wheels / tires. The Silver's Neomax-R coilover kit is used as the suspension of our choice. We recommend 9x17 ET42 as the rim size, with the rim model of course it depends on your personal taste. However, you should not forget that the braking system used in stage 2 should fit under the selected rim so as not to obstruct the way to stage 2 yourself. When it comes to tires, we use the Semislick Nankang AR-1 in 235/40R17 to get the necessary grip on the track. Depending on your taste, Lugnuts can also be used here to round off the look.
Stage 2:
As already mentioned in Stage 1, our Stage 2 deals with the braking system of the MX-5 NC. So that your track tool comes to a standstill in a short time, we install the StopTech brake system for MX-5 NC with 309mm brake disc diameter. This means that there are no limits to the braking maneuvers on the racetrack and the braking distance is significantly reduced. In addition, the days of brake fading are definitely over.
Stage 3:
The third stage then again deals with the interior with a focus on driving safety. For this we use our seat package with Recaro Pole Position in combination with our Track + roll bar for MX-5 NC. 4 point belts can then also be used here. This means that nothing should stand in the way of participation in various racing series that require a roll bar. At the same time, passenger safety is increased enormously.
Stage 4:
In the fourth stage, we install a shorter final drive with a KAAZ limited-slip differential. For this we use our differential revisions, where you will receive a differential that we have revised in exchange for your original differential. Due to the short axle with a 4.4 axle ratio, the gear connection and rpm drops are perfect for use on the racetrack. The KAAZ limited-slip differential helps you to keep the MX-5 NC predictable on the racetrack and, in particular, to maximize the grip at corner exit.
Stage 5:
As with the road conversions, it is now time to increase the performance of your MX-5 NC. For this we use our performance packages, which provide you with all the parts you need to permanently increase the performance of your NC. Basically, you can choose between all the variants here, because it also depends on the class in which you want to compete in your racing series. Due to the short axle ratio, a natural aspirated performance package can be recommended here, as turbocharging might make the short axle too short. If you need advice on the axle ratio with your chosen performance upgrade, you are of course welcome to contact us.
How do you convert your MX-5 NC for street and racetrack? Is your focus and priority the same as ours or do you have other priorities? Tell us in the comments or send us an email!
Your SPS Motorsport Team