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Just Released: CorkSport Cold Air Intake System for the 2016+ MX-5

Introducing the CorkSport Cold Air Intake System for the 2016+ Mazda ND Miata. Maintain your cool intake air temperatures without the restriction of the OEM intake.

2016 Miata Intake Airbox 700

The CorkSport CAI System was designed with performance, functionality, and significance in mind. This is not just a piece of metal pipe with an air filter on the end. This was thought out and designed with the latest technologies to give you a no-compromise intake system for your favorite weekend toy.

2016 Miata Mx5 Cold Air Intake System

First, we focused on the system performance since we all want to go fast, right?

This proved to be more difficult than expected. Mazda did a good job designing their intake, but they did leave some room for improvement when you combine hard parts and a proper tune. Now, this isn’t surprising since cars have become more and more dependent on the tune, not just the physical parts. Below is a dyno-graph of the OEM intake system versus the CorkSport CAI System; a net gain of 3-4 WHp with the OEM tune.

2016 Miata Intake System Graph

So, what makes the CorkSport CAI System superior?

We wanted to create a system to provide smooth laminar flow which means removing any abrupt edges, sudden expansions, and tight radius bends. First, we use an AEM performance dry-flow filter that features an internal velocity stack design. Then we matched the billet aluminum MAF inner diameter to the filter for a seamless edge that provides smooth flow to the MAF sensor. Leaving the MAF, you see another velocity stack expansion with just a 2mm edge as the air enters the 4-layer reinforced silicone with large sweeping bends. Check out the cut-away view below!

2016-MX5-Intake-System-Interior

Next, is the functionality of the CorkSport CAI System. We wanted the CAI to be a quick and easy installation without the need to remove the bumper or any other intensive parts. The cold air box is designed in CAD and through the iterative process of design, a 3D print, and test fittings, we were able to produce a box that fits great and still utilizes the OEM rubber isolators for mounting and the OEM cold air ducting.

2016-MX5-CAI

Finally, we wanted to ensure the significance of the CorkSport CAI System, because nobody wants a piece of pipe with a filter on the end flopping around in their engine bay. We knew our awesome customers wanted more than just great performance. We know you want it to look great and that you’ll want to brag about it because we’re all car guys and gals, right? The CorkSport CAI uses premium silicone, a beautiful black anodized billet aluminum MAF housing, stainless fasteners, and high-quality thermoformed ABS that blends nicely into your engine bay.

2016 Miata Cold Air Intake Underhood
2016-ND-Miata-Intake

Don’t wait any longer! Get your CorkSport Cold Air Intake System today! Pair it with a pro-tune and really wake up your favorite weekend toy!

Cheers,

CorkSport

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It’s Finally Here: The Cold Air Box for Mazda 3 and Mazda 6

Designed to perfectly fit your Mazda 3 and your Mazda 6. Our cold air box is designed for easy install and easy filter maintenance.

We’ve heard your cries and made you wait long enough. The long-awaited CorkSport Cold Air Box has finally arrived!

Cool down your 2014+ Mazda 3 and 2014+ Mazda engine bay

The CorkSport Cold Air Box was designed for the 2014+ Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 that are equipped with a 2.0L or 2.5L SkyActiv engine. The CorkSport Cold Air Box was also designed with the current CorkSport SRI in mind, so all of our awesome past customers don’t have to buy a new SRI just to get the cold air box.

When we set out to develop the cold air box, we knew we needed to design it with more than just cold air in mind. It needed to look great, function great, and be easy to use. And that’s exactly what we did.

First on our list was figuring out how to perfectly source cold air for your engine.

Mazda has worked hard developing a car that’s highly efficient; one of the ways to do that is via the aerodynamics of the car. There can be sizable aerodynamic losses when a car has large voids and/or openings in the front, sides, and under the car. Mazda did such a great job with the aerodynamic design that there are no openings in the front of the Mazda 3 and 6 other than the radiator, but we don’t want to source hot air from the radiator.

This left us with two options:

1) Ask you, our customer, to cut holes in your brand new car or

2) Utilize the cold air source that Mazda already worked so hard to design.

This wasn’t a difficult decision to make.

The CorkSport Cold Air Box pairs perfectly with the CorkSport Short Ram Intake.

