This article prompted me to buy what is arguably my favorite Miata modification, a shift knob. It made its first appearance in Miata number two, our ’95 Laguna Blue, and was the very first modification to Miata #3 the ’03 Garnet Red. When our second Miata was traded in for the third I actually went back out into the dealer’s lot and swapped the new car’s stock knob for the Voodoo knob. It was also modification #1 in the fourth Miata, the recently departed ’02 CTBNL.

On The Market

Product Reviews

FLYIN’ MIATA DUAL EXHAUST

Some modifications are made for aesthetics, while others bring a performance improvement. Once in a while a product even does both — such as the Flyin’ Miata Dual Exhaust.

It’s hard to ignore the visual appeal of twin 89mm tips sticking out from the Miata’s rear bumper. They’re not too big — no need to worry about gophers moving in — but it’s a clear statement nonetheless.

Of course, they can’t be seen from the driver’s seat, so do you know they’re there? Indeed: A mellow, throaty exhaust note comes with this system — not painfully loud, but definitely with presence. There’s no tinny overtones and no annoying resonance at cruise—the proof of a well designed system.

As to a performance increase, we have no hard numbers for this kit but the seat-of-the-pants impression is one of better power, especially at the top end. As with most after-market exhausts, the engine just feels more free; whether that’s an aural illusion or not, the fun factor’s undeniable.

Produced by Stromung for The Dealer Alternative, this system is stainless steel from the cat to the exhaust tips. An oversized pipe leads from the cat into a single muffler, from which sprouts two exhaust tips. A new hanger is included to bolt the new piping onto an existing mount below the bumper. The design weighs a few pounds more than a single-tip system but is still lighter than stock.

Of course, you have to be dedicated to the twin-pipe idea. Using a stick-on template provided with the kit, you must cut the left side second opening into your lovingly maintained bumper. It takes a lot of nerve, but is easier than it looks—a sharp knife will do it, and it’s easy to get it right the first time.

Conclusion
An aesthetically and aurally pleasing alternative to the usual single-tip system.The Flyin’ Miata Dual Exhaust isn’t exactly cheap, but there’s nothing else like it. – Keith Tanner

Price:
$580

Source
The Dealer Alternative
1-800-FLY-MX5S
[www.dlralt.com]

Shopping Around
We currently know of no similar products.

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VOODOO KNOB

“It feels incredible in the palm of your hand!”
          “It should have been a factory design.”
    “It’s the best shift knob made for the Miata!”

Such are the type of comments that commonly appear on the Miata Listserv.

Okay, so maybe there’s a little hyperbole surrounding the nearly legendary Team Voodoo shift knob, but the reality is, fans of Voodoo Bob Krueger’s effort are rabid enthusiasts.

Why the rave reviews? Well, for starters, the Voodoo knob is the end result of an online discussion several years ago which debated the merits of different types of shift knobs. The “ideal” knob was actually designed by about 10 people in Compuserve’s Automobile Forum, and then Bob rose to the occasion and turned the concept into reality.

The result is an aluminum-billet knob with a round head similar to the type used by Ferrari. The height is much lower than the factory knob, which makes the overall shift throw shorter than the already minuscule stock throw. The spherical head also eliminates the hard edges of the factory plastic or Nardi wood knobs.

Bob has recently continued the concept by coming out with two black-powdercoated versions to appeal to owners who wish to keep the all-black interior intact. The textured model, in particular, has a finish that looks like it came from the factory.

There’s one minor idiosyncrasy with the Voodoo knob. Since it’s made of solid aluminum, it has very high thermal conductivity. Translation: It gets pretty toasty after the car has been running a while, and can be pretty cold on chilly winter mornings. My solution is simple: a pair of driving gloves.

Conclusion
A brilliant, bargain-priced solution to the various factory shift knobs’ shortcomings. — Gary Fischman

Price
$30 polished/$26 coated

Source
-Team Voodoo
[www.teamvoodoo.com]
-Crazy Red Italian
[www. red fire .com/crazyred]
-Most Miata aftermarketers

Shopping Around
Sola knobs, $30-40.
R-Speed, (888 551 0025)
Nardi replacement knob, $52.80.
Roebuck Mazda, (800 240 2121)