The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your NA Miata’s Radiator

The NA Miata, also known as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, is a classic roadster that has been beloved by car enthusiasts for generations. However, one common issue that many owners of the NA Miata face is overheating. This is often due to the car’s stock radiator being inadequate for the demands of high-performance driving.

Fortunately, upgrading your NA Miata’s radiator is a relatively easy and cost-effective way to improve its cooling system and prevent overheating issues. In this ultimate guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about upgrading your NA Miata’s radiator.

Why Upgrade Your NA Miata’s Radiator?

The stock radiator that comes with the NA Miata is typically made of aluminum and plastic, and is designed to meet the basic cooling needs of the car. However, when you start pushing your Miata to its limits on the track or during spirited drives, the stock radiator can struggle to keep up.

An upgraded radiator can provide better cooling capacity, improved heat dissipation, and increased durability. This is especially important if you have made performance modifications to your Miata, such as increasing horsepower, adding a turbocharger, or installing a supercharger.

Choosing the Right Radiator

When choosing a radiator for your NA Miata, there are several factors to consider. These include:

1. Material: Radiators are typically made of aluminum, which is lightweight and offers excellent heat transfer properties. Look for a radiator that is made of high-quality aluminum for optimal performance.

2. Cooling Capacity: The radiator’s cooling capacity is measured in rows and thickness. A radiator with more rows and thicker core will have a higher cooling capacity, which is important for high-performance driving.

3. Fitment: Make sure to choose a radiator that is specifically designed to fit your NA Miata. This will ensure a proper installation and prevent any fitment issues.

4. Brand: There are many reputable radiator brands on the market, such as Mishimoto, Koyo, and CSF. Do your research and read reviews to find a radiator that is reliable and high-quality.

Installing Your New Radiator

Once you have chosen the right radiator for your NA Miata, it’s time to install it. While installing a radiator is a relatively straightforward process, it is recommended to have some mechanical experience or seek help from a professional if you are unsure.

Here are the general steps for installing a new radiator:

1. Drain the coolant from your old radiator.

2. Remove the hoses and mounting brackets from the old radiator.

3. Install the new radiator in place of the old one, making sure all hoses and mounting brackets are properly connected.

4. Refill the cooling system with fresh coolant.

5. Start the engine and check for any leaks or issues.

By following these steps and choosing the right radiator for your NA Miata, you can significantly improve its cooling system and prevent overheating issues. Upgrading your radiator is a simple yet effective way to enhance the performance and reliability of your beloved Miata.