The Miata is a performance-oriented roadster manufactured by Mazda. The car is known for its handling ability and close to 50/50 weight distribution. A 50/50 weight distribution allows for better handling during cornering. Mazda accomplishes this weight distribution by placing the engine more toward the center of the car, redistributing the weight. This distribution makes the Miata a popular car for drifting. The Mazda Miata also has a considerable amount of aftermarket parts because of its popularity. Aftermarket parts manufactures offer high-performance upgrades to greatly increase the car's handling and horsepower.
A car's horsepower production is limited to the amount of air that a car's engine can take in. Forced induction compresses the air before sending it to the engine, which increases the total amount of air the engine takes in. There are two types of forced induction turbochargers and superchargers. Turbochargers run off of the car's exhaust system, and superchargers are driven by the car's pulley system. The amount of air increased is calculated in pounds per square inches (psi). The more the psi rating of a forced induction system, the more horsepower the engine will produce. A forced induction system provides between 100 to 250 additional horsepower.
An engine swap is a process of taking out a car's stock engine and replacing it with a higher-performance option. A popular choice is to place a V-8 or an RX-7 rotary engine in the Miata. An engine swap adds between 250 to 500 horsepower, depending on the engine's tune and type. Because of the Miata's lightweight design and these engine's high-horsepower output, a Miata with a more powerful engine is capable of 11 seconds in a quarter-mile run. A quarter mile is a timed race from a dead stop until a car crosses the quarter-mile mark. An engine swap is more expensive than a forced-induction option.
Mazda's stock suspension is designed for performance, but if you're looking for an adjustable suspension, high-performance suspension upgrades are available. Coil-overs are adjustable alternatives to springs. The stiffness of coil-overs can be changed depending on the situation and stiffness required. Stiffer sway bars provide less car lean during cornering. Less car lean allows for better car control during cornering. However, when a car's suspension is made stiffer, all of the forces during cornering are transferred to the tires of a car. To prevent tire slip, tires must upgraded to performance tires. Every tire manufacturer offers performance tires with better grip, but performance tires are more expensive and wear out faster.
