Ultimate Mazda Miata Coilover Guide

Looking to throw down your Miata at the track, carve up the canyons or find the perfect stance? We compare the best suspension kits on the market in our ultimate Miata coilover guide.

miata coilover guide

Miata/MX-5 NA (89-97) Coilovers
Miata/MX-5 NB (inc NA) (89-05) Coilovers
Miata/MX-5 NC (05-15) Coilovers
Miata/MX-5 ND (15+) Coilovers
Jump to winners

In a hurry? Here is a Miata Coilovers summary

Miata NA Choice	Miata NB Choice	Miata NC Choice	Miata ND Choice

Zeal Function-A Miata NA Coilovers	Ohlins Road & Track NA/NB Coilovers	KW Variant 3 Miata NC Coilovers	Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

About the Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata is undoubtedly one of the best two-seater roadsters on the used and new car markets.

With models such as the NA and NB now more affordable than ever, it’s an incredible opportunity to get a track or drift car on a budget. If you’re looking for stylish, modern-day luxuries, Mazda still produces the ND to the present day to cater for your fresh out-the-showroom needs.

Since the Miata has one of the largest aftermarket selections out there, prepare yourself to be spoilt for suspension choice. Some owners might tell you not to bother buying a fancy suspension kit and chop your springs, but we all know this is far from the perfect solution.

There are aftermarket spring options out there that may well suit your needs for a tight budget if you’re purely looking to lower, however, if you’re looking to spend a little extra money to get the ultimate solution, coilovers are the perfect answer.

Coilovers help you to achieve the perfect fitment and stance whilst giving you a ride range of adjustability, whether you’re after a soft, lowered ride or a stiff track-clinging setup, our selection covers it all.

It’s time to maximize what this incredibly capable chassis has to offer, so strap yourself in as we venture into our ultimate Miata coilover guide!

Coilovers - The Perfect Miata Suspension Solution

When it comes to improving the suspension on your Miata, coilovers provide the perfect solution.

You may have heard stories of the ride being unbearable with coilovers, but that’s often far from the truth.

Sure, some ‘too good to be true’ super cheap eBay specials created purely for slamming your Miata to the ground are likely to provide these results, but we’re ignoring those for this guide.

A highly-regarded coilover kit will completely transform this two-seater roadster’s handling, and the Miata provides the ultimate platform to get the most out of a coilover setup.

While some Miata enthusiasts opt for lowering springs, these can be ideal for improving your ride’s aesthetics, alongside some decent handling improvements.

However, suppose you’re happy to spend a little more to get the very best suspension solution for your Miata.

In this case, coilovers will provide far more adjustability to achieve the perfect setup and provide go-kart-like handling.

Coilovers will be especially crucial for those of you that are considering going down the high-powered forced induction route with your Miata.

Strapping a turbo kit or supercharger kit to your Miata on the stock suspension will undoubtedly make things interesting when it comes to pushing it to the limits in the twisties!

Alongside coilovers, this is where you’ll also benefit from additional upgrades, such as aftermarket racing seats, keeping you firmly planted in the driving seat.

If you’re not interested in going down the forced induction route, we do recommend that you at least invest in some aftermarket breathing upgrades such as a exhaust and a cold air intake.

Interested to know what else you can upgrade to get the most out of your Miata? Make sure you check out our Miata tuning guides.

What’s in this guide?

We’ve created this to help you find the perfect coilover suspension setup to complement your Miata, from NA to ND.

For each coilover option, we also add our own comments. In addition, we have given a Drifted rating (1-5) based on features and price. We are considering budget, mid-range and high-end coilovers in this comparison.

Miata coilover selection

To read more about any of these products just click on the product name or photo.

Tein Flex Z NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Tein
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Twin-tube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Tein Flex Z Miata NA6C (1.6L) or NA8C (1.8L)

Our comment: Tein are well known for being one of the highest regarded affordable JDM suspension companies on the market. The Flex Z is their latest offering and provides an impressive package which is great for the street and capable of decent performance at the track.

Tein designed this kit to be a sealed structure, meaning they aren’t rebuildable. This may sound like a negative, but Tein are able to supply each part individually. Therefore, if your shock was to go, you ONLY need to replace the shock, which is far cheaper than a rebuild or an entirely new kit. We think it’s a great idea.

