Unleashing the Power: Mazda MX-5 Miata NA Mods
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is well-known for being a great sports car. It’s a small, lightweight car that handles well and is a lot of fun to drive. That being said, there’s always room for improvement, and many MX-5 owners like to mod their cars to get even more power and performance out of them. In particular, upgrading the intake system is a popular way to get more horsepower and better throttle response. In this article, we’ll take a look at two popular intake systems for the MX-5 NA: the Racing Beat and the AEM Cold Air Intake.
The Battle of the Intakes: Racing Beat vs. AEM
The Racing Beat and AEM Cold Air Intake are both designed to improve airflow to the engine, which can increase horsepower and torque. The Racing Beat intake is a short ram intake that replaces the stock airbox and filter with a high-flow cone filter and an aluminum intake pipe. The AEM Cold Air Intake, on the other hand, is a full cold air intake that routes the intake pipe down into the front bumper to get cooler air from outside the engine bay.
Analyzing the Dyno Numbers: Which Intake Wins?
The Racing Beat and AEM Cold Air Intake both claim to increase horsepower and torque. But which one actually delivers the goods? To find out, we need to look at dyno numbers. Several enthusiasts have tested both intakes on their MX-5 NAs, and the results are mixed. In some cases, the Racing Beat intake provided more power than the AEM intake, while in other cases, the AEM intake came out on top.
The Sound Check: Roaring vs. Whistling Intake
Besides performance gains, some MX-5 owners are also looking for a more aggressive engine sound. The Racing Beat intake, with its open cone filter, is known to produce a deep, throaty growl that many Miata enthusiasts love. The AEM intake, on the other hand, is designed to be quieter, with a closed airbox that reduces intake noise. However, some owners have reported that it produces a whistling sound under heavy throttle.
The Verdict: Performance or Sound – Which Matters More?
When it comes to choosing between the Racing Beat and AEM Cold Air Intake, it ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for. If you’re after maximum performance gains, the Racing Beat intake might be the better choice. However, if you’re more concerned about engine sound and don’t want your car to be too loud, the AEM intake may be a better option. It’s important to note, however, that intakes alone won’t make a huge difference in performance – you’ll likely need to pair them with other mods to really unleash the full potential of your MX-5 NA.
Taking Your MX-5 NA to the Next Level: Upgrades to Consider
If you’re looking to take your MX-5 NA to the next level, there are several other mods you might want to consider in addition to an intake upgrade. For example, a high-flow exhaust system can help increase horsepower by reducing backpressure and improving exhaust flow. Lightweight wheels and tires can also help improve handling and reduce unsprung weight. And if you’re really serious about performance, you might even consider turbocharging or supercharging your Miata – though these mods can be expensive and difficult to install.
In conclusion, there’s no clear winner when it comes to the Racing Beat and AEM Cold Air Intake. Both intakes have their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for more performance, you might want to consider pairing an intake upgrade with other mods like a high-flow exhaust or lightweight wheels. And if you’re looking for more sound, the Racing Beat intake is a solid choice. Whatever you decide, remember that upgrading your MX-5 NA can be a lot of fun – just be prepared to spend some time and money to get the results you want.