MinimalUpgrades

05/23/2026

TrackNight at Autobahn Country Club

04/22/2026

Latest 3D printed "minimal" upgrade are these seat belt guides. Not as restrictive to belt retraction as the OEM ones. Easy to print and a 5 minute install!!

02/17/2026

Finally warm enough to drive with the top down!

Some new goodies under the back of the car too!

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas from MinimalUpgrades!!

12/02/2025

Why drive a MX-5 NC?

He achieved over 120 million views driving cars, and this is what he has learned. This is a story of who blew up on youtube in the last 2 yea...

10/11/2025

The recent full moon has affected Minimal Upgrades in a spooky way ;-)

10/06/2025

Had to remove badges to put on ducktail spoiler. New and updated badges have been applied!

09/28/2025

This weekends minimal upgrade - ducktail trunk lid spoiler.

09/25/2025

to before Minimal Upgrades was even an idea. This is actually the 2006 MX-5 that was traded in for the 2007 that became Minimal Upgrades! Autocross at Rt 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL, April 2006.

09/22/2025

RIP Tom Matano

What an impactful existence. Today we remember Tom Matano, a visionary whose work shaped not only Mazda, but the entire car enthusiast community worldwide.

While many will forever know him as the father of the Mazda Miata, his impact reaches far beyond our beloved roadster. Tom brought with him a philosophy that design should connect with people on an emotional level. That cars should be more than machines, they should be companions that inspire joy. The Miata is the purest expression of that vision, but his influence has touched countless other projects, students, and designers across generations. There are several of us who felt strongly enough about the platform to develop entire business models around the MX-5.

Tom’s legacy isn’t measured only in the cars he helped create, but in the way he engaged with the community. He was approachable, genuine, and endlessly passionate. Some of you may have met him at one of the many Miata meets across the US. Whether speaking at an event, mentoring young designers, or simply stopping to admire someone’s Miata, Tom embodied the spirit of connection and enthusiasm that he designed into his cars.

For those of us who have found friendships, experiences, and lifelong memories behind the wheel of a Miata, we owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude. He gave us more than a car — he gave us a way of life.

Rest in peace, Tom Matano. Your vision lives on every time a driver drops the top, takes a corner with a smile, and remembers that driving is meant to be enjoyed.

09/18/2025

Continuing on the “orange” theme. Heater dial control rings. https://erik.vandermey.net/product/mazda-mx-5-nc1-heater-control-dials/