An Exocet is an exoskeletal kit car built from the mechanical and electrical systems of a Mazda MX-5 Miata. For the US Exomotive Exocet, the accepted donor is generally a 1990–2005 Miata from the NA or NB generation. A later NC Miata (2006–2013) is explicitly not compatible with that kit. The conversion removes the donor’s original body structure and installs a lightweight tubular Exocet chassis and outer panels while reusing major Miata components.
That year range applies to the US kit, not every Exocet sold worldwide. Exocet New Zealand lists a 1989–2004 MX-5 donor with a five- or six-speed manual. Before buying a car, match its generation, equipment and market to the exact kit manufacturer’s current donor requirements.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata 1.8 Enthusiast’s Workshop Manual | $51.07 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata 1.6 Enthusiast’s Workshop Manual | $51.28 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mazda Miata MX-5 Performance Projects (Motorbooks Workshop) | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Mazda Mx -5 Miata 1991 Workshop Manual | $89.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual Original | $143.39 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What an Exocet kit car actually is
An exoskeletal Miata conversion
The Exocet is not a complete car delivered with a new engine and drivetrain. It is a kit that uses a donor Miata as its mechanical foundation. The donor’s monocoque body is removed, and the kit’s exposed tubular structure becomes the vehicle’s visible framework. Lightweight panels, seats, lights, wiring and finishing parts are then installed according to the chosen build specification.
This approach preserves the characteristics that make the MX-5 useful as a donor: a front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, compact dimensions, a large supply of replacement parts and a transmission and differential designed for a light sports car. It also means that the quality of the finished Exocet depends heavily on the donor you start with and on how accurately the conversion is assembled.
#1 Best Overall
What “kit car” means for the donor
You normally buy a complete, running or restorable Miata, dismantle it and transfer selected systems to the Exocet. The kit supplies the replacement structure and bodywork, but it does not eliminate the need to source, inspect, refurbish and sometimes replace donor parts. A rusty shell can still contain valuable components, while a low-mileage-looking car with accident damage or poor modifications can create expensive problems.
Which Miata donor fits?
US Exomotive compatibility
Exomotive’s US donor information identifies 1990–2005 NA and NB Miatas as the donor range for its Exocet. In that guide, the NA range is 1990–1997 and the NB range is 1999–2005. The manufacturer marks the NC MX-5, built from 2006 through 2013, as “Not compatible.” Do not assume that a later Miata can be adapted simply because it has the same model name.
Other markets can use a different range
Exocet New Zealand describes a 1989–2004 MX-5 donor and specifies a five- or six-speed manual. Import rules, model-year conventions and the kit’s mounting design can produce a different range from the US product. A listing for an Exocet in one country is therefore not proof that the same donor will fit a kit sold elsewhere.
| Kit and market reference | Stated donor range | Transmission note | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exomotive Exocet, United States | 1990–2005 NA or NB Miata | Manual preferred by the manufacturer; automatic donors are compatible | NC Miata, 2006–2013, is not compatible |
| Exocet New Zealand | 1989–2004 MX-5 | Five- or six-speed manual | Confirm the current local kit specification before purchasing a donor |
The safest rule is simple: identify the kit supplier, country and revision first, then verify the donor year and equipment in that supplier’s current documentation. Treat a seller’s statement that “any Miata works” as unconfirmed until the manufacturer agrees.
Rank #2
NA donor choices and published specifications
Exomotive’s selection guide divides early donors into three useful groups. The figures below are the manufacturer’s published specifications and approximate guide estimates, not independent tests or guaranteed outputs from a completed Exocet.
| Donor group | Years | Engine and published output | Guide notes | Approximate donor build weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA6 | 1990–1993 | 1.6-liter; 115 hp and 100 lb-ft | Peppy, light build; driveline described as suitable for around 200 hp | 2,150 lb |
| Early NA8 | 1994–1995 | 1.8-liter; 129 hp and 110 lb-ft | Pre-OBD-II; may make emissions compliance easier in some states | 2,220 lb |
| Late NA8 | 1996–1997 | 1.8-liter; 133 hp and 110 lb-ft | OBD-II; emissions equipment may need to be retained in some states | 2,200 lb |
1990–1993 NA6
The 1.6-liter NA6 is the lightest of the three groups in Exomotive’s estimates. Its published 115 hp and 100 lb-ft are adequate for a low-mass roadster, and the guide characterizes the original driveline as a sensible choice up to approximately 200 hp. That is a planning reference, not a promise that every gearbox, differential or half-shaft will tolerate a modified engine indefinitely.