Manufacturer description: “FLEX Z inherits all the features and quality of STREET FLEX but the adoption of new platform allows its price to be set at amazingly low range ($800 to $1,050). FLEX Z, of course, maintains the long-favored “Made in Yokohama” quality. Ride height adjustable shock absorber, fully loaded with TEIN’s comprehensive technology, is now more affordable prices than ever.“

“Its smooth stroke movement makes it possible to follow rough and bumpy road surfaces quite well, offering supple ride at low speed and stable ride at high speed. Full-length ride height adjustment system, used for FLEX Z, enables adjustment of ride height by adjusting the case length, without changing the damper stroke length and/or spring pre-load. This has the advantage that the change in ride quality is kept minimal when the height is adjusted. This system not only makes it possible to maintain good balance between the low-down appearance and ride comfort, but also provides more setting choices for sport driving as well.“

BC Racing BR NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: BC Racing BR NA Coilovers

Our comment: BC Racing BR is another option that has definitely stood the test of time. They appeal to a similar market to the Tein Flex Z, great on the street yet capable for occasional light track or drift action. For the price, we would personally favor the Flex Z this time around.

Do you like what BC Racing has to offer and have a little extra cash to splash for their top-end setup? Check out the BC Racing ER kit!

Manufacturer description: “BC Racing BR Type Coilover is perfect for street driving and occasional road course duty. With easily accessible adjustment knobs for fine tuning your compression/rebound and separately adjustable ride height, having a performance coilover system couldn’t be any easier.“

“You choose how low or high you want your vehicle, no preset ride height here, and our patented concave lower locking ring keeps it locked in. All of our systems come with pillowball mounts to provide the most feedback possible from your suspension and to sharpen your steering response. BC’s available front and rear camber plates also allow you to get the perfect alignment setup without compromise. All this while providing a strong, attractive looking coilover system.“

K Sport Slide Kontrol NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: K Sport
Levels of damping adjustment: 36
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 9.8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 9kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: K Sport Slide Kontrol Miata NA & NB Coilovers

Our comment: K Sport brings us this drift-orientated kit to the market, so how could we not include them here?! This is a great option for those of you that won’t be shy when it comes to flicking the rear end out on your Miata.

This kit is designed to take the abuse that a car endures whilst being thrown side to side on a frequent basis at the same time providing a huge amount of adjustability to get the perfect setup.

Manufacturer description: “Ksport Slide Kontrol Drift coilover Systems provide the ultimate in suspension technology featuring 36 levels adjustable damping, inverted shock design on most applications, adjustable spring perch, adjustable body and Pillow-ball mounts. The Ksport Slide Kontrol Drift coilover System has been designed to endure the extended abuse and extreme handling-load of drifting.“

KW V1 NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: KW
Levels of damping adjustment: N/A
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 400lb/in
Spring rate rear: 340lb/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: KW V1 Miata NA Coilovers

Our comment: This may be their entry level product, but don’t go thinking that this kit from the German suspension legends isn’t an incredible kit. The main downside is that this kit doesn’t feature adjustable damping, however, we would much prefer to trust the R&D team at KW than your buddies homie down at the local shop.

The most important factor is that these are still height adjustable, which means that you can get an incredible piece of engineering at a fraction of the price if you’re not looking to adjust every minor detail of your setup. These are great for everyday driving and extremely capable if you decide to hit up the track. Combine that with stainless steel construction, which means you’ll never have rust or seizing issues, and you’re onto a winner!

Manufacturer description: “The KW Variant 1 “inox-line” coilover kit is our entry model for increased driving pleasure with an attractive and individually adjustable lowering. Due to its high-quality finish, the use of struts made from stainless steel, corrosion-resistant springs and bump stops as well as compatible components stands for long driving pleasure - not just the car’s life.“

“We are the market leader and innovator of individual suspension solutions for road and racetracks for more than 15 years. Car drivers, automotive manufacturers , and tuners all around the world rely on our KW coilovers “Made in Germany”. Each KW coilover kit, developed and manufactured in the Swabian town Fichtenberg, is subject to extensive stress tests during production to meet the high standards of our KW quality management.“

Zeal Function-A X-Coil NA Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Zeal
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm (Street Springs)
Spring rate rear: 7kg/mm (Street Springs)
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Zeal Function-A X-Coil Miata NA Coilovers

Our comment: Our final choice is the premium selection and undoubtedly the most expensive set on our NA list. Quality comes at a price and Endless’s sister company, Zeal, brings you an impressive work of art.

