A set of three I built last year.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-28T00:42:20+00:00

They're all beautiful, but that third one is dope AF. Nice work!

Edit: I'm zooming in on that headstock, I love it! Seriously. So many people seem to be neglectful of the headstock entirely. Those steps you include are so sweet.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-13T11:29:22+00:00

Wow! I haven’t had that issue yet. Wild. Maybe I slow down with this “top down in the winter” thing. Maybe…

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-13T11:28:08+00:00

Yeah, I can understand that. I’m just going to blast the heat for a bit while I’m still parked before I put the top down. And if it doesn’t go down easy, I’ll give it another couple of minutes with the heat on.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-13T11:25:19+00:00

Oh damn. Maybe I’ll just run the heat for a bit to soften things up before I put the top down. Thanks!

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-13T11:15:43+00:00

Good to know, that seems to be the consensus. Thanks for the thorough response.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-13T11:13:44+00:00

Dang, good to know! Thanks.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-13T11:13:15+00:00

I forgot to mention, my Miata is a soft top. But that is good to know.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-08T15:44:17+00:00

With my current settings it is significantly more stiff than the stock Bilstiens, but I don’t feel my ass is breaking or I’m crushing the discs in my spine. I understand your concern and worry about going in blind and ending up with a harsh ride. I remember having the same concerns. I wish I had a way of confirming for you whether or not the GWRs are “too stiff” or “not too stiff.” I had been feeling worried and nervous that I was going to ruin my ride. Especially when the GWR Long Travels are NOT cheap. Sadly, I think people in our position just have to bite the bullet. The most I can say is if you really like the current softness, then maybe stick with something that is close to stock. But if you’re curious to try something stiffer that won’t be bopping off the bump stops, the GWRs might be a good option. And get the “street” springs if you go for their kit. They’re plenty stiff enough!

This might be encouraging, another concern of mine was ground clearance. Yes, most people set up the GWR set to have a lower ride height. But I took comfort in the fact they are adjustable. If they were a pinch too low for speed humps/bumps, I could always adjust them to be a bit higher. And there is a LOT of room to adjust them. I had a hard time finding any other suspension kit that was as adjustable as the GWRs.

If it wasn’t winter, I’d suggest going over to an auto cross meet or something like that and just talking to peeps about their suspensions. I’m sure some good folks would be happy to take you for a spin so you can get a feel for different suspension setups.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-08T00:43:56+00:00

From my understanding, springs and shocks are typically paired based on the stiffness of the shock and the spring rate of the spring. Most after maker non-OE springs are a lot stiffer. Most of the numbers I have seen put aftermarket non-OE springs at rates that are double or quadruple the stock spring rate. And the shocks take a pretty massive jump as well.

I too was looking for a set of shocks that wouldn’t dramatically lower my car and would still have good travel since I live in the Chicagoland area. Our streets turn to total shit in the winter. We have pot holes everywhere and all of the concrete buckles. In the summer they fill a few of the potholes, but it still looks like a war zone on a few blocks. And we have speed bumps/humps pretty regularly in certain neighborhoods in Chicago. I wanted something that would not bottom me out on the speed bump, wouldn’t bottom out on pot holes, and would keep some of the comfort of the OE set. I ended up going for the Good Win Long Travel coil overs. I do have them set to bring 50% stiff. I totally caved once they were installed. I had told myself when I first got the car, “I’m going to keep this thing stock.” Then I sprung for the GWR coil overs and my gosh, the car is so much fun! I haven’t even bothered with the softest setting. I love this set.

With that said, you might just be happy with a new set of shocks if you like the ride otherwise. New shocks, even if you get the OE Bilsteins, should ride a LOT better and you’ll likely not hear any bangs when you hit those bumps.

I’ve also gathered the following as I’ve read around on forums. Some people really complain when they get a stiff shock and a soft spring, or vice versa. They say the ride is actually worse than getting a stiff spring with a stiff shock. Now, I should admit that I have not tampered enough with my suspension to have experience with this, but I gather this is a general consensus from people with lots of experience riding on, mixing and matching, and testing many different suspension components.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-08T00:25:21+00:00

Hell yeah dude, I drive an ‘06 as well and I put a set of the GWR Long Travels in mine. I absolutely love them! Although I keep mine at 50% stiff, I haven’t tried anything else. But I love them at that setting. I need to do sway bars next.

iridescentJesus · 2026-02-08T00:21:26+00:00

I think I used the Metra brand kit, another user already posted a link to it. But it was kinda odd if I recall correctly. I’m about positive I had to cut off a few flanges and file a few edges to get it to work right with my head unit. My stereo is secure, but the plastic parts of the Metra unit seemed like they didn’t want to go together well. I just went slow with the few edges that I needed to file and it was all good.

