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How to Get A 900 Horsepower Mazdaspeed 3 AWD Swap – The Intro

Have you ever felt like you try and try and try, but just can’t get the traction to make forward progress on your Mazdaspeed 3 car build? Ya, it happens to the best of us and the 2022 season was my time…both in literal traction and life.  

If you haven’t seen my build yet, the @halfmilespeed3, go check it out.  It’s an awesome combo of DIY, Teamwork, Innovations, and CorkSport goodies you all love.

Mazdaspeed 3 custom intercooler setup

Back to this traction conundrum.  Racing an 800+hp FWD Mazdaspeed 3 on small airport airstrips with no prep and plenty of dust has proven to be challenging.  There have been many successes and many challenges, but ultimately it comes down to those two tiny patches of rubber that meet the road.

LITERALLY NO TRACTION

Yes, Motec helped substantially with traction control and Justin’s ramp-up in power delivery also helps, but really…I just didn’t have any damn traction.  Sticky tires with meaty sidewalls also help, but again traction was such an issue!  There had to be a better way!

Wheel & Tire Setup:  

Front: Toyo TQ 255/50 on 16×8+38

Rear: Toyo R888R 255/40 on 17×9+45

Mazdaspeed 3 best tires setup for power

And there was and I had been talking about the idea for a year or so already.  Then life happened. 

As you can see with the racecar; I like to go fast.  I carried that enthusiasm into my love of mountain biking one day in June 2022 and well…I got a lesson in physics let me tell you. 

Five broken ribs, a double punctured lung, level 3 AC separation, and a fractured collar bone and scapula.  Resulting in weeks of hospital stays and three surgeries; then months of recovery and physical therapy.  Let’s just say the 2022 season did not go as planned. 

But it did get me focused on solving my traction problems…

Mazdaspeed 3 drag racing 800 hp CorkSport
Mazdaspeed 3 performance parts racing
Mazdaspeed 3 with CorkSport Mazda Performance Parts Back (AKA HalfMileSpeed3)

The Goal…Mazdaspeed 3 AWD Swap

So I decided it was time to stop talking about it and actually take action (well as soon as I physically could that is).  I made a plan and figured out the details and order of operations to finally get my traction back.  

It was time to AWD Swap the Halfmilespeed3.  

While I am not the first to do a Mazdaspeed AWD swap. I did have a goal to make my build unique in the sense that the AWD swap is catered to racing performance.  Meaning the strength of custom parts and the rear suspension design and the new fuel system are capable of handling the 4-digit horsepower goal I have and the abuse of racing.  

Talking horsepower…what does the car make right now?

Dynograph of Mazdaspeed 3 AWD Swap 800 WHP

This is at a modest 40-41psi using a Xona Rotor 9569s with the X3C compressor housing and 1.03A/R turbine housing.  Later Justin @freektune and I turned it up a bit more to see how close we can get to the 600wtq threshold and hold it.  Clipping off an 881whp run…damn!  This was supported by the many CorkSport Mazda performance parts you can get for your Mazdaspeed as well.  From engine mounts to manifolds, anything that isn’t a one-off custom is CS. 

Anyways…I have since updated the compressor wheel to a 99 lb/min design compared to the above 95 lb/min design and a larger compressor housing which is more efficient.  This setup has not been dyno tested yet, but talking to the engineers at Xona…2023 is going to be spicy!

Mazdaspeed 3 XONA rotor turbo 9969s

Close up because who doesn’t like billet turbo shots!?

XONA rotor X4C Mazaspeed 3

Dare I say this is the largest turbo in the stock location ever on a Mazdaspeed?  Go ahead…prove me wrong. To compare, this competes with a Precision 6870. 

Mazda 3 performance parts awd swap Mazdaspeed 3

The Start of the Mazdaspeed 3 AWD Swap

Anyways, this is the introduction to my Mazdaspeed 3 AWD swap here at CorkSport HQ.  I actually started the swap in October 2022 and have been making big steps each month.  We are going to be sharing blog updates rapidly as I wrap up the swap over the next couple of months. 

There will be much more technical info and images coming up so grab a drink and enjoy!

Mazdaspeed 3 team SSRE CorkSport

You can also find updates on my IG @halfmilespeed3, the CorkSport 7th Gear Membership, and on mazdaspeeds.org.

https://mazdaspeeds.org/index.php?threads/awd-speed-3-project-halfmilespeed3.15154/

Thanks for tuning in!

-Barett @ CS

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The Best CorkSport Lowering Springs for the 2016+ Mazda CX-9!

We have listened to your requests and are excited to offer Lowering Springs for the 2016+ Mazda CX-9. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the new look of the CX-9 with a more reasonable ride height. The CorkSport lowering springs give you an OEM fit, while providing an increase in handling performance and a decrease in ride height. The CS springs lower your CX-9 while retaining great ride quality so it remains a usable and fully functional SUV, but gives you the ability to hit the back roads and corners harder when you feel like it. 

