Description
Gain extra protection from rocks, road debris, and those pesky speed bumps with the CorkSport Aluminum Skid Plate for GEN 1 and GEN 2 Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazda 3.
The OEM plastic splash shields do little in the way of actual protection and are prone to breakage from the smallest hit. Gain peace of mind in your lowered Mazda without losing any ground clearance or cooling efficiency.
Read The BlogNew & Improved: The CorkSport Aluminum Skid Plates for Mazdaspeed 3
Check out the video and info below for all the details.
Fitment Inspired
The CorkSport Aluminum Skid Plate was CAD designed to fit like OEM and mount in OEM locations. This means an easy install with no drilling or struggling to align it with mounting holes. The two-piece design is an improvement over the older CorkSport one-piece design as it offers better hole alignment and more adjustability for variations in the plastic bumpers. In some cases, the CorkSport Skid Plate can even help a sagging bumper as it is much sturdier than the OEM splash shields.
Ideal for Modified Rides
Whether you are still stock ride height or lowered, dealing with speed bumps, potholes, and road debris can be concerning with the limited protection of the OEM plastic splash guards. The CorkSport Skid Plate offers much better protection with its aluminum construction and even gains some ground clearance due to its angled design. In addition, the CS skid plate keeps engine bay temperatures the same or slightly lower than the OEM to keep your Mazda healthy. Lastly, if you are running a CorkSport Lower Tie Bar or FMIC kit, do not worry; they fit great with the skid plate!
Manufacturing & Hardware
The CorkSport skid tray is laser cut from 11 gauge (0.090”) aluminum and then precision formed for an easy install on MS3 or MZ3. Each kit comes with everything you need for installation, including high-strength hardware. We even use Torx (star bit) screws on the removable oil filter access cover to ensure the screws will not strip after repeated oil changes.
- Compatible with: 2007-2013 Mazdaspeed 3, 2004-2013 Mazda 3
- Designed in America: Designed in Vancouver, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest.
- CorkSport Service & Support: 2-year limited warranty, full-color installation instructions, all necessary components, and knowledgeable telephone support at (360) 260-2675.
- Has not been test fit with aftermarket bumpers or front lips. Modification may be required for fitment.
- 2012-2013 Skyactiv models will need to remove the entire tray to do oil changes due to the different oil filter location on the engine.
- 2.0L 2010-2013 Mazda 3 may require some minor modification for best fitment.
How To Install Your CorkSport Mazdaspeed3 & Mazda3 Skidplate
It will take you one hour to install the CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazda 3 skidplate with our easy-to-use instructions.
For 2004-2009 Models
For 2010-2013 Models
1 Hour Install Time
2/5 Difficulty
2-Year Warranty
No CEL
Reviews
Dylan Meredith
Product is very nice quality but i wish there we’re options for pre drilled cutouts when purchasing. I have the corksport catch can as well as the corksport dumptube both of which we’re covered by the plate. Modifications did have to be made especially for the front lip and bayson R grill which was mentioned. In my opinion it should be able to fit no issues with the catalog parts. Such as catch can wastegate dump cs front lip etc. overall great product worth it to have to do the modifications to just something to keep in mind if you think it’ll be a 10 minute install.
Zach Nieman
Initial test fittings with my modified CS fmic piping and custom crash bar indicated I had to make some modifications to the skid plate to get everything to work for my setup. My core support is angled fwd from the factory positioning because of my crash bar so I had to notch the mounting slots slightly longer by 1/2” and I also got longer hardware/spacers for the engine cover section to the core support so it wouldn’t be pressing on the fmic cold pipe. Once I did those things, fitment is perfect! The bumper is nicely supported compared to the factory plastic shields. No rubbing on my catch cans or CS tie bar. I still have space in the back to reach up and do any little work I need for O2/turbo area. Plenty of room for oil changes with the access hole for the filter. I did cut a hole for my CS dump tube to flow but it has plenty of space from the skid plate as well. Great build quality and material thickness giving me peace of mind my electrical and fuel lines are protected from road debris and dirt. Wish I would have installed it sooner!
Jaclyn
This skidplate is engineered for a perfect fit. Love the access for oil changes, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that all my expensive upgrades are protected while I’m on the road. Also helps keep my engine bay slightly cleaner because less road gunk finds its way through!
Hugo Valencia
Fantastic coverage. Fitment was perfect, only trouble was getting that front piece to align right with the CS Front Lip to match the holes correctly. Other than that, I’ve actually noticed my coolant temps to be 10 Degrees lower parked (I did not have any under tray prior to this as the previous owner took it off). I feel much safer driving on the Florida highways now with this bad boy on.
Joel Barnes
I had the stock dust cover and still used to get tiny rocks in my serpentine belt which would make a squealing noise while the engine was on. I've cleaned out the belt before which never lasted too long before more rocks came in. Installed this bad boy and replaced the belt at the same time. No more rocks or squealing after a couple months now. Very solid piece that protects my ride and my ears. Not a bad idea if you plan on lowering your suspension, too.
RICARDO E.
My son and I installed the skid plate today. Took us maybe two hours as we were literally taking our sweet time. The fit and finish is great. Fits just right. I had to bang an edge back to its original flat self as in shipping it seemed to have been bent. It wasn’t anything too extreme. The guys at CS made my sons day with the request for his bedroom door collection. Thank you all for that.
Donald Sullivan
I would mark this better, however I came across an issue where the two front OEM 10mm bolts, for the front half of the plate, did not fit into the holes in the aluminum plate. I was underneath my car holding up this plate with one hand while trying to get the threads to engage with my other hand, for a long time. Eventually I stood up with the plate and the bolt, and realized that the flange, or ridge, of the OEM bolt did not quite fit through the hole. So, I got out my drill and a grinder bit and was able to enlarge the hole so that it would fit. It is relatively thin aluminum after all. Then it installed correctly. But this should not have been necessary. I also find it concerning that the kit requires the use of original OEM bolts. I was lucky to still have mine, but since my OEM plastic tray was destroyed and thrown out, it is quite likely that I would not have them and then I would have been SOL. Thirdly, a nitpick, I wish it was designed in such a way to allow the main read half of the skidplate to be removed without first removing the front half. Make sure to do any work you need underneath before installing! I changed my manual transmission fluid beforehand, for example.
Christian
As expected with corksport, the fit and finish is superb! And there is good clearance for the oil filter if you are running an oil filter sandwich plate. My one suggestion is to maybe add some kind of retaining paper washer for the bolts that run through the nylon spacers so you don't have to worry about the spacers falling out and rolling away when installing or removing those bolts.
Cameron M
Absolutely great fit great product and it does fit with the Cobb front mount intercooler kit
Cameron Williams
Great replacement for the plastic stock under tray which I tore off last winter in the snow.
- Select Vehicle Fitment
- 2010-2013 Mazda3/Speed3