Lifestyle | CorkSport Mazda Performance Blog

June 16, 2017September 13, 2018

All About the 2017 Mazda3: Updates, Mods, and More

Mazda has updated the Mazda3 for 2017, so we’re taking a look at the changes and what mods you’ll want to add first.

The Mazda3 is, obviously, a favorite around CorkSport HQ. And now that the best handling front wheel drive car on the market has been updated and upgraded for 2017, we wanted to break down what’s new and what you can mod.

The rundown

The 2017 Mazda3 has a few styling updates, like an updated front bumper and grill that’ll look very similar to CX-9 drivers. Speaking of the CX-9, the steering wheel is comparable to the CX-9, as well. Back to the exterior, the new bumper and grill features excellent LED headlights and an LED fog light option. There’s an option for 18-inch wheels, though you can stick with 16-inch wheels, and two new colors are available: Machine Gray Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica, which replaces the previous Blue Reflex Mica.

The interior is updated to include heated steering wheel and upholstery upgrade options. The heads up display is now in color and there’s an electric parking brake, as well.

The Mazda3 engine remains unchanged: 3 i models feature a 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while 3 s models have a 184-hp 2.5-liter inline-four. A six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission are available. But, the big addition is the G-Vectoring Control, which is a software-based torque-reduction system. Savage Geese has a great rundown of all the Mazda3 updates that has an excellent explanation of what GVC does and what it adds to your ride, starting at the 7:38 mark. Check out MotorTrend, Car and Driver, and Road and Track if you want a few more informative explanations of the 2017 Mazda3’s updates.

All the reviews agree, this is the best Mazda3 yet. Now, let’s take it up a notch.

The mods

While the Mazda3 has some nice new features (and who doesn’t like new features?), what remains undeniable is that this is a damn good car. But good can be the enemy of great, and that’s where CorkSport comes in. With some performance and style mods, a 2017 Mazda3 can go from a satisfying award-winning vehicle to a high-performance, fun-to-drive dream!

2014+ Mazda3 Lowering Spring set

Our Mazda3 Lowering Springs deliver an aggressive appearance and a performance edge without sacrificing ride quality.

Our Mazda3 Lowering Springs deliver an aggressive appearance and a performance edge without sacrificing ride quality. Begin taking that 2017 Mazda3 where you want it by making your ride a little lower.

Mazda Headlight Level Adjuster

CorkSport’s Headlight Level Adjuster makes sure the road stays well lit ahead of you while you roll in your lowered ride.

Your lowered 2017 Mazda3 looks dope, but the self-leveling headlights sometimes have difficulty with this suspension geometry change. CorkSport’s Headlight Level Adjuster makes sure the road stays well lit ahead of you while you roll in your lowered ride.

Mazda 3 Adjustable Struts and Shocks

With 15 different positions to choose from, our Adjustable Struts and Shocks can take your 2017 Mazda3’s handling to godlike levels of precision.

With 15 different positions to choose from, our Adjustable Struts and Shocks can take your 2017 Mazda3’s handling to godlike levels of precision. Sure, the 2017 already has great handling, but what did we say about good and great? Make that great handling truly exceptional with this adjustable upgrade.

2014+ Mazda 3/6/CX5 Big Brake Kit

Shave weight off your ride without sacrificing stopping power thanks to our Big Brake Kit.

Shave weight off your ride without sacrificing stopping power thanks to our Big Brake Kit. Combined with the GVC, this added braking ability will lead to some next level curve handling.

2014+ Mazda 3 Leather Steering Wheel

Our leather steering wheel has a hand-wrapped and stitched racing-inspired grip — and it only takes an hour and a half to install!

Not a fan of that new OEM steering wheel? We got you covered. Our leather steering wheel has a hand-wrapped and stitched racing-inspired grip — and it only takes an hour and a half to install!

And that’s just the beginning. Check out the rest of our Mazda3 parts and modify your new 2017 Mazda3 to your heart’s content.

If you’ve got questions, drop us a line before you get started on your 2017 Mazda3 mods and we’ll help you out. And keep following the CorkSport blog for more modification advice and tips, Mazda lifestyle talk, and help taking your new ride from great to outstanding!

