I noticed something interesting today while checking out the “Spy Shot” Cx9, which has been driving around for road testing here in the U.S. Check out the intercooler parked in the front end of the vehicle.
Photo Credit: caradvice.com.au
This can mean one of two things. The first, which is massively unlikely courtesy of VW, is a 2.2 SkyActiv diesel engine. The second, is that we’re looking at a 2.5 turbo engine out in the wild, which means all those rumors of the future Mazdaspeed 3 are looking better and better for next year.
2017 Mazdaspeed Engine October 21st, 2015Derrick Ambrose
Guys, we know you know how to take care of your Mazda.
If you’re mechanical enough to mod your baby out, you’ve probably been changing oil filters since you were yea high *hovers hand about two inches off the ground*
That said, we also know there are a lot of noobs just getting into Mazda maintenance, and that even the best drivers among us don’t always know how much it pays off to take care of your Mazda yourself.
So, to illustrate the point (and a helluva lot of statistics), we created this handy Mazda maintenance infographic. In the small chance you’re not already doing these Mazda fixes yourself, you should be; and in the big chance that you are a DIY Mazda guy, here’s a nice graphic to share with all your new Mazda driver friends.
So, behold, the DIY Mazda maintenance you better be doing if you consider yourself a car guy:
Cheers,
CorkSport
A DIY Mazda Maintenance Infographic for You October 21st, 2015Derrick Ambrose
We thought so, because we’ve seen almost 150 of your rides at night, most of them in the first 24 hours of the sweepstakes. We’re thrilled, because we love seeing Mazdas lit up on the road after dark — and we know you like taking night pics, because we’ve been seeing them tagged with #CorkSport for years.
Well, now’s the time to take advantage of all that photography, and enter your night ride to win if you haven’t yet! The winner’s chosen at random, so you’ll have as good a chance as anyone if you enter today.
Just remember to hurry up. We’re picking a winner from one of these gorgeous entries on Monday, October 19:
And hey: Don’t worry about those votes. If you missed the rules and didn’t catch that random part, they won’t affect your chances of winning, just of being featured at the tip top of the contest page.
Cheers,
CorkSport
The CorkSport Night Ride Sweepstakes September 13th, 2018Derrick Ambrose
Most of my car parts were purchased from local and distant NATOR and installed with local or distant NATOR. None of the work on my car, outside of an oil change or two, has been done by a car dealer of any kind.
What does being a car girl mean to me?
It means you’re willing to get your hands dirty, walk away in clothes covered in dirt, coolant, and maybe even some oil, shed some blood, tear some skin, get gasoline in a few cuts, get frustrated, cuss a bit, and want to give up. It means you’re going to get frustrated, throw a few things, make some stupid mistakes, ask some stupid questions, and you’re going to get laughed at. But even after all of this, at the end of the day, you’re still there trying to help others, trying to learn, and not trying to please anyone but yourself. You’re not trying to get attention from everyone or impress everyone, but you’re there because you’re working towards a goal — whether it’s for speed, the look of your car, or just to make some friends that share the same interests. It also means you’re thankful for the help that was given to you and willing to give the same help in return.
Three years ago, I wasn’t the same person I am today and I can thank these guys and gals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for over three years for that. They’ve helped show me what it means to be a true car girl and they have accepted and loved me even through my stupid mistakes and questions. Now I have a friend group that is more like a family.
Cheers,
Lindsay Cardwell
Occupation: Administrative Assistant/IT Help Desk, Car: 2012 Mazdaspeed3
Think back to the first day you bought your Mazdaspeed. I’m sure for most people, it’s a day you’ll never forget. What was your first thought about the car? I know my first thought was, “What aftermarket parts can I install on my speed?” Let’s be honest, when it comes to the boost bug, the bug always gets you. One can’t simply own a Mazdaspeed and not modify it. It becomes an addiction, a way of life. If you’re like most Mazdaspeed owners, you can’t settle. You want to make sure you’re getting the best parts possible. So, where do you start when it comes to adding modifications to your speed? There are many ways to increase power with the Mazdaspeed platform, but finding the correct path can sometimes be a challenge!
Once you’ve bought your Mazdaspeed and you’re looking for the correct path to take, there are some specific modifiers you want to make sure you do first. If you have a goal of making your speed a fully bolted machine, the first thing you want to do is upgrade the fuel pump internals.
Everyone wants more boost, and with more boost comes the demand for added fuel. With that demand, you need to make sure your fuel pump pressure doesn’t drop below 1600psi. Some people can get away with doing big power modifiers without upgrading the fuel pump internals, but it’s highly recommended not to push your luck. A small investment to upgrade your fuel pump internals or drop the cash for a new motor because your fuel pressure dropped below 1600psi at WOT. Take your pick! The CorkSport Max Flow Fuel Pump Internals Kit is the safety net you need on your builds list. This kit adds up to 50% more fuel, which is perfect for people looking to get their speed fully bolted. Once you’ve installed the fuel pump internals, you’ll be able to safely reach horsepower numbers of around 350-380whp without any other modifications to the fueling system.
Now that you’ve successfully upgraded your fuel system, you’re ready to start making some power. One thing to keep in mind when doing modifications, is that the ECU needs to recognize your added modifiers such as a FMIC, down pipe, full intake, or any other performance part that will increase hp/tq. There are a few ways you can do this, but using an AccessPort is the most popular tool used on the Mazdaspeed platform.
Not only does the AccessPort allow someone to customize a tune based on modifications made, it’s also a great tool for monitoring different kinds of parameters as well as reading and clearing check engine light codes. You’re able to fully customize a tune for your car and make sure the car is running safely. Whether you want to have a fun street car or a full-out track car, the AccessPort is a must for any speed owner looking to add power modifiers.
Now that you have the proper fueling, and an AccessPort to make tuning easy, you can do anything you want to your speed. With that being said, my next modification recommendation would be a full intake for your vehicle.
Besides the fuel pump, the intake has one of the biggest restrictions for the turbo. Not only are there too many hoses running the stock intake, the turbo inlet pipe is designed flat like a pancake which chokes the turbo under load. By installing our stage II SRI, you remove the hoses, air box, and pancake turbo inlet pipe making the overall efficiency of the turbo much better. You may also see an increase in boost psi which is something we’re always trying to increase. After you’ve purchased and installed the intake, you will notice an overall increase in power and sound. A must-have for someone looking to start with a great power modifier.
These recommended first mods would be considered the good, better, and best modifications to start with if you’re ready to start modifying your Mazdaspeed. With fueling no longer an issue, having a way to tune your car, and allowing the turbo to breathe, you will definitely start to notice a gain in power, sound, and overall love for your Mazdaspeed!
Cheers,
Luke
The Good, the Better, and the Best Upgrades for Your Mazdaspeed February 11th, 2021Derrick Ambrose
