Mazdaspeed 3 Port Injection Fuel Kit

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. 

Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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. 

Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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

Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel 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!

CORKSPORT MAZDA PERFORMANCE BLOG

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. 

Mazdaspeed 3 Fender Mounted Auxiliary Fuel Cell

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.
Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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.
Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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.
Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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
Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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.
Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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.
Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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.
Split Second Injector Controller AIC1-V4H EV6 for Auxiliary Fuel System

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.
Injector Dynamics 1050x Port Injectors for Auxiliary Fuel System

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. 

Mazdaspeed 3 8th Port Auxiliary Fuel Kit

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. 

CORKSPORT MAZDA PERFORMANCE BLOG

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. 

Barett @ CS

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Mazdaspeed 3 Aux Fuel Tank

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!

Mazdaspeed 3 Fender Mounted Auxiliary Fuel Cell

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. 

Mazdaspeed 3 Fender Mounted Auxiliary Fuel Cell

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.

Mazdaspeed 3 Fender Mounted Auxiliary Fuel Cell

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.
Mazdaspeed 3 Fender Mounted Auxiliary Fuel Cell

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. 

Mazdaspeed 3 Fender Mounted Auxiliary Fuel Cell

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.

Be sure to give us a call with any questions you have on the CorkSport Auxiliary Fuel Tank!

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The Steering Wheel Your Mazda 3 Deserves

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. 

This performance steering wheel is designed for the facelift 2017 – 2018 Mazda 3, 2017+ Mazda CX-5 and 2018+ Mazda CX-3.  

2017-18 Mazda 3, 2017+ CX-5, 2018+ CX-3 Leather/Alcantara Steering Wheel

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?  

2017-18 Mazda 3 Leather/Alcantara Steering Wheel
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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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2017+ CX-5 Leather/Alcantara Steering Wheel
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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. 

2018+ CX-3 Leather/Alcantara Steering Wheel

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.

2017-18 Mazda 3, 2017+ CX-5, 2018+ CX-3 Leather/Alcantara 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

2017-18 Mazda 3, 2017+ CX-5, 2018+ CX-3 Leather/Alcantara 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.

2017-18 Mazda 3, 2017+ CX-5, 2018+ CX-3 Leather/Alcantara Steering Wheel

-CorkSport

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold

Today is a huge day for the Speed community; one that has been coming for a long time with both celebration and frustration. Never the less time is up and this project is ready for the community as a whