Hey everyone! I'm working on machining some bolt-on angle adapters for the NA Miata platform that simply move the tie rod pickup point closer to the lower ball joint. Options for Miata steering angle seem to jump straight from cheap steering rack spacers to expensive drift knuckles, and so I wanted to make a step between the two. I've test fitted the first machined prototype to get a proof and concept, and so far everything seems to work. The part will be as easy to install as changing tie rods and result in increased steering angle, reduced bump steer, and reduced ackermann, and is fully reversible back to stock. I need to make some minor adjustments to the adapter before I can fully test the capabilities of the part on the road, but I will keep this thread updated with the progress. If anyone is interested in the progression of this part, let me know, or if you think this is all a waste of time, let me know as well, I'm simply taking on this project for the enjoyment of tinkering with the car. If there is enough support for a product, prices will likely be around $100 - $150 for the pair of adapters. Thanks!
Test fit angle adapters and everything installed perfect. I ended up with an excessive amount of toe out with the stock tie rods and so I ended up replacing the outer tie rod ends with those from a 1995 Mazda Protege that simply bolted up and were much shorter. Did a quick toe plate alignment and took the car for a test drive. Noticed the tie rods were contacting the lower control arm pinch welds and preventing the steering rack from having full travel, otherwise, there was still a noticeable increase in steering angle from the previous setup, which was just rack spacers.
If I can figure out a way to move the tie rod further away from the lower control arm, or simply find some aftermarket LCA's with better clearance, there will be even more steering angle to gain as the rack still has an inch or two of travel.
After installing new bushings and ball joints for the control arms, maxing out the caster, and setting the toe to 0, the car steers great and snaps back to center very quickly, like it should. I've been driving around with the angle adapters for a little over a week now and they've held up great and the steering angle is impressive, very similar to cut knuckles. Will be able to get a better feel for how it slides the next time I take it out for a test and will machine a new batch with higher quantities this time if anyone wants to try them out!
