Just Released: CorkSport Cold Air Intake System for the 2016+ MX-5

Introducing the CorkSport Cold Air Intake System for the 2016+ Mazda ND Miata. Maintain your cool intake air temperatures without the restriction of the OEM intake.

The CorkSport CAI System was designed with performance, functionality, and significance in mind. This is not just a piece of metal pipe with an air filter on the end. This was thought out and designed with the latest technologies to give you a no-compromise intake system for your favorite weekend toy.

First, we focused on the system performance since we all want to go fast, right?

This proved to be more difficult than expected. Mazda did a good job designing their intake, but they did leave some room for improvement when you combine hard parts and a proper tune. Now, this isn’t surprising since cars have become more and more dependent on the tune, not just the physical parts. Below is a dyno-graph of the OEM intake system versus the CorkSport CAI System; a net gain of 3-4 WHp with the OEM tune.

So, what makes the CorkSport CAI System superior?

We wanted to create a system to provide smooth laminar flow which means removing any abrupt edges, sudden expansions, and tight radius bends. First, we use an AEM performance dry-flow filter that features an internal velocity stack design. Then we matched the billet aluminum MAF inner diameter to the filter for a seamless edge that provides smooth flow to the MAF sensor. Leaving the MAF, you see another velocity stack expansion with just a 2mm edge as the air enters the 4-layer reinforced silicone with large sweeping bends. Check out the cut-away view below!

Next, is the functionality of the CorkSport CAI System. We wanted the CAI to be a quick and easy installation without the need to remove the bumper or any other intensive parts. The cold air box is designed in CAD and through the iterative process of design, a 3D print, and test fittings, we were able to produce a box that fits great and still utilizes the OEM rubber isolators for mounting and the OEM cold air ducting.

Finally, we wanted to ensure the significance of the CorkSport CAI System, because nobody wants a piece of pipe with a filter on the end flopping around in their engine bay. We knew our awesome customers wanted more than just great performance. We know you want it to look great and that you’ll want to brag about it because we’re all car guys and gals, right? The CorkSport CAI uses premium silicone, a beautiful black anodized billet aluminum MAF housing, stainless fasteners, and high-quality thermoformed ABS that blends nicely into your engine bay.

Don’t wait any longer! Get your CorkSport Cold Air Intake System today! Pair it with a pro-tune and really wake up your favorite weekend toy!

Cheers,

CorkSport

February 16, 2016April 24, 2023

It’s Finally Here: The Cold Air Box for Mazda 3 and Mazda 6

Designed to perfectly fit your Mazda 3 and your Mazda 6. Our cold air box is designed for easy install and easy filter maintenance.

We’ve heard your cries and made you wait long enough. The long-awaited CorkSport Cold Air Box has finally arrived!

Cool down your 2014+ Mazda 3 and 2014+ Mazda engine bay

The CorkSport Cold Air Box was designed for the 2014+ Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 that are equipped with a 2.0L or 2.5L SkyActiv engine. The CorkSport Cold Air Box was also designed with the current CorkSport SRI in mind, so all of our awesome past customers don’t have to buy a new SRI just to get the cold air box.

When we set out to develop the cold air box, we knew we needed to design it with more than just cold air in mind. It needed to look great, function great, and be easy to use. And that’s exactly what we did.

First on our list was figuring out how to perfectly source cold air for your engine.

Mazda has worked hard developing a car that’s highly efficient; one of the ways to do that is via the aerodynamics of the car. There can be sizable aerodynamic losses when a car has large voids and/or openings in the front, sides, and under the car. Mazda did such a great job with the aerodynamic design that there are no openings in the front of the Mazda 3 and 6 other than the radiator, but we don’t want to source hot air from the radiator.

This left us with two options:

1) Ask you, our customer, to cut holes in your brand new car or

2) Utilize the cold air source that Mazda already worked so hard to design.

This wasn’t a difficult decision to make.

The CorkSport Cold Air Box pairs perfectly with the CorkSport Short Ram Intake.

Through an iterative process of CMM (coordinate measuring machine), design, a 3D-print, and test fittings, we were able to design a cold air box that utilized the OEM cold air source and re-use the OEM rubber mounting isolators.

Using the OEM rubber isolators and mounts allows the box to move and flex to account for the engine’s normal movement during operation. Pair this with the easy-to-use thumb screws for the lid and filter servicing is a breeze.

Get your 2014 Mazda 3 the cold air it needs with the CorkSport cold air box that goes perfectly with the CorkSport SRI.

Finally, we wanted the CorkSport Cold Air Box to look like it belongs in your engine bay. The color, finish, and manufacturing method were all chosen because they closely resemble OEM parts. Like most OEM plastic parts found in the engine bay, the CorkSport Cold Air Box is manufactured from ABS, which is durable and resistant to the high heat found in your engine bay.

Yes folks, this means you can have your cake and eat it too. Get it February 24th, 2016!

Cheers,

CorkSport

February 10, 2016September 13, 2018

What’s Racing Got To Do With It?

Looking from the outside, racing really doesn’t make much sense. You spend a bunch of money to win some trophies, which are nowhere near as valuable as the money spent on the racing to get it. This leaves most people asking “why?”

I’m here to explain why the people at CorkSport spend the time and energy to go racing.

First, we get access to world-class drivers. I’m not saying I’m not a decent driver, but I’m always learning, just like the best drivers out there. The best example we have is recently hiring pro driver Kenton Koch to do development work on our 2016 Miata suspension.

If you haven’t heard his name, you should by now. He’s a Mazda development driver and he’s won the Skip Barber Series Championship, Skip Barber Mazdaspeed Series Championship, Battery Tender MX-5 Cup Championship, and this last year, the IMSA Prototype Lights Champtionship. This year at the Rolex 24hour in Daytona, Kenton was part of a JDC-Miller PC team that won their class and the first race in the Patron Endurance Championship. This was also the first time he’d raced this car against other competitors. So you can say Kenton is good.