May 31, 2017September 13, 2018

Dear Car Guy: Absolute Beginners

You may be new, but the one thing I do know about you is that you take pride in your vehicle and you’re looking to learn more!

Dear Car Guy,

Or should I say, Dear New Car Guy,

You know who you are, so I won’t call you out. You’re new to the scene and looking to connect, learn, and invest in yourself and your ride. You’ve probably got some of the more basic mods already in place: intake, LED lights, wheels. You’re off to a good start!

However, you might be looking to connect with the Mazda community to get new ideas and grow your understanding of the potential your car actually possesses.

You may be new, but the one thing I do know about you is that you take pride in your vehicle and you’re looking to learn more! So, if you’re willing, I’d like to help.

First step: Read the guide.

The manual gives you a sound knowledge base and guidelines for key terms to boost your Mazda understanding. Whether you’ve got a Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX-3, CX-5, or Miata, this book can help you grow your understanding of what’s out there and why it’s applicable to you!

I’m not saying it’s the know all, be all, end all of where your Mazda can go, but our “Ultimate Mazda Performance Guide” is a great start. The manual gives you a sound knowledge base and guidelines for key terms to boost your Mazda understanding. While the guide is catered to the Mazdaspeed 3, it doesn’t matter which Mazda you own. Whether you’ve got a Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX-3, CX-5, or Miata, this book can help you grow your understanding of what’s out there and why it’s applicable to you!

Next step: Connect with knowledgeable members of the car community.

The groups are meant for the Mazdaspeed community and these passionate folks are some of the greatest people in this market.

You can find Nator groups across the country in most every state in the U.S. They are a great resource for information, so get connected for support and advice throughout the build stages of your Mazda. The groups are meant for the Mazdaspeed community and these passionate folks are some of the greatest people in this market.

Mazda3Club.com is a great forum to connect and get information on Mazda 3s. They provide reviews and support to Car Guys building out the Mazda 3 platform.

Mazda6Club.com is another great forum to connect with passionate Mazda owners. Populated buy Mazda 6 owners, you can get information from a large, experienced group as well as guidance while building out your car.

In any of these groups, you’ll be able to find like-minded people who are ready to lend help and give their opinions. Approach them with respect and you’ll receive it in turn — which is just great life advice, so you’re welcome in advance.

Not sure about a community? Check out our blog!

We’ve recently updated our blog to help our mobile users get quick access to our knowledge and information!

We’ve recently updated our blog to help our mobile users get quick access to our knowledge and information! If you haven’t already, check it out on your phone.

The CorkSport blog has a wealth of information dating all the way back to 2009. Imagine all the hours of reading you can log as you delve into our excellent Mazda subject matter.

If you’re ready to get started, I recommend beginning with these posts:

Or if you’re just in the mood for some fun reads, I have a series that I write just for you, Car Guy! The posts are intermittent, and sometimes borderline ridiculous, but I do my best to stay in touch.

CorkSport is here to help.

Lastly, we’re always available to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to CorkSport directly. We have some great individuals who are knowledgeable and ready to help! It’s literally their job — and they love it. So, if you want to talk cars, builds, or parts, you should definitely give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction. We look forward to hearing from you!

Until next time: Stay safe, stay fast, and stay happy, my friends.

Cheers,

Kim @ CS

Lastly, we’re always available to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to CorkSport directly.

February 6, 2017February 6, 2017

2017 Race Season Is Here!

The wait is over! It’s finally the time of year where we shed the car covers, finish our tunes and builds, and make any last modifications to get fully prepared for the 1,320-feet road course racing season. As you can imagine, all of us here at CorkSport now have an extra pep in our step with the weather improving and our goals becoming clear.

