Mazda Miata Air Suspension
The Mazda Miata - where do we even start? This little car has come so far and has been an enthusiast favorite for years with little signs of stopping. From LS swaps to drift builds, we have seen just about every crazy combination you can think of. For those who are wanting to build a Miata for a more car show look while still getting great suspension performance, air suspension is the way to go.
Does the Mazda Miata Have Air Suspension?
The Mazda Miata, we can assume, was not meant to be taken to the extremes that we see today. At the most, we are sure Mazda engineers expected the simple bolts on mods like lowering springs and wheels to be added to them. Since the Miata was marketed to the general public for daily driving, it was outfitted with your standard shock, spring, and strut combination.
What Do I Need To Add Air Suspension To My Mazda Miata?
For those wanting to bag a Miata, you can choose from a ready-to-install kit, or piece together a kit to get the specific, high-quality components you want. At AccuAir, we have put together this article to allow you to build out your own Miata kit using the best components.
Air Compressor
The first component in any air suspension system is the air compressor. Much like a regular air compressor, an air suspension air compressor takes air from outside of the unit, compresses it, and sends it to your air tank to be used in your system. Many air suspension users choose to go with 2 compressors for quicker air-on-demand. This is why we here at AccuAir have put together a VIAIR Dual 485C air compressor kit to make things easier.
Air Tank
From the air compressor, your compressed air goes to the air suspension air tank where it is stored until you are ready to use it. You can choose between a variety of shapes and sizes for your air tank, but most are going to choose a 3 or 5-gallon tank in most applications. Here at AccuAir, we offer some of the best tanks in the industry: the ENDO air tanks. These tanks have been designed to solve common air tank issues and allow you to have a high-quality tank that outperforms the competition.
Air Lines
In order to move air throughout the system, you are going to need plenty of air line. The air lines are like the veins of your air suspension system as they connect all of your components together and deliver air from the air tank to the manifold and into each air strut. Air lines are usually routed inside and outside of your vehicle to allow them to be out of harm's way to reduce rubbing or chafing. Air suspension air line can be purchased in 50ft rolls to allow you to have plenty of lines to plumb your entire system.
Valve Manifold
From the air compressor, your compressed air goes to the air suspension air tank where it is stored until you are ready to use it. You can choose between a variety of shapes and sizes for your air tank, but most are going to choose a 3 or 5-gallon tank in most applications. Here at AccuAir, we offer some of the best tanks in the industry: the ENDO air tanks. These tanks have been designed to solve common air tank issues and allow you to have a high-quality tank that outperforms the competition.
Management System
An air suspension management system is needed to control your air suspension. The management system allows for quick and easy adjustment of your air struts and can be purchased in a variety of different setups. AccuAir manufactures the highest-quality air suspension management systems that allow for some of the most technologically advanced features such as Bluetooth control and even in-app metrics of your air struts and air tank capacity.
Air Struts
When converting your vehicle to air suspension, you are going to have to ditch your factory shocks, struts, and coil springs for air struts. Air struts are similar to factory struts, but instead of a steel coil spring, they feature a rubber bladder that fills with air to raise your vehicle and deflate to lower your vehicle. These air struts are vehicle specific for a quick and easy, bolt-in replacement.
Water Traps/Filters
Due to the nature of air suspension setups, compressed air can cause moisture buildup in your air tank and air lines. In order to prevent this, it is recommended to install a water trap or water filter. Moisture buildup in air suspension tanks can cause rust from the inside out on lesser quality air tanks. AccuAir's ENDO tanks are made to resist corrosion and protect against rust. Installing a water trap or filter is cheap insurance to ensure your air lines stay free of water and moisture, especially for those who live in areas where temperatures get below freezing.
Ride Height Sensors
While ride height sensors are not a core component of an air suspension system, they will make getting to your favorite ride heights much easier. Ride height sensors measure exactly where your vehicle is in relation to the ground, giving you real-time metrics on how high or low your vehicle is. This also allows for you to pre-set heights for one-touch air outs and air ups. This eliminates the need to constantly pulse your system to get to your desired height.
Air Suspension Management For Mazda Miata
If you are looking to build an air suspension kit for your Mazda Miata, look no further than AccuAir. Our team is dedicated to building the best air suspension components with the highest quality materials. Our team can help you build your own kit in order to get everything you need to bag your Miatabuick lo.
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