Intro
The Mazda MX-5 Miata emerged in 1989 as a spiritual successor to classic British roadsters, reviving the pure driving experience that had nearly vanished from the automotive landscape. By the time the second-generation NB model debuted in 1998, the Miata had already cemented its reputation as an affordable, reliable sports car that prioritized handling balance and driver engagement over raw power.
In JDM culture, the Miata represents the philosophy of “Jinba Ittai” (horse and rider as one), embodying the Japanese approach to driving pleasure through lightweight design and perfect balance rather than excessive horsepower. While often overshadowed by more aggressive JDM icons like the Skyline GT-R or Supra, the Miata earned respect in the import community for its exceptional chassis dynamics and endless modification potential.
This particular 2000 Miata build stands out for its thoughtful balance of period-correct modifications and modern performance enhancements. Rather than following the stanced or extreme power upgrade paths common in the community, this build honors the Miata’s original driving ethos while addressing the platform’s few weaknesses, creating a roadster that remains true to its roots while elevating the driving experience beyond factory specifications.
Builder Profile
A precision machinist by trade, Takumi Nakamura developed his passion for lightweight roadsters while working at a small engineering firm in Hiroshima before relocating to Southern California in 1996. His “kaizen” philosophy—continuous improvement through subtle refinements rather than flashy modifications—guides every aspect of his MX-5 build.
Nakamura approaches each modification with meticulous attention to detail, focusing on balanced performance that maintains the Miata’s inherent character while extracting its hidden potential. His background in aerospace component manufacturing gives him a unique perspective on weight reduction and mechanical optimization.
A regular at Willow Springs track days and an active member of the SoCal Miata Club, Takumi has become known for his technical workshops where he teaches fellow enthusiasts about suspension geometry and chassis rigidity improvements. His Miata represents the culmination of twenty years of thoughtful evolution rather than radical reinvention.
Why We Love It
The 2000 Miata represents the purest evolution of Jinba Ittai—the horse and rider as one—philosophy that Mazda perfected during the NB chassis development. Its 1.8-liter BP-ZE powerplant isn’t impressive on paper at 140 horsepower, but the motor’s willingness to rev, combined with the car’s perfect 50/50 weight distribution, creates a mechanical symphony that modern electronically-assisted vehicles struggle to replicate.
Where contemporary sports cars of the era chased horsepower figures, the NB Miata doubled down on tactility. The shifter action—a short-throw masterpiece with 39mm of travel between gates—remains the benchmark against which all manual transmissions are judged. Its double-wishbone suspension geometry delivers feedback with unfiltered precision, allowing drivers to place the car with millimetric accuracy through technical sections.
The 2000 model year specifically marked the introduction of the essential intake manifold and cylinder head revisions that eliminated pre-1999 NB’s midrange torque dip, while retaining the 7,000 RPM redline that beckons drivers to extract every last revolution.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by turbocharged engines and drive-by-wire throttles, this particular Miata stands as proof of the mechanical purity that once defined Japanese engineering philosophy—a 1,065kg statement that driving pleasure isn’t measured in straight-line acceleration, but in the conversation between driver and machine.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- Jackson Racing supercharger kit (+6-8 psi)
- HKS Hi-Power exhaust system
- Racing Beat header
- Koyo aluminum radiator
- ACT heavy-duty clutch
- Mazdaspeed short shifter
- AEM cold air intake
- NGK Iridium spark plugs
- Mishimoto silicone hoses
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Tein Super Street coilovers
- Racing Beat front and rear sway bars
- Cusco strut tower brace
- Wilwood big brake kit (front)
- Hawk HPS brake pads
- Goodridge stainless brake lines
- Flyin’ Miata frame rail braces
- Polyurethane bushings
WHEELS & TIRES
- Work Meister S1 wheels (16×7, +35 offset)
- Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 tires (205/45R16)
- Project Kics R40 lug nuts
- 15mm H&R wheel spacers
EXTERIOR / AERO
- Mazdaspeed front lip
- Racing Beat rear spoiler
- GV-style side skirts
- JDM clear side markers
- HID xenon headlight conversion
- Garage Vary hardtop
- APR carbon fiber mirrors
- Chargespeed rear diffuser
INTERIOR
- Bride Zeta III seats
- Nardi Classic steering wheel (350mm)
- NRG quick release hub
- Cusco 4-point roll bar
- Takata harnesses
- AutoMeter gauges (boost, oil pressure)
- Alpine head unit with component speakers
- MOMO shift knob and e-brake handle
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- AEM engine management system
- GReddy Profec B electronic boost controller
- HKS turbo timer
- GReddy multi-function display
- APEX’i Rev/Speed Meter
- Innovate wideband O2 sensor
- Blitz SBC i-Color boost controller
- Kenwood amplifier with JL Audio subwoofer
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
This MX-5 embodies a balanced approach to performance modifications, creating a cohesive package where each component complements the others. The careful selection of suspension, braking, and power upgrades maintains the Miata’s inherent chassis balance while elevating its capabilities.
