cx30 | CorkSport Mazda Performance Blog

November 30, 2023September 18, 2024

Protect Your Mazda 3/CX-30 with The CS Skid Plate

We are excited to announce another product for both the 4^th Gen Mazda 3, 2021+ Mazda 3 Turbo, and 1^st Gen Mazda CX-30! The new offering to the lineup is the CorkSport Skid Plate which utilizes our tried and true 11 gauge aluminum construction with a 2-piece design for an OEM-like installation. The CS Skid Plate is perfect for anyone who is lowered or anyone who likes to take their car out on forest roads and wants more protection over the thin factory splash guard. Keep on scrolling for more details!

2019+ Mazda 3 Turbo Skid Plate installed

OEM Splash Guard vs CorkSport Skid Plate

Starting with the OEM splash guard, there is much to be desired in terms of protection. The factory piece is made of thin plastic that is only designed to protect the bottom of your engine and transmission from things such as water, dust, and small debris. This can lead to a problem when you have lowering springs on your car or go on a camping trip.

In both of these situations, there is a greater chance of objects such as rocks and other larger debris hitting the splash guard and puncturing or even ripping off the splash guard completely, leading to potential damage to your oil pan or other critical components.

The CS Skid Plate on the other hand is all aluminum and can better protect against these threats to ensure that you can get to your destination and back intact. This provides you with peace of mind whether you like to go on rocky forest roads, up to the mountain through snow & ice, or are lowered and trying to get over speed bumps.

CX30 undercarriage Skid plate protection

Improved Plate Design

To provide a factory fit, we have CAD-designed the CS Skid Plate to mount directly in place of the OEM splash shield. This means no drilling, cutting, trimming, or issues during the installation.

The Skid Plate is also a 2-piece design similar to the OEM splash shields so that installation is easier and that there is some adjustability for minor variation between vehicles and to also help reduce the shipping cost. We also implemented an air duct into the CS Skid Plate that is similar to the one on the factory AWD splash shields to help supply cool air to the front differential.

Finally, there is an oil access cover that you can move out of the way to easily change your oil and filter without removing the 2 main skid plate sections.

Quality Matters

Each CorkSport Skid Plate is made from laser cut and precision formed 11 gauge 5052 aluminum. This ensures a consistent fitment that will make installation straightforward as well as the much-needed increase in engine protection. Included with the CS Skid Plate are stainless steel button head bolts that provide great corrosion resistance and are lower profile than a traditional hex bolt to reduce the chance of them getting snagged.

If you want to increase the protection to the underbody of your Mazda, the CorkSport Aluminum Skid Tray is a great option! Head over to the product listing for the video and more images and feel free to call us with any questions!

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April 14, 2022March 5, 2024

2021-up Mazda 3 Turbo and CX30 Turbo Intake Heat Shield

Have you been waiting for the CorkSport Heat Shield to go along with a CS SRI to snag one? Well you don’t have to wait any longer because the CS heat shield is here! Whether you have the CS SRI already or want to get both at the same time, the CorkSport Heat Shield for both the Mazda 3 and CX-30 with the SkyActiv 2.5T is a great mod to include in your build. Keep on reading to see how the CS Heat Shield is able to achieve lower intake air temps that allow your motor to make power easier.

Mazda 3 turbo engine bay intake heat shield

For the Mazda 3 Turbo Heat Shield our main focus was keeping cool air supplied to the filter. The shield was designed to seal off the intake from as much heat produced from the radiator, engine and transmission as possible. This lead to a multiple piece design that is riveted together which allows us to utilize the OEM air ducting which supplies cooler outside air to the filter. The shield does not fully surround the filter because we have also found that there is cool air that also comes from the area in front of the tire and underneath the headlight while driving, helping to ensure that your intake sees as much cool fresh air as possible.

Mazda Cx30 Performance Intake Heat Shield

Now with all of this cooler air being supplied, how does it help performance? The basic concept is that since cold air is denser than warm air, your engine gets more air per cycle, and thus allows more fuel to be added to make more power. However, when a car is turbocharged, the process is a little more complicated. A turbo compresses and heats up your intake air and then sends it to an intercooler that cools the air back down. What that means is that the “colder air will make more power” generalization may not be as significant, especially with the advancements in modern turbocharged vehicles. Colder intake air does offer a benefit in the form of less stress on your turbo system. This means that your turbo does not have to work as hard to flow the same amount of air at the same boost pressure. Also a reduction in intake air temps can translate to slightly cooler air exiting your turbo compressor, which helps take some stress off the intercooler as well.

Mazda 3 turbo cold air intake heat shield installed

With all of the theory covered, let’s get to the real world results! In daily driving testing we found decreased intake air temps with the CorkSport Heatshield installed. When cruising or when it’s cold outside, we were actually surprised at the low intake temps of the CS SRI alone—there’s actually a surprising amount of fresh air that gets into the engine bay. Where the heatshield really comes into its own is when sitting stationary or driving on a very hot day. That’s when we saw our biggest improvements in intake air temp.