Through an iterative process of CMM (coordinate measuring machine), design, a 3D-print, and test fittings, we were able to design a cold air box that utilized the OEM cold air source and re-use the OEM rubber mounting isolators.

Designed to perfectly fit your Mazda 3 and your Mazda 6. Our cold air box is designed for easy install and easy filter maintenance.

Using the OEM rubber isolators and mounts allows the box to move and flex to account for the engine’s normal movement during operation. Pair this with the easy-to-use thumb screws for the lid and filter servicing is a breeze.

Get your 2014 Mazda 3 the cold air it needs with the CorkSport cold air box that goes perfectly with the CorkSport SRI.

Finally, we wanted the CorkSport Cold Air Box to look like it belongs in your engine bay. The color, finish, and manufacturing method were all chosen because they closely resemble OEM parts. Like most OEM plastic parts found in the engine bay, the CorkSport Cold Air Box is manufactured from ABS, which is durable and resistant to the high heat found in your engine bay.

Yes folks, this means you can have your cake and eat it too. Get it February 24th, 2016!

Cheers,

CorkSport

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and product updates from CorkSport.

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What’s Racing Got To Do With It?

Looking from the outside, racing really doesn’t make much sense. You spend a bunch of money to win some trophies, which are nowhere near as valuable as the money spent on the racing to get it. This leaves most people asking “why?”

I’m here to explain why the people at CorkSport spend the time and energy to go racing.

First, we get access to world-class drivers. I’m not saying I’m not a decent driver, but I’m always learning, just like the best drivers out there. The best example we have is recently hiring pro driver Kenton Koch to do development work on our 2016 Miata suspension.

If you haven’t heard his name, you should by now. He’s a Mazda development driver and he’s won the Skip Barber Series Championship, Skip Barber Mazdaspeed Series Championship, Battery Tender MX-5 Cup Championship, and this last year, the IMSA Prototype Lights Champtionship. This year at the Rolex 24hour in Daytona, Kenton was part of a JDC-Miller PC team that won their class and the first race in the Patron Endurance Championship. This was also the first time he’d raced this car against other competitors. So you can say Kenton is good.

Kenton Koch Daytona Win

The second thing about racing is you’ll break and wear out parts. If you’re not wearing out parts, you’re not pushing the car hard enough and you’re officially a Sunday driver. Brakes, tires, suspension, and motor components are exposed to the worst conditions while racing. A recent example was when I raced at Daytona for the SCCA runoffs. We raced our 2015 Mazda 3 2.5 with all of our parts for an entire week. Every lap we hit a top speed of 139mph, hammering the brake to make corner 1. The intake and exhaust got a massive workout dealing with the full throttle driving for extended periods of time on the embankment of the oval. The CorkSport springs and swaybar were pounded over the curbs on the infield and the bus stop. The end result of the race weekend was zero problems with our parts, even in a worst-case environment.

2016-02-02-hale-motorsports

The third reason is just as compelling to me as the first two reasons: you learn. When I head to the track, I make sure I have a goal in mind of what I want to accomplish ahead of time. For this upcoming year, CorkSport is an associate sponsor of Hale Motorsports Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car effort with two MX-5 TC classed cars and a very familiar Mazda 2 TC B-Spec, which CorkSport built and raced. I’ve signed on to be a crew chief for the car driven by Joey Jordan, who piloted the CorkSport Mazda 2 last year to four straight 1st place finishes at the end of the Pirelli World Challenge season. We also have a future star in the making. Henry Morse will be driving the Mazda 2 for this season as well, which makes for a busy schedule.

My goal for the season is to develop the skills to operate at the highest level needed by a crew chief in strategy, drive prep, team communications, and operations. Each one of these items is essential inside a team to be effective and win a championship.

Now that you know, what do you think? Do you understand why we race? Feel free to post your comments here on the blog and I’ll make sure I reply back personally.

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

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New Product Alert: CorkSport Leather E-Brake Handle

Elevate your Mazda's interior with the CorkSport leather e-brake handle.

Introducing the new CorkSport leather parking brake handle for 2nd generation Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazda 3! This isn’t just another plastic handle with some pattern on it, or maybe some carbon fiber sticker. This is what Mazda should have done from the beginning.