The second thing about racing is you’ll break and wear out parts. If you’re not wearing out parts, you’re not pushing the car hard enough and you’re officially a Sunday driver. Brakes, tires, suspension, and motor components are exposed to the worst conditions while racing. A recent example was when I raced at Daytona for the SCCA runoffs. We raced our 2015 Mazda 3 2.5 with all of our parts for an entire week. Every lap we hit a top speed of 139mph, hammering the brake to make corner 1. The intake and exhaust got a massive workout dealing with the full throttle driving for extended periods of time on the embankment of the oval. The CorkSport springs and swaybar were pounded over the curbs on the infield and the bus stop. The end result of the race weekend was zero problems with our parts, even in a worst-case environment.

The third reason is just as compelling to me as the first two reasons: you learn. When I head to the track, I make sure I have a goal in mind of what I want to accomplish ahead of time. For this upcoming year, CorkSport is an associate sponsor of Hale Motorsports Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car effort with two MX-5 TC classed cars and a very familiar Mazda 2 TC B-Spec, which CorkSport built and raced. I’ve signed on to be a crew chief for the car driven by Joey Jordan, who piloted the CorkSport Mazda 2 last year to four straight 1^st place finishes at the end of the Pirelli World Challenge season. We also have a future star in the making. Henry Morse will be driving the Mazda 2 for this season as well, which makes for a busy schedule.

My goal for the season is to develop the skills to operate at the highest level needed by a crew chief in strategy, drive prep, team communications, and operations. Each one of these items is essential inside a team to be effective and win a championship.

Now that you know, what do you think? Do you understand why we race? Feel free to post your comments here on the blog and I’ll make sure I reply back personally.

January 12, 2016January 13, 2016

Mazda Performance In Action at the Track

We live and breathe Mazda.

But you already knew this about us. We work our 9-5 serving Mazdas and then on the weekends, we hit the track with our very own Mazda.

What exactly goes into our Derrick-driven Mazda3 race car? CorkSport.

Check out our performance in action infographic and see what goes into the CS race car. Don’t worry: if you have an older Mazda, we still have you covered.

Rear motor mount

Get improved handling and road feel while maintaining a comfortable ride. Our rear motor mount reduces your engine’s movement which enhances the power transfer from engine to tire, therefore improving throttle response, gear shifting, and driver feedback.

Short ram intake

Instant increase in HP and torque by reducing intake restrictions and bringing more air into the intake chamber.

Cat back exhaust

Gain more horsepower and torque by creating a free-flowing system without restrictions. You’ll get smooth flow, increased power, and a faster spool up.

Lowering springs

Give your car the performance appearance and edge you have been looking for. You’ll get a quicker turning response, crisper road feel, and a firmer spring rate, all while maintaining excellent ride quality.

Camber plates

Get adjustability to dial in performance and handling. Our front camber plates provide up to -3 degrees of camber.

Rear sway bar

Remove the tendency to overpower the front tires under hard cornering. Our rear sway bar increases the spring rate on side of the suspension which is compressed most and its adjustability allows you to fine tune the handling.

Now get some drive time in and hit the track.

Cheers,

CorkSport

December 31, 2015September 21, 2023

Five CorkSport Releases You Still Need to Buy

2015 was a good year here at CorkSport. We released a whopping 26 new products! With the New Year upon us, it’s not too late to snag some of our favorite new parts we released. Here are our top five picks for upgrades you still need in 2016.

Mazdaspeed 3 Adjustable Short Shifter

Improve your driving experience with the CorkSport double-adjustable short shifter for the 2007-2009 MS3. You can personalize the throw distance and shift knob height just how you want it. Not only is your shift time faster with our shifter, it’s more precise and controlled. Got a newer MS3? Don’t worry, there’s a short shifter for you too.

Mazdaspeed 3 Front Mount Interiorcooler Kit

Cool down your boost air temperatures without compromise with our front mount intercooler kit with either the small or large intercooler. Featuring all new piping for better fitment and performance, our FMIC comes standard with the high flow small core or the optional big core with crash bar. Our FMIC Kit features a new variable diameter piping that reduces boost lag and improves throttle response.

3.5 Bar MAP Sensor

Introducing the first Plug-N-Play 3.5 Bar MAP sensor designed for the MZR DISI. The MAP sensor provides instantaneous manifold pressure information to the engine’s ECU. The custom injection molded body features the OEM style connection for a quick and clean installation; no adapter wiring harness needed! And we made it even easier for you by putting the necessary calibration scalars directly onto the MAP sensor, making tuning calibration a breeze.

MX-5 Miata Axle Back Exhaust

Great sound, great looks, and great quality. It’s that simple when it comes to the MX-5 axle back exhaust. We’ve tested multiple designs to provide you with an exhaust that delivers top performance without the annoying drone so typically found in aftermarket exhaust systems. Our exhaust is manufactured from T304 stainless steel, CNC mandrel bent, and TIG welded for a perfect fit and long lasting durability. Only the best for your new Miata.

Mazdaspeed 3 & 6 Drop-in Turbo Upgrade

You know we’re all about that boost life. Experience a serious boost in performance with our drop-in Mazdaspeed turbocharger. It easily bolts in and replaces your undersized OEM turbo with no mechanical modifications. Yes, you read that correct. No mechanical mods. Our turbocharger comes with all the necessities you need for increased power performance so there’s no need to buy additional parts.

What’s on your mod list for 2016?

Cheers,

CorkSport

First, we focused on the system performance since we all want to go fast, right?

So, what makes the CorkSport CAI System superior?

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

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