Many community members are asking, “What clutch should I buy for my Speed3/Speed6?” or “What’s the best clutch for Mazdaspeed 3/6?” and there isn’t a perfect answer because the right answer depends on your goals with your car.
While I can’t say what the best clutch is, I can share my experience to date with my Twin Ceramic Rigid Disc X-Clutch in my Mazdaspeed 3.
First Impressions
Opening the box I found a very well-packaged assembled clutch kit. This included the assembled pressure plate, discs, and flywheel along with a new throw-out bearing, flywheel to crank bolts, and a nice alignment tool. XClutch also included some generic instructions – They certainly don’t rival CorkSport instructions, but are better than most clutch instructions I have used.
Getting into it
Disassembling the clutch assembly I found some nicely constructed components. The material fit and finish was great along with the identification of transmission vs engine side of the discus laser engraved was a nice touch.
Something worth noting: Some clutch kits come to you in separate pieces. This makes you 100% dependent on their instructions for the assembly process (and a lot of times those instructions are lacking), but with the XClutch the whole thing came assembled. I like this because it gave me the chance to see how it was assembled and therefore made me more confident I would assemble it correctly on the engine.
Now let’s get the clutch on the engine. After disassembling the clutch kit, the first part to go on the engine is the flywheel after a quick cleaning of the machine parts and surfaces. Using the provided hardware and some lock-tight the flywheel gets torqued down. The flywheel was a perfect fit on the snout of the crank…a little persuasion was needed which tells me the flywheel will be perfectly centered.
Next is the first clutch disc (make sure you can read “transmission side”) then the middle floater plate. Following that is the next clutch disc (and again make sure you can read “transmission side”) along with the provided alignment tool.
The Tool
So I want to take a minute to talk about the alignment tool. I’ve installed many clutches in many vehicles throughout my life ranging from an OE replacement in my 92’ Mazda b2600i, Mazdaspeed3, and a twin-disc in a Dodge. Every single kit came with the generic plastic alignment tool that doesn’t fit great and flexes.
But not X-Clutch, their kit included a very nice billet steel alignment tool that fit snugs and did not sag or move when installed. This seemingly simple tool made a huge difference in the whole installation process.
Back to the install steps; next up is the pressure plate floater plate. Typically this is part of the pressure plate assembly, but with the Xclutch design, this is separate.
Last is the pressure plate itself which is what applies the force to the clutch discs. The installation of this is slow and tedious, but important to follow. The hardware must be installed and torqued down evenly around the perimeter, much like torquing a wheel but with a lot more lug nuts.
X-Clutch has clear instructions on this so don’t worry.
Bringing it back together
So your clutch is all buttoned up and now it’s time to attach the transmission to the engine. I’ll admit this was a task I was dreading…many times I’ve fought this process because the damn input shaft in the transmission just would not line up with the clutch disc and crank, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I don’t know if it was luck or if the alignment toll was really that perfect, but in one try the transmission slid right onto the clutch and aligned perfectly. It was honestly shocking. I can only hope your installation goes as smoothly.
Now the review you have been wanting…
First impressions are great. The peddle pressure is very similar to OEM, maybe just a hair stiffer, but is nearly identical so if you’re worried about a stiff pedal DON’T, it’s cake. The engagement point is around the middle right now, but I expect it to move up in the pedal stroke slightly as it breaks in further. I like this, but this is a preference thing.
Engagement control is interesting. Going from an ACT 6-puck ceramic to this is very similar in the “grabbiness” of the clutch since they are both ceramic puck discs, but the X-Clutch I would say is a bit more aggressive. This makes sense with the rigid disc design and the very high torque capacity…1,350 ft/lbs!
So here’s my suggestion and you can check them out here. Learn More!
Conclusion
If you want a OE replacement with a bit more headroom for power then the Street single disc organic is going to be your closest bet. If you want good street manners but have more power to hold then the Street Plus twin disc organic is going to be your best balance. Lastly, if you are pursuing motorsports and high heat capacity then the Race twin disc ceramic will be your go-to clutch kit.
