Running an automotive performance shop isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about reliability and precision. For shop owners who have grown from DIY enthusiasts to professionals like Napp Motorsports, every project tells a story of trial, error, and innovation. This journey often begins with a personal passion for building and evolves into a business that balances creativity with craftsmanship.
Turning a Passion for Miatas into a Business
One story that resonates with many shop owners is that of Stefan Napp, and Napp Motorsports. What started as a passion project—rebuilding a Miata as a college student—has transformed into a full-fledged performance shop known for its Miata-specific builds.
Stefan recalls his humble beginnings: “In college, I drove a buddy’s car home because he couldn’t drive stick. That was it for me. I bought my first Miata, rebuilt it, and realized it was pretty cheap to buy parts. I didn’t want to pay anyone to do the work, so I started doing it myself.”
From there, things snowballed. As the shop’s reputation grew, so did the scope of projects—everything from engine swaps to custom fabrications. But as any seasoned builder knows, scaling up a shop comes with challenges, especially when it comes to engine reliability.
Stefan Napp, owner of Napp Motorsports specializes in Mazda Miata performance. His only requirement, every build gets a Fluidampr performance damper for reliability.
The Importance of Quality Dampers
For performance shops, reliability can be a make-or-break factor. As builds become more complex and horsepower increases, the need for vibration control becomes critical. In the world of high-revving engines, a quality damper can make all the difference.
Fluidampr performance dampers stand out in this regard. As Stefan puts it, “One of the lovely benefits of the Fluidampr is it self-tunes in real time throughout the entire RPM range. You never have to worry about it—it’s always working.”
This is particularly important for engines that see high RPMs or aggressive use in motorsport settings. A proper damper mitigates harmful torsional vibrations that can lead to premature wear, cracked crankshafts, and ultimately, engine failure.
Real World Reliability and Performance
For Napp Motorsports, integrating Fluidampr into builds has become a non-negotiable step. “The only rule is they all get a Fluidampr, and that’s about it,” he says. The rationale is simple: reducing vibration not only improves the longevity of the engine but also enhances overall performance.
During a recent shop visit and interview, Nick Orefice noticed a build—a 2.5 swapped Miata with ITB setup— and the conversation with Stefan made it clear: “I see a Fluidampr down there… yeah, there is a Fluidampr on it. Beautiful.” For customers, this commitment to quality is reassuring. It shows that performance shops aren’t just about making power—they’re about making power that lasts.
As Napp Motorsports puts it, “One of the lovely benefits of the Fluidampr is it self-tunes in real time throughout the entire RPM range. You never have to worry about it—it’s always working.”
Going the Extra Mile
Performance shop owners understand that long-term reliability builds trust and reputation. By prioritizing quality parts and sound engineering practices, shops like Napp Motorsports continue to thrive. Whether it’s a drift build or a street car, every project gets the same meticulous attention.
As Stefan reflects on his journey, he shares a valuable lesson: “If I never try this, I’ll never know if it works out. I didn’t want to be 60 years old thinking, ‘What if I had just played race cars every day for my life?’”
For shop owners everywhere, this mindset is a reminder to pursue passion with purpose—and to invest in the details that matter, like quality vibration control with Fluidampr.
Featured Fluidampr Installations: Shop Details and Recommended P/Ns
Napp Motorsports commonly uses Fluidampr P/N 521001 and similar models across their high-revving Miata engine builds. See below for full specs and application details.
Napp Motorsports
491 Elmgrove Rd.
Rochester, NY 14606
website
Fluidampr perfromance dampers for Mazda.
- p/n 521001 – 1993-2005 Mazda Miata MX5
- p/n 601001 – 2.3L MZR. 2007-2013 Mazda 3; 2006-2007 Mazda 6; 2007-2012 CX-7
- p/n 601011 – 2006-2014 Mazda MZR Miata MX-5
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is a Fluidampr necessary for high-performance engine builds?
A Fluidampr is essential in high-performance engine builds because it actively controls torsional vibrations across the entire RPM range. This reduces the risk of crankshaft failure, improves engine longevity, and ensures smoother power delivery—especially in engines that operate at high RPMs or are used in motorsports applications.
2. What are the benefits of using a Fluidampr over a stock harmonic balancer?
Unlike stock harmonic balancers, a Fluidampr uses a viscous fluid to self-tune in real time to varying engine speeds. This results in better vibration control, reduced wear on internal engine components, and more reliable power output—making it ideal for performance and racing engines.
3. How does a performance shop like Napp Motorsports integrate Fluidampr into engine builds?
Napp Motorsports installs a Fluidampr on every engine build as a standard practice. The shop owner states, “The only rule is they all got a Fluidampr.” This commitment reflects the importance of vibration control in maintaining engine reliability and performance, especially on track-driven and high-revving engines.
4. What makes Fluidampr ideal for engines with forced induction or high RPM powerbands?
Fluidampr is ideal for turbocharged, supercharged, or high-revving engines because it handles a wide range of harmonic frequencies. It adapts dynamically to RPM changes, preventing damaging resonance that can occur with static dampers—making it suitable for builds that push engines to their limits.
5. What real-world results support the use of Fluidampr in performance shops?
Shops like Napp Motorsports have experienced fewer engine failures and increased customer satisfaction by consistently installing Fluidampr units. As seen in multiple Miata builds and custom swaps, the dampers contribute to reliable, consistent performance across both street and track applications.