Keeping you up to date with the latest CorkSport Mazdaspeed news!
Category: Lifestyle
Mazda has a lifestyle, it varies from model to model but it is there, the performance aspect of Mazda has made the community what it is today with their support of grassroots racing to the pros and supporting their customers.
You’ve likely seen a quick glimpse of our 7th gear program previously, but there is NO WAY you have made it this far knowing all of the benefits and still not pulled the trigger.
There is just no way… and if so…You are MISSING OUT!
We’ve loved how this program has grown over the last year, with members giving product ideas, insight into their builds, and passing the EXCLUSIVE info on the gains we’re experiencing on our prototypes; it has truly become a community of enthusiasts. With pushing one another for higher power and better builds as a center, great parts, and direct insights provide for instant feedback and inputs on projects.
If you haven’t heard, or looked fully into this program, here is a brief overview and some insight directly from our members!
As a 7th Gear Member, you’ll receive …
An exclusive gift package worth $99 when you sign up.
You can only get these apparel items by becoming a 7th Gear member! – worth the cost of the membership by itself!!
Access to our exclusive 7th Gear Facebook group.
We’ll provide insider information on our products, lifestyle, and happenings!
You’ll interface with other elite members of the Mazda Community and receive CorkSport answers faster than anywhere else on the web.
You’ll have first access to new product releases via the 7th Gear Inner Circle thanks to your membership
If you’re buying anything with a significant shipping cost, it would be patently stupid to not get the 7th gear membership. The hat is top quality flex-fit and the shirt is nice too, big vinyls if you’re in to that. Exclusive access to sales, skipping the line on new parts, and you get behind the scene access for product development. Combined with CS points it’s a much better offer than competitor’s “free shipping”. – Jason Gambill
Free Shipping to the lower 48 States. (Hawaii, Alaska, and International orders get reduced rate shipping.)
You heard us right! Free shipping to lower 48 and reduced cost shipping for our members elsewhere!
“Do you love buying Corksport parts for your Mazda? Then why wouldn’t you want to join 7th Gear? Early information on upcoming parts so you and your wallet can plan ahead. Corksport is one of the few companies still developing new and exciting products for the Mazda/Mazdaspeed platforms. Why not join them and get an even deeper inside scoop! Even though I’m in Canada and I don’t get free shipping, the discount I receive does help! The cost of 7th Gear could be covered from just a couple orders. And even the occasional sale exclusive to 7th Gear is great.” – Michael Cheek
Automatic Annual Renewal that includes an awesome anniversary gift worth, at least, the cost of membership!
Once again, no one has access to this exclusive gift item unless they’re a 7th Gear member!
As a 7th Gear member, rest assured that we’re here to ignite your Mazda dreams into reality. With first access to parts, exclusive gear, exclusive 7th Gear promotions, and direct links to our CorkSport team, the free shipping is just a perk. Head to CorkSport.com for more information on 7th Gear today.
CorkSport 7th Gear January 13th, 2020Derrick Ambrose
Ever wonder about the key factors of making a decision about your aftermarket exhaust? Why Cat-back?
Is it the diameter of the exhaust that says performance? Or is it the type of metal used? What about fitment to your current setup? None of these questions alone answer what you need when making the decision on how to get more power out of your Mazda. Why the CorkSport Cat Back is the choice for your Mazda.
At CorkSport, we have made it our #1 priority to make our customer’s dreams a reality. Whether you drive a Mazdaspeed or a regular Mazda, we’ve made sure to engineer a great fitting exhaust that maximizes engine performance.
Check out the Cat-Back Exhausts by Car Model Below:
Take the Mazdaspeed 3, for example. When you purchase a Mazdaspeed Catback Exhaust, you’re getting T304 stainless steel piping that has been polished to a mirror-like finish.
You’re also getting true 80mm piping, which is slightly bigger than three inches, making our exhaust one of the biggest bolt-on catback systems.
Fitment is also a big concern for us. We make sure our exhaust systems are mandrel bent and TIG welded to ensure a perfect bolt-on fit.
Now that you know our exhaust is 80mm piping, polished to perfection, and made to be a direct fitment, you can bet this exhaust will increase performance and sound. By installing our cat-back exhaust, you’re removing the secondary unmonitored catalyst making the exhaust flow much faster out of the motor. By increasing the velocity of exhaust gases out of the motor, you increase power and make your turbo spool up a little bit faster.
Among the power gains you’ll see from installing the CorkSport Catback Exhaust, you’ll also enjoy the deep growl your Mazda now possesses. Our exhaust has one of the best-sounding tones on the market. With a quality made exhaust, comes quality sound.
Bought a new CX-3 and wish it was a little more exciting? CorkSport can help with our lowering springs, short ram intake, and now we are proud to introduce the CorkSport Axle Back Exhaust for 2016+ Mazda CX-3 AWD.
The Axle Back Design
The CorkSport axle back really gives the little bit extra that the Mazda CX-3 needs to be a fun & practical little car. By increasing the piping diameter to 60.5mm and using dual high flowing resonators, the CS CX-3 axle back provides much better sound than OE without being “buzzy” or annoying like so many exhaust option on the market. It’s louder than OE but not drastically so, plus, it avoids any drone while cruising down the highway. Check out the video below to hear how the CorkSport axleback sounds.
Exhaust Quality & Design
To go with the sound the CorkSport CX3 axle back looks great. Made from fully polished T-304 stainless steel, it will add some style to the rear of your CX-3 right away and stay looking good for years to come. The tips have been enlarged to 90mm, slant cut, and lengthened slightly to really fill out the bumper cutouts. For a final detail, a stainless CorkSport nameplate is attached to each tip and just barely peeks out from under the bumper.
