catback | CorkSport Mazda Performance Blog

February 6, 2020April 20, 2023

2018+ Mazda6 Performance Exhaust for the 2018-up 2.5T

Mazda did a great job bringing a turbocharged engine back to the Mazda 6 (Mazda 3 next please?), but may have done too good of a job of keeping it quiet. Say hello to the CorkSport 80mm Cat Back Exhaust and Axle Back Exhaust for 2018+ Mazda 6 equipped with the turbocharged 2.5L engine. If you’re interested in waking up your SkyActiv-T in both excitement and power, read on as we breakdown the newest CS exhaust.

As with all CorkSport exhausts, the goal of the Mazda 6 2.5T exhaust is to improve power and sound by improving the flow of the OEM exhaust. We started by increasing the size of the piping from 60mm to 80mm. That is an increase of over three-quarters of an inch to really help your turbocharger breathe better. In addition, the CS exhaust system eliminates the crushed areas present in the OEM exhaust and replaces the restrictive muffler sections with pass-through resonators. These resonators control volume and drone without affecting power output.

All that extra flow does mean a power increase. In our in-house dyno testing, we saw an increase in 5-6WHP just by bolting on the CorkSport Cat Back Exhaust. Check out the dyno sheet down below to see. This increase came with no tuning changes, no check engine lights, and the only other mod being the CorkSport Short Ram Intake, which was installed for both tests. With the 80mm piping size, this exhaust is ready to support future modifications and would likely show more power gains with proper tuning.

The CorkSport MZ6T exhaust is more than just function. We went through multiple iterations and designs to ensure the best-sounding exhaust for your Mazda 6. The finished product ups the volume without being annoying to daily drive yet still sounds great when in hard acceleration. We strongly recommend you watch the video below to hear what to expect from this exhaust.

If you feel the video below gives you too much volume for the daily, then check out the Axle Back Only Exhaust. Recently added to the CorkSport line-up, the Axle Back alone adds a mellower, but still noticeable tone to the exhaust. This is a great middle ground between the CorkSport Cat Back and the stock exhaust.

To give a great-looking, long-lasting finish to each exhaust, they are manufactured from fully polished 304 stainless steel. To ensure a high-quality fitment, all components are precision TIG welded together on jigs made from OEM exhaust components. Lastly, as a finishing touch, we use 100mm dual wall exhaust tips. They fill out the bumper cutouts and are extended slightly to give a classy look and enhance the new Mazda 6’s styling.

The CS Mazda 6 Turbo Exhaust comes with all the hardware and gaskets you need for installation, high quality instructions, and CorkSport support for any questions you may have. Pick up a CorkSport MZ6 2.5T Exhaust today and liven up that daily commute.

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October 10, 2019September 22, 2023

CorkSport Axle Back Exhaust for CX-9

With a shop full of enthusiastic car guys and gals we are in love with the look and sounds of the CorkSport Cat-Back Exhaust on that larger than life CX-9. Customers love the sound, especially when completed with our Skyactiv Turbo Intake, but a few requested a little bit less racecar rumble. As you’ve requested, here is the new CX-9 axle back exhaust.

We are here to give our Cx9 customer what they want which brings us to a new exhaust option for the Cx9 Turbo, an Axleback!

Better than 3 inch Cx9 Skyactiv Turbo axle back exhaust

The Mazda CX-9 Axle Back exhaust setup is great because you are still getting the awesome 100mm double wall slant cut tips, the high flow 80mm stainless steel piping, and an exhaust note that will still capture your attention as well as the other Cx9 owners on the road.

The in-cab exhaust volume and tone are much more subtle than the catback exhaust setup. This is your family-friendly and wife-approved exhaust for the Mazda CX-9. This is the “bluetooth office friendly meeting” exhaust system which is mellow at cruise but throaty when you get into the boost.

You can have your cake and eat it too. Check out the product listing for full details.

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January 10, 2019September 25, 2023

80mm Gen3 Mazda3 Cat-Back Exhaust

4 years ago, we released the 60.5mm Exhaust kit for the 3^rd Gen Mazda 3 (both in axle back and full cat back flavors). It’s certainly been a hit, but there have been a few of you longing for more noise. Today we are proud to announce the 80mm variant of our cat back exhaust for the 2014-2018 Mazda 3 Hatchback and Sedan! At this time, just the hatchback version is available, but we will have the Sedan version ready in just a few short months.

The Dirty Details

CorkSport 80mm Cat Back Exhaust Exhaust — *CorkSport 80mm Exhaust Installed*

Now I know what you’re thinking, an 80mm exhaust for Mazda 3 seems excessively large for a naturally aspirated car making less than 200whp. But, hear me out because I think you’ll like what’s coming.