Check out the the Best CorkSport Mazda 3 Cat Back Exhaust for 4th Gen models (2019-2024)! Building upon the already great CS Axle Back exhaust, the Mazda 3 CBE replaces the entire OEM exhaust system from the header back with high flowing 63.5mm piping and flow-thru resonators. This adds an aggressive sound that is great for tearing up the backroad, yet is still comfortable for cruising on the daily commute. Read on for more details and be sure to listen to the sound clips below.
The Mazda 3 Cat Back Design
The primary focus of the CorkSport cat back is to add a great sound that spices up your new Mazda 3. The restrictive OEM axle back exhaust is replaced with the unique CS Mazda 3 Axle Back Exhaust. The large resonator eliminates the drone fantastically, while the asymmetrical design offers a great tone and interesting exhaust notes. Moving to the front, the OEM, mid pipes are replaced with full 63.5mm (2.5”) mandrel bent piping that incorporates a large oval-shaped resonator. This resonator was chosen for its ability to eliminate any drone and undesirable sounds while retaining a straight-thru design to remove any exhaust restriction. The result is a sound that is louder and more aggressive than the CorkSport axle back alone, without being annoying or bothersome on long drives.
Cat Back Improves Performance
The increase in volume also comes with an increase in horsepower. The axle back alone was able to net 3-5WHP across the RPM range. In our testing, the Mazda 3 Short Ram Intake was installed with both the OEM and CorkSport Cat Back Exhaust. With the removal of the restrictive OEM mid pipe and mid pipe resonators, the CBE netted us approximately 20wTQ and 10-18wHP in our testing!
Easy Installation
While both improvements in power and sound are great, they mean nothing if it’s a pain to install. Don’t worry though, the CorkSport cat back exhaust installs just like the OEM exhaust. We used both a FWD and AWD exhaust system during our development to ensure correct fitment for whichever drivetrain you have. While the pipe routing of the CS mid pipes are slightly different for the different drivetrain options, the resonators setup is exactly the same, so you can be confident that both AWD and FWD Mazda 3’s sound fantastic.
If you have a Mazda 3 with Cylinder Deactivation, this is not an issue with the CorkSport CBE. We include a bracket made from 304 stainless steel, which holds the cylinder deactivation motor securely up and out of the way. The purpose behind this bracket is so that no check engine lights are set off by having it disconnected and also to get rid of the extra complexity and restriction of having a valve in the exhaust.
Cat Back Provides Best Mazda 3 Fitment
Like the CorkSport Axle Back exhaust, the CS cat back exhaust system has a variety of tip options to best suit your vehicle setup. We have different tip fitments for hatchback, hatchback with the OEM Mazda aero kit and sedan. The sedan tip option is the longest in order to fit the longer rear end of the sedan models.
We specifically designed two different length tips for the Mazda 3 Hatchback due to the design of the Mazda Appearance Package. The rear bumper skirt adds a lot of length to the car…hiding the tips from view. With the Appearance Package-specific design, the tips are prominent in the rear bumper skirt as they should be. (The Hatchback Appearance Package tips are 45mm longer than standard Hatchback tips).
Each setup uses a different length to ensure great fitment no matter your car. All tip options use a 90mm tip diameter to help fill out the bumper cutouts. Plus, each tip is finished off with a laser-engraved CorkSport logo plate to give a great look.
Cat Back Exhaust’s Quality Finishes
As with all CorkSport exhausts, the GEN4 Mazda 3 cat back exhaust is made from fully polished, mandrel bent, 304 stainless steel. This offers a fantastic look and smooth flow, with corrosion resistance to stand up to the test of time. Every exhaust is fully TIG welded and for further strength, each hanger location has extra reinforcement to keep your exhaust secure. The CorkSport CBE also comes with all the hardware and gaskets you need to make your installation a breeze!