This aluminum setup is plated in nickel-boon which gives it a rigid structure, increasing the resistance to abrasion and high temperatures and also allow for a more direct damping action. Depending on your intentions, these come in either a street or track spring setup. If you’re looking to shave valuable seconds off at the track, these are the NA coilovers for you.

Manufacturer description: “Zeal Coilover suspension systems use the originally developed X-Coil spring. The height adjustable coilover kit has been designed to capitalize on the linear characteristics of the X-Coil spring and has been developed to meet the needs of a variety of different driving conditions.“

“The Function-A features 30 levels of adjustment and is designed for both aggressive street and track use. Customers have the options between the Street and Track spring rates as recommended by the factory.“

Fortune Auto 500 NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Fortune Auto
Levels of damping adjustment: 24
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: Fortune Auto 500 NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Our comment: US-built Fortune Auto certainly stand out with this awesome looking coilover set. They don’t just look good, they’re known for their high quality, popular products. These are soft and smooth for the daily trek yet extremely capable if you head to the track.

Fortune Auto are always customizable, and should you want any spring upgrades or other customizations, hit up Enjuku and we have no doubt they’ll be happy to help.

Manufacturer description: “Fortune Auto engineers were tasked with a focused goal to make the Generation 5, 500 Series dampers the best single adjustable system on the market at a very affordable price point. All systems are completely built in-house by our engineering staff in Richmond, Virginia. We insist on building bespoke suspension in order to offer the best quality control in the industry.“

“At Fortune Auto, we approach the science of suspension with a mentality of customization that has raised the industry’s standards of performance.“

BC Racing BR NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: BC Racing BR NA & NB Coilovers

Do you like what BC Racing has to offer and have a little extra cash to splash for their top-end setup? Check out the BC Racing ER kit!

Tein Flex Z NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Tein
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Tein Flex Z Miata NB Coilovers

Tein designed this kit to be a sealed structure, meaning they aren’t rebuildable. This may sound like a negative, but Tein is able to supply each part individually. Therefore, if your shock was to go, you ONLY need to replace the shock, which is far cheaper than a rebuild or an entirely new kit. We think it’s a great idea.

A’PEXi N1 ExV NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: APEXi
Levels of damping adjustment: 32
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: APEXi N1 ExV Miata NA & NB Coilovers

Our comment: APEXi is an extremely well-known name in the tuning scene and this is their street-orientated coilover range.

These are a solid contender, and should definitely be considered for a mid-range mostly street and occasional track or canyon run setup.

Manufacturer description: “The N1 ExV Damper is the newest edition to our high performance street line of coilover suspension. The Expert Type V (ExV) is a full coilover suspension featuring a threaded base for precise ride height adjustment without compromising shock or spring travel.“

“The ExV was designed to cater exclusively to US market vehicles. With this in mind, internal components have been specifically engineered to withstand harsher road conditions and increased wear caused by everyday street driving. The Expert Type V was developed based upon user requests for a high performance damper that doesn’t carry a typical racing suspension price tag.“

Ohlins Road && Track NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 458 lbs/in.
Spring rate rear: 343 lbs/in.
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata NA & NB Coilovers

Our comment: Our final choice in the NB selection is from the market-leading Swedish manufacturer, Ohlins. Creating some of the best setups in the world, these suspension giants are certainly not to be dismissed if you’re looking for a serious setup.

Quality comes at a price, and owners have been delighted with this setup for many years. It features strong corrosion protection which shows that they are built to last. The DFV technology certainly sets these apart from the lower-priced competition in our NB selection.

Manufacturer description: “For the past 3 decades one name comes to mind when thinking about a state-of-the-art engineered suspension product, Öhlins. Öhlins has remained true to its number one goal; superior road handling without sacrificing comfort in the day-to-day transports.“

“The Road and Track Coilover Suspension System by Öhlins is just another great piece of art design to perform at every level it needs to. Utilizing DFV (Dual Flow Valve) Technology is part of what makes Öhlins climb to the top as a leader in Coilover Systems. The DFV gives the same characteristics on rebound as it does on compression by using constent flow of fluid into both directions, resulting in a quicker response from wheel and tire to effectively resume their important positions of hugging the ground below.“

Godspeed GSP Mono SS NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Godspeed
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: Godspeed GSP Mono SS NA & NB Miata Coilovers on Amazon or eBay

Our comment: There’s no question that the Godspeed coilover kit provides excellent value for money, and we’ve heard of many owners having great long-term experience with this kit.

