Want to set a faster time in your Miata at the track, fine tune your stance, or just enjoy some fun canyon passes? In this epic guide, you’ll find the best coilover kits for your Mazda Miata.
But First, A Quick Summary
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Our Top Pick
BC Racing BR Series
These coilovers can hold their own on the track but are still perfectly comfortable for street use.
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Best Value for Money
Yonaka Spec 2s
Affordable performance, without sacrificing important features.
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For Daily Driving
Tein Flex Z
Twin-tube design delivers a smooth ride for daily drivers. Adjustment via the EDFC system are a novelty.
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Rev-happy power in a small package is the Mazda Miata promise. Nearly three decades as a bestseller means that there are a lot of MX5s out there trying to fulfill this sales pitch.
Some Miata owners were happy enough with the stock setup and left it as is. But for the rest of us, modding our Miata can border on obsession and coilovers are a popular mod option.
For most people, a two-seat sports car can only fulfill the daily-driver role for a short stretch of their life, so Miatas get bumped to second car status. They also appear frequently in the secondhand market and are picked up by those looking for a starter race or drift missile.
For all of these activities, handling is a key element. Once you get past the debate about coilovers vs lowering springs we expect you’re onboard with the idea that coilovers are the best-bang-for-your-buck route to a smoother driving Miata.
From value plays to street options to track performers, in this guide you’ll find the best coilovers for your Miata.
Cheap Miata Coilovers
If you’ve hunted down a 1990s Mazda Miata in decent shape you might wonder why you’d spend the cost of the car (or more) on a suspension upgrade. Fair enough. Pricewise, these are the best coilovers for your first or second generation Miata.
Equally, if you’re just getting started with mods for your later-generation MX5, there are some affordable options to begin with.
Yonaka SPEC 2 Coilovers
Manufacturer: Yonaka Motorsports
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 28 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 Year (two and three years also available)
Buy from: Amazon
Yonaka made these coilovers for road driving that pushes the envelope, and the occasional track day.
What really sells this entry-level option for us is the ability to get 3-4” of ride height adjustment without altering the spring’s travel distance. If you’re after a low center of gravity without the bruising, definitely include these coilovers on your shortlist.
Yonaka also makes a race only version (with a 17% larger diameter shock piston). They’re very clear that this variant of the SPEC 2s are not road appropriate.
Adjustment tools are included in these kits.
Megan Racing EZII Street Series
Manufacturer: Megan Racing
Compatible generations: NA, NB, NC, ND
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 15 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 Year
Buy From: Amazon
From Megan Racing comes this very good value set of coilovers. Their EZII Street Series coilovers offer the adjustability to let you jump back and forth from road to track.
This is one of the best budget Miata coilovers that don’t sacrifice a ton on quality.
And, sure, Megan also makes a variant of the EZII for the current (ND) generation Miata. But if you’re going to pay to mod a nearly-new car, we’d rather see you go with something that will offer a more obvious improvement like the KW Variant 3.
Tein Street Basis Z Coilover
Manufacturer: Tein
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Twin-tube
Damper adjustment: Fixed
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Not included
Warranty: 1 Year
Buy from: Amazon
These very much are your entry-level option. But if you’re rolling on twenty-year-old OEM suspension, chances are something is not working the way it should and you’ll notice a big improvement with Tein’s Street Basis Z coilovers.
As the name suggests, these are marketed to the sporty road driver. Because of the cost, Street Basis Zs are one of the best options for a first-generation Mazda Miata that isn’t used for club or race days.
No damping adjustment and the need to change the spring’s range to adjust the ride height mean that this Miata coilover kit probably won’t cut it for advanced drivers.
A small amount of assembly is required, but the included instructions are super helpful. Also, note that this is a bring-your-own top hats situation.
The Street Basis Z set up is one of the cheap Miata coilover options that finds the right balance between cost and quality. If you find yourself in need of replacement suspension but can’t afford a more expensive set of coilovers, definitely check these out.
Tein Street Advance Z Coilover
Manufacturer: Tein
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Twin-tube
Damper adjustment: 16 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Not included
Warranty: 1 Year
Buy from: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
These guys offer a step up from Tein’s Basis option for only a little bit more cash. For that extra cost, you get a 16-way dampening adjustment.
The Street Advance Z is also compatible with Tein’s EDFC control system so you get to digitally manage your damping from behind the wheel.
A bit of assembly is required and you’ll still need to supply the top hats, but this remains one of the best value options for street driving.
Top Coilovers for Street Driven Miatas
A classic Miata is a fun car to drive and its broad popularity means that most of these cars will never see competition use. If you’re sticking to the streets, these are the best coilovers for your MX5.
