Category: CX30

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Keep IATs in check with the Turbo Air Intake Box for 2021+ Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-50


Introducing the Turbo Mazda 3 Cold Air Box! Designed specifically to integrate alongside the existing CorkSport Skyactiv Turbo Short Ram Intake, and when combined, the complete intake system provides the best of both worlds. This includes both an intake that is less restrictive than OEM and Intake Air Temperatures that are colder to maximize performance potential.

Mazda 3 turbo cold air intake airbox

Through the utilization of the OEM intake snorkel and an opening that accesses the driver fender area, it provides multiple sources of “cooler air” that the SRI can draw from that are away from engine bay heat to capture the coldest air available.     

Mazda 3 turbo cold air intake kit

Below is a model of the Turbo Air Box assembly with the OEM snorkel that illustrates the locations that the air box draws from while blocking out the heat radiating from surrounding components like the radiator and engine.

How the Mazda 3 turbo air intake pulls cold air and operates

Testing was an important part of the process as it shows to what degree the CS Turbo Cold Air Box is impacting IATs. The test was designed to represent what could occur if you were stopped for a long time during heavy traffic or when waiting for a long traffic light. After the stop, we then accelerated back up to highway speeds. The tests were conducted with an ambient temperature of roughly 45 degF so those of you that live in hotter climates will see elevated temperatures.   

Skyactiv Mazda 3 Turbo performance data for air intake temperatures

The start of the test begins with a 5 minute period where the car is stationary and from there we accelerated up to ~50mph. For the duration of the test, we observed that the addition of the CS Turbo Air Box netted average IATs that were 13 degrees colder than the SRI alone.

For the stationary section of the test, the graph shows that the gap in temperature between the SRI and SRI + Air Box continues to get wider as time progresses. This demonstrates the advantage of the Air Box and the lower rate at which the IATs increase when it is installed. Once the car takes off from the stop, the SRI + Air Box combo also returns to ambient temperature quicker, allowing the engine to take advantage of the colder ambient air sooner and help maximize power.

Mazda 3 turbo 2.5 internal image of the air intake airbox

The material and construction of the CorkSport Air Box plays a role just as important as it performs so that it will last for many years to come. We kept the same manufacturing method and material that we used previously for the non-turbo Air Box, as it has been thoroughly tested and proven to excel in this application.

XDPE plastic makes up the main body of the Air Box and features properties that help it withstand chemicals and the elevated temperatures seen in the engine bay. Other CS parts that are located in the engine bay also utilize this same material, including the MASSIVE 4th GEN Mazda 3 Turbo Inlet Pipe.

Finishing off the top of the Air Box is the acrylic lid that is translucent with a grey tint to provide a convenient way to check on the condition of the air filter. The lid is removable and allows for servicing of the filter to be completed without the removal of the full Air Box assembly.  

2024 Mazda 3 turbo air intake airbox installation picture

Rounding out the CorkSport Turbo Air Box is the inclusion of all necessary hardware and detailed instructions, allowing you to install the Air Box in as little as 30 minutes. Be sure to head over to the web page or reach out to the team if you have any questions and stay tuned throughout the coming year for more CS releases for your Mazda. 

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Transform Your Style with the New CorkSport Lowering Springs for the 2020+ Mazda CX-30

Get a sportier look for your 2020+ Mazda CX-30 with the all-new CorkSport Performance Lowering Springs. The CS springs will turn heads with a new ride height that looks aggressive and provides better driving dynamics. Those looking to get even more performance out of their CX-30 on the backroads or a better look to their ride will want to grab a set of these. These springs make the CX-30 look better and make for a more comfortable ride for extended trips or daily excursions around town.    

Performance lowering springs for the 202+ Mazda CX-30.

A Better Ride Height

We all want a great-looking Mazda that is also an enjoyable ride. The CX-30 lowering springs do not disappoint. We dropped the CX-30 height, which comes in 1.5in (38mm) front and 2.2in (56mm) rear. We selected these heights since they balance practicality and handling performance well. The new ride height retains good suspension travel while delivering the more aggressive stance and look we aimed for. The CX30 now looks and feels fantastic, riding or driving – So much better than OEM!

Best Lowering Spring Upgrades for the Mazda CX-30

Improved Control

The new lowering springs give you more control while maneuvering or taking turns. We focused on the spring rates during development that provide a more sporty spring option. We wanted to reduce body roll while not being too stiff, compromising the ride quality, or impacting the stock dampers from controlling unwanted bouncing. Considering those aspects, we ended up with a front spring rate of 3.4K and a rear spring rate of 5.9K. These spring rates help reduce the amount of body roll while cornering and give you additional feedback so you feel more confident when taking corners.