Lastly about the manufacturing, the CorkSport Heat Shield is made out of carbon steel that is laser cut and precision formed. Carbon steel was selected for its strength and lower heat transfer over aluminum. To fight off corrosion, the heatshield is powder coated wrinkle black and gives the heat shield a great look that helps it blend in with the other parts in the engine bay. Both sections of the shield are attached together using stainless steel rivets for corrosion resistance and a nice look. Lastly, we include rubber seals along the top edge of the CS Heat Shield to keep as much heat out as possible, and to prevent any unwanted vibrations or noise.

If you’re looking to complement your CS SRI with some added heat protection or want to pick them up together, check out the product listing for the CorkSport Heat Shield for additional photos and video! Also, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

August 27, 2020March 5, 2024

Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 & CX-30!

Love your new Mazda 3 but find yourself missing some excitement? Already have our Short Ram Intake and out Strut Tower Bar? CS has come to help. We are proud to announce the CorkSport Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 & CX-30!

Help your engine breathe!

Add some much-needed volume to your 4th GEN and help the engine breathe while doing so. It’s a great balance of growl under hard acceleration, yet quiet while cruising, plus you get a nice visual boost to the back of your ride. Read on for full details, and be sure to check out the product video for sound clips! (Mazda3 pictured below is OE ride height. If you are looking for more low, check out our 4th Gen Mazda 3 Lowering Springs!)

Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 & CX-30 — 4th Gen Lowering Springs

The CorkSport ABE replaces the restrictive OEM muffler section with high flowing, mandrel bent 304 stainless steel piping and a pass-through resonator. This allows for a great sound that is just loud enough to make your backroads journey fun without ruining your daily commute.

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A deep and great sound

The tone is deep with some nice growl to it that you’ll love to hear. Due to the unique, offset inlet flange, we ended up going with the single asymmetrical resonator for the best tone combined with drone elimination. We tested multiple resonator combinations before determining the single long resonator was the best setup.

The sound was not our only focus, however. We’ve increased the piping diameter to minimize flow restrictions in the exhaust. The piping diameter was increased from the OEM of 50-55mm (depending on where you measure) to 63.5mm (2.50 inch). The OEM muffler section has a lot of twists, turns, and flow restrictions to quiet down your Sky-G. The free-flowing resonator eliminates this flow restriction, and when combined with the larger piping, lets the 2.5 breathe better.

Best Mazda 3 Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 & CX-30 — CorkSport

The sound and performance also come with a visual gain. Exhaust tips are increased in size up to 90mm to better fill in the bumper cutouts of the BP Mazda 3. Each tip is dual wall construction that uses a rotated slant cut design. This helps the tips follow the curve of the bumper just like the OEM tips. Each tip is finished off with a laser engraved CorkSport name badge for a nice detail.

The GEN4 Mazda 3 exhaust also allowed us to bring in a feature we have never had before adjustable tip length. Each tip is attached using a slip fitting and exhaust band clamp to provide secure and exhaust-leak-free performance.

Three different tip length options

This slip fitting gives you up to 10mm of length adjustment to really dial in the look you’re going for. That is not even the best part though! We are offering three different tip length options for you all to choose from: Mazda 3 Hatchback, Hatchback w/Appearance Kit, Sedan, and CX-30.

Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 & CX-30 exhaust tips — View our selection of Axle back Exhausts

The sedan tip option is the longest in order to fit the longer rear end of the sedan models. While not intended you could put these on a hatchback if you’re into the “blast pipe” look.

Adjustable tip lengths

The Hatchback W/Appearance Kit tip option is the medium length tip. These are intended for hatchbacks equipped with Mazda’s factory Appearance Package and are also the optimal length for the CX-30. This offers an aggressive look to match the aggressive nature of the Mazda Aero Kit. These tips can also be used on a non-aero kit hatch, however, they would stick out too far for most people’s taste.

Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 installed on black hatchback — CorkSport Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 & CX-30

The Hatchback without the Aero Kit tip option is the shortest option and is intended for regular hatchbacks without the Mazda Aero Kit. You can also run these tips on hatches with the aero kit if you’re going for a more conservative look, but they tend to disappear in the bumper skirt.

Axle Back Exhaust for 2019+ Mazda 3 installed on white Mazda 3 hatchback — Shop all Gen 4 Mazda 3 Parts

Made entirely from polished 304 stainless steel

As usual, each CorkSport 2019+ Mazda 3 axle-back exhaust system is made entirely from polished 304 stainless steel for the best in appearance and corrosion resistance. Each joint is TIG welded for strength while the inlet flange is laser cut to ensure a perfect fit. Each exhaust comes with all hardware needed for install, including exhaust clamps for the tips. You also get full color installation instructions and support for any installation questions you may have.

We strongly encourage you to visit the product listing for more pictures and to check out the product video for sound and video clips. This exhaust is fantastic, especially for a daily driver. Let us know what you think, and share other 4th GEN parts you want to see.

Check out the full Mazda 3 Cat Back Exhaust for more performance.

