How to Build a High-Performance Mazda Miata MX-5, 2nd Edition

by Keith Tanner

Overview

Build the Miata of your dreams with this all-encompassing, photo-illustrated modification guide.

Across four generations and for more than three decades, Mazda’s Miata MX-5 has proven itself one of the most popular and versatile sports cars ever created. Its ability to fulfill any goal from street cruising to on-track competition has spawned an extensive performance aftermarket, making it possible for owners to build their dream Miata. In fact, the selection of parts is so broad that it can be difficult for many would-be builders to select and tune the proper combination to achieve their MX-5 goals. 

Enter author, MX-5 expert, and Flyin’ Miata co-owner Keith Tanner and How to Build a High-Performance Mazda Miata MX-5. This thorough manual—revised and updated throughout to cover the fourth-generation Miata—will guide you through how to best modify your car to suit your goals. Key chapters in the book cover:

• Engine management systems, intake/exhaust, and forced induction
• Clutch and transmission
• Suspension and handling
• Braking, wheels, and tires
• Body and chassis
• Engine swaps

Beginning with a modification philosophy, Tanner then discusses which upgrades will help you reach your goals and how to tune your MX-5 to maximize its potential. From cross-country touring to autocross to track racing, the Miata can do it all and How to Build a High-Performance Mazda Miata MX-5 ensures you know how to make it happen!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780760396353
Publisher:	Motorbooks
Publication date:	06/03/2025
Series:	Motorbooks Workshop
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	38 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Keith Tanner has been racing, modifying, and writing about Miatas for two decades and currently works full-time at a performance shop that pushes the boundaries of the little sports cars. At home, he’s restored a 1967 Land Rover and a 1966 Cadillac to go along with his classic Mini, Mazda 323 GTX, and a few Miatas. He’s also built a Lotus Seven replica that uses Miata mechanicals, and his latest project is a Miata for the Targa Newfoundland race. He’s published four books in the Motorbooks Workshop series: Mazda Miata MX-5 Performance Projects; Mazda Miata: Find it, Fix it, Trick it; How to Build a High Performance Mazda Miata MX-%; and How to Build a Cheap Sports Car. Tanner has also written a number of magazine articles. When he’s not playing with cars, he’s out on skis or a bike. He lives in Colorado in a house with a large garage hidden underneath.
Keith Tanner has been racing, modifying, and writing about Miatas for two decades and currently works full-time at a performance shop that pushes the boundaries of the little sports cars. At home, he's restored a 1967 Land Rover and a 1966 Cadillac to go along with his classic Mini, Mazda 323 GTX, and a few Miatas. He's also built a Lotus Seven replica that uses Miata mechanicals, and his latest project is a Miata for the Targa Newfoundland race. He's published four books in the Motorbooks Workshop series: Mazda Miata MX-5 Performance Projects; Mazda Miata: Find it, Fix it, Trick it; How to Build a High Performance Mazda Miata MX-%; and How to Build a Cheap Sports Car. Tanner has also written a number of magazine articles. When he's not playing with cars, he's out on skis or a bike. He lives in Colorado in a house with a large garage hidden underneath.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction 
CHAPTER 1 The Philosophy of Modification 
CHAPTER 2 Engine 
CHAPTER 3 Intake and Exhaust 
CHAPTER 4 Forced Induction 
CHAPTER 5 Fuel and Engine Management 
CHAPTER 6 Clutch, Transmission, and Rear Ends 
CHAPTER 7 Handling Theory 
CHAPTER 8 Suspension 
CHAPTER 9 Suspension Tuning 
CHAPTER 10 The Braking System 
CHAPTER 11 Wheels and Tires 
CHAPTER 12 Body and Chassis 
CHAPTER 13 Aerodynamics 
CHAPTER 14 Safety Gear 
CHAPTER 15 Engine Swaps 
Index