That about does it for details on the CorkSport Best 2019+ Mazda 3 Cat Back Exhaust! We strongly recommend you check out the video for sound clips, you’re going to love it! Give us a call for any questions and submit a product request at this LINK for any and all products you want us to investigate for future mods for your Mazda!
P.S. Already have the Mazda 3 Axle Back Exhaust and want to upgrade to the full Cat Back Exhaust? Check out the Mazda 3 Mid Pipe Kit to complete your exhaust system!
P.P.S.S Have a turbo model and want to know if the exhaust fits? Good news! The CS CBE does fit but, we have a larger cat back exhaust designed specifically for turbo models, to ensure plenty of exhaust flow for future power upgrades!
Its 2021, you survived 2020 and finally got those last goodies installed on your Mazdaspeed 3…you’re finally fully bolted. It’s been about 6 months and now you want more, but your Tuner keeps telling you you are out of fuel. What the Hell does that mean!?
Let me tell what that means and let me show you the solution via the BEST Port Injection Fuel Kit for your Mazdaspeed 3 or MPS 3. If you know this is the kit for you don’t wait any longer (Link to ALL THE FUEL), but I do invite you to check out the great information below.
Say no to “out of fuel” and say yes to enough fuel to support 750+WHP! But first let’s take a step back to understand the basics.
Why is your Mazdaspeed 3 “out of fuel”?
The Mazdaspeed 3 and 6 use early technology for direct injection injectors which sadly do not have an aftermarket replacement and reach their flow capacity limit quickly. This basically puts a limit on the OEM fuel systems horsepower capacity. From what we have seen firsthand and in the community; the limit is around 360-390whp depending on the performance parts on the engine and the fuel used. The only current solution is to add a port injection system with either 2 extra or 4 extra injectors. We’ll talk more about that.
What is an auxiliary port injection fuel system? – This is a kit that adds (does not replace) port style fuel injectors to the intake manifold so that you can increase the total fueling capacity of your Mazdaspeed or MPS. There are a few ways this can be done and all have been done in the Mazdaspeed Community.
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2 extra or 4 extra injectors (aka 6th Port or 8th Port Injection)
While the CorkSport Port Injection Fuel Kit is designed for 4 extra injectors (8th Port Kit); there are options in the community that only use 2 extra injectors (6th Port Kit). CorkSport believes the 8th Port Injection kit is the superior setup because it has higher capacity, is more reliable and safer for the engine.
With an 8th Port Kit there is an extra injector on each runner of the intake manifold spraying directly into that one and only runner. With a 6th Port Kit there are two extra injectors spraying directly ahead of the throttle body and then depending on the flow distribution of the intake manifold to disperse the fuel to each runner and thus cylinder.
Return vs Returnless Setups
This is another option for Port Injection Fuel Kits in the community. While both have their place, the CorkSport 8th Port Fuel Kit uses a “return” style setup because again it has higher capacity, is more reliable and safer for the engine because it is easier to tune for.
In a “return” style setup the fuel pressure for the extra injectors increase as boost pressure increases keeping a consistent fuel flow rate per injector duty cycle which provides the higher capacity and much more consistent tuning. While the “returnless” style setup just plumbs the extra injectors into the OEM fuel feed to the HPFP. The fuel pressure does not increase with boost pressure and therefore the capacity is lower, around 500-550WHP.
Integrated vs Standalone Fuel System
Lastly is the consideration of how the Port Injection Injectors are fueled. This can come from the OEM fuel tank or from a completely separate fuel tank in the vehicle. Unlike the bullets points above, this is not really a “one is better than the other”, but more of “what suits the needs of your vehicle and uses”.
Integrated Setup
As the name implies this means the Port Injection Fuel Kit sources its fuel from the OEM tank and in-tank pump. This can actually be done a couple ways 1) via the “returnless” setup as mentioned above but that has its issues or 2) via a surge tank that is mounted in the engine bay or cabin…which has some concerns.