1994–1995 NA8
The 1.8-liter NA8 raises the published output to 129 hp and 110 lb-ft. Exomotive notes that these cars predate OBD-II, which can simplify compliance in jurisdictions whose rules distinguish pre-OBD-II vehicles. It is not a universal exemption: your state or inspection authority may apply different rules to a newly titled custom vehicle.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
1996–1997 NA8
The later NA8 is listed at 133 hp and 110 lb-ft. Its OBD-II system can affect the wiring, engine-control hardware and emissions equipment you must keep. If your registration process requires the donor’s emissions controls or diagnostic connector, removing those parts during the build can prevent approval.
NB donors, 1999–2005
The US compatibility range also includes NB Miatas from 1999 through 2005. The exact engine, transmission, safety equipment and emissions configuration varies by year and trim, so an NB should be evaluated as an individual car rather than treated as one uniform specification. Exomotive describes the 1999–2005 six-speed as a close-ratio, stronger choice for added power than the five-speed, while noting that it is commonly paired with taller rear gearing. Confirm the actual gearbox, differential and final-drive ratio on the donor you are considering.
Which donor parts are reused?
Exocet New Zealand’s component list illustrates how much of the Miata remains in the conversion. Depending on the kit and build configuration, the retained systems include:
- Steering rack and steering components
- Front and rear suspension
- Brakes and associated hydraulic hardware
- Engine and engine accessories
- Manual transmission
- Driveshaft
- Differential
- Wheel hubs
- Wiring harness and related electrical components
The precise transfer list can differ by supplier, options and local rules. Parts that appear reusable still need inspection: rubber bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings, brake hoses, seals, clutch components and wiring connectors often show age even when the engine runs.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How donor year and equipment change the build
Engine and emissions hardware
Year affects more than advertised horsepower. It can change engine-management hardware, oxygen sensors, evaporative controls, catalytic-converter requirements and the diagnostic connector. Before dismantling the donor, document every emissions component and label the harness plugs. If your jurisdiction checks emissions, plan to retain the required equipment and verify how a custom vehicle is tested.
Manual versus automatic
Exomotive says automatic Miatas can be used, although it prefers a manual when the builder has no physical limitation. An automatic may be a practical accessibility choice, but it can require different controls, transmission mounting details and interior packaging. A manual donor generally follows the conventional Exocet layout and gives the driver the lightweight sports-car experience most builders seek.
Five-speed versus six-speed
The six-speed found in some 1999–2005 cars is described by Exomotive as close-ratio and better suited to increased power than the five-speed. The associated taller rear gearing can change cruising rpm and acceleration in each gear. Verify the transmission identification and differential ratio rather than assuming a six-speed donor has every recommended drivetrain combination.
ABS-equipped cars
ABS-equipped Miatas can work, but Exomotive does not recommend them because of added complexity and weight. Removing or re-engineering the system may affect legality and braking performance. If you choose an ABS donor, establish in advance whether the kit instructions support the module, sensors, hydraulic unit and warning-light arrangement.
How to choose a donor: a practical process
- Identify the exact kit. Record the supplier, country, kit revision and intended registration jurisdiction. Use that information to confirm the accepted model years before looking at cars.
- Check the generation and title. Verify the VIN, model year and whether the car is an NA, NB or NC. An NC from 2006–2013 does not fit the US Exomotive Exocet.
- Inspect the structure. Look for severe collision damage, flood corrosion and extensive rust around suspension mounting points. The original body shell is discarded, but damaged subframes, suspension pick-up points and drivetrain mounts are costly to replace.
- Evaluate the drivetrain. Check cold-start behavior, oil pressure if available, smoke, overheating, clutch engagement, gearbox noise, differential whine and driveshaft vibration. A running donor makes electrical and diagnostic checks much easier.
