If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a professional car nut builds a daily-driver MX-5 for his daughter… welcome back to Cowland on Cars.
A lot of people have been asking what happened to the Project Mazda Paul was working on, and the answer is delightfully simple: it’s now his daughter Amber’s daily driver. Yep, Paul’s number one daughter is behind the wheel every day, working at a Mazda dealership, commuting in a lowered, corner-loving Mk3 MX-5 she’s slowly turning into her own.
And because she actually needs the car to get to work, it’s been a bit harder to get her out of it long enough to upgrade a few things. But now, the time has come…
The Wheels, The Style… The Cheeky Daughter
If you watched the previous episodes, you’ll notice the MK3 looks a little different. The Revolution wheels are gone, and the car now wears a full Forest Rally spec competition wheel setup, the only design that gave enough clearance for the chunky brake calipers they’re running.
Amber has absolutely refused to give them back, of course. Kids.
But the big reason for the change wasn’t looks (although admit it, they look great). The previous wheels just didn’t give enough caliper clearance. The new ones do, with space to spare… and they look like just the part.
That alone would be a fun update. But this episode is about something far more important to any MX-5 owner…
Suspension First: The Secret To Real Speed
Power makes pub-stories fun. But suspension is where real speed lives, especially in a lightweight roadster built for corners.
When Paul originally rushed the car together for filming, they threw on a set of lowering springs in a day. It looked good, but the front sat a little higher than ideal, and the ride wasn’t where he wanted it.
Now? That’s being fixed properly.
For the build, we supplied a full matched Koni dampers + H&R progressive spring kit, designed to return the car to a factory Sport ride height, improve comfort, sharpen turn-in, and add confidence for a new driver in all conditions.
These are proper quality units:
- Koni Performance dampers (bright orange, you can’t miss them)
- H&R progressive springs with silicone wrap for durability
- A full array of fresh OEM hardware from Amber’s dealership (Beechwood Mazda)bump stops, mounts, dust covers, drop links, bolts… basically everything new
As Paul puts it: “There’s no point putting brand new parts on with old bits.” He’s right.
The Workshop Pit-Stop
With one day to complete the transformation (Amber needed the car back the day after), the crew at Allumy Motorsport went into full pit-lane mode.
Boot emptied (teenage daughters… packing system = chaos), carpets lifted, top mounts exposed, and amazingly, everything came apart without a fight. No rust drama, no seized bolts, no swearing… well, not much.
Broken springs confirmed the timing was perfect. This car needed love.
Everything old went into the scrap pile. Everything new went on the bench, with the master schematic from Mazda making sure every single washer, spacer, bush and nut went back in the right order.
And yes, spring compressors were used. Don’t try the TikTok method…
Front, Rear, and Full Torque
The process was the same front and rear:
- Remove worn OEM struts
- Transfer alloy top mounts
- Install Koni + H&R combo
- Torque everything at static ride height
- Paint-mark each critical bolt
- Align to a neutral setup for safety and confidence
Paul specifically requested a benign, neutral alignment, nothing twitchy, nothing aggressive, no wild negative camber. This is a road setup for a newer driver, not a track toy. So:
- Slight negative camber
- Straightforward toe
- Emphasis on tyre contact in the wet
Once Amber grows her confidence, they can add more camber and rotate the car more easily, but for now, it’s a brilliant everyday setup.
The Moment Of Truth
Race ramps on. Lift down. Everyone holds their breath…
And the stance is perfect. Lower, sharper, but totally usable. Exactly what a properly built MK3 should look like.
Off it went for a shakedown around Donington paddock, just to settle everything before the alignment heads went on.
And with the geometry dialled in… it was time for the ultimate test drive with ‘Mini-Me’ Amber.
What Does Amber Think?
Her first impressions say it all:
“Honestly, it’s like a dream ride. Smooth, but it takes corners way better. It feels like a little go-kart.”
She talks about feeling:
- Safer in the wet with her new tyres
- More confident as a new driver
- More grip, more fun, and less fear in the cold and rain
That’s everything you want from a road-going MX-5; confidence, control, fun, even at normal speeds. No doubt: she’s fallen even more in love with her daily driver.
Watch The Full Upgrade Here (It’s well worth it)
If you want to see the whole process, including Paul’s jokes, Amber’s reactions, and the suspension nerdiness we all secretly love… watch the full video here:
You’ll see:
- The wheel drama
- The broken spring reveal
- The Koni + H&R install
- Full setup detail
- Amber’s proper road test
- And why suspension upgrades are the smartest money you can spend on an MX-5
Want To Upgrade Your MX-5 Suspension?
Everything shown in the video is available directly from us here MX5parts, including:
- Koni Performance Dampers
- H&R Progressive Lowering Springs
- Fitting kits, mounts, dust covers and hardware
- OEM replacement parts
Built right, an MX-5 delivers confidence, grip, and fun every single day, whatever the weather.
Huge thanks from Paul Cowland & ‘Mini-me’ Amber
“Massive thanks to Allumy Motorsport, MX5parts and my dealership for helping bring this to life.”
Like, subscribe, ring the bell, and tell Paul what you want to see next.
Enjoy the build. Enjoy the corners.
And remember. power impresses mates at the pub!
Suspension wins corners on the road!
Take a Look At All Suspension Parts for Your…
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