To a small minority, coilovers are thought of as a track-first mod. Obviously, handling is also important through winding roads even if you’re not on a pitched track or attempting a slalom course. Smooth cornering makes these cars a real pleasure to drive.
Also, keep in mind that lowering your Mazda Miata’s centre of gravity will more evenly distribute weight front-to-back during acceleration and braking.
Street coilovers are a great alternative to struts and hold out the promise of a smoother ride that will keep your non-car-junkie partner from sending you to the doghouse.
MaXpeedingRods Street Performance
Manufacturer: MaXpeedingRods
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Twin tube
Damping adjustment: 24 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 year
If you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive pair of intermediate coilovers for your NA or NB Miata, MaXpeedingRods has just the right option for you.
Their Street Performance Miata coilovers offer a level of quality that was previously unheard of at this price point.
At 11.25 lbs (front), they aren’t exactly light, but they’re incredibly sturdy and built well enough to take a beating all day. These are ideal for street use and occasional track use.
In the box, you’ll get color-matched wrenches for ride height adjustment which is a nice touch. Although, they also sell a non-adjustable variant of the same coilovers.
These come equipped with high tensile springs rated at 7kg/mm front and 6kg/mm rear. That’s 392lbs/in front and 336lbs/in rear. For more clarity on this subject, read our spring rate conversion guide.
What’s more is that you can lower your car anywhere between 1” and 3”, without letting it affect your damper travel in any way shape, or form.
Godspeed MonoSS Coilover
Manufacturer: Godspeed
Compatible generations: NA, NB, NC
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 16 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 Year
Buy from: Amazon
Now we’re getting into intermediate territory — this offering by Godspeed still comes in near the bottom of the price range for Miata coilovers, but with a few more premium features. For instance, you get ride height adjustment independent from spring tension adjusters.
You’ll get the benefits of a lower centre of gravity and more tire contact through the corners and also a smoother street ride.
The rear shocks in the set have an extended 2.75” top-hat to help minimize the chance of a bottom-out too.
And, yes, they only come in hot pink highlights.
Tein Flex Z Coilover System
Manufacturer: Tein
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Twin-tube
Damper adjustment: 16 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 Year
Buy from: Amazon
In the Flex Z part of the Tein range, we start to get into the level of quality that made the manufacturer’s reputation on the Japanese racing circuits. But we’re still certainly not at sky’s-the-limit prices.
Like the Street Advance Z coilovers, these can be hooked up to an EDFC system to put damper control at your fingertips while driving.
These are definitely road-first coilovers (hence the twin-tube construction) but a midrange damping setting will still feel stiff and responsive. They’ll also work out for the occasional trip to the track with your Miata.
Miata BC Racing BR Series Kit
Manufacturer: BC Racing
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 30 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 Year
Buy from: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
Put this down as one of the top options in the intermediate range of MX5 coilover options. We start to get advanced features (like 30 damping levels) for affordable prices. They are especially popular with MX5 Miata enthusiasts in North America, the UK and Australia.
BC Racing kits come with all the needed tools and a straightforward installation process. That accessible price means this is an upgrade from stock shocks and springs for most, so the improvement is pretty huge.
The manufacturer can put together custom spring packages upon request, like a stiffer spring rate, or a smoother set of Swift springs.
For most drivers though, the standard spring rate is perfect. Their concave lower locking ring keeps your springs where you want them, though we’ve never had any trouble with these rings moving around before.
Skunk2 Pro ST Coilover
Manufacturer: Skunk2 Racing
Compatible generations: NA, NB, NC
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 12 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 Year
Buy from: Amazon
The Pro ST coilover by Skunk2 is where most club racers land when they want affordable track performance for their daily driver. The standard spring rate that comes with this kit is versatile enough to do it all.
It has the familiar feature for this price range of separate adjustments for the ride height and spring preload. Heavy-duty manufacturing and materials round out the package here.
If you really want to drop your first-generation MX5 down as low as it will go, this coilover should be on your list. They also make a variant for the NC Miata.
Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers
Manufacturer: Fortune Auto
Compatible generations: NA, NB, NC
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 24 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 5 Years
Buy from: Enjuku Racing
Two factors earned Fortune Auto’s 500 series a spot on this list: Designed and made in the US, these come with an impressive five-year warranty. When the need arises, you can send them off for a rebuild, or to get them re-valved, right here at home in the US. Spare parts for both front and rear units are all easy to source as well.
Fortune Auto’s big claim to fame is their shock piston tech, which offers stiffer rebound force at lower speeds (when you want tight control through the corners) but a more adaptive, smoother ride at high speeds. It’s the best of both worlds.