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May 14, 2020September 27, 2023

Performance Parts for the 4th Gen Mazda 3

Today we are going to lay it all out; we are going to tell you about what we are working on for your Mazda 3 and WE ARE EXCITED! Who are we? If you don’t know already, we are CorkSport Mazda Performance based out of Vancouver, Washington. We are the number one Performance Aftermarket Mazda Parts Company and we have set our sights on the 4^th Generation Mazda 3.

Below are the first projects we are developing for the 4^th Gen Mazda 3 and CX30. Engine performance, suspension performance, and styling are all covered here and we are closer to launch than you may realize. Sit back and enjoy, there’s a lot here and we want you to see it all.

White 4th Gen Mazda 3 — CorkSport – Lowered on CS Springs

One of the most sought-after and anticipated performance items for the 2019+ Mazda 3 are the CorkSport Lowering Springs. The CS springs provide the most aggressive drop on the market today while providing a sporty and comfortable ride for daily driver use. With that, we have confirmed fitment on FWD manual transmission hatch and AWD automatic transmission sedan. We found that the Auto AWD Sedan rides just slightly lower, but is still within proper ride height for suspension function.

Blue CorkSport Mazda 3 lowering springs — See all of our Lowering Springs

We design our springs with more than just looks in mind (but they do look great). Spring rates and suspension frequency are critical to performance and comfort. With that being said we increased the front spring rate 52% and rear rate 40% based on the OEM 2019 FWD Hatch MT springs.

Mazda 3 Hatch Back stance with lowering springs — White Mazda 3 Rear Stance with Springs and Axle Back Exhaust

Now if you’re looking at the images and thinking “Damn those wheels look good” then you are correct and we agree; they look amazing and fit the car and CorkSport springs perfectly.

Here are the specs: Advan RS 19×8.5 +38 with 235/35 Kumhos. We have just the slightest rub on the inner fender on large bumps. Besides that they are perfect and you can have this setup too!

Best 2019+ Mazda 3 Axle Back Exhaust — See all of our Axle-Backs

Next up is the CorkSport Axle-Back Exhaust. Off the showroom floor, the Mazda 3 is ghostly quiet which is pretty disappointing. Our goal with the Performance Axle-Back Exhaust is a noticeable but mellow tone that you can enjoy every single day; gents this is Wife/Girlfriend approved.

Red Mazda 3 Sedan — CorkSport – Using OEM Springs

We are proud to announce that will we be supporting multiple models on launch. We have confirmed the Sedan, Hatch, Hatch w/Aero Package, and the CX-30. Along with that we have confirmed fitment for both FWD and AWD models for all cars listed.

Look closely, there are a couple new products in this engine bay…long in development is the Short Ram Intake System which replaces the OEM airbox with a high flow dry element filter, billet aluminum MAF housing, 4-ply silicone coupler, and stainless steel T-bolt clamps.

Upon launch we will be offering various color combinations between Black, Red, and Blue. You can see them below.

Mazda 3 Short Ram Intake System — See all of our Intakes

In our testing we have seen repeatable 5whp gains at peak with a nice increase across the RPM range. Street driving our butt dyno agrees with crisp throttle response and a lovely intake induction noise. The combination of induction noises, exhaust note, and sporty feedback from the sport springs really turns the Mazda 3 from an A-to-B car to a great enthusiast hot hatch.

Mazda 3 with CorkSport products installed in engine bay — Mazda with CorkSport Products

The other project sitting in the engine bay is the CorkSport Front Strut Brace. Bracing the strut towers to each other improves chassis stiffness and reduces suspension complicity. This results in increased driver feedback and thus a better driving experience. The powder coated steel brackets and polished aluminum cross bar add a nice loot to the engine bay.

Rear sway bars designed for the 2019 Mazda 3 — Click to See all of our Swaybars

Lastly, and still in development, are the rear sway bars for the FWD and AWD 4^th Gen Mazda 3. This project has been interesting because of the new torsion beam rear suspension found on the 4^th Gen Mazda 3. It’s interesting because there is no factory equipped sway bar. Instead of just developing a larger rear sway bar, we are developing a sway bar from scratch along with the attachment methods.

You also notice that there are two different bars in the image. This is because the AWD and FWD torsion beams are different due to the AWD drivetrain. Long story short, we are developing a RSB for each drivetrain specifically because that’s the correct way to do it.

Wow, that was a lot, and trust me there is more we are investigating, but we can’t let ALL the secrets out yet. We would love to know what products you would like CorkSport to develop for the 2019+ Mazda 3 platform, you can do so right here by Submitting a Product Idea.

Also, we love sharing with the community directly and have been doing so in these groups. If you don’t know about them then check them out and join for more info.

White Mazda 3 stance with lowering springs

Thanks for tuning in with CorkSport. We hope you are as excited about the 4^th Gen Mazda platform as we are!

-Barett @ CS

OEM Splash Guard vs CorkSport Skid Plate

Improved Plate Design

Quality Matters

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

Help your engine breathe!

Stay Up-to-date with CorkSport

A deep and great sound

Three different tip length options

Adjustable tip lengths

Made entirely from polished 304 stainless steel

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.