The Mazda Miata consistently makes the list when it comes to affordable sports cars that are super fun to drive. Due to its small size and light weight, the Miata feels faster than it is. However, there are a few mods you can invest in to make the Miata even faster. Some of them can even be installed at your local Mazda Service Center.

Let’s take a look at some mods that give you the best bang for your buck.

1. Air Intake

Finding extra power in the Mazda Miata is a bit difficult as the car has a small engine that’s not exactly meant for pure power. However, one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase the power and throttle response of your Miata is to add a less restrictive air intake system that provides more airflow.

Some background knowledge is essential to understand why. If you’ve ever heard the sound of an open intake, you know how loud it is. Automakers go to great lengths to dampen that sound in the average passenger car. The downside is that what they do to dampen the sound also reduces power and throttle response.

If you install an aftermarket intake system, you’ll generally be removing the restrictive stock air box and inlet tube. A cold air intake is usually installed somewhere it can pull in cooler air from outside the engine compartment. Depending on what type of system you get installed, you can usually recapture between 5-6 horsepower. You’ll also get the bonus of a louder throttle response.

2. Wheels and Tires

Believe it or not, upgraded wheels and tires can take seconds off your lap time. You can generally get this performance mod installed at your local Mazda Service Center. The key is to find tires and wheels that will make your Miata handle better and lower your lap time. Wider rims also give your Miata a more aggressive look.

Look for tires that work with your local road conditions. For example, high-performance tires can be used year-round in a place that is dry and doesn’t get too cold. However, it won’t work as well if you have a lot of bad winter weather unless you store your Miata in the winter.

Check out the tread wear ratings on different tires. Tires in the 100-200 range wear much faster than touring tires in the 200-300+ range. However, tires rated below 100 tend to have the best potential for upgrading your handling.

3. Lightweight Flywheel

Because the Mazda Miata doesn’t have a powerful engine, making it perform better is less about squeezing out extra horsepower and more about upgrading its overall performance. This obviously isn’t an easy DIY mod, and you may want to get it done at a Mazda Service Center, but if you have a Miata with a manual transmission that needs a new clutch, this is a great mod to slip in.

A lightweight flywheel helps your engine rev up faster and rev down faster. You get more torque control and reduce the power loss from the drivetrain. By contrast, a regular heavy flywheel uses more power to rotate up to speed. The lighter flywheel uses less power. It’s important to understand that you’re not increasing horsepower, even though it may feel like that, but regaining the power that the heavier flywheel was consuming.

Other mods you might consider getting installed at a Mazda Service Center include upgraded brakes and a performance exhaust. You can also use a tuner to return a bit more horsepower.