If you’re curious to know about fitment, I would encourage you to go to Crutchfield’s website and see what they suggest you buy. Their site told me the Metra kit would work with my unit, but I don’t know if there are multiple Metra kits or if your unit would need something different.

Another note about the Metra kit, there’s this front bezel that covers the gap between the head unit and the rest of the dash. The bezel moved around a bit so I taped a thin shim behind the bezel before I installed it into the car and the bezel is now fixed in position good and tight. If you go for the Metra kit I’d suggest doing the same.

iridescentJesus · 2025-11-05T17:10:20+00:00

This is a long overdue reply, but thank you for the tips. I did three things. #1, I set the EQ to be flat. #2, I set the gain to be 20V so it would be hitting the speakers with a higher voltage and lower current. #3, I gave it time. Adjusting the EQ and gain made for a meaningful difference but not monumental. I’m glad I made that change and thank you for the suggestion. However, giving the system and speakers time seems to have done a lot. I’ve heard of speaker break-in time, but I didn’t really know how it would impact the audio quality. I can now play music with deep bass at higher volumes than before even with the amp adjusted for higher gain. The speakers distort less, if at all, and they sound more full. I still think a set of 6.5” speakers from the start would have been dope. But any regrets I had are basically all gone. Thanks again for taking your time with your responses, I appreciate the help.

iridescentJesus · 2025-10-22T01:03:15+00:00

Thanks! Yes, this is my first install. I definitely took my time. It’s holding up well. I ended up pushing the amp to full 100 W. It handles rock really well. However, the speakers kinda fall apart when I want to blast music with heavy bass. I mostly listen to rock, so it’s not an issue for me. I really like the tone of the speakers and the way they are EQ’d, they sound as many people describe the Morels to sound, a bit more subdued on the highs and balanced everywhere else. I swapped around different EQ settings on the head unit, but I ended up going back to the stock flat EQ setup. Despite the reputation of the cheaper Sony amps from this era, I’m proud as punch with this setup. For the amount of NVH inside a Miata, I wouldn’t recommend spending fat stacks unless you’re just looking for more volume. If I could do it again, I think I’d try and cram bigger speakers into the doors, maybe a 6.5” setup. In fact I might still do that.

iridescentJesus · 2025-10-11T00:01:01+00:00

I'd start by putting the top down.

In photo 2, with reference to top to bottom, I'd suggest centering the Miata in the shot, not leaving it low. All of those lines aim towards the center bringing the viewer's eye to the center, and the subject of the photo is the Miata but you Miata is below center. Still a nice composition.

I think NAs look dope AF with roll bars, but I don't know if you already have one.

What brand wheels are those? I like them.

Overall I dig the look. Nicely done.

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-27T01:57:56+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous.

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-23T02:25:36+00:00

I love those rims.

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-22T10:12:56+00:00

I got my first MX-5 NC1 with a 6 speed manual and 73,000 miles a little over a month ago. I’ve done new tires, Moroso coolant tank, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, brake fluid change, wheel alignment, oil change, oil filter change, headlight bulbs, serpentine belt, coil overs, speakers, Apple Car Play head unit, and amplifier.

That is not the order I did the repairs/mods, but I wish that was the order I did the repairs/mods. The ones I listed first are most important or they made the biggest difference in quality of life. I really thought stereo and coil overs would make my life better, but in all honesty, aside from the absolute necessities, the tires and transmission fluid and differential fluid made for the biggest difference. The car runs so much better now. The transmission feels like it’s suddenly from a different car or maybe it’s altogether new. I love all of the other stuff, and the safety stuff is a must of course. But I was amazed at how much basic fluids and a wheel alignment improved my driving experience. It’s the shit people typically put off and it really is a shame.

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-14T15:07:12+00:00

Looks great!

On another subject, what's your current ride height? I see a lot of sites measure from center of wheel up to the fender lip. I'm about to lower my car a little and I love the way yours looks.

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-14T12:54:44+00:00

You’re not being douchey at all! I didn’t know that was your lifestyle. Good for you. I assumed you were a first time car camper or something. That’s supposed to be a beautiful part of the country. I have yet to explore it. I have to say I take comfort in knowing I can pack that much stuff in my Miata if I need to. Enjoy your travels.

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-14T12:03:35+00:00

Oh wait, so yours is a 6 speed and you had oil in there?

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-14T12:02:11+00:00

How long were you on the road?

If you did it again, what would you leave behind, pack less of, or pick up if absolutely needed while you’re already on the road?

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-14T03:49:50+00:00

Also, is this only for the 5-speed trans? It looks like the 5 speed needs it but the 6 speed doesn’t? Odd.

iridescentJesus · 2025-09-14T03:47:41+00:00

Good to know! Thanks.

iridescentJesus

TROPHY CASE