Where the 4th generation Miata plays in SCCA autocross and how to extract the most speed out of it
The 2016-2018 Mazda Miata MX-5 (ND1) has been a powerhouse in C Street (CS), Street Touring Roadster (STR), and thanks to Ron Bauer, it has also proven to be a car to have in B Street Prepared (BSP).
With the higher horsepower 2019+ Mazda Miata MX-5 (ND2) having hit the US market in 2018, Mazda Motorsports brought an ND2 MX-5 to the 2018 SCCA Solo Nationals, outfitting it with competition parts, to get a better feel for where it will fit in autocross competition. The test team included SCCA Solo National Champions Deana Kelley, Julian Garfield, Tara Johns, John Hunter and Ron Bauer.
Although the ND2 is now available, the ND1 remains a competitive option in SCCA Autocross. With CS and STR being two of the monster classes in SCCA autocross, this featured piece focuses on these classes, for which competition parts are eligible. For additional classing information, refer to the SCCA autocross rules here.
C Street
Eligible ND MX-5s: ND1 & ND2
Additional Mazdas Eligible:
- NC MX-5 (2006-2015, non-MS-R 2007)
- RX-8 (All years)
- RX-7 Turbo (1987-91)
| Eligible competition parts | Mazda Motorsports’ part #s for ND1/ND2 |
| Up to re-valved or double adjustable shocks | Koni Sport Dampers: Front: 0000-04-5261-KN Rear: 0000-04-5262-KN |
| One competition sway bar (front or rear). Most ND builds run a larger front sway bar with a stock rear bar. | Front Sway Bar (0.120” wall bar): 0000-04-5342-02 Arm Kit: 0000-04-5342 |
| Brake pads | Pagid OE Calipers: Front: 0000-03-5106-S3 Rear: 0000-03-5116-R1 Brembo Front: 0000-03-5106-S8 Winmax OE Calipers: Front: 0000-03-5106-W3 or W4 Rear: 0000-03-5114-W3 or W4 Brembo Front: 0000-03-5107-W3 or W4 W3 & W4 indicate different compounds. |
| Cat-back exhaust |
Not available |
| Wheels +/- 1” diameter but of the stock width, within +/- 7mm stock offset | Not available |
| 200 tread wear tires | Not available |
Recommendation: Get the club trim level MX-5 with its slightly higher factory spring rate, 7” wide wheels and LSD.
Street Touring Roadster
Eligible ND: ND1 MX-5
Additional Mazdas Eligible:
- NC MX-5 (2006-2015)
- NA/NB MX-5 (1994-2005, non-turbo)
- RX-7 GSL, GSL-SE, GXL, GTU (1988)
| Eligible competition parts | Mazda Motorsports’ Part # for ND1/ND2 |
| Up to 4-way adjustable shocks w/ adjustable ride height | Multimatic DSSV Dynamic Dampers: Front: 0000-04-5616 Rear: 0000-04-5617 Shock Mount Kit: Front: 0000-04-5260-FT Rear: 0000-04-5260-RR |
| Non-stock springs | Eibach Springs: 600 lbs/in Front: 0000-04-8600-07 300 lbs/in Rear: 0000-04-8300-07 |
| Front and rear sway bar | Front Sway Bar (0.188” wall bar): 0000-04-5342-03 Arm Kit: 0000-04-5342 Rear Sway Bar (.083” wall): 0000-04-5608 |
| Offset bushings | 0000-04-5421 |
| Header | Not available |
| Cat-back exhaust | Not available |
| Reflash | Not available |
| Differential | Cusco: 0000-02-5505 |
| Differential bushings | 0000-04-5901 |
| Engine mounts | 0000-02-5702-LT 0000-02-5702-RT 0000-02-5712-LT 0000-02-5712-RT |
| Air intake | Not available |
| Seats | Not available |
| Lightweight battery | Not available |
| Brake kit | Not available |
| Brake pads | Pagid OE Calipers: Front: 0000-03-5106-S3 Rear: 0000-03-5116-R1 Brembo Front: 0000-03-5106-S8 Winmax OE Calipers: Front: 0000-03-5106-W3 or W4 Rear: 0000-03-5114-W3 or W4 Brembo Front: 0000-03-5107-W3 or W4 W3 & W4 indicate different compounds |
| Radiator | C&R: 0000-01-5660 |
| Oil cooler | Not available |
| Up to 9” wide wheels | Rays Wheels (MX-5 Cup wheels – 17″ x 7.5″): 0000-04-5806 |
| 200 tread wear tires with a width limit of 255mm | Not available |