CorkSport | CorkSport Mazda Performance Blog

October 27, 2022March 16, 2023

Improve Your Braking with the All New Big Brake Kit for the Mazda CX-50

Introducing the CorkSport 13” Big Brake Kit for 2023+ Mazda CX-50 owners! This includes both the Turbo and non-Turbo models! The CS BBK improves braking performance with larger diameter rotors and 4-piston calipers. Also included in the kit are stainless steel braided brake lines and all the brackets and hardware needed for installation. It’s an all-in-one package that makes it just as fun to stomp on the brakes as it does to hit that skinny pedal! Read on for more details.

To start off, let’s look at the CorkSport brake rotors. The CS rotors are 13” (330mm) in diameter and 1.20” (28mm) thick. The OEM Mazda CX50 turbo uses 12.79” (325mm) rotors and 0.98” (25mm) thick rotors. This change provides for more braking torque to be generated from the same amount of braking force. Think like how a longer wrench makes it easier to loosen a stuck bolt. The added thickness and diameter is also simply more mass for the brake system to reject heat into. This keeps your brakes from overheating for much longer than the OEM units.

The CS rotors are not all about size however, they also have a decent amount of tech built in to further help your braking performance. Each rotor is made up of two pieces. A center “hat” is made from aluminum and an outer “ring” is made from a more typical rotor material: iron. The center hat uses aluminum for its light weight and rapid heat dissipation. The rotor ring uses iron for long lasting and reliable function. To further improve cooling efficiency the rotor has special “vanes” in between the inner and outer faces to further help with brake cooling. These vanes are directional and help to draw air through the rotor while the rotor is spinning. The rotor rings are also directionally slotted to help sweep away brake dust, gases, and any other debris that may affect your braking performance. The two piece design has the added benefit of cost savings as when it comes time to replace them. You can simply give us a call to purchase replacements of just the rotor rings instead of the entire rotor!

Moving onto the calipers, the CorkSport BBK uses 4-piston calipers made from forged aluminum. The use of forged aluminum is critical in reducing weight and maintaining rigidity. Typically, OEM calipers are a single piston sliding design due to its compactness and low cost to produce. This is fine until you start pushing the brakes harder. The sliding design tends to flex and move around when in use and can reduce the confidence in your brakes. With the more rigid and opposed piston design of the CorkSport Caliper, you can really push the brakes and hold them there with confidence. Great for the street and trail.

Having many small pistons in the calipers also allows for maximized brake pad area that will wear evenly. Brake pad wear is also evened out by having pistons pushing from both sides of the caliper instead of just one like OEM. We even stagger the pistons within the CS calipers, making the leading edge piston slightly smaller, to really ensure even and consistent pad wear. The result is a brake pad that has 32% more surface area in contact with the rotor.

Finally, each piston in the CS calipers is made from stainless steel. Stainless was chosen for its low coefficient of heat transfer. Compared to aluminum or regular steel, stainless will transfer heat slower, meaning your brake fluid stays cooler for longer so you can stay out on track longer.

The CorkSport calipers come pre-loaded with upgraded brake pads that slot in fairly well between a street pad and a full on track pad. For the street, they offer low noise in most situations, with a squeak here and there when coming to a stop, and relatively low dust. On a backroad or track, they offer good performance when cold, and even better performance when warmed up a little. For extended track time, we do still recommend a full track pad, but for auto cross or a short hot lapping session, the default CS pads work well. Thankfully, the CS calipers use a standard brake pad shape, so you have plenty of options from the big name brake manufacturers.

Each CorkSport BBK comes with all the brackets and hardware needed for installation. We use high strength billet caliper brackets for rigidity and consistent caliper placement. All the hardware that keeps your brakes attached is grade 12.9 with a corrosion resistant coating. We even include stainless steel braided brake lines with each kit. The brake lines offer a stiffer and more consistent pedal feel. Even with all the added complexity, the CorkSport BBK ends up drastically lighter weight than the OEM turbo brakes (approximately 6 lbs lighter on each side).

To fit the CorkSport BP Mazda 3 Big Brake Kit, it is much easier with 17” or larger aftermarket wheels. Typically an aftermarket wheel will have much more brake clearance than an OEM wheel. You can use the 18” OEM wheels; however, for enough clearance for the large calipers, we found that you need a 10mm spacer. With that much spacer, we strongly encourage purchasing extended wheel studs for safety. In either case, we have a template available that you can cutout to check clearance to your wheels. Click this link to download the wheel fitment template!