The CorkSport Performance Lower Springs for Mazda CX-9 SUV

Look and drive better with the best performance lowering springs for your CX-9. The CS lowering springs will drop your Mazda ~1.45 in (37mm) front and 1.30 in (33mm) rear on the turbo models. We found that this is a great height to make sure your CX-9 stays practical while still providing a great look and the improved handling that comes along with it. Since we are working with a large SUV to start, the amount of drop that we selected still allows for ample ground clearance. The amount of height reduction also leaves plenty of suspension travel for those larger bumps you might encounter even when you’re at full capacity with cargo in the back.  

Mazda CX-9 Lowering Springs

There are multiple benefits to lowering your CX-9 in addition to the more aggressive stance. The handling characteristics are improved due to both the lower center of gravity and the increased spring rates front and rear. These changes offer reduced body roll in corners so the vehicle will feel more planted and give you more room to push in the corners if you find yourself wanting to fly through some backroads in your 4000+ lb SUV. The spring rates were increased more in the rear than the front and the final spring rates selected were 3.1K in the front which is a ~20% increase and 9.5K in the rear which is a ~35% increase over the factory springs.      

Mazda 2016 CX-9 Drop Springs

All of these changes discussed above don’t negatively impact ride quality and it remains similar to how the OEM springs ride. To achieve this we tested multiple springs and compared their natural frequency to the OEM values to make sure the ride quality was still comfortable but with a little added sportiness. The spring rates also work well in combination with the OEM dampers so there is little to no bounciness after bumps and they continue to operate in the normal range so they don’t wear out prematurely.  

Mazda CX-9 ride height with lowering springs installed

The installation of the CorkSport CX-9 lowering springs is just like stock and retains all of the OEM components. The only modifications required include trimming the bump stops to account for the lower ride height and making the hole in the rear shock dust covers larger to fit the modified bump stops. The springs are made from high tensile strength spring steel and the rear springs feature spring isolators so any unwanted noises are eliminated. The springs are finished off in our CorkSport Blue powder coat to offer good corrosion resistance so they stay looking good for years to come.  

Thanks for checking out the new lowering springs for the 2016+ CX-9.  Be sure to head over to the web page and check it out for more details and images! 

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Dial in Your Mazda 3 with the Performance Toe Arms!

Control is key when it comes to pushing your Mazda to the limit…that’s exactly what CorkSport has set out to give you with the new CorkSport Rear Toe Arms for your 2014-2018 Mazda 3 and 2013 and newer Mazda 6.  Control, precision, & strength define what the CS Toe Arms are all about; let’s see why. 

CorkSport ASdjustable Toe Arms for your 2014-2018 Mazda 3 and 2013 and newer Mazda 6

The Adjustable Toe Arms overall construction provides durability and control which come from the high-strength steel that is coated in an awesome CS blue finish.  Durability is not an issue with the CorkSport Toe Arms (more on that later). 

Blue Adjustable toe arms for the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6

The Toe Arms Replace the OEM rubber bushings providing strength to your Mazda.  Factory rubber bushings are soft and compliant…great for a grocery getter, but not great for the spirited driver.  The CS design replaces this flimsy bushing with a rigid spherical rod end to remove that compliance and give you a solid and planted feel from the back of the car.   

Pair these with CorkSport Camber Arms and you’ve effectively removed half of the soft rubber bushings from the rear suspension.  You will notice this in how the car feels and drives. 

Lastly, the adjustability of the toe arms puts you in control of your driving performance.  You have more than enough range. from OEM to 2.5+ inches,  to dial in the rear toe of your Mazda 3 or Mazda 6.  Being able to adjust the toe independent of camber and track provides.  You have full control of the setup which can help with handling and tire wear significantly.

Now back to the durability testing.  We push our parts to the limit on the track so you can have confidence with your Mazda.  The CorkSport Powered Mazda 3 TC car, equipped with our performance toe arms, is being pushed to the limits in Turn 4 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.  The track pushes the toe arms to the limit. Enjoy!

Put your confidence in CorkSport for your Mazda needs.  Let us know if you have any questions! Our knowledgeable team would love you hear from you!

FAQs About Rear Toe Arms

What do adjustable rear-toe arms do?

Adjustable toe arms are one of the multiple suspension arms that connect your wheel bearing hub to your vehicle chassis.  The arms allow you to fine tune the angle of the wheel & tire relative to the chassis for optimal performance.  This results in greater steering response, control in turns & maneuvers, and increased tire tread life.

Do you need rear toe arms?

Yes, if you are a spirited driver, racing driver, or looking for more control.   Adjustable toe arms also help resolve the uneven tire wear that often results from aftermarket lowering springs and coil overs.  OEM suspension arms have very limited range or no range to correct the new angles caused by the installation.  

CorkSport TC America Car Racing with Performance Toe Arms

How do rear toe arms affect handling?

Toe arms improve handling by changing the angle of wheels when looking from directly above the vehicle.  In performance, the toe of your tire may point out or in when modifying your vehicle. By having the flexibility to set your vehicle alignment, you are able to adjust the toe-in or toe-out position to reduce understeer or oversteer and improve handling at high speeds or through tight corners. 

CorkSport TC America Car Racing with tight turns with Performance Toe Arms

Are adjustable toe arms worth it?