The surge tank setup is a very common “racecar” setup and for good reason. It handles high G load corning, acceleration, and braking great and also fuels the entire car, not just the port injection system. However the cost is usually much higher and requires relocation of other engine bay components so you can mount the surge tank. Along with that you can only use one fuel for the entire system so if your car needs a special high octane fuel then you have to use it at all times during operation, whether cruising or full power.
Standalone Setup
In contrary this is a completely separate fuel source via a separate tank. This can be a really great option for the enthusiast that does some spirited driving, maybe some events here and there, but also daily drives their Mazdaspeed 3. How is this the case?
With a completely separate fuel cell for the port injection system you can run the exotic race gas/ethanol in the port injection tank and run normal cheap pump gas in the OEM tank. When you daily drive/cruise you only use the pump gas in the OEM tank and when you want power the port injection kicks in with the high octane fuel. It’s a win/win, especially if you do not have ethanol close by and have to special order the exotic fuel like we do here in the PNW. However this does mean you need a 2nd fuel tank for the port injection which can be a pain, BUT CorkSport has that covered in this complete kit.
Ok let’s recap on where the CorkSport Port Injection Kit for Mazdaspeed 3 fits in:
4 Extra Injectors aka 8th Port Fuel Injection Kit – one injector per runner for more precise fueling
Return Style Setup – Fuel pressure rising with boost pressure for more capacity and precision
Standalone Tank – Cheap pump gas for daily driving and high octane fuel for port injection power in the secondary fuel cell
I don’t know about you, but this sounds like you can have your cake and eat it to!
Image Credit: Shift Sector Coalinga 2020
Let’s look at the components that make up the CorkSport Port Injection Fuel Kit. What’s in the Box:
CorkSport Fender Mounted Fuel Cell
This is a huge element of what makes the CorkSport Port Injection Fuel Kit great. This fuel cell is custom CAD designed specifically for your GEN1 and GEN2 Mazdaspeed 3 to fit hidden under the headlight behind the bumper cover. At 2.6 gallons capacity you don’t need to refill the fuel cell often and there is an integrated level sensor to remind you when you are at 0.8 gallons. No in-cab tanks and smells.
Quantum Fuel Pump
A 380LPH inline fuel pump is used. This is a Bosch 044 style pump that has the flow capacity needed and is e85 safe.
DeatschWerks Fuel Filters
Two fuel filters are used in the system for complete filtration. A pre-pump 100 micron filter filters the fuel flowing from the tank to the pump, therefore protection the pump from debris. A post-pump 10 micron filter filters the fuel even more before entering the fuel injectors, therefore protecting the fuel injectors from very small particulates. Both filters use a dual stage filtration design that incorporates a magnet and a stainless steel mesh media.
Spec’d Length 6AN Fuel Lines
No headaches and ready to go! Like our Mazdaspeed high pressure fuel line, the included fuel lines are the CorkSport Fuel Lines are spec’d to length and fully assembled ready to use. The lines are PTFE lined with stainless steel braiding and a hytrel coating for a sleek finish and protection against abrasion. All fittings minus on 150deg fitting are permanently crimped and sealed.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
An AEM fuel pressure regulator is used for this return style setup. This provides easy adjustment and setup of the fuel rail pressure with the included Fuel Lab Analog Pressure Gauge
Electronics
Too further simplify, a 30amp relay kit is provided. Relays are a critical component in setting up a port injection fuel system. This allows you to safely and reliably provide power and control to the fuel pump. With that a Hobbs Switch is also provided, this acts as a trigger for the relay to apply power to the fuel pump when a set boost pressure is met. Example: when you reach 4psi the Hobbs Switch will signal the relay to apply power to the fuel pump. This is a great setup for daily driven cars because you only turn on the pump when needed vs running at all times. It greatly helps the life of your pump.
Misc Hardware
Lastly is all the misc hardware and brackets to get this into your speed. We’ve got this handled and clearly show the install process with the online color step-by-step instructions.
