Flyin' Miata sway bars (NB chassis)

My NB2 (2001) is stock height currently and I'd been interested in trying sway bars to limit body roll. I also ordered and installed the FM end links and the Racing Beat front sway bar blocks at the same time.

Removing the stock end links was a nightmare (rusted nuts) but the actual installation of these sway bars otherwise was very straightforward and easy if it weren't for the stuck stock end links. To put it into perspective, I picked up an angle grinder in case I needed it for the stock end links - I did.

Driving impressions? Driving straight even on somewhat rough roads the car feels pretty close to stock, only very *slightly* stiffer. I love this as I'll retain my stock feel for highway cruising.

However in turns there is virtually no body roll now, and a lot more confidence. It also seems to dip less under hard braking.

My endeavor started off with optimism, hope, and dreams of the utmost of handling characteristics. I was a young and foolish man for having such optimism. I believed the classic old tale “it will only take 2 hours at max”. Oh, how naive was I.

The east coast, the home of the great cities, Washington, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami. The ocean side is beautiful and the luscious green trees sway in the breeze with all their glory. Yet, they hold a tale, rather a horror to the car community.

After my long waged war with end links. I had grow tired, weary, the desperation had settled. I started at 11 AM, “how is it 6PM already?”, I asked myself. However, I did not falter in my journey. I preserved and came out a wiser more knowledgeable man. I had come to the utmost conclusion “rust sucks”. I lay there for hours on my legs against the unforgiving asphalt, grinding and fighting my way through.

After all, what is to be said of an individual who didn’t not fight? I had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, I was done. 10 hours had gone by. I had came out stronger and wiser of my limitations.

In the end. Was the struggle and fight worth it? Yes. Yes indeed. Not only did I come out stronger, but my stock suspension NB came out wiser. It no longer had the wretched body roll I had became so accustomed to. It took off ramps at high speeds as if it were simply gliding. What a difference did it make. I have taught my war for the greatest fruit, handling.

I purchased these after reading online that they make a noticeable difference in handling. And I can contest that it is true. On stock suspension, these sway bars let me corner so much faster than I was able to before. The body stays planted and the car moves where you want it to. Definitely recommend!

The only reason I gave it 4/5 stars is that the bushing brackets that were included for the front bar did not fit on my car. The bolt holes were too wide despite already being elongated. I was able to reuse the stock brackets and made it work.

The sway bars I’m sure are good themselves; the one problem is the front brackets. The holes on them are pretty big and do not fit the stock bolts well if really at all.

This is the first and cheapest thing you can do to truly enjoy how your Miata is supposed to be.