Upgraded toe arms improve the quality of ride, reduce flex in the suspension, and provide more control in high speed and tight turns.  Aftermarket suspension modifications can often create uneven wear and tear if supporting parts like toe arms are not used.  Adjustable toe arms solve this issue and extend the life of your tire.  In addition, the higher-strength metal provides durability and more responsiveness in handling. 

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The New Look For Your Mazda CX-50 with Hood Mount Light Brackets!

Looking to turn your CX-50 into a more overland or camping-ready vehicle? CorkSport is happy to help with our Hood Light Brackets for 2022+ Mazda CX-50! We make it easy to add some additional auxiliary lights near the corners of the hood for better visibility when away from civilization. They offer optimized fitment, an easy install, and plenty of freedom to choose lights that work best with your build. Read on for full details, and check out our product page for plenty of images!

CorkSport Hood Light Bracket Kit with Rigid Lights for Mazda CX-50

The CS hood mount light brackets were CAD designed specifically around the tight clearances of the CX-50. To eliminate the need for any drilling or trimming, the brackets mount to the hood mounting bolts and fit carefully in the small gap between the plastic wiper cowl and the hood. There is just enough clearance to prevent the lights from hitting the hood and wipers and keeps the lights very low profile for minimal obstruction to your view while driving. This mounting location is a common spot for auxiliary lights, frequently known as “ditch” lights, and allows for added visibility in two possible areas. With a “spot” style light aimed forward, some additional forward visibility is gained beyond the factory high beams. With a “flood” style light aimed roughly 45 degrees outwards, you can better peripheral visibility. It’s the best Mazda CX-50 hood light mount bracket kit.

Mazda CX-50 with Hood Rigid Lights Installed.

Each CorkSport ditch light bracket is made from laser cut 11 gauge steel that is precision formed for perfect fitment. They were designed with functionality in mind so the laser cut profile has features that optimize their usability. The mounting for the lights uses a very basic hole so most LED pod lights will fit with no issues. Anything that mounts with an 8mm or 5/16” bolt can be used. Simple mounting also allows for plenty of adjustability depending on how you want to aim & utilize your lights. We also include zip tie holes to keep your wiring in check for a clean install.

CS Hood light brackets

To make things even simpler, we offer optional Rigid D-Series lights to go with the CS hood light brackets. You can buy the brackets by themselves and supply your own lights, or buy a full kit that includes everything you need! Choose from spot or flood light with bracket variants depending on your desired lighting. Each Rigid kit includes a full wiring harness and interior switch for a simple install.

Mazda CX-50 Hood Light Brackets

P.S.

The Hood Light Brackets is one of our first “overland” style Mazda CX-50 parts but we have plenty more to come! We hope to turn your CX-50 into a more capable “soft-roader” soon! Keep tabs on all our socials for news of new products. Have a product idea for your Mazda CX-50? Complete our new product request form HERE!

Get The Hood Mount Light Brackets

Get The CS Hood Mount Light Bracket Kit. Choose between brackets only or add the lighting kit for a complete look.

BUY NOW

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The Best CS Stainless Steel Brake Lines For Your Mazda!

Looking for an upgrade to your Mazda that improves braking performance? The new CorkSport Stainless Steel Brake Lines may just be the upgrade you are looking for. We are releasing brake line options for the 2019+ Mazda 3, 2014-2018 Mazda 3, 2004-2013 Mazda 3, both Mazdaspeed 3 generations and the Mazdaspeed 6. Each set of CS Brake Lines is application specific to ensure the best fitment possible. The CS Brake line kits will be available in both front and rear sets to be able to replace all of the OEM lines. So, if you already have the CS Big Brake Kit you can get just the rears to get even more performance out of your braking system. 

Brake Lines

CorkSport Brake Lines
CorkSport Brake Lines

The CS Stainless Steel Brake Lines offer the benefits of providing a more responsive and communicative brake pedal feel. This is due to the use of stainless steel in the construction of brake lines. The CS Brake Lines start with a PTFE inner liner that gets surrounded by a stainless steel braid which is responsible for controlling expansion in the line when force is applied to the brake pedal. This better control of expansion leads to an improved braking feel over the OEM lines, which gives you more confidence when reaching the limit. The CS Brake lines are finished off in a PVC coating over the stainless steel braid to help protect the line from road debris and ensure they will not get damaged easily.

Mazda 3 performance brake lines 2019

We can’t wait for you all to experience the improved braking feel of the CS Stainless Steel Brake Lines! Check out the product listing for your specific application for more details and images. If you have any questions on the brake lines, feel free to reach out anytime.

2014-2018 Mazda 3 Brake Lines Stainless Steel
2014-2018 Mazda 3 Brake Line
2006-2007 Mazdaspeed 6 Brake Lines Stainless Steel
2006-2007 Mazdaspeed 6 Brake Line
2004 - 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 & Mazda 3 Brake Lines Stainless Steel
2004 – 2013 Mazdaspeed 3 & Mazda 3 Brake Line
2019+ Mazda 3 Brake Lines Stainless Steel
2019+ Mazda 3 Brake Line

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