Wheels & Tires Shown: 255/55R18 Falken Wildpeak AT3W with 18×8.5+35 Momo Etna Wheels

We can’t wait for you all to experience the stopping power of the CorkSport Mazda CX-50 Big Brake Kit! Check out the product listing to purchase and for even more images. We have plenty of good stuff still to come for the CX-50s so stay tuned!

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The BBK provides peace of mind and better stopping.

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Get The Mazda CX-50 Big Brake Kit!

The BBK provides peace of mind and better stopping.

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October 20, 2022November 16, 2022

The Performance Rear Motor Mount For 4th Gen Mazda 3 is Ready For Action

If you’re looking for a performance part for your Gen 4 Mazda 3 & CX30 to elevate the driver experience then the CorkSport Rear Motor Mount. This CS RMM is designed to fit any 2019+ Mazda 3 & CX30 whether it is AWD or FWD, Turbo or NA, MT or AT. The key focal point for this RMM is to offer the driver additional feedback for what the car is doing when driving hard. The CS RMM helps eliminate the excessive engine movement, increase throttle response and provide a more solid shifter feel if you have a car with a stick.

Mazda 3 Turbo Skyactiv Polyurethane Mount

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Starting with the main body of the CorkSport RMM, it is manufactured from A356-T6 aluminum to provide a robust and light weight mount that effectively replaces the quite large and heavy OEM mount. The factory mount features a large rubber center section which contributes to the excessive engine movement and additional weight. For the CS RMM we decided to add smaller bushings towards the front and back of the mount which allowed us to save material and weight. Below you can see the two RMM’s compared against one another.

Now onto the polyurethane bushings, which play a big role in the increased driver feedback and reduction in engine movement. We tested the selected 70A bushings extensively and found that they offer a good combination of providing both a noticeable improvement in the driving experience while not introducing to much extra noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) into the mix for daily driving.

NOTE: NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is a standard term used in the automotive industry. NVH is a byproduct of changing some OEM components to aftermarket components in the pursuit of focused performance. Example of components that can increase NVH: engine mounts, clutch/flywheel, intake, exhaust, suspension, tires/wheels…and many more.

During the first stage of testing we started out with only two poly bushings in the front of the RMM, but after further testing we found that adding an additional two bushing to the rear of the RMM provided much lower NVH while still reducing engine movement considerably.

The last piece that is fundamental in the CS RMM is the bushing sleeves. The sleeves provide the ability to install hardware through the polyurethane bushing without having the bushing itself compress and possibly crack when applying torque to the bolt and instead transfer the force into the sleeve. The bushing sleeves are precision machined out of steel for strength and then zinc coated so they will not corrode over time and wear out the polyurethane bushing prematurely.

Ok, so now how does the CS RMM improve the driver experience? Well, the factory RMM allows the motor to rotate a good amount which helps provide a smooth driving experience for around town, but this increase in engine movement decreases the throttle response and shifter feel.

This is because the motor is allowed to rotate a certain amount before the wheels do, so by decreasing the amount the motor has to rotate, allows the wheels to start rotating sooner, thus increasing the responsiveness of the car. This reduction of movement also provides a better shifter feel if you have a manual because there is less movement between the connection of the shifter and transmission.

4th gen mazda 3 Turbo Poly Rear Motor Mount

What to expect from the Rear Motor Mount:

From our testing in multiple R&D cars and beta tester cars and the thousands of miles driven…it’s awesome! From about 2000rpm up to redline you are going to feel a smooth engine that loves to give you feedback on your throttle, shifting and engine braking. Below 2000rpm to idle you may notice some vibration, especially when the A/C pump is in operation.

Thanks for checking out the CorkSport Rear Motor Mount for the 4^th Gen Mazda 3 & CX30! If you want to add this mod to your Mazda and get all the benefits discussed above, be sure to head over to the product page for more details.

