Aftermarket Miata Gated Shifter Kit Enhances Gear Changing Experience Significantly

      Minottek

      The 1990 Mazda Miata is recognized for numerous attributes—its lightweight design, spirited four-cylinder engine, and its smooth, precise gearbox are just a few examples. However, when it comes to a luxurious interior, that's not its strong suit. This isn’t a criticism; I actually own a red NA model of that era, complete with shiny black plastic. It’s… adequate? It's neat and straightforward, though quite bare-bones even by the standards of three decades ago. Simply put, Mazda didn’t prioritize a lavish gated shifter.

      Fortunately, this oversight is easier to overlook thanks to Minottek, which has recently introduced a gated shifter retrofit kit for the original MX-5. Priced at $549, it isn’t particularly inexpensive, but it offers more than just a sleek piece of aluminum in place of your old vinyl boot. The kit includes an entire assembly, complete with the shifter, milled gate, a new bushing, and necessary hardware and insulation. Minottek even provides a custom trim piece to complement the new setup.

      “Every component has been carefully designed, tested, and manufactured to ensure optimal durability, fit, and finish,” states the company’s product description. “The gated shift pattern underwent more than 20 revisions, with over 200 hours spent on its development.”

      The assembly has been precisely crafted to fit the original Miata’s center console, and Minottek has incorporated adjustment points in the design for the customer to fine-tune the fit. The shifter assembly is self-contained and attaches directly to the transmission, removing any intermediary parts that could result in rattles or misalignment.

      Additionally, since the entire assembly is installed as one unit, the process is quick and simple. Minottek’s instructions indicate that installation should take no more than one to two hours and requires just a few basic tools: a socket wrench set, a Phillips screwdriver, and the included hex key.