How to Build a High-Performance Mazda Miata MX-5 (Motorbooks Workshop)

This a great overall education on how, why and what it takes to make a fast car. Some complain it is not a build book. They are right, it's not a build book. It's better than that. For example it doesn't just tell you slap wide tires on your car and roll the fenders, it gives you a thorough explanation of how tires work and and pro and cons - compromises - complexities of making the right choices. Then how all the choices you make effect all the other systems, brakes, steering, suspension etc... it's going to make you think and truly appreciate the skill to make a car get around the track fast. I thought I knew a lot about how fast cars work, but I learned a lot from this book. Now I can make intelligent well informed choices. Thank you Mr. Tanner.

As have been mentioned in previous reviews, this book is a "why to" and, despite the title, not really a "how to". The authour explains this very well in the introduction. In the introduction he also outlines the purpose of the book and his background.Most of the buyers of this book will likely already own one or more Workshop manuals and be somewhat familiar with basic car mechanics. On that background, this book will sure be a great add-on to the Workshop manual for those wanting to know more about Preformance Projects. Rather than a garage book, this might be considered as a "armchair tuning guide". A book you enjoy to understand the concept, get ideas, get your prioritations right and then make up the shopping list.The book is very well written and illustrated. It has a good combination of beginner-level introduction to each chapter and then moves on to more advanced technical stuff. The book is clearly written by someone with great love and knowledge for the Miata!For instance, I have wondered why so many race-Miatas have cut away a section of their rear bumper.. Now I know that the original design of the rear bumper acts like a air-brake at high speed.Another expample is the explanation of why strut braces are more important at the front than between the rear strut towers. It is all explained in a straightforward fashion.The color-coding of the chapters with description on the back is also a nice touch and makes it easy to flip directly to the chapters.In short: The professional level, scope and content of the book made it feel well worth the money.

The title isn't very accurate here. This is less a how-to than a why-to book. I seriously considered dinging a star for that. The "how" is mostly covered in another Tanner book on performance projects for a Miata. This book is more about the theory behind the various upgrades and adjustments you can make to your car. It doesn't tell you how to install a turbo or adjust the suspension (again, check the projects book for that), but rather why a turbo increases power or what to expect if you run a little more camber. That said, it does an excellent job on that front.It reads a lot like Tune to Win by Carrol Smith. However, it's focused specifically on Miatas (Smith only talks about sports car and sedan racing for one chapter), and is equally appropriate for track-driven Miatas, daily drivers, and everything in between (Smith's book is focused entirely on dedicated race cars). This is an excellent resource if you're planning a project Miata.

I was hoping this would be more of a step-by-step guide but it's more of an educational book about the principles behind modification. I'm sure I'll learn a lot by reading it, but I also need a book with lots of diagrams and specific instructions. Purchasing a Haynes book now.

If you are a pro modifying miatas or you have been doing a long time and know all their inner workings then this book is a nothing more than a quick refresher and reference guide. If you are new to miatas (even if you have been modifying cars for a long time) the this books is a must have for your project. Let's just say that should I've bought this book sooner I would have save my self from an engine repair.

If you're a miata enthusiast and are interested in any type of performance modification to a miata, you'll find this book very informative. There is a LOT of information there. It's easy reading and includes lots of detailed photographs and diagrams. This book is not a step-by-step guide to perform certain modifications, but illustrates WHY and HOW a modification can be done. The content will help the reader better understand what the modification actually does (the benefits, tradeoffs, when a modification is a good idea and NOT a good idea).Overall, a very good book to own for any performance oriented miata owner. Two thumbs up!

This book is excellent. Even if I don't ever buy a Miata, the general knowledge I've gained from this book will be well worth the money and time I spent reading it. The author very clearly explains technical matters both relative to the Miata and relevant to any automobile. This is a great way to bridge the gap between the available information on the Internet/YouTube and information you'd acquire from technical classes or textbooks. Very pleased with this book.

Good overall coverage of driveline, chassis, and suspension modifications to enhance your Miata’s performance. Explanations of side effects and compatible bolt-on changes. A good experienced review of possible modifications.

Excellent book and not complicated. I use it to service the car as well as doing some mods. Very pleased with the purchase. The book has clear pictures and narrative unlike some other manuals where the pics are grainy and hard to see. Would recommend if you are thinking about playing with your car.

Great read useful.

Great book, lots of info and ideas

This has been added to my collection of MX-5 books and it's a great read. Lots of interesting info, even if you don't intend to do most of the modifications. If you are looking at buying a modified car this would also help you properly assess the mods. Worth every penny/cent.

I'm a total car geek, I struggle to find books that are worth reading that aren't full of BS or photos.This is a fanatic read for any car nut, whether you have an MX5 or not.