Front Mount Intercooler Upgrade for 18+ Mazda 6, CX-5, CX-9 Turbo

Performance Intercooler Upgrade for the 2018+ Mazda 6 2.5T, CX-5, and CX-9

The CorkSport Intercooler for the 2018+ Mazda 6 2.5T, CX-5, and CX-9 improves cooling efficiency through its large 27x6x3.5” core and optimized fin design. Keep your boost temperatures low and power high even during back-to-back pulls in hot weather. The CS FMIC kit is a complete, direct bolt-on with no cutting or drilling for proper fitment and everything you need for installation. This means brackets, hardware, clamps, custom silicone elbows, and adapters to work with the OEM intercooler piping. Plus, it makes power on its own and is ready for any future CS mods as it will support 400 HP!

Combine the Mazda 6 Intercooler Upgrade with the Upgraded Intercooler Piping Kit for the best performance cooling package available. If you combine now you will save $50 on the complete vs purchasing the piping at a later date.

Read The BlogLet’s Get Chilly: CorkSport Intercooler for SkyActiv 2.5T

Performance Driven

Side by side you can see that the CorkSport Intercooler takes full advantage of the space available behind the grill of the Mazda 6.

The Mazda 6 Front Mount Intercooler is 3/8” taller and 1” thicker than the OEM intercooler, providing 50% more core volume. This improves peak flow for a reduce pressure drop across the core and increases cooling efficiency for lower boost air temperatures.

Robust Construction

Unlike the stock Mazda intercooler design that uses plastic tanks that are clamped to the aluminum core, the CorkSport Intercooler utilizes CAD-designed aluminum cast end tanks that are welded to the core.

Cast aluminum end tanks were used for their improved thermal efficiency, durability, and ability to withstand high pressures, as well as the flexibility to use smooth and consistent bends, unlike sheet metal end tanks.

Modular Design

The CorkSport Intercooler Upgrade is designed to work seamlessly with the CorkSport Piping Upgrade. The piping upgrade can be used now or at a later date without issue, you decide.

Thermal Efficient Design

The entire purpose of an intercooler is to cool the boost/charge air exiting the turbocharger compressor outlet. The efficiency of intercoolers can vary drastically depending on the design and size. Let’s compare:

Four dyno runs were completed back-to-back for both the OE and CS intercoolers. The results of both showed good improvement in thermal efficiency for the CorkSport Design.

OEM:

1. Starting IC Outlet Temperature = 60 degF
2. Ending IC Outlet Temperature = 82 degF
3. Delta Temperature Increase = 22 degF

CorkSport:

1. Starting IC Outlet Temperature = 63.4 degF
2. Ending IC Outlet Temperature = 79.4 degF
3. Delta Temperature Increase = 16 degF

Balanced Pressure Drop

Unknown to most, the pressure drop across the intercooler core is the by-product of the cooling efficiency of the core; you cannot have one without the other. The goal of a high-performance intercooler is to balance/reduce the pressure drop without compromising the cooling efficiency.

In the same four dyno pulls we also recorded the pressure drop across the intercooler core and found that we were able to minimize pressure drop while also increasing cooling efficiency. This is important because, the lower the pressure drop, the more efficiently your turbocharger can provide boost pressure to the engine.

OEM:

1. Low RPM Pressure Drop = 0.7-1.7 psi
2. High RPM Pressure Drop = 1.7-2.3 psi

CorkSport:

1. Low RPM Pressure Drop = 0.5-1.4 psi
2. High RPM Pressure Drop = 1.4-1.7 psi

Performance Silicone Couplers

All connections between piping and the intercooler are replaced with new 4-ply reinforced silicone couplers. Silicone is ideal for boosted applications due to its high durability in high-heat environments and added ply or reinforcement reduces swelling during high boost.

Top Quality Hardware

Included with the CorkSport Intercooler Upgrade is all the necessary hardware, brackets, silicone, and T-Bolt clamps required for installation.

Thick 0.125” stainless steel brackets and quality hardware keep the IC core mounted and secure.

• Vehicle Fitment:2018+ Mazda 6, CX-5, and CX-9 with the 2.5L Turbocharged Engine
• Additional Vehicle Fitment:2013-2018 Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 2.2 Sky Diesel Engine
• Developed in America: Designed, tested, and validated in Vancouver, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest.
• CorkSport Service & Support:Receive a 2-year warranty, full-color installation instructions, all of the needed installation hardware, and knowledgeable telephone installation support.
• Note: Depending on modifications installed, calibration of the OEM ECU, equipment options, and local climate tuning can be required to get optimum power from this or any other Skyactiv Turbo power upgrade.
• NOTICE: The boost tube does not work with the intercooler kit or Intercooler Piping Kit.