Not only are they a bargain, but they also look pretty damn cool!

Godspeed has had a negative reputation in the past, but they’ve focused on improving the brand, which certainly appears to be paying off.

For those looking for a unique touch to your Miata, the Godspeed coilovers could well provide a great budget option.

If you’re happy to spend a little more cash for a competitive setup, there will be better choices out there, but for the price, this is a great kit.

Manufacturer description: “The Mono-SS series is a new addition to our Godspeed Project suspension line and offers the bare minimum for what we believe an after-market coilover system should be without sacrificing reliability, quality and performance.“

“Featuring a Mono-Tube shock, this series is built more for consumers who are on a budget but want the best bang for their buck. For a much more comfortable ride the Mono-SS all come with a Poly Urethane bushing in both the top hat and lower bracket for an improved ride instead of a spherical bearing which can be too stiff and noisy for some.“

Megan Racing EZII Street Series NA & NB Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Megan Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 15
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NA & NB
Value for money: ???
Purchase link: Megan Racing EZII Street Series NA & NB Miata Coilovers on Amazon or eBay

Our comment: Megan Racing’s EZII street kit is another fairly reasonably priced offering.

Don’t expect to be claiming podiums in Formula Drift anytime soon, but if you’re purely looking to lower your car for the street, or perhaps very occasional basic track use, then they are worth consideration.

Megan Racing is another brand that often gets hit with a mixed reception, but some owners are delighted with their choice.

In our opinion, it’s worth forking out a little extra cash for something like the Tein Flex Z or BC Racing BR coilover kits.

Manufacturer description: “Megan Racing EZII Series coilover system is aimed towards the more budget oriented enthusiast to offer the most basic essentials from an after-market coil-over setup, yet makes no compromises for quality and performance.“

“15 Levels of Adjustable Damper Strength, Aluminum Brackets paired with rubber inserts, Rubber Dust Covers, Adjustable Ride Height, Conservative Spring Rates, Single-Cylinder Design - monotube, All coilover damper kits come with 1 year manufacture-defect warranty, All Hardware is Included.“

Moton 3-Way NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Moton
Levels of damping adjustment: 15
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: Springs not included
Spring rate rear: Springs not included
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: Moton 3-Way NC Miata Coilovers

Our comment: You’re probably assuming we’ve made a typo with the price here, but nope. You’re just looking at the OG specials. Moton is in a different league to the rest of our coilover offerings, and although they’re certainly not for everybody, these are the perfect choice for those that are competing professionally or have recently secured a secret lottery win.

An incredible option for those of you where money is not an issue that won’t settle for anything less than the best parts for their NC build.

Manufacturer description: “The 3-Way adjustable Moton damper features 15 positions of high speed bump, 6 positions low speed bump and 15 positions of rebound adjustment. The low speed bump adjuster is located on top of the high speed bump adjuster and can be adjusted in dependably.“

“The low speed bump adjuster is very effective in helping to control body roll while adding to turn in and is effective in controlling pitch and squat. The 3-Way adjustable Moton damper is using, like the double adjustable damper, a unique blow off valve system in the canister to totally control curb stones and bumpy track conditions.“

BC Racing BR NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 5kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: BC Racing BR NC Coilovers

Do you like what BC Racing has to offer and have a little extra cash to splash for their top-end setup? Check out the BC Racing ER kit!

Tein Flex Z NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Tein
Levels of damping adjustment: 16
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 5kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Tein Flex Z Miata NC

Manufacturer description: “FLEX Z inherits all the features and quality of STREET FLEX but the adoption of a new platform allows its price to be set at amazingly low range ($800 to $1,050). FLEX Z, of course, maintains the long-favored “Made in Yokohama” quality. Ride height adjustable shock absorber, fully loaded with TEIN’s comprehensive technology, is now more affordable prices than ever.“

KW Variant 3 Miata NC Coilovers

Manufacturer: KW
Levels of damping adjustment: 14
Construction type: Twin-tube
Spring rate front: 230 (lbs/in)
Spring rate rear: Progressive
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: KW V3 Miata NC Coilovers

Our comment: KW return to our list with their competitor for the Ohlins Road & Track. This is KW’s big daddy kit which certainly lives up to expectations and includes full 3-way adjustment and corrosion protection, these are undoubtedly one of the most popular coilover choices on the market.