High strength lowerings springs for the CX-30

The improvement in spring rates results in better ride quality than the original Mazda springs. Whether you’re on the highway, driving daily, or hitting those backroad twisties, the lowering springs make the drive more enjoyable!

CorkSport Aftermarket Lowering springs with dampeners

Installation

CorkSport offers full-color instructions to help you with the installation. Even though the springs are designed to be a direct OEM replacement, a mild modification of trimming the bump stops allows for the same travel as the OE setup before the bump stop is engaged. All other components are installed like stock springs, so there are no surprises. The CS CX-30 lowering springs also carry the same high tensile strength spring steel as all our lowering springs. Spring isolators are installed to reduce unwanted suspension noises. Like all CorkSport suspension upgrades, we’ve powder-coated these springs in black for added protection against corrosion, and they will look fantastic for years to come.  

Mazda CX-30 with CorkSport Lowering Springs

Those interested in improving the style and handling of their CX-30, should head over to the product page and check out the additional details and pictures! Also don’t forget to contact us if you have any questions about lowering springs for your CX-30. Let us know what you think about the lowering springs.

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Enhance Handling with a Stiffer Chassis: Lower Tie Bar for 4th Gen AWD Mazda3 & AWD CX-30

Introducing the CorkSport Lower Tie Bar for the AWD 2019+ Mazda 3 & AWD CX-30! Improve your cornering characteristics and steering feel by stiffening the front subframe of your vehicle.

For example, anytime chassis bracing is added, the stiffened subframe/chassis allows the suspension and tires to do their job better, giving you the performance and feel you want on a twisty backroad. We are proud to bring one of our favorite simple Mazdaspeed 3 mods to the 4th GEN Mazda 3 and CX-30 communities!

Lower tie bar on the Mazda

Improved Handling

While cornering or under heavy acceleration, all the forces that come from your tires must be counteracted by the suspension and chassis of your vehicle. With lateral cornering loads, a lot of these tire forces are transmitted into your subframe. ( See Image Below) The red arrows show the forces as they act through the control arms and into your subframe.

CorkSport No Lower Tie Bar Diagram showing only tire Forces

How It Works

Since the 4th GEN subframe is essentially a large square, these forces can flex the subframe, pushing in the sides and/or turning the square into more of a parallelogram. This flex will dull your handling feel and slow the vehicle’s response to steering inputs. The CS lower tie bar connects the lower control arm mounting points, stiffening the subframe and allowing the CS bar to help counteract any forces that were flexing the subframe previously!

The Tie Bar on a Mazda shows Improved support for better handling

Drivers Report It Handles Better

Okay enough theory, what does this mean for your car? We tested opinions of the car with and without the tie bar, and our drivers reported good improvements! Specifically, better steering feel, reduced bump steer, and more responsive turn-in. The upgrade is perfect for driving on the street, track, or autocross! There is a minor enhancement to the brake pedal feel when under hard braking. Like on the MS3 lower tie bar, the CS GEN4 lower tie bar will even help to control wheel hop and torque steer during those hard launches.

Best suspension upgrade for the CX-30

Shape of the Lower Tie Bar

While the shape appears a bit unconventional for chassis bracing, it is for a simple and good reason: so the bar will actually fit! The clearances around the engine, transmission, and transfer case are pretty tight on the GEN4, so the bendy shape had to be used. Rest assured, it fits without issue and installs in just about 30 minutes! This design did present an issue: a bent bar will be less robust than a straight bar. Don’t worry; we used FEA software to simulate a high-load corner and found that our design is more than strong enough to take all of the forces directly without issue. This is a worst-case-scenario as in reality, these cornering forces are distributed among the suspension components, subframe, and rest of the chassis, but we felt it necessary to prove that the CorkSport lower tie bar can handle whatever abuse you can throw at it!

Angular design show the tie bar handles extreme forces

Testing the Tie Bar

Like our Mazdaspeed 3 tie bar, the 2019+ MZ3 bar is made from 1-inch diameter, 0.120-inch wall steel tubing with 0.190-inch thick mounting brackets on the ends. The material and same design philosophy have proven to take every bit of abuse on 600, 700, and 800 horsepower MS3s so you can be confident in its reliability on your GEN4! Each bar is finished off with a satin black powder coat and a small CS decal for a great-looking bar that will stay looking great for a long time.

Quality design and materials make this the perfect Tie Bar for your Mazda

While not required, the CS Lower Tie Bar works even better when paired with our other chassis braces, like the CS Strut Tower Bar, Sway Bar, and Mazda 3 Rear Hatch Brace. Check out our listing linked below for more info, and be sure to give us a call with any questions!

