GRD 4 3L's D400 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata "All Around" Stock Tires No Aero Tune

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This has been my track toy since day 1. It has seen countless hours of testing and racing and I’m finally somewhat satisfied with its performance. It has stock tires with NO aero therefore be prepared for reduced grip but the car grips relatively well given it’s build. It’s no match for the Minis but for those who enjoy driving satisfaction of a well balanced car, this tune may bring a little joy. It is also NOT a LB tune but can comfortably do top 1000 on most tracks.

For those who just want to try it, the tune is shared. Search for GT = GRD 4 3L

I enjoy no aero cars with zero aids and I use controller. This car becomes an ugly duckling once the wings are added therefore I decided to preserve the reserved look of the stock aero. Increase in power and speed could benefit from larger rim so that was done. More power was preferred over weight reduction or tires; wanted to see how much I could push the tune and myself.

CAR: 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata, D329

POWER: 128 HP -----> 188 HP
TORQUE: 110 LB-FT -----> 162 LB-FT
WEIGHT: 2330 LBS -----> 2398 LBS
FRONT: 51% -----> 51%
DISPLACEMENT: 1.8L -----> 1.8L

SPEED: 4.7 ----->5.3
HANDLING: 4.6 -----> 4.7
ACCELERATION: 5.8 -----> 6.8
LAUNCH: 6.2 -----> 7.6
BRAKING: 4.5 -----> 4.8

UPGRADES:
ENGINE > FUEL SYSTEM = Sport
ENGINE > EXHAUST = Sport
ENGINE > PISTONS = Street
ENGINE > SINGLE TURBO = Street
P&H > BRAKES = Race
P&H > SPRINGS & DAMPERS = Race
P&H > FRONT/REAR ARBs = Race
P&H > CHASSIS REINF = Race
DRIVETRAIN > DIFFERENTIAL = Race
T&R > RIM STYLE = Konig Daylite
T&R > FRONT RIMS = 185/45R16
T&R > REAR RIMS = 185/45R16
CONVERSION > ASPIRATION = Single Turbo

TUNE SET UP
TIRES: 28.0 / 28.0 (this gives warm pressure of about 33 psi)
ALIGNMENT: -1.5 / -1.2 (these angles seem to equalize the tire temperature profile . . . )
TOE: 0.0 / 0.0 (had no reason to adjust this)
FRONT CASTER: 5.0 (also had no reason to adjust this)
ANTI-ROLL BARS: 24.0 / 26.0 (relatively soft springs required stiffer ARBs, slightly lower front ARB to compensate for softer rear spring)
SPRINGS: 360 / 330 (relatively soft springs, lower rear for better acceleration grip)
RIDE HEIGHT: 4.9 / 4.9 (as low as possible without bottoming out too often . . . )
DAMPING - REB: 8.0 / 7.2 (higher rebound stabilizes the ride)
DAMPING - BMP: 6.0 / 5.2 (high bump to compensate for soft springs)
BRAKE BALANCE: 47% (=53% front)
BRAKING FORCE: 100% (I have change this but use my index finger to compensate)
DIFF - ACCEL: 60% (seems to bring the rear end out just the right amount exiting corners)
DIFF - DECEL: 25% (seems to bring the rear end out just the right amount entering corners)

Is it perfect? Probably not. Is it fun? I like to think so. Is it fast? That’s up to the driver . . .

Wouldn’t you know it? As soon as I post, I had few more ideas for improvements . . . LOL

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Nice as soon as I can get off work before bedtime I’ll give it a shot. Thanks for sharing.

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Thanks for sharing GRD… I will certainly be taking this MX-5 for a ride. Though you list it as “do top 1000 on most tracks”, any recommended tracks for us rookie drivers? Again, thanks!

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Took it for a ride at Bathurst and I really enjoyed the stability around the turns. Just ran a couple of laps and will be doing so again tomorrow. I was surprised (well, not really…a car tuned by you!) how well it took the turns and accelerated. It had outstanding turn in that I am not necessarily used to per other cars, so, I certainly want to drive this car a lot more. With this tune, it does NOT need the aero, and stock tires are perfect for this car and class. Great job on the tune! I’ll keep racing it until you make additional changes as you stated above (“ideas for improvement”).

Again, thanks for sharing!

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My recommended tracks in general for rookie/beginners are any SHORT tracks where you can practice car handling with quick feedback: Silverstone National, Road Atlanta Club, Sebring Club, etc.

The car’s handling is due mostly due to its light weight and starting balance of 51%. The tune is just my interpretation of what I find enjoyable to drive.

I’m thinking it could use a little less rear ARB . . .

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Thanks GRD!

Maybe your point around “a little less rear ARB”, aligns with my experience with the turn-in response driving adjustment that I would need to better get use to the car and maximize the use of such. If it is reduced it should probably be a very minor change.

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just picked this up

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You make driving this car look easy. As soon as I learn throttle control, brakiing, and turning, it will be absolutely wonderful. Thank you. Lol

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It isn’t a match for the Minis??? You kicked my rear end in that thing countless times when I was driving a Mini. I’ve seen you more than hold your own against some of the best in the game in that car. The combination of you and that car are no slouch…

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And yet, chasing the Mini proved to be just about impossible on most tracks. Miata, however, is very competitive at Nordschleiffe and LeMans.

I raced at Nordschleiffe 3 times so far in public lobbies and was victorious on all 3 occasions; last race by less than 0.1 second . . . opponent was in a Mini.