As usual, you get the same OE fitment and reliability that you can always expect from us at CorkSport. As a result, this really is a no drawback product that adds a little bit more excitement to the Mazda CX-3. If you want to add some extra sound and style to your CX3 look no further than the CorkSport Axle Back Exhaust.
Well guys, I am back with a part 3. I apologize in advance for the delayed release of the 3rd chapter, but the Mazda was out of commission for a bit getting some stuff reworked! That being said, we can now pick up where we left off in part 2!
As I started to settle into my new stake at CorkSport, I started adding on lots of new goodies. At the beginning of the new year of 2017, I got to throw on our prototype Stage II RMM and get rid of my old one for some testing and feedback. Not only did the vibes decrease substantially, it also held the powertrain better and was helping my wheel hop significantly. So while I was at it, I threw on a Lower Tie Bar to help even further, knowing I had plans in the very near future to make over 400 Whp.
It was now Feb. of 2017 and I knew I was wanting to reach my new power goal by Summer. So, I talked to my tuner, Erik with Drama Tune, and scheduled to fly him up here in March to dyno tune the car. I had every single piece needed to complete the 400+ Whp puzzle.
The last missing piece was fuel. At this point in time, I had two options, Port Injection or Methanol Injection. Given, that I only needed a little more fueling head room freed up I went with methanol for ease, and price. For those that are curious, I purchased the Snow Performance Stage 3 Kit.
I started installing the kit at the beginning of March 2017. Since I was going to be putting bungs into the FMIC piping, I got the kit powder coated as well. I installed one small nozzle right off the cold-pipe of the intercooler, and another large nozzle right before the throttle body. I left a couple inches to help the alcohol atomize. The total amount I was spraying between the two nozzles was approximately 1000 CC’s of 100% Meth as we were using it for Fuel.
So, with the car ready my Tuner flew up and we got my car on the Dyno! Keep in mind my car is a stock bottom end, so I knew I was going to be playing with fire a bit. The general rule of thumb here: If you are on a stock bottom end and want to push the car in this fashion, always have a backup plan ready in case the engine gives out.
By the end of the session, I had 3 maps from Erik:
Pump Gas: 340 Whp
E85 Blend (3 Gallons): 390 Whp
Methanol Injection: 430 Whp. (e85 still in the tank for added knock resistance and cooling)
The torque was kept down as much as possible at 380 Ft-lbs @ 4700 RPM. So, the stock rods definitely were not in danger. Ultimately, if the block were to give out in this situation, it would more than likely be the piston rings. The stock Piston Rings do not like high heat or harsh temp changes. So, the best thing you can do pushing 400+ hp on the stock bottom end is to allow time between pulls for everything to re-stabilize. This will ultimately increase the time you have before it ‘Splodes. Because, if we are being honest with ourselves, at that power level, its always a matter of when, not if with the stock block.
So, this is how my Mazdaspeed 3 has been for the last year or so power wise. Built block will be in the future soon. But on this next part, I’ll dive into some cosmetics details that I’m sure a lot of people wants to know.
Day one, was a 6-hour drive from Utah to Boise Idaho. I was supposed to head out with a couple of other Utah guys, but they were not able to make it. I was on my own for 6 and the only thing going through my head was, “I’m on my own, driving to a town I know no one in, I have zero friends and that I’ll probably be the only Mazda 3 there”. I made it my goal to make friends wherever it is I go or else this was going to be a alone and this trip would have been a waste. As I get into town I settled into my Airbnb and decided to hit the town. I only saw one speed that night but I was anxious for the next day to go to the events start.
Day two, I went to this pancake house to grab some grub and I was shaking out of excitement. I head over to Keith’s house and see four speeds outside. I immediately knew I was in the right place. I walk up to Keith and welcomes me with open arms and announces I am the only Utah guy to show up this year. I start talking to everyone and get to meet everyone who shows up and I’m having a blast every one welcoming me to Idaho and the first takeover for me.
Keith announces we will be going to horseshoe bend. A canyon drive day one, one I will never forget. It was a beautiful sight the entire time. Brett hanging out of Corey’s MX-5 MSM taking beautiful shots of everyone’s cars and even a drone in the sky.
Later that day we head off to start our first competition of the weekend, go-karting. Name of the game fastest lap time wins a prize. I can’t remember who it was that won. Then that night was BBQ night and drinks all around. That’s when I got to meet everyone else who had shown up, share a couple of beers and enjoy the CorkSport koozies that were handed out.
Day three, I woke up in my car…well because of the night before.
Saturday was a slow and relaxed day of just hanging out in the garage hiding from the rain. While we hanging out in the garage some of the Oregon guys decided to adopt me and I can join them since I was the only Utahan. I also got to talk to Dale and pick his brain about tuning and learned a bunch about speed that I had no knowledge of as well. Later that night we head off to the raceway and I’m excited to see everyone run and see lap times everyone was laying down. There were a bunch of cool cars and Barett laying down some fast times on street tires.
Day four, the last day.
Everyone meets up to say their goodbyes, have a beer or two, share some last tales. The few people that have left a great memory for me where Keith, Jordan, Anthony, Aaron, Dale, Brett, Corey, and how could I ever forget Brian. As I head back to Utah with everyone on my mind and how my entire weekend went I wanted to turn around and just stay. I had made new Mazda Friends and Family.
Those four days were ones I could never forget. The feeling of being accepted into a group of people I didn’t know and didn’t necessarily fit in with was one that cannot be explained. It can only be experienced. When I came back to Utah, I couldn’t stop thinking about my vacation in Idaho. How it ended so soon. How it felt like I started a new life for just 4 days. I want next year to come sooner so that I may meet the friends and family I now have in Idaho, Washington, and in Oregon. Thank all of you again for the wonderful experience.