The CorkSport handle was CAD designed to fit just like OEM and features two set screws to lock it in place. Nobody wants to lose their parking brake handle while doing mad front wheel burnouts, right?

I didn’t think so.

Mazdaspeed 3 E-brake handle

The CorkSport handle is cast from aluminum, then sprayed with a high gloss silver coating, and finally it’s hand wrapped and stitched with the same premium leather you’ve come to love with the CorkSport leather shift knob.

Speaking of shift knobs; now’s your chance to put together the ultimate interior package for your Speed with the parking brake handle, leather shift knob, carpet floor mats, and of course the performance steering wheel which is coming soon. It’ll be like driving a whole new car. You might even get that new car smell!

Now stop doing front wheel burnouts and order this baby now before they’re gone!

Cheers,

CorkSport

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When Life Gives You Lemons: Advice For A Wrecked Mazda

Should you repair or retire your car after a crash? Luke from CorkSport tells us when it's worth it to repair.

Should you repair or retire your car after a crash? Luke from CorkSport tells us when it's worth it to repair.
Image via www.nbcdfw.com

Imagine driving down the freeway at cruising speed and someone decides to change lanes too fast, causing an accident. This is one of the worst things that could happen on the way to work, school, or a friend’s house. I’ve seen this happen to many of my friends, and the most important thing is that everyone was able to walk away without being hurt.

Once the dust has settled, you have an imperfect “race car” to take care of. You have to decide if you want to fix the car, or trash it and move onto the next project. As long as the car isn’t totaled, my vote would be to repair it and keep your baby.

What’s the next step now that you’ve decided to repair your vehicle?

You have two options to get your baby back up and running:

1. Order OEM Mazda parts to replace what you currently have.

2. See what parts need to be repaired, and buy upgraded ones.

Take the time to fully think about where you want to go with the car. Are you looking to keep the car stock, do you want to explore new power levels to achieve certain times at the track, or do you want a super fun daily driver? These are some things you should consider when deciding what direction to go with the car.

Let’s assume you took some front-end damage, which includes your top mount intercooler and intake. When searching for repairs, you’re going to notice that a stock top mount intercooler from a Mazda dealership is going to cost you somewhere around cost you big for a brand new one, according to parts specialist at Bountiful Mazda, Cody Allington. That price doesn’t include labor to have it installed.

On the other hand, our top mount intercooler is more affordable, not including the shroud or shipping. When you break that down, you’re saving money while going with an upgraded part. You’ll get an upgraded top mount intercooler with added cooling and flow benefits, AND you’ll be able to pay someone to install it, all for the cost of what an OEM top mount intercooler would cost. You’ll also get added horsepower and torque from upgrading your top mount intercooler, which will make the butt dyno very happy.

A CorkSport top mount intercooler installed.
Upgraded top mount intercooler installed with shroud.

An OEM intake including the short ram and turbo inlet pipe is going to cost you a pretty penny, not including labor. That’s not a cheap part for what you’re getting.

MS3 power series intake delivers more horsepower and torque.
3.5″ Mazdaspeed 3 Power Series Intake System

However, if you have decent power goals for your Mazdaspeed, you can pick up our 3.5” intake for less than that OEM intake. You’ll still be saving money and if you think about what you’re getting with it, it should be a no-brainer. You’ll get much better flow from the intake, which increases horsepower and torque.

This graph shows the difference between the OEM MAF and the 3.5” MAF. There’s a huge difference. You’ll definitely notice the increase in power and sound if you decided to upgrade to this intake.

3.5" Mazdaspeed 3 Power Series Intake System MAF Flow Data
3.5″ Mazdaspeed 3 Power Series Intake System MAF Flow Data

Most people look at getting into a wreck as the worst thing that could happen to them. However, I look at it as an opportunity to capitalize on a mistake and make your car better than it’s ever been.

Typically, the insurance company will give you the quote and write a check. If this happens, make sure to tell them you’re doing your own research on parts and picking a shop of your choice so you have the option of buying the upgraded parts.

If you played it off right, you can tell all of your Speed friends that you got your car fixed (without the mention of upgraded parts), and put a whooping on them! You could turn your car into ultimate sleeper status.

Just remember to entertain all ideas before pulling the trigger, and if you play your cards right, you can turn your wrecked baby into a modified monster!

Luke McCarvel-01