Test Drive: Flyin’ Miata’s Latest MX-5

David S.
By David S. Wallens
Dec 22, 2016 | Mazda | Posted in News and Notes | From the Oct. 2016 issue | Never miss an article

Over the years, we have been invited to drive many different Miatas blessed with various aftermarket suspension setups. Each car is usually accompanied by a similar promise: It drives just as nicely as stock.

Once we’re behind the wheel, however, that excitement tends to quickly turn to disappointment. Maybe the new setup is a little faster, but the clanks, bangs and rubbing just won’t cut it during the daily commute.

During the recent Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports Mitty, the Flyin’ Miata crew handed us the keys—well, technically it was a fob—for their latest MX-5 project, one of the all-new ND-chassis cars fitted with their own suspension setup. It drives just as nicely as the stock version, they promised.

After spending an hour soaking up the twisty roads that surround Road Atlanta, we have to declare their claim true. Despite our attempt to hit every imperfection in the pavement, the car retained its composure. No clanks, no bangs and no rubbing.

1) Their Fox suspension setup adds performance-tuned dampers from Fox, a name commonly associated with motorcycles. The test car features their Sport setup: 400 lbs./in. front springs paired with 225 lbs./in. rears. The stock springs measure about 155 lbs./in. front and 70 lbs./in. rear. MSRP: $1925

2) It’s no secret that the stock MX-5 likes to roll. Flyin’ Miata now offers adjustable, upsized anti-roll bars formed in 4140 chrome-moly. The front bar is hollow. MSRP: $275

3) The company’s Little Big Brake Kit fits lighter four-piston calipers around the stock rotors, shedding more than 18 pounds of unsprung weight. MSRP: $999

4) The test car wears 17×8-inch 949 Racing wheels wrapped with 235/45R17 Yokohama S.drive tires. No fender mods required. MSRP: $1815.60 mounted and balanced.

5) Would you like your exhaust loud or quiet? The Hush-O-Matic does both: During sane driving, the exhaust gases are routed through the muffler, but when you really crack open the throttle, the muffler is bypassed. An optional electronic control package allows you to toggle between the two modes. MSRP: $615

6) That’s a prototype Hard Dog roll bar. Look for more details soon.

Flyin’ Miata
flyinmiata.com
(800) FLY-MX5S

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Comments
AWSX1686
AWSX1686 GRM+ Memberand Reader
12/22/16 12:32 p.m.

Hush-O-Matic? Sounds like an as seen on TV built for ricer Hondas type of thing.... I'd have to hear it, but it Flyin Miata is selling it, it's probably decent.

trucke
trucke Dork
12/22/16 2:38 p.m.

When I opened the website and saw that Flyin' Miata on the banner I was just stunned.

That is way too sexy!

Miles Wilson
Miles Wilson Marketing Assistant
12/22/16 3:41 p.m.

Andrew, I like the optimistic view that it carries the same marketing mantra as a 60's appliance (see Ice-O-Matic) and the retro but trendy mentality that has been sold to us with the ND MX-5.

After all, Flyin' Miata has a name to live up to! The YouTube review explains it pretty well, but gives no explanation for the quirky name.

bmw88rider
bmw88rider GRM+ Memberand Dork
12/22/16 4:36 p.m.

Gees, That looks good. :) It's got to be a blast to drive.

ZOO
ZOO GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
12/22/16 8:08 p.m.

Excited to see the roll bar . . .

Fitzauto
Fitzauto Dork
12/22/16 8:21 p.m.

That exhaust sounds like an awesome idea.

WildScotsRacing
WildScotsRacing Dork
12/22/16 9:52 p.m.

In reply to Fitzauto:

I see what you did there...

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
12/22/16 10:59 p.m.
Miles Wilson wrote: Andrew, I like the optimistic view that it carries the same marketing mantra as a 60's appliance (see Ice-O-Matic) and the retro but trendy mentality that has been sold to us with the ND MX-5. After all, Flyin' Miata has a name to live up to! The YouTube review explains it pretty well, but gives no explanation for the quirky name.

You want the explanation? It makes me laugh. I've got an old Cadillac and I love those 50's and 60's retrofuturistic names.

We have a history of fun names at FM - the Ninja Tool, the Voodoo Box, the Big and Little Enchilada Mazdaspeed upgrades, the Happy Meal clutch/flywheel package (with a free clutch alignment tool!), the Little Big Brake Kit and the Fat Boy roll bar.

The roll bar is now available to buy. It's 1" taller than the prototype that was on the car in the picture and doesn't affect seat travel or access to the storage behind the seats. Prices start at $525.
Hard Dog roll bar for ND

You can hear the Hush-O-Matic in our video. I worked pretty hard to capture the sounds.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/5JvtIAL680Y?rel=0

Shaun
Shaun HalfDork
12/24/16 1:11 p.m.

"Lower end vehicles- Mercedes!" Love that!

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