Ultra Racing front strut bar

[Charlie Brown]

Ok, again...
If you want the most handling for the least money, do not buy a strut brace.

Dann

So what would you recommend as the best handling improvements to be had for say $200-$300?

With out doubt a quality alignment. The MX-5 reacts to minute changes in alignment settings and a precision alignment will give you more benefit than a strut brace. Contact the WA MX-5 Club and find out who the track guys use on their cars. It will cost you around $88 for all 4 wheels.

After that, adjustable sway bars at around $500 new but you can pick them up second hand for around $300.

[Charlie Brown]

If strut braces don't do anything then why would mazda use one standard on an NC?

Gives me the shits because i can't adjust the front coilovers without taking it off

Get out your drill and drill a hole in the top of the brace. Then get some reinforced plastic tube with the inside diameter smaller than the adjusting knob and slip the tube over the adjuster and up through the hole in the brace. Walla, no more unbolting of the brace.

[NitroDann]

They fit one standard because they look good in the showroom, and because they improve how 'solid' the car feels, which is HUGE in new car sales.

Dann

[deanb90]

drilling a hole,ah why didn't I think of that. cheers

yeah your prob right Dan, I have had strut braces on past cars, the ralliart magna it made massive difference, the s15 no difference at all. possibly on fwd cars it's more desired?

[93_Clubman]

So what would you recommend as the best handling improvements to be had for say $200-$300?

If you've got an NA6 without the NA8 chassis bracing front & rear, then this is also a useful mod: viewtopic.php?f=30&t=50225