GarageHub
Project Build · 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS

Project Apex — NA Miata Track Build

Built by Marcus Reyes @demo

A $4,500 Marketplace find with tired suspension and 142k on the clock. Three years and one corner-balanced chassis later it's a weekend track weapon that still drives home on Monday. Built slowly and deliberately — every part earns its place.

Factory

Engine
1.8L I4
Gearbox
5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Body
Roadster
Trim
LS
Complete
62%8 of 13 installed
Odometer
142,000mi
Invested
$5,489
Owned
4y
The Build

Modifications

8 of 13 installed

  • EngineNGK Iridium Plugs + WiresNGK · BKR6E-11 — Full tune-up, plugs reading tan.InstalledPaid $62Estimate $70
  • EngineGates Timing Belt + Water PumpGates · TCK228 — Interference engine — overdue. Kit's already on the shelf.PlannedPaid —Estimate $90
  • EngineBEGi Stage 1 Turbo KitBEGi — The endgame. Or supercharger? Still debating.WishlistPaid —Estimate $3,500
  • SuspensionTein Flex Z CoiloversTein · VSM98-C1SS3 — Street/track spec, -1.5° front camber. Corner-balanced at Mike's.InstalledPaid $950Estimate $1,050
  • SuspensionRacing Beat Sway Bars (F+R)Racing Beat — Flatten it out through the esses.WishlistPaid —Estimate $280
  • BrakesHawk HPS Front PadsHawk · HB247F.575 — Greased slide pins, rotors within spec.InstalledPaid $120Estimate $110
  • BrakesHawk HPS Rear PadsHawk · HB157F.484 — Arriving next week — rears getting thin.OrderedPaid —Estimate $65
  • Wheels / TiresKonig Rewind 15x8 WheelsKonig · RW-15880 — Lightweight +25 offset, square setup.InstalledPaid $560Estimate $600
  • Wheels / TiresFalken Azenis RT660 205/50R15Falken · RT660-20550R15 — Square set on the wrap-up wheels for track days.InstalledPaid $720Estimate $700
  • AeroOEM HardtopMazda OEM — Chassis stiffness + track safety. Found used locally.InstalledPaid $450Estimate $600
  • AeroFront Splitter + CanardsDIY — Home-built splitter for front-end bite.PlannedPaid —Estimate $180
  • InteriorMomo Prototipo Wheel + Quick ReleaseMomo · PRO35BK0B — 350mm with NRG quick-release hub.InstalledPaid $205Estimate $220
  • SafetySparco Sprint Bucket SeatSparco · 008232NR — FIA bucket on side mounts — dropped seating position.InstalledPaid $330Estimate $350
  • Parts totalPaid so far $3,397Still to buy $4,115

Photos

7
Highlight Silver Metallic — top down
Shaking down the new setup at Saturday autocross
Tidied up the 1.8 bay over the winter
Konig Rewinds + Hawk pads up front
Momo Prototipo on an NRG quick-release
Pulled a plug at the last service — reading tan
Rolled out for the morning session
Highlight Silver Metallic — top down

Highlight Silver Metallic — top down

Build Timeline

  1. Sep 1, 2026
    Oil ChangeOil Change · 141,800 mi · 30m · $46
  2. Jul 21, 2026
    Battery ReplacementElectrical · 140,800 mi · 20m · $160
  3. Jun 13, 2026
    Coilover InstallSuspension · 140,100 mi · 4h · $950
  4. May 8, 2026
    Track Tire Set MountedTires · 139,600 mi · 1h · $720
  5. Mar 13, 2026
    Front Brake Pads ReplacementBrakes · 138,500 mi · 1h 30m · $120
  6. Jan 12, 2026
    Differential Fluid ChangeTransmission · 136,400 mi · 40m · $34
  7. Nov 25, 2025
    Spark Plugs & WiresEngine · 135,000 mi · 45m · $62
Project Apex — NA Miata Track Build | GarageHub