- Inventory equipment. Record engine type, transmission, differential, ABS, emissions hardware, immobilizer components, key sets, instrument cluster and every wiring connector. Photograph routing before removal.
- Price refurbishment, not just purchase. Add likely costs for timing-belt or chain service, cooling hoses, seals, bearings, brakes, bushings, tires, clutch parts and corrosion repair. The cheapest car can become the most expensive kit if its retained components need replacement.
- Confirm registration requirements. Contact your state or local vehicle authority before buying. Ask how a custom vehicle is titled, which donor documents are required, whether an inspection is needed and what emissions standard applies.
Donor inspection checklist
- Confirm the engine starts from cold and reaches normal temperature without overheating.
- Check for coolant or oil contamination, persistent exhaust smoke and major oil leaks.
- Test every forward and reverse gear, the clutch, parking brake and differential for abnormal noise.
- Inspect subframes, control arms, hubs and steering components for bends, cracks or severe corrosion.
- Test headlights, indicators, brake lights, gauges, engine-management warning lamps and the charging system.
- Retain all keys, immobilizer modules, engine computers and body-control components supplied with the donor.
- Obtain the title, VIN history and service records; disclose modifications to the kit manufacturer when asking for compatibility advice.
Registration, emissions and legal considerations
Exomotive directs US builders to consult their state DMV and describes the Exocet as using a state custom-vehicle registration process. That guidance is not a substitute for current state law. Requirements can include a VIN inspection, receipts for major components, photographs, a reconstructed or specially constructed title, lighting standards and an emissions inspection based on the donor or the completion date.
Emissions comments in donor guides are decision points, not legal determinations. A pre-OBD-II 1994–1995 NA8 may be simpler in one state, while a 1996–1997 OBD-II car may be preferable where diagnostic readiness is required. Ask the authority that will issue the title, and keep the donor title and bills of sale throughout the build.
Weight and performance expectations
Exomotive’s home-page overview gives a typical completed Exocet weight of approximately 1,400–1,600 lb and a broad engine-output range of 100–700 hp. Those are manufacturer overview figures, not a guaranteed specification. Actual weight changes with the donor, cage or reinforcement, body panels, seats, wiring, fuel system, options and fluids. Engine swaps and forced induction can move the result far outside the original donor’s balance and cooling requirements.
The donor estimates in Exomotive’s selection guide—approximately 2,150 lb for an NA6, 2,220 lb for a 1994–1995 NA8 and 2,200 lb for a 1996–1997 NA8—describe the guide’s donor figures, not measured weights for every finished Exocet. Use corner-weighting after assembly if suspension setup and handling are important.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsUseful preparation before dismantling
Exomotive provides NA and NB workshop-manual resources. Choose a manual that matches the donor’s generation and year, and use it to identify torque specifications, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and diagnostic procedures. A manual for a different engine-management system may omit connectors or procedures your car uses.
Label parts as they come off, store fasteners by subsystem and photograph routing for fuel, brake, clutch and electrical lines. Run a complete diagnostic scan before disassembly when possible. Recording fault codes and baseline compression, charging voltage and coolant temperature gives you a reference when the same components are installed in the Exocet.
Common donor-selection mistakes
- Buying by badge alone: “Miata” does not identify the generation. Confirm NA or NB and the exact year.
- Assuming an NC can be adapted: Exomotive explicitly excludes the 2006–2013 NC from its Exocet.
- Ignoring the market: A donor range published for New Zealand may not match a US kit, and vice versa.
- Choosing the lowest purchase price: Severe rust, missing keys or hacked wiring can exceed the cost difference between a poor and sound donor.
- Deleting emissions equipment too early: Registration rules may require the original engine controls and emissions hardware.
- Overlooking automatic and ABS implications: Both can be compatible in some configurations, but they alter complexity, weight and parts planning.
- Treating factory output as a build guarantee: Published horsepower, weight and power-capacity comments are planning figures; the finished car depends on condition and modifications.
In short, the usual US Exocet donor is a 1990–2005 NA or NB Mazda Miata, with the NC excluded. The right purchase is not simply the newest or cheapest Miata: it is a structurally sound, well-documented donor whose engine, transmission, electronics, emissions equipment and registration profile match the exact kit and jurisdiction.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