Alright that’s what’s in the box for the CorkSport Port Injection Kit; now let’s talk about the other required items. There are 2-3 critical items needed to get your port injection kit up and running.
Port Injection Controller
The OEM ECU and Cobb/Versatuner tuning options cannot control the extra 4x injectors in the kit so you will need a separate controller and software for this. There is a simple and proven option with the Split Second Additional Injector Controller AIC1. It comes with a ready to run harness for EV6 injectors and the harness integration for power, signal and control are very simple. Check it out here and add it to your CorkSport Port Injection Kit for a one stop shop.
Injectors
You will need 4x injectors for the CorkSport 8th Port Fuel Kit. The injectors need to have 14mm o-rings top and bottom and the length of 34mm or 48mm (if using the CorkSport intake manifold). To use with the Split Second Additional Injector Controller AIC1; you will want the EV6 connection style. For capacity we recommend at least 1000cc/mm. To cover all these requirements just use the Injector Dynamics ID1050x. They are proven and reliable, you can grab a set right here with the CorkSport Port Injection Kit.
Bonus!
While this is not required for operation, it is highly recommended. The N2MB Racing WOT Box allows you to change the type of Redline and Launch Control cut to a safer method. OEM will deactivate the injectors for this vs the WOT Box deactivates the spark plugs. This is much safer for your engine, especially with running a port injection fuel kit. With this you can also Flat Foot Shift which is faster and way too much fun. (Insert Fireball Emoji Here)
Why doesn’t the CorkSport Port Injection Fuel Kit include these items?
That’s a good question and we have a good reason. Originally the kit was going to, but we asked the community how they would want the kit and the answers surprised us. A lot of people wanted the kit minus the Controller and the Injectors because they already had those items. So we pulled those out of the kit as solo items you can choose to add if needed.
Installing this kit into your Mazdaspeed 3 is a day project with some buddies. Bank on 6+ hours due to the wiring (its always tedious, but important to do right). Read the installation instructions before starting the install so you are ready with all the needed tools and supplies for wiring.
I do want to note that like any project that involves wiring, there will be some wiring required for the install and the extra wiring and connection you decide you need are not included in the CorkSport kit. Every car is different and how each person wants to get things wired up is different. There is also some very minimal drilling required to install the tank mounting brackets.
I hope you found this blog helpful and informative not just to learn about the CorkSport Port Injection Fuel Kit, but to also learn about the other setups and options you can choose from. I hope this helps you decide what is best for your car and goals. Give us a call if you have any questions, we’d be happy to help.
Looking to take the next step on your MS3 journey and move beyond the limits of stock fueling?
Look no further than the CorkSport Auxiliary Fuel Tank for Mazdaspeed 3. We incorporated a ton of features into an aux fuel tank that sits in front of the driver’s side front tire. By using rotomolded construction, we were able to maximize the volume and ease of use to really make a fantastic starting point for your fuel system. Be sure to read on for more info and check out the product listing for full details!
The main focus of the CS aux fuel tank is to maximize capacity without compromising usability and features. We chose rotomolded cross-link HDPE construction to do this. Manufacturing the tanks with this method removes a lot of the restriction that comes with sheet metal tanks so we could keep the tanks cheaper for you while incorporating extra features.
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Adjustable mounting brackets
We were able to maximize the tank to approximately 2.6 gallons for both the GEN1 and GEN2 while retaining great fitment. We even incorporated adjustment into all of the mounting brackets to account for manufacturing and setup variances from one car to another.
Along with fitment comes the flexibility to make the tank work best for your fuel system. We have incorporated mounting locations for both methanol pumps and a standard 044 style mounting bracket. This means you can run a basic single nozzle meth setup while on stock block, then move to a full PI setup once you build your engine, all while using the same tank.
The CorkSport MS3 aux fuel tank also incorporates a bunch of other great features:
An included low level sensor and warning LED that will trigger with ~0.8 gallons remaining in the tank. This gives you plenty of warning before running your aux fuel system dry.
