Monthly Archives: February 2016

Instructions : Installing Steering Wheel in a 2016+ ND MX-5

Installation time : around 30 minutes by a Mazda dealer or ~1 hour by a regular person
Installation difficulty : easy
Special tools needed : steering wheel puller tool (recommended)

The fourth generation Roadster comes with a steering wheel that many don’t like due to a very easy to scratch leather and not-so-thick grip. Many Japanese companies such as Autoexe, KenStyle and DAMD have released some awesome aftermarket options that will suit the needs of any enthusiast.

We came up with these step-by-step installation instructions that are specific to changing the steering wheel of a ND MX-5 Miata (2016+) for an aftermarket one (these instructions show the beautiful KenStyle Steering Wheel).

First of all, disconnect the battery NEGATIVE lead and then press the brake until no light comes from the rear lights (means there is no power in the vehicle anymore).

Before starting steering wheel removal, remove the SRS Airbag and Horn fuse:
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Check in the three service holes in order to locate and remove the airbag lock. The lock should be approx.1 to 2 cm inside the hole:
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After undoing the airbag lock, be careful as the airbag will jettison slightly off the wheel:
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After pulling the airbag back, undo the switch and then remove the connectors for the horn and airbag:
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Remove the steering wheel, it is held in place with a 21mm nut. It’s hard to remove without the use of a steering wheel removal tool (puller):
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Transplant the audio controls, cruise control (not shown in this picture), plastic pieces and airbag brackets and harnesses as necessary from the OEM to the aftermarket wheel:
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(KenStyle Steering Wheel shown on the right)

Complete by following steps 6 through 2 in reverse:
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Enjoy your beautiful aftermarket steering wheel on your 2016+ ND MX-5!

Carbing ND MX-5 Demo Car at TAS2016

Carbing has been developing products for the Miata since it was released in Japan. They pride themselves as selling some of the most rigid chassis stiffening products on the market that are used by many very competitive Japanese tuners.

As you can see, even though the new Roadster is super light, they reduced the weight even more by making holes in the hood.

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One thing that really caught my eye when they showed me the car was the new ND Titanium 3 Point Strut Tower Bar. This actually was a request that we (REV9) did when we saw that they had a ND Demo Car. They say it’s still in development/prototype stage, but we may see it on the market soon! We also saw that they installed their ND Oil Catch Tank.

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It’s hard to see well on pictures, but the car was running the new concave Rays Gram Lights 57Transcend and they also showed their ND 6 Point Roll Cage. They say it’s safe for racing and rollovers and pride themselves that the bar will actually save you because it’s also behind the windshield (which is a weak area of the car).

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Lately, they showed us their new ND Underchassis Bracing which is really promising! Even though they try to keep everything at the lowest possible weight, these pieces are all made of steel because they can take more abuse from a lowered car!

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Hope you enjoyed this little showcase of the Carbing ND Shop Car at Tokyo Auto Salon! If you are interested in any of the parts shown, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@rev9autosport.com !

Cabana BRG ND Miata Shop Car at TAS2016

Cabana is a very new brand in the tuning scene. They have not been left unnoticed with their British Racing Green ND MX-5. They actually are a company that makes boxers. That makes them very good at sewing products and that is why they have released many leather interior parts for the ND Roadster.

Their demo car was mostly noticed because of their BRG exterior color and tan interior that reminded everyone the 1991 NA V-Special special edition!

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The car was running on BBS Wheels and had some chrome accents to remind of old school British sports cars!

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They really wanted us to pay attention to their interior, though! They made some ND Seat Covers in a beautiful Tan (Real) Leather! All the black plastic parts were also covered with a matching tan leather (100% custom work).

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They had a very nice ND Wood & Carbon Steering Wheel that really makes the bridge between new and old school! The silver accents of the steering wheel were chromed for an even more old school look. You can also see their ND Wood Ventilation Covers on the picture!

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To go with the theme of the 1991 V-Special, they also made a ND Wood & Carbon Shift Knob (that has a very similar shape to the Nardi Evolution Wood Shift Knob), but with a more modern look. They also had a nice ND Wood & Carbon Handbrake as well as a ND Wood Shifter Panel!

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To be sure the interior was 100% matching, they finalized it with a ND Wood Door/Window Switch Panel!

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While walking around their booth, I also had a sneak peak of their ND Punched Leather & Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel that sure adds a sporty & luxury look to the 4th generation MX-5 interior! I also saw some ND Seat Covers in black leather as unfinished prototype.

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Hope you enjoyed this little showcase of the Cabana ND Shop Car at Tokyo Auto Salon! If you are interested in any of the parts shown, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@rev9autosport.com !