We’re starting to drift into track-use territory here, but the spring rates are still forgiving enough to keep passengers happy on the streets. These are a really great spec for the money, and are designed for enthusiasts. They’re a set that I personally really like.
Cusco Comp-S Coilovers
Manufacturer: Cusco
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: No
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 Year
Looking for an easy-to-install coilover kit? Here’s the ticket. Cusco’s Comp-S comes pre-adjusted from the factory. They offer separate ride height and spring tension adjustment, which is more or less the minimum you should expect from coilover kits in this price range.
Speaking of price, they generally creeping above other intermediate options that allow a smooth daily drive and exciting track day in one. Unless you want to slap a Cusco sticker on the back of your car, these may not be your best bet.
Coilovers for Competition and Track Use
If quality is everything to you, and you intend on spending more time driving your Miata hard than easy, this section is for you.
Your choice becomes a question of which kit forces the most tire contact area with the tarmac as you’re going through a tight corner in your Mazda Miata.
These are our favourite options for knocking down that lap time, while still being more than comfortable enough for street use.
Stance XR1 Adjustable Coilover Kit
Manufacturer: Stance
Compatible generations: NA, NB, NC, ND
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 16 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 2 years
Buy from: Amazon
The XR1 kit from Stance is designed for drivers that want a reasonable amount of performance from their suspension, but also want to be able to lower their Miata as much as possible.
A solid offering, it’s worth shopping around to get the best price for these in order to score a high performance part at a very reasonable price.
Upgraded corrosion protection is another big plus if you drive your Mazda MX5 on salt-covered winter roads.
Ksport Slide Kontrol Drift Coilover
Manufacturer: Ksport
Compatible generations: NA, NB
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 36 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 1 year
Buy from: Amazon | Enjuku Racing
Truly fine-tuned damping is the name of the game here. We’re edging into track-first territory with this one, but consider that those 36 levels of damping will also bring comfortable street driving into range.
An entry level race coilover kit, you can also special order an asphalt rally option from Ksport.
Electroplating on the body makes this another great option if you’re concerned about rust and corrosion.
Ohlins Road & Track Coilover Kit
Manufacturer: Ohlins
Compatible generations: NA, NB, NC
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 20 levels
External reservoirs: No
Spring type: Linear
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: 2 years
Buy from: Amazon
A limited release from the venerable Swedish kit manufacturer has been on the market for the MX5 since 2016.
They put their dual flow valve tech in the shock that comes with this model to make it as easy as possible to change from street to track mode.
And if you’re going to spend this much on your Miata’s suspension kit, you’re almost definitely after a faster track time.
The idea here is that a variety of precise adjustments make that possible, so you can squeeze every second out of your lap time on race day.
If you’re looking for quality, these should be near the top of your list.
KW Variant 3 (KW V3)
Manufacturer: KW Suspension
Compatible generations: NC, ND
Construction type: Monotube
Damper adjustment: 14 levels
External reservoirs: Yes
Spring type: Progressive
Upper mounts: Included
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Buy from: Amazon
Here again, we are getting to a more expensive option, but worth it for these premium coilovers from KW Suspension.
They deliver on that promise with their highly adjustable coilover kits, including rebound and compression, as well as spring preload, all of which are operated independently.
That means you can tune the desired comfort level for your drive to and from the track without messing with the responsive handling.
The limited lifetime warranty is a real selling point for the KW V3s. As well, KW has targeted the later model years (post-2006) leaving the first two generations to the budget-friendly coilover manufacturers.
The Best Miata Coilovers
That’s a long, exhaustive list of coilover options for your Miata. As always, remember that making modifications may affect the cost of insurance for your Mazda Miata.
All of the coilovers we’ve reviewed here are worth recommending, but this is the cream that rises to the top:
Editor’s Choice
Want that easy “Add to cart” option? BC Racing’s BR Series coilovers are easily the best value MX5 coilovers. This makes them an obvious recommendation.
They deliver great performance that anyone can afford, without stripping out the most important coilover features, and are especially popular coilovers for NA Miata owners.
Cheap Street Driving Option
Tein’s Flex Z and their twin-tube design will deliver on the promise of a smooth ride for the daily driver crowd.
Easy adjustments via the EDFC system are a fun novelty, though it’s an expensive upgrade to an otherwise “entry level” set up.
Dream Coilovers
If money’s no limit, the Ohlins kit will give you the most to brag about. The comfort of this set up means your passenger will actually be able to hear your bragging.
They’re unbelievably smooth on rough streets and will truly excel out on the track.
Feature image: ’99 Mazda Miata, adaptation by Low Offset, original by LowPokes, CC BY 2.0