BBR Gives the NC Miata a 225-Horsepower Swan Song

MX-5 Miata BBR Super 225 (Credit: © BBR)

The end is nigh for the NC Miata, as the all-new ND Miata is rolling into dealers as I type this. However, that doesn’t dismiss how great the NC was, thanks to its 2.0-liter engine that produces 158 or 167 horsepower, depending on the transmission, low curb weight, and perfectly tuned chassis. Today, noted Miata tuner, BBR, has revealed a tuning kit that seems to be the proper swan song for the U.K.-spec roadster’s third generation.

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This tuning kit, known as the Super 225, isn’t the most powerful that BBR has released for the NC Miata. Instead, it pushes the output to 225 horsepower at 7,900 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm without the aid of forced induction, helping deliver stellar performance while retaining the classic Miata feel.

MX-5 Miata BBR Super 225 (Credit: © BBR)

So, how did BBR add 67 horsepower and 28 pound-feet of torque without boost? It swapped out the stock exhaust for one that includes a stainless-steel four-to-one exhaust manifold and a 3.5-inch-diameter tailpipe for more efficient exhaling. Helping the Miata inhale more effectively, BBR added a new performance intake system, custom curved inlet extensions, 20 mm alloy inlet ram pipes, and a ram air foam filter. The engine itself gains new exhaust camshafts, updated drive-by-wire throttle bodies, a new MAP block assembly, and a new BBR engine breather system.

What’s more, careful engineering by BBR assures that the Super 225 is emissions compliant, and there is an optional £200 ($312) BBR airbox available to help meet noise restrictions.

This expansive kit is available in two flavors, including a do-it-yourself kit for those who are more mechanically inclined and a do-it-for-me kit for those who want BBR to do all the greasy work. The DIY kit runs £3490 ($5,448) and the DIFM kit checks in at £4295 ($6,704). If your Miata already has BBR’s Super 200 kit, you can upgrade to the Super 225 kit for £2495 ($3,895).