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October 12, 2022September 25, 2023

Announcing The Turbo Kit 80mm GEN3 2014-18 Mazda 3 Cat Back Exhaust

SkyActiv Mazda 3 Cat Back Turbo Exhaust Kit

Around 3 years ago the 80mm Cat Back Exhaust was released for the 3^rd Gen Mazda 3. During this time many have enjoyed the increased sound, performance and looks that it offers. As we have been developing the Turbo Kit for the 2.5L 3^rd Gen Mazda 3, we have also had a chance to refine and tune the 80mm Cat Back Exhaust to further improve the tone and sound of the exhaust while reducing drone for 3’s equipped with the Turbo Kit. That is why we are excited to release the Turbo Kit specific 80mm Cat Back Exhaust to those of you who have or are looking to pick up the Turbo Kit for your 2014-2018 2.5L Mazda 3.

With the original 80mm CBE installed on our Turbo Kit equipped Mazda 3, we found that while the sound was good, the drone it created in the cabin was too aggressive for our liking. To combat this we tested multiple different combinations of midpipes and axle backs with different resonator configurations to find the best solution. From this testing we found that the combo that worked best was to keep the same midpipe setup, but to modify the axle back so that no resonators were used. This resulted in a substantial reduction in drone while adding in a more aggressive tone at higher RPM’s. With that being said if you are upgrading from a stock or 60.5mm exhaust it will be a large increase in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) but this is offset in our opinion by the tons of fun noises it offers. Since the axle back is the only component that has been changed for the Turbo Kit specific exhaust, if you already have an 80mm CBE and want to upgrade, all you have to get is the non-resonated axle back to take advantage of the reduced drone and improved sound. To get a good idea of how the 80mm CBE will sound during different driving conditions, check out the video below.

Aftermarket Turbo Back Exhaust Mazda3 2014-2018

The Turbo Kit 80mm CBE also provides the same great appearance of the original 80mm CBE. Both the sedan and hatchback exhausts feature 100mm or ~4” tips. On the hatchback this helps fill out the bumper cutouts and the slant cut design helps them match the flow of the bumper profile. The sedan on the other hand, features a single wall design so that water and other debris don’t get caught in the tip since they are hidden behind the bumper and angled down. No matter which model you have, these features help the rear of the car stand out and provide an aftermarket look that is subtle and classy as it should have been from the factory.

Performance Turbo 2014-2018 Mazda3 Exhaust

The great build quality and material are also carried over from the original 80mm Cat Back Exhaust with the use of T-304 stainless steel that is polished to a mirror like finish. This helps keep the CBE looking new and protects against corrosion for a long time to come. All joints are TIG welded to ensure durability along with a nice appearance. The resonators use a flow-thru design so exhaust flow remains uninterrupted while drone is kept down. Check out the product page for more pictures and details on the Turbo Kit 80mm CBE.

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October 6, 2022August 17, 2023

New CorkSport IWG & EWG Turbo Blanket Produced From Volcanic Rock!

Have you been running a CorkSport IWG or EWG turbo for a while now or just picked one up? Well if you have upgraded to a CS Mazdspeed turbo then we are excited to offer the CorkSport Turbo Blanket that works with whichever setup you are running. The CS Turbo Blanket will help protect surrounding components under your hood and increase the efficiency and performance of your CS turbo. Scroll down for more details on how the CorkSport Turbo Blanket will make your Mazdaspeed even better.

The most important aspect of any turbo blanket is the material that it is made out of. The CS Turbo Blanket utilizes an outer material made of volcanic lava rock that is manufactured into a fabric that has a direct contact temperature rating of 1800°F and can withstand radiant heat temperatures up to 2500°F. The CS Turbo Blanket also features an internal layer of calcium magnesium silicate wool that works as an insulator that can withstand continuous temperatures of 1832°F and peak temperatures of 2300°F. This inner insulating layer is held in with high temp stainless steel mesh to further improve durability and makes sure the CS Turbo Blanket can hold up in the most demanding situations.

Product photo for the Mazdaspeed turbo blanket

Next up is the design of the CorkSport Turbo Blanket which we are offering in configurations for both IWG and EWG CS turbos ranging from the CST4 Turbo to the CST6 Turbocharger. The CS Turbo Blankets were designed so that they cover the most amount of the turbine housing as they can to provide the best insulation performance. The CS Turbo Blanket also comes equipped with stainless steel springs that hold the blanket tight to the turbo so the installation of the blanket is made quick and can be easily done on the Mazdaspeed. This also applies to the removal of the blanket so you don’t have to bother with undoing the wire if you ever need to take off the turbo blanket.