If you’re stuck between choosing these or Ohlins Road & Track below, people generally find these softer than the Ohlins, which may work out better for daily use.

Manufacturer description: “State-of-the-art technology from motor sports for more performance on the road. The separate and independently adjustable rebound- and compression damping allows for an individual suspension setup for different uses and preferences.“

“The unique patented system with its two-stage valves allows a rebound damping adjustment (comfort) and a compression adjustment (driving dynamics) in the low-speed range while the high-speed range which controls the driving safety, is fixed.“

Skunk2 Pro ST NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Skunk2
Levels of damping adjustment: 12
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money: ??
Purchase link: Skunk2 Pro ST NC Miata Coilovers

Our comment: Skunk2 offers its Pro-ST coilovers to those looking for a mid-price range offering.

This kit fits into a similar price-bracket to the BC Racing BR and is a fair bit more expensive than the Tein Flex Z, both available for NC owners in this guide.

The Pro-ST kit is designed with driving enthusiasts in mind, but in all honesty, we think that there better choices mentioned above within the same price bracket, which offer better adjustability and are far more proven.

Manufacturer description: “Skunk2 Racing’s Pro-ST Coilovers for ’06-’15 Mazda Miata NC are engineered as the best single adjustable suspension system on the market at a price point you can afford!“

“Serious club racers and discerning high performance street car owners agree that the Pro-ST’s 12 way dampening, mono-tube design, threaded shock bodies with independent height/ spring pre-load adjustment, and billet radial bearing upper camber mounts give them all the control they need at the track without sacrificing ride quality on the street.“

Ohlins Road & Track NC Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 392 lbs/in
Spring rate rear : 224 lbs/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata NC
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata NC Coilovers

Our comment: It could well be leaving the best until last again for our final choice in the NC selection, once again from the market-leading German manufacturer, Ohlins. Creating some of the best setups in the world, these suspension giants are certainly not to be dismissed if you’re looking for a serious setup.

If you’re stuck between these and the KW V3, the main difference is that these are slightly stiffer for daily use, if this is what you’re looking for then opt for these.

Manufacturer description: “For the past 3 decades one name comes to mind when thinking about a state-of-the-art engineered suspension product, Öhlins. Öhlins has remain true to its number one goal; superior road handling without sacrificing comfort in the day-to-day transports.“

“The Road and Track Coilover Suspension System by Öhlins is just another great peice of art design to perform at every level it needs to. Utilizing DFV (Dual Flow Valve) Technology is part of what makes Öhlins climb to the top as a leader in Coilover Systems. The DFV gives the same characteristics on rebound as it does on compression by using constent flow of fluid into both directions, resulting in a quicker response from wheel and tire to effectively resume their important positions of hugging the ground below.“

HKS Hipermax GT IV Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: HKS
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 4kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 4kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: HKS Hipermax GT IV ND Miata Coilovers

Our comment: We kick off our ND list in style with the latest release from the Japanese tuning powerhouse, HKS. This option combines fantastic ride comfort which is close to stock (even when slammed) with the addition of impeccable handling alongside the typical quality you would expect from HKS. These are a fantastic fast road coilover for an ND that perhaps sees occasional track use from time to time.

Manufacturer description: “The new Max IV is a sporty suspension. Gives you an awesome sporty drive with great control and a comfortable ride on the street.“

“It’s perfect for daily street driving that gives you style and performance. You and your passenger can have a comfortable ride even with a low-down. Mono tube dampers allow for more accurate and stable control and adjustment of dampening. Lower ride height and centre of gravity gives a more stable ride.“

BC Racing BR ND Miata Coilovers

Manufacturer: BC Racing
Levels of damping adjustment: 30
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 5kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 3kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: BC Racing BR ND Coilovers

Our comment: BC Racing BR are another option that have definitely stood the test of time. They’re great on the street yet capable for occasional light track or drift action.

These are a solid budget contender and our cheapest offering for the ND. These could well be perfect if you’re not looking to shave lap times at the track but looking for better stance and handling.

