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Everything A Noob Should Know About The Catback Exhaust

How to choose the perfect catback exhaust.

There you are, sitting behind the computer screen trying to decide which type of catback exhaust you want to purchase. It’s a stressful time considering you want to make sure you’re getting the best possible quality exhaust system.

So, what are some key factors that come into play when trying to make a decision? Is it the diameter of the exhaust that persuades you? How about the type of steel used? Do you care about perfect fitment? These are all things to consider when making a decision on an exhaust.

Here at CorkSport, we make it our number one priority to meet the expectations of our customers. Whether you drive a Mazdaspeed 3 or a regular Mazda 3, we’ve made sure to engineer a perfect fitting exhaust that maximizes engine performance.

Take the Mazdaspeed 3 for example: When you purchase a CorkSport Catback Exhaust, you’re getting T304 stainless steel piping that has been polished to a mirror-like finish.

Everything you need to know about upgrading to a catback exhaust.

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.

What to consider when choosing an upgraded exhaust system.

Fitment is also a big concern to us. We make sure our exhaust systems are mandrel bent and TIG welded to make a perfect bolt on fitment.

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 catback exhaust, you’re removing the secondary unmonitored catalyst making the exhaust flow much faster out of the motor. By increasing 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 have a car with a deep growl to it. Our exhaust has one of the best sounding tones on the market. With a quality made exhaust, comes quality sound.

When you’re ready for a catback exhaust, make sure to check out what CorkSport has to offer to ensure you get the highest quality parts.

Luke McCarvel-01

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Everything You Need to Know About the 2016 MX-5 Swaybars

Take control of your body roll with the CorkSport 3-Way Adjustable Front and Rear swaybars for the 2016+ MX-5. Tested on the track to ensure the best street performance, the CorkSport swaybars are a great compliment for the daily driver and the track rat.

Front and rear swaybars for the new 2016 Mazda Miata.

We spent a day at Portland International Raceway pushing the swaybars and CorkSport springs to their limits; we even bent the rear swaybar prototype! A failure in testing is actually a great learning experience. It allows us to improve the final design for you. With this intense testing, you can rest assured that the product you receive can stand up to the abuse.

Give your 2016 MX-5 more control with the CorkSport front and rear swaybars.

Both swaybars are manufactured from 4130 Chromoly Steel and CNC bent for a great fit. The FSB uses 1.125” hollow tube and ranges from 106% to 187% stiffer than OEM. The RSB uses 0.625” solid bar and ranges from 220% to 447% stiffer than OEM. Don’t let the percent increase scare you. The FSB and RSB are designed to complement each other. The RSB allows you to make big changes to the car’s under and over-steer characteristics and the FSB allows you to fine tune the big change. This is the benefit of the 3-way adjustability. So, whether you’re an experienced track day enthusiast or are buying your first sports car, the CorkSport swaybars have a setup for you.

Check out how the 2016 Miata swaybars look installed.

Included with every swaybar are a pair of 6061-T6 billet aluminum brackets and 90a durometer polyurethane bushings so you never have to worry about a broken bracket!

Our swaybars for the 2016 MX-5 include brackets at no additional cost.

Take your MX-5 to the next level with the CorkSport swaybars today!

Barett Strecker-01

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2017 Mazdaspeed 3 Engine Rumors

At the LA Auto Show, Mazda unveiled the next CX-9 with one notable power aspect: a turbocharged 2.5 SkyActiv motor. Naturally, we couldn’t help but speculate about what this means for the new 2017 Mazdaspeed 3. What makes this motor special is that Mazda has officially tipped its hat at a factory turbo motor, which could be the basis for the next Mazdaspeed 3 motor.

What can we expect from Mazda with the release of the 2017 Mazdaspeed 3? We're talking new 2017 MS3 engine rumors.

It doesn’t look like much on the front side, but there are some promising aspects. With a center mounted throttle body, getting even airflow to all of the cylinders is an easier task compared to the last turbocharged motor Mazda offered in the Mazdaspeed 3/6 and CX-7.

The official power numbers are 250 HP on premium fuel and 310 torque. Mazda said you could run the engine on lower grade fuel resulting in only a decrease in HP (not torque) due to the design of the dynamic pressure turbocharger, which is used on this new motor.

Looking back at the CX-7, Mazda offered it with a smaller turbocharger to generate more torque at the expense of top end power. I expect to see a larger turbocharger fitted to the 2017 Mazdaspeed 3, which will get the stock power levels over 300 to start with.

Meet Derrick from CorkSport. Loves racing, Mazdas, and his CS fam.