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The Easy Boost Gauge Reference Adapter for the 2021+ Mazda 3

Getting accurate readings for your Mazda Skyactiv 2.5L turbo is nearly impossible. Now your boost & vacuum signal for your 4th generation 2021+ Mazda 3 turbo just got so much easier with the CorkSport Boost Reference Adapter. Designed for all Skyactiv 2.5L Turbo models, adding a boost gauge could not be easier!

CorkSport Boost Reference Adapter Mazda 3 Skyactiv 2.5L Turbo

Mazda, We Have A Problem

While we are all grateful that Mazda finally put a turbo in the 4th GEN Mazda 3, they did not see fit to include a boost gauge of any type for the driver. Adding a boost gauge to your Mazda 3 Turbo (or other Mazda models with the 2.5L turbo engine) is now easy with the CorkSport Boost Reference Adapter & CorkSport Boost Gauge!

Mazda 3 Boost Reference Adapter with MAP sensor installed

The Challenge

The challenge with Mazda’s design is that they didn’t provide a port to get boost and vacuum signal from your Skyactiv Turbocharged engine.  Why?!  It’s a mystery to us. Since data is crucial to improving performance, we wanted a solution to get this information.   It quickly became apparent to our engineers that we needed a bolt-on solution that provides the world with the missing link!

The Mazda 3 Turbo 4th Gen Boost Reference Adapter with Map sensor installed

A Bolt On Solution

The CorkSport Boost Reference Block provides a very simple way to source boost and vacuum from the intake manifold post intercooler. This gives you the best possible boost signal right as the airflow enters the engine.

The installation is easy. The bolt-on design allows you to simply attach your boost gauge hose to the barb fitting once the adapter block is installed! Boom! Now that the problem has also been solved, let’s build a better Mazda 3 Turbo!

Upgrade your 4th Gen Mazda 3 Turbo with the essential Boost Reference Adapter. It gives you precise readings to help boost your Mazda’s performance.

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Protect Your Mazda 3/CX-30 with The CS Skid Plate

Mazda 3 skid tray

We are excited to announce another product for both the 4th Gen Mazda 3, 2021+ Mazda 3 Turbo, and 1st Gen Mazda CX-30! The new offering to the lineup is the CorkSport Skid Plate which utilizes our tried and true 11 gauge aluminum construction with a 2-piece design for an OEM-like installation. The CS Skid Plate is perfect for anyone who is lowered or anyone who likes to take their car out on forest roads and wants more protection over the thin factory splash guard. Keep on scrolling for more details!

2019+ Mazda 3 Turbo Skid Plate installed

OEM Splash Guard vs CorkSport Skid Plate

Starting with the OEM splash guard, there is much to be desired in terms of protection. The factory piece is made of thin plastic that is only designed to protect the bottom of your engine and transmission from things such as water, dust, and small debris. This can lead to a problem when you have lowering springs on your car or go on a camping trip.

In both of these situations, there is a greater chance of objects such as rocks and other larger debris hitting the splash guard and puncturing or even ripping off the splash guard completely, leading to potential damage to your oil pan or other critical components.

The CS Skid Plate on the other hand is all aluminum and can better protect against these threats to ensure that you can get to your destination and back intact. This provides you with peace of mind whether you like to go on rocky forest roads, up to the mountain through snow & ice, or are lowered and trying to get over speed bumps.

CX30 undercarriage Skid plate protection

Improved Plate Design

To provide a factory fit, we have CAD-designed the CS Skid Plate to mount directly in place of the OEM splash shield. This means no drilling, cutting, trimming, or issues during the installation.

The Skid Plate is also a 2-piece design similar to the OEM splash shields so that installation is easier and that there is some adjustability for minor variation between vehicles and to also help reduce the shipping cost. We also implemented an air duct into the CS Skid Plate that is similar to the one on the factory AWD splash shields to help supply cool air to the front differential. 

Finally, there is an oil access cover that you can move out of the way to easily change your oil and filter without removing the 2 main skid plate sections.

Mazda 3 Rally Skid Tray

Quality Matters

Each CorkSport Skid Plate is made from laser cut and precision formed 11 gauge 5052 aluminum. This ensures a consistent fitment that will make installation straightforward as well as the much-needed increase in engine protection. Included with the CS Skid Plate are stainless steel button head bolts that provide great corrosion resistance and are lower profile than a traditional hex bolt to reduce the chance of them getting snagged.

Mazda CX-30 lifted CS Skid Plate

If you want to increase the protection to the underbody of your Mazda, the CorkSport Aluminum Skid Tray is a great option! Head over to the product listing for the video and more images and feel free to call us with any questions!

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