Factory Mounting Bracket for Shock Tower Brace

I'm not sure why Goodwin discourages DIY installation of this part. With a few tools and following simple directions, this was a pretty easy installation...and I am no master mechanic by any means. The hardest part of the installation was dealing with the plastic parts removal....i.e. the cowl weatherstrip plastic expansion tabs (removing them without destroying them), the windshield wiper caps (avoiding scratching them), and the cowl retaining screw caps (again, avoiding scratching them). And at 68, my back was getting sore from bending over the engine bay.
I also think it would be great if Goodwin offered a modified version of this part with drilled out studs so that installers of the shock tower brace didn't have to worry about snapping them off. I think it might also make installation of the brace easier as these two bolts could be installed last. If I had had more time, I might have done this.

-- Stephen G., Maryland ( 2018 MX5 ) September 2024

If you need this, it's a given to pick it up! Adds the ability to secure shock tower bracing on vehicles that didn't have it

-- Ari D., Colorado ( 2016 MX-5 GT ) July 2024

Just installed mine today and I must say, contrary to what others say, it was quite easy to install. I just followed the instructions from the forums. Just be careful taking off the plastic trims that cover the screws of the wiper cowl as they're quite easy to scratch.

-- Xavier B., Manila, Philippines ( MX5 ND2 RF 2023 ) May 2024

First off, if looking for instructions in a Mazda manual, this part is called an air box. In the manual I have, it's on the air box complete removal and replacement page.

But don't believe everything you read in the manual. Mazda says that the bolts that go on the studs should be torqued to 12 -19 lbs ft. As you'll see if you read in other front shock tower brace posts on this site and around the internet, people have broken the studs at 15 lbs ft of torque which I didn't see until after I tightened with my torque wrench set to 15, and the snap happened before the torque release happened. Much extreme cursing ensued, which will be resumed when I receive the new replacement and have to install it on my 2022 ND RF.

Around the internet the consensus seems to be 12 lbs ft is a comfortable maximum. I'm not comfortable that'll hold well, but better than breaking the stud and facing a long session in 90 degree heat replacing the air box.

-- Ed N., Stafford VA ( MX5 2022 ND RF ) July 2023

If you have a non-club ND Miata, you have to buy this bracket for any shock tower braces. It's an easy install, just need to remove the windshield wipers and plastics under them. Well worth it.

-- Kevin I., Atlanta, GA ( 2016 MX-5 ) May 2021

I was worried that this might be hard to install. Nope. Was very easy to do! I just followed the instruction on miata.net forum and completed in 30 minutes. Do not be afraid to swap out your "non tower mount" cowl for this one. Phillips, 14mm and 10mm deep sockets is all you need.

-- Scott M., Davidson, NC ( MX-5 ND 2016 Club AT ) March 2018