Built for speed

Because I live for racing, I’ve built my car specifically for the drag strip. I have a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 decked out with:

Built bottom end/stock head
CS FMIC
CS 3.5” Intake
CS 3.5 Bar MAP Sensor
CS EBCS
CS Prototype Intake Manifold
CS Turbo
CS Lowering Springs
CS Short Shifter
CS Adjustable Struts and Shocks
Turbo Back Exhaust
AEM Methanol Kit running 1000cc/min meth nozzle
Air Lift Drag Bags in the rear
AccessPort custom tuned by PDTuning
Drag Radials on 16” FD Reinforced Wheels

Running faster in 2017

During last year’s season, I was able to lay down a pretty raw pass with my full bolt-ons, stock block, and CorkSport turbo. I was happy with a 12.7 elapsed time (ET) at 115 mph — a respectable number if you ask me! This year with my new built bottom end, I am hoping to have more midrange, spray more meth, and run faster. I have a personal goal of trapping 120 mph on the CorkSport turbo. Just imagine how sweet it would be to have a Mazdaspeed 3 trapping 120 mph in the 1,320 with almost no turbo lag!

Whether a racing victory is your goal, or you just want a modded-out dope-looking ride, we want to make sure you guys think about CorkSport when you are looking for parts. I’m proof that our turbo with full bolt-ons is capable of impressive speed. Whether you need suspension components, turbo components, or you just want to have a chat, you know where to find us!

Cheers,

Luke

January 25, 2017

Employee Spotlight: Cali Goes Vancouver

There aren’t many things that can make a person pick up their whole life and move to a new place — especially when that move has to happen in only four weeks — but an amazing job can be good motivation. Still, when this whole journey began on October 31, I had no idea what kind of roller-coaster ride I’d started.

My old grind

A few months back, I was just a technician working my normal routine. I’d wake up, go to work at 8:30 a.m., work on cars, and then go home. As much as I love working on cars, repairing people’s daily drivers wasn’t exactly fulfilling. There were no turbos, no coilovers, no stage 3 clutches, and — most of all — there was no challenge, no way to better myself. There was satisfaction in learning and in becoming a better tech, but even though I had a great boss, I didn’t exactly find myself waking up looking forward to the day. My motivation was declining and I knew it was time for a fresh start.

Pacific Northwest-bound

Since I moved to Vancouver, I’ve gotten two responses when people ask me where I came from. It’s either the classic, “I hate Californians!” (Of course, I can’t blame them. Many Californians are snobby, drive too fast, and don’t use their turn signal enough. So, it’s understandable that the locals are pissed off that their area is getting contaminated by newbies.) However, I’ve also been asked, “What brought you up here?” And, to that, I get to reply, “I got recruited by an awesome company that I’ve wanted to work for since I was 19.”

When I first saw Luke post that CorkSport was hiring, I wanted to hop all over it. But after reading the job description, I didn’t think it was right for me. A few weeks went by and I hadn’t thought about it again, that is, until I spoke with Barrett. I asked if anyone had been hired yet and the answer turned out to be a negative — they were still looking. Next thing you know, I’m getting asked if I might be interested in the gig. One thing led to another, and a day later I’m on the phone with Kim. Turns out the job was a better fit than I first thought!

It’s quite the elaborate interview process at CorkSport. We don’t have revolving doors here, and they needed to make sure that I was the right fit. Over the course of a month and a few interviews, things were looking good and it started to become much more real that I could actually end up working for the biggest name in Mazda Performance. They already had a strong idea of what they had in store for me and where they wanted to see me in six months. Everything came together and they offered me the job.

I remember when I first got my MazdaSpeed a couple years ago, I thought about how cool it would be to work at CorkSport. It was apparent to me, as well as fellow modders, that CorkSport has fun doing what they do, and that they love their customers and the Mazda community. It’s ironic that, not too long after I first thought CorkSport would be a great place to work, the windy roads of life brought me to the moment when I received a formal job offer from them.

After a long talk with my girlfriend and my family, the decision was made, I accepted the offer, and we started packing boxes. I was leaving my family, a beloved Mazda community, and a bunch of friends behind for a clean professional slate, but I knew I was gaining the room to grow, and more opportunities than ever before.

Part of the team

A few weeks and a million questions later, here I am writing a CorkSport blog and getting settled in. I must say that, so far, my favorite part about this process has been dealing with and getting to know our awesome CorkSport customers. I’ve been writing postcards and throwing in little goodies, the same things I used to get with my parts when I was a customer — a little something extra makes all the difference! My daily job is helping people make their cars faster, lower, and cooler. I’m living the life!

On another note, no other company I’ve worked for has been so welcoming and helped me to feel at home so quickly. It’s not easy to pack up and move your life, but it didn’t take long for Luke, Vinny, and me to become best buds. Working on cars has now become more of a hobby, and all my tools now go good use on side jobs, like other Mazdas in the community. No more beat-up, dirty hands from repairing people’s daily drivers is a nice change, and my girlfriend is probably happy about that as well. Ha!

That’s, essentially, the long story short of how I was recruited to work at CorkSport and made the jump from the Bay Area to Vancouver. I’m glad to be a part of this awesome new team, and to have the opportunity to keep growing and learning.

Until next time, ladies and gents!

Cheers, Brett

September 30, 2015April 24, 2021

Dear Car…GIRL

Dear Car… Girl,

Recently our marketing team sent out a Dear Car Guy email newsletter, instead of just posting it in the blog like they normally do. Simple click, and apparently a larger number of people see my ridiculous antics/blog. End result… my inbox FLOODS!

Floods, I say for a reason. It was a flood of email replies, the majority of which merely stated:

“Dear Car Guy, I’m a Girl.”

So, of course the consensus was to write a reply… to you, Car Girl.

We’re a rare breed, Car Girls that is. There are many who claim to be purebred, but it’s like being Irish on St. Patty’s day… you either are, or you’re faking it for the attention. Either way, no one will call you out, and you’ll get through the night just fine, but it’s not entirely true.

Being a true Car Girl is a lifestyle. It shows up in random ways throughout our lives, and can be misinterpreted by those who just don’t get it.

1. We really want the driver seat.

If we are going on a date and we let him drive, we really (and I mean really) like him. However, one wrong move, or one boring ride, and it’s likely he’ll lose the privilege for quite some time. We don’t judge guys by their car… ok, yes, yes we do… but even more so the care they take of it. It’s not about the income, it’s about the attention to detail, organization, and cleanliness. (Speaking of: If the car is dirty, and we’re truly a car girl, we IMMEDIATELY KNOW he doesn’t have what it takes to take care of us.)

2. We’re not afraid to get dirty.

We may have control issues, this is probably where it stems from, but we would rather do it ourselves than have you do it for us. Which is why, whether we know how to fix it or not, we’re the ones handeling the tools (despite a recent $50 manicure). More likely, you’ll never get to be the ‘lead mechanic’ again, especially after we’ve seen you do it once or figured it out ourselves. “Thanks for the help, I know how to do it now…”

3. We’re in it for the community.

It’s not about what we look like, or if our car is the best. For a Car Girl, it’s about the people. We love our cars and will always take great care of them, but we go to install days, Nator meets, cars and coffee, or weekly Red Door meets for the people. We know you’ll love our car and of course we’ll talk crap about yours, but we’re there to hang out and talk cars. Not many people get us but once we’re hanging with our Car People, we remember where we belong.

4. We get offended by fake.

Guy OR Girl, if you’re faking it, we can spot you a mile away. So please, don’t spout off all the facts you randomly heard from a boyfriend you once had, or repeat an opinion that you read on a forum. We’ve read it as well and are more interested to hear what you’re learning, even if you’re a noob. Tell us about YOUR MODS, not what you watched your buddy or bf do last weekend. Own your knowledge, even if it’s limited, be real, and you’ll fit right in!

5. We’re pretty freaking protective.

We have our guys. NO, it’s not likely we’ll be dating any of them… EVER. However, when a new girl shows up on scene, don’t be surprised if your first impression of us is that we’re kind of bitchy. It’s a natural reflex. Waiting to find out if you’re a real Car Girl too, and if you are, you know the drill so be patient. We’ll probably end up best friends. If you’re not, we will only respect you after you’ve settled down into the group and picked just ONE of our guys to hang out with.

We’ve seen girls come and go in the car scene. Like I said before, we’re a pretty rare breed and finding a purebred is like finding a unicorn.

So,

Here’s to you, Car Girl! You’re a rare find, and we’re happy to know you!

Stay safe, stay fast, stay happy!

-Kim