NB Mazda Miata Car Parts

1998 - 2005

NB

The NB Mazda Miata is the 2nd generation

The NB runs a 4x100 bolt pattern with a 54.1mm hub bore. That bolt pattern is shared with the NA, so wheel swaps between the two generations are straightforward from a mounting standpoint. Most aftermarket wheels for the NB come in 15 or 16 inch diameters, though 17s show up on some builds.

The NB1 covers 1999-2000 (1998 in some markets), and the NB2 is 2001-2005. The NB2 got revised headlights (the sharper ones people tend to prefer), a slightly updated interior, and variable valve timing on the 1.8L. The VVT bump added around 14 hp on the 1.8, bringing it to 142 hp. Suspension geometry stayed the same between the two, so coilover and alignment specs carry over. The NB2 also picked up a six-speed option on the Sport and SE trims.

Base NB models came on 14x5.5 wheels with 185/60R14 tires. The Sport and LS trims bumped up to 15x6 wheels with 195/50R15 tires. Most owners move to 15x7 or 15x8 wheels pretty quickly. A 205/50R15 on a 15x7 is a popular street tire size that fills the fender well without rubbing. Going wider than 15x8 usually means rolling or pulling fenders depending on offset and tire stretch.

Some did, some didn't. The Torsen Type II LSD was standard on Sport, LS, and SE trims with the 1.8L engine. Base 1.6L models got an open diff. If you're buying used, check the RPO sticker or crawl under and spin one rear wheel with the car on jack stands. If the other wheel spins the same direction, you've got the Torsen. The open-diff cars can be swapped to a Torsen from a donor, and the swap is well-documented on forum build threads.

Double wishbone front and rear, same basic geometry the NA used. It's one of the reasons the platform handles so well at stock ride height. The NB got slightly revised spring rates and damper tuning compared to the NA, plus a front subframe brace on some trims. Aftermarket coilover support is huge for this chassis. When lowering, watch rear camber. The double-wishbone geometry gains negative camber as ride height drops, and anything past about 1.5 inches of drop usually needs adjustable rear upper arms to correct alignment.

Some parts, not all. Wheels bolt right up (same 4x100, same hub bore). Exhaust from the 1.8 NA fits the 1.8 NB with minor tweaks. Hard top compatibility is generation-specific, so an NA hardtop won't fit an NB. Suspension components share some geometry but the mounting points differ enough that direct coilover swaps aren't plug-and-play between generations. Interior parts are mostly different. The short answer: drivetrain and rolling stock overlap well, body and interior don't. Check the Miata generation index for links to each generation's parts page.