ST Suspensions XTA Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: ST Suspensions
Levels of damping adjustment: Unknown
Construction type: Twin tube
Spring rate front: 230lbs/in
Spring rate rear: 230lbs/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money: ????
Purchase link: ST Suspensions XTA Miata ND

Our comment: Introducing KW’s younger brother – ST. This features the same technology as found in the KW suspensions and are based off the KW V2. The main change with these compared to the V2 is that the construction is now galvanized steel instead of stainless.

These are a fantastic alternative to the more expensive KW alternatives and will undoubtedly provide fantastic quality and handling at a fraction of the price of the KW products, as long as you don’t mind losing the stainless steel construction.

Manufacturer description: “The high-quality ST XTA coilover is based on the twin-tube damping principle of low friction combined with pressure-resistant damper housings. Manufactured directly at KW, a mono block guide and seal package reduces the friction of the damper as well as protecting it against corrosion and dirt. Each galvanized strut is sealed multiple times to ensure maximum longevity in ALL weather conditions.“

Cusco Zero-3s Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: Cusco
Levels of damping adjustment: 24
Construction type: Twin-tube
Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
Spring rate rear: 4kg/mm
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Cusco Zero-3s Miata ND Coilovers

Our comment: Japanese tuning giants Cusco have opted to try their hand in the Miata market as they bring their first offering. With a reasonable price point, these feature everything you would need for a great setup on a daily, yet still remain competitive when you head to the track.

These are designed exclusively for the ND Miata and are rust and corrosion resistant, which is extremely important in some areas. These could well be the ultimate street/track ND coilover within the price bracket.

Manufacturer description: “Cusco Zero-3 Coilovers are highly adjustable, allowing you to tune the suspension to provide your desired ride on road or track. 24-way adjustable dampers, excellent tailor-made spring rates, rust-resistant stainless steel outer casing, and a double-adjustable ride height body all combine to give you the best coilover on the market.“

“Shock travel is consistent despite changes in ride height, and you can corner-balance your car without affecting spring pre-load“

Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Manufacturer: Ohlins
Levels of damping adjustment: 20
Construction type: Monotube
Spring rate front: 572 lbs/in
Spring rate rear: 229 lbs/in
Fitment: Mazda Miata ND
Value for money: ?????
Purchase link: Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Our comment: There’s a good reason that Ohlins R&T feature three times in this guide, and that’s because owners simply can’t get enough of them. Creating some of the best setups in the world, these suspension giants are certainly not to be dismissed if you’re looking for a serious setup.

Our winners

So which are the right set of coilovers for your Miata platform? Read on for our winners!

Miata NA choice

Our choice for the Miata NA is the Zeal Function-A

Endless is a huge name in the tuning scene, and the quality of these coilovers continues the tradition that we’ve come to expect from them. If you have the money to spare, this fantastic product offers both a street or track setup and are built to last.

There are certainly cheaper alternatives on our list and for those on a more realistic budget, we’d recommend the Tein Flex Z.

Zeal Function-A Miata NA coilovers

Miata NB choice

Our choice for the Miata NB are the Ohlins Road & Track

This probably comes as no surprise, but there’s no doubt that they are the worthy winners. Combining incredible German quality with one of the best handling setups on the market, you really can’t go wrong with these. These also fit the NA if you’re looking for an alternative option.

If they’re out of your price bracket, consider opting for the Tein Flex Z for a great low-priced all-rounder.

Ohlins Road & Track NA/NB Coilovers

Miata NC choice

Our choice for the Miata NC is the KW V3

We know that it’s always a personal choice as to whether you go for these or the Ohlins R&T, but we couldn’t let KW miss out on being a winner in our guide! The Ohlins are obviously an incredible choice too, and if you’re after a stiffer ride then consider those instead.

If you’re still flossing from that recent lottery win and you’re serious about the track, make sure you check out the Moton.

KW Variant 3 Miata NC Coilovers

Miata ND choice

Our choice for the Miata ND is the Ohlins Road & Track

ND owners have a great selection to choose from, but nothing that we think is superior to Ohlins offering for value for money.

For our runner-up, we would go with the tried and tested HKS Hipermax GT IV. These are undoubtedly a fantastic lower-price choice for those who aren’t too serious about track times.

Ohlins Road & Track Miata ND Coilovers

Looking to keep your Miata in tip top condition? Then make sure you check out our Miata Battery guide.

Photo credits

We would like to thank the following websites for allowing us to use their images in this article:

Written by Joe Terrell Drifted.com founder, motoring journalist and all-round car enthusiast. Read more about Joe and the Drifted team on our about us page.