CorkSport Turbo blanket on Mazdaspeed turbo

Now with the turbine housing being covered with the CS Turbo Blanket, how does it help the performance and efficiency of your Mazdaspeed turbo? The basic idea is that since less heat is allowed to escape from the turbine housing, the heat and energy are instead transferred into the exhaust turbine which reduces the time it takes to spool the turbo, making it more efficient. It also helps keep the compressor side of the turbo cooler since the heat is being retained in the exhaust system and away from the compressor or top mount intercooler which leads to colder boost air temps and the potential for more power. Another bonus of containing the heat from the turbine housing is that other nearby components in the engine bay also benefit from the lower operating temperatures seen when using the turbo blanket.

Mazdaspeed turbo with turbo IWG blanket installed

If you’re looking into getting a CorkSport turbo or further improving the performance of your CS Turbo then the CS Turbo Blanket is a perfect part to complement your build. Go and check out the product listing for additional photos and video on the CorkSport Turbo Blanket and let us know if you have any questions.

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October 6, 2022August 17, 2023

Protect Your Mazdaspeed with the All New Manifold Blanket

Got an eye on the CS Mazdaspeed Exhaust Manifold for your Mazdaspeed 3 or Speed6 or already have one? Want a way to further increase turbo spool and help keep engine bay temps down? You came to the right place because the CS Exhaust Manifold Blanket was made for this exact reason and gives you more power potential to further increase the efficiency of your setup. Continue on to see the details on the CS Exhaust Manifold Blanket and how it performs.

Mazdaspeed Exhaust manifold blanket made from volcanic rock

The most important aspect of any heat blanket is the material that it is made out of. The CorkSport Exhaust Manifold Blanket utilizes an outer material made of volcanic lava rock that is manufactured into a fabric that has a rated direct contact temperature of 1800°F and can withstand radiant heat temperatures up to 2500°F. The blanket also features an internal layer of calcium magnesium silicate wool that works as an insulator that can withstand continuous temperatures of 1832°F and peak temperatures of 2300°F. This inner insulating layer is held in with high temp stainless steel mesh to further improve durability and makes sure the CS Exhaust Manifold Blanket can hold up in the most demanding situations.

CorkSport Mazdapeed Exhaust Manifold Blanket product

Now, for the design of the CS Exhaust Manifold Blanket, we focused on fitment and ease of installation. These two areas are crucial because it determines how good the exhaust manifold blanket will perform. The CS Exhaust Manifold Blanket was designed so that it covers the exhaust manifold completely while providing a tight fit to provide the best insulation performance. We have also designed a separate blanket for the elbow that comes off of the manifold to further reduce the amount of heat loss before the turbo. For installation, the blanket comes equipped with stainless steel springs that hold the blanket tight to the manifold so the installation of the blanket is quick and can be easily installed on your Mazda. This also applies to the removal of the blanket so you don’t have to bother with undoing wire if you ever need to take off the blanket to access the manifold.

Once the CS Turbo Blanket is installed, how does it help the performance and efficiency of your turbo setup? The basic idea is that since less heat is allowed to escape from the exhaust manifold before the turbo, the heat and energy are instead transferred into the exhaust turbine which reduces the time it takes to spool the turbo, making it more efficient. It also helps keep the compressor side of the turbo cooler since the heat is being retained in the exhaust system and away from the compressor or top mount intercooler which leads to colder boost air temps and the potential for more power. Another bonus of containing the heat from the exhaust manifold is that other nearby components in the engine bay also benefit from the lower operating temperatures seen when using the blanket and can help lengthen their lifespan.

Side view of installed Mazdaspeed exhaust manifold blanket

If you already have a CorkSport Exhaust Manifold for your MazdaSpeed or are looking to pick one up, the CS Exhaust Manifold Blanket is a great addition if you want to get even more performance out of your setup. Head over to the product listing for more photos and video on the CorkSport Exhaust Manifold Blanket and feel free to ask if you have any questions.

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Get The Mazda CX-50 Big Brake Kit!

Get The Mazda CX-50 Big Brake Kit!

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Watch the Comparison Video For The Rear Motor Mount

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What to expect from the Rear Motor Mount:

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