80mm piping allows for some unique & louder tones its smaller little brother can’t offer, but it wasn’t as easy as just using the old design and making the pipes larger. We had to do quite a bit of resonator experimentation and NVH analysis to get to the finished result with as little drone as possible. I’ll be upfront with you guys though, this is loud. It’s a good loud with tons of fun noises, but if you’re looking for something subtler, then our 60.5mm cat back or axle back may be a better fit. We do a good job of capturing the audio for you though so you have a good understanding of what you’re getting. Be sure to check out the product video to hear it.

Listen Now!

The Beauty of the Design

For those wanting this more aggressive exhaust note, sound isn’t the only bonus. We thought about the appearance, and how we could take advantage of this time to tinker with the design. The 80mm does a nice job of not only filling the exhaust tunnel under the car, but the axle back portion is a bit more prominent when you catch a glance.

On the Hatchbacks, the exhaust tips got a nice size increase up to 100mm and they are slant cut to help follow the profile of the bumper. Sedans have also been upsized to 100mm tips, which were lowered slightly to ensure your bumper doesn’t melt with the large piping. This has the added bonus of making the tips a little more visible from the rear and side of the car. In both cases, the way the upsized exhaust accents the rear of the car provides an aftermarket look, that’s classy and somehow the way it always should have been from the factory.

CorkSport 80mm Mazda 3 Cat Back Exhaust Installed on Hatchback — *CorkSport 80mm Exhaust Installed*

CorkSport Quality

As with every CorkSport exhaust, this new 80mm Mazda 3 Cat Back Exhaust variant is made from fully polished T-304 stainless steel for long-lasting corrosion resistance. All flanges, hangers, and resonators are precision TIG welded in place while all of the piping is made with smooth mandrel bends. Each resonator uses a direct flow-thru design to keep the drone down and the volume up without sacrificing power.

CorkSport 80mm Mazda 3 Exhaust Hanger — *CorkSport 80mm Exhaust Hanger*

Power Levels

Speaking of power, check out the dyno graph below. The upsize to 80mm showed similar power gains as the 60.5mm variant, so the extra size isn’t really needed at similar to stock power levels (aside from the great noise of course!). The only change in parts or tune between the two graphs was the exhaust. OEM exhaust (red) vs. CorkSport Mazda 3 80mm Exhaust (green).

CorkSport 80mm Exhaust Power Gains — +6.6HP!

We also believe it’s also very important to be prepared. Future proofing your car for mods down the road is always a great idea, and you’ve probably heard that we have a turbo kit (yes it’s still happening!) and race header in the works. More on those projects later, but I’ll let you put 2 & 2 together…

August 21, 2018August 12, 2024

All About That CatBack Exhaust

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.

When find yourself ready for a cat-back exhaust, be sure to check out CorkSport to ensure you get the highest quality for your ride.

August 16, 2018September 22, 2023

CorkSport Cat Back Exhaust for CX-9

Time to bring some CS love to those who need some more space than what a hot hatch can offer. Introducing the CorkSport Power Series Cat-Back Exhaust for 2016+ Mazda CX-9 AWD.

Mazda CX-9 Installed CorkSport Cat Back Exhaust

The CX-9 has great potential with its turbocharged 2.5L engine but it is bottlenecked by the small stock exhaust. The CorkSport catback ups the exhaust diameter to 80mm (from the OE 60mm) and utilizes high flow pass-through resonators to really help that turbo breathe better.

To go with the better performance, the CorkSport cat-back also looks great. Made from CNC bent, fully polished, T-304 stainless steel, it’s definitely an attention grabber that will stay looking great for years to come. The dual exhaust tips were upgraded to 100mm outer diameter and extended to really fill out the bumper cutouts. Don’t worry though; the tips are noticeable without being obnoxious and detracting from the clean look of Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy.

Last but certainly not least: the sound. The upgraded piping diameter and less restrictive resonators combine to create a sound that is certainly louder and more pleasant than stock without being unbearable for the daily commute. You hear the exhaust when you want to but it quiets down while cruising and does not drone. As a final bonus, you get a little taste of turbo noise as it spools up. Check out the video down below to hear a comparison between the CS CX9 cat-back and the OE exhaust for yourself.

All of these benefits come with the same CorkSport quality and customer service that you all have grown accustomed to. This means OE style fitment that retains all existing exhaust hangers and oxygen sensors since no one likes a check engine light.

Mazda CX-9 Cat-Back Exhaust CorkSport exhaust tip

Whether you have moved on from a Mazdaspeed but miss the sound or just want to spice up your grocery getter with a little extra noise, the CorkSport Mazda CX-9 cat back is an upgrade that hits all the right notes. Check out the product listing for full details.

Want more for your CX-9? There may be a few more things coming down the pipeline, but submitting a product idea helps us to know what you’re looking for!

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

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

The Dirty Details

The Beauty of the Design

CorkSport Quality

Power Levels

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