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The Upgrade Checklist For Your Mazda to Kill It at the Track

Everything you need to kill it on the track and lower your track times.

“This is my race car. There are many like it, but this one is mine. Without it I am nothing. With it, I am everything.” If you couldn’t tell, we love racing over here at CorkSport. It’s in our DNA, and after time, racing has become an extension of who we are. Most people count down the days until the weekend so they can go have a sex on the beach at their favorite bar. We’re the polar opposite. For us, we look forward to the weekend because we know when Saturday comes, it’s time to line up or shut up. It’s the time to prove to yourself that you have what it takes to shave off track times. If you’re a drag racer like me, there are a few things that make a big difference at the track that you should consider when trying to set new personal goals.

Money is always a hindering factor when trying to modify your car. However, if you have the Benjamins then you will easily be able to modify your car the way you want, and get the most potential out of the parts you have. There are a couple of key performance parts you can add to beat your track times:

1. AccessPort: This is the most popular tuning device used by Mazdaspeed enthusiasts. It lets you adjust parameters in the ECU to increase power and fuel economy. This is a must-have when modifying your Mazdaspeed.

AccessPort

2. Fuel Pump Internals: In order to run more boost, you want to be able to run more fuel. You have to upgrade the fuel pump shaft so the pump can flow more fuel. This is also a must-have modification when trying to put more power down.

Mods you need to dominate the track.

3. Rear Motor Mount: The stock rear motor mounts on the Mazdaspeed are known to be weak when the torque gets to a certain level. Rear motor mounts are a key modification to reduce wheel hop and put the power to the ground.

CorkSport Rear Motor Mount

Now that you have those three modifications done, you can have some real fun. You’re able to install the big power modifiers to really start increasing power and torque. Follow this list of modifications for maximum performance:

4. Full Intake: The stock intake is very restrictive. The turbo inlet pipe has a pancake design, which makes the stock turbo choke itself out in the higher rpm range.

Mazdaspeed 3 Full Intake

5. Turbo Back Exhaust: The stock downpipe has a huge canister catalyst right off of the downpipe flange. That catalyst makes the exhaust flow speed go slower which will take away power from the motor. By opening up the exhaust section, you’re able to let the exhaust gases free flow, creating more boost and more power.

CorkSport Turbo Back Exhaust

6. Upgraded Intercooler: The stock TMIC does its job fairly well on the stock platform. However, if you’re planning on running more boost, an upgraded intercooler will be able to handle the added boost without sacrificing cooling efficiency. This is a must-have part. The cooler the boost air temperature, the more power you can make.

CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 FMIC

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Now that you’ve drained the bank account, you need to tie everything back together with a tune. To get the maximum performance out of your Mazdaspeed, you want to be able to make the ECU recognize the performance parts you’ve added. If you want to squeeze the most out of your set up, you can run E85 fueling which allows for reduced knock which makes it possible to run more boost. Personally, I’ve noticed an extra 40whp going from my pump gas tune versus my E85 tune.

If you really want to kill it at the track, most people try to get their car to what’s called “fully bolted.” This means the car has every performance upgrade possible (minus an upgraded turbo, exhaust manifold, and intake manifold). Once you’ve become fully bolted, you should be able to slam down some really good times at the track. I’ve been able to get my car into the twelves on the stock turbo, which is considered pretty good for stock turbo!

Luke McCarvel-01

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New 2016 MX-5 Lowering Springs

Track tested and racer approved, the CorkSport Sport Springs are a perfect match for your daily driven 2016 MX-5. The CorkSport Sport Springs give the MX-5 an aggressive look without sacrificing functionality or ride quality.

Give your new Miata an aggressive look and enhanced driving experience.

Multiple spring rates were tested at Portland International Raceway to determine the best spring rate and front/rear combination to enhance the MX-5’s driving experience while maintaining a comfortable daily driver. Check out the track day blog!

Give your 2016 MX-5 an aggressive look and enhanced driving experience.

The CorkSport Sport Springs provide a drop of 1.6” in the front and 1.1” in the rear. This provides an aggressive look without having to worry about every speedbump and parking lot entrance. You might even notice a slight forward “rake.” This was by design so that the car sits level with two occupants.

Enhance your 2016 MX5 driving experience with the CorkSport lowering spring.

Pair the CorkSport Sport Springs with CorkSport front and rear swaybars for the ultimate corner carving MX-5. Plus, the springs are designed to work with the OEM Standard and Club model struts for an easy installation.

Your new 2016 Miata deserves an enhanced driving experience with CorkSport lowering springs.