The build philosophy centers on creating a dual-purpose street and track car with circuit driving as its primary mission. The coilover suspension provides adjustability for different environments without sacrificing daily drivability. Enhanced braking power matches the moderate power increases, ensuring the car remains balanced in its performance envelope.
Rather than chasing maximum horsepower, this build focuses on responsive power delivery, improved cooling, and chassis rigidity—all modifications that preserve the Miata’s renowned handling characteristics while raising its performance ceiling. The tasteful exterior modifications signal the car’s capabilities without overwhelming its classic proportions.
This MX-5 represents a purposeful evolution rather than a radical transformation, respecting the platform’s strengths while systematically addressing its limitations for improved track performance and street enjoyment.
FAQ
How reliable is the 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The 2000 MX-5 Miata is highly reliable with many examples surpassing 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The 1.8L BP-ZE engine is particularly robust with few major mechanical issues. Routine maintenance like timing belt replacement (every 60,000 miles) and regular oil changes will keep these vehicles running for decades.
What are the common issues with a 2000 Miata?
Common issues include soft top deterioration, rust around rear wheel arches and rocker panels, failing window regulators, worn suspension bushings, and clogged drain holes leading to water intrusion. The short nose crank issue affected earlier models but was resolved by 2000. Clutch slave cylinders can also fail, requiring replacement.
What’s the tuning potential for a 2000 MX-5?
The 2000 Miata offers excellent tuning potential with its balanced chassis. Popular power upgrades include forced induction (supercharger or turbocharger kits add 50-100+ HP), intake and exhaust modifications, and engine management tuning. The platform responds exceptionally well to handling modifications with significant improvements possible through modest investment.
What are the best first modifications for a 2000 Miata?
The most effective first modifications include quality coilovers or springs/shocks, sway bars, wider wheels and stickier tires, and a short-throw shifter. For power, a cold air intake, header, and cat-back exhaust provide modest gains while enhancing the driving experience with improved throttle response and sound.
Is the 2000 Miata practical as a daily driver?
The 2000 Miata can serve as a practical daily driver for those without significant cargo needs. It delivers excellent fuel economy (25-30 MPG), has reliable mechanicals, and parts availability remains strong. Limitations include minimal storage space, a snug two-seat cabin, and less isolation from road noise compared to modern vehicles. Winter driving requires preparation in snowy regions.
How does the NB (second generation) Miata compare to the NA (first generation)?
The 2000 NB Miata offers numerous improvements over the first-generation NA, including a stiffer chassis, slightly more power (140hp vs 128hp in later NAs), improved NVH characteristics, better safety features, and more modern styling. The NB maintains the pure driving experience of the NA while offering refinements that make it more comfortable for daily use.
What maintenance should I prioritize when buying a used 2000 Miata?
When purchasing a used 2000 Miata, prioritize timing belt replacement if it’s been over 60,000 miles since the last change, inspect for rust (particularly in the rocker panels and rear wheel arches), check soft top condition, verify clutch operation, and ascertain the cooling system is functioning properly. A thorough inspection of suspension components will also help identify worn bushings and ball joints.
Conclusion
The 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata stands as a hallmark of timeless automotive design that transcends generations. Two decades after its release, this second-generation roadster remains relevant through its pure driving experience—a characteristic increasingly rare in today’s electronically managed vehicles. Its lightweight chassis, perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and responsive naturally-aspirated engine deliver driving joy that modern sports cars often sacrifice for raw performance metrics.
This Miata represents a cornerstone of Japanese domestic market (JDM) culture, embodying the philosophy that driving pleasure isn’t measured solely by horsepower figures but by the connection between driver and machine. Like its JDM contemporaries—the Honda S2000, Nissan Silvia, and Toyota AE86—the NB Miata has developed a devoted following that appreciates its mechanical simplicity and modification potential.
For enthusiasts, the 2000 Miata offers the increasingly valuable combination of analog driving feedback, accessible performance, and the reliability that made Japanese sports cars legendary. As automotive trends continue toward automation and electrification, the second-generation Miata’s enduring appeal reminds us why the phrase “Miata Is Always The Answer” resonates throughout car culture—it delivers the fundamental joy of driving in its purest form.