A sump is molded into the bottom of the tank for the fuel pump feed. This prevents fuel starvation from fuel slosh during hard cornering.
A fuel return port is present for use with full port injection setups. If running methanol, this port can be easily plugged.
Warning light, anti-leak, easy refueling, and more!
A billet aluminum cap keeps the tank sealed. Dual O-rings are used to keep the cap in position and prevent any leaks, even if the tank is upside-down.
The tank fill neck was carefully sized to fit with most gas can nozzles and funnels for easy refueling.
An included vent tube keeps tank pressure in check.
The CS aux tank is made from rotomolded 0.19” thick HDPE. This is the same material that most racing gas cans are made from, so you know it will be safe no matter the fuel you use. Each mounting bracket is laser cut and precision formed 304 stainless steel for strength, a great look, and corrosion resistance.
Each cap is made from black anodized billet aluminum for reliable and easy use while being stealthy in your engine bay. Finally, each tank comes with full color installation instructions and CS customer support so you can be sure you will be in a good spot for the rest of your fuel system.
Every time you drive your Mazda you directly interface with four critical controls; seat, pedals, shifter, and the steering wheel. These control interfaces give you tactile feedback of your driving experience, so why not get the best feedback possible?
Take your driving experience to the next level
We introduce to you the racing inspired and genuine leather clad performance steering wheel from CorkSport Mazda Performance. We are so excited to bring this option to the community, to give you the opportunity to take your driving experience to the next level.
When we set out to develop a performance steering wheel for the facelift 3rd GEN Mazda 3 we had to define the major attributes needed: Performance, Style, Fitment. Without these what is the point?
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Performance: While the OEM Mazda wheel has a nice shape to it we wanted to push this further with a more aggressive racing inspired style, deep thumb grooves, and the option for genuine leather or alcantara inserts. This gives you the choice to fit your style and the confidence on the track, autoX, or back roads. Sweaty palms? Don’t worry, the high contact area uses perforated genuine leather to help your hands breathe…we got you Fam.
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Style: We’ll say this again, Mazda did a pretty good job on the higher trim level wheels, but if you have a lower trim level with the vinyl/plastic wheel it just looks MEH. You know what we mean. Step up your game with the CorkSport Leather Steering Wheel. It looks so good through the window, even better right in your face, and feels fantastic in your hands.
Genuine leather and/or alcantara, aggressive thumb grooves, and red stitching just bring the whole interior together and to the next level.
Fitment: This one is a BIG DEAL for two reasons.
EASY
When a part fits correctly it installs easily. We don’t want you to fight with the install or have to come up with some disconnecting hub or whatnot like other “racing” wheels. This is a 100% new casting that retains all the OEM connections and fitment.
SAFETY
While we do use true racing steering wheels with the quick disconnect hubs; these are only on our dedicated track cars with tons of other safety equipment. Your car is your daily and your weekend toy. We will not compromise your safety so we designed a performance steering wheel that retains all the controls and airbag like the OEM steering wheel.
Alright, let’s pull these three back together. Racing inspired performance steering wheel that uses genuine leather and gives you the option for alcantara inserts, form follows function because it looks great from the driver’s point of view or any point of view, and you get this without compromising your safety or losing your quick access features on the steering wheel.
Hold on…there is one thing…
If you have a heated steering wheel from the factory you will lose that feature. We investigated adding this feature (and we still can if there is enough demand), but damn it is really expensive. Let us know in the comments and drop us some info in this link if you really want a heated option. I WANT A HEATED STEERING WHEEL
Lastly, we want to mention this; this is can be a tuff performance modification to justify trust me, but once you lay your hands on the wheel and take your first apex you will be sold and wished your Mazda came with it from the factory. It’s such a visceral feeling that it’s hard to explain.
With that we will leave you with the obvious decision to make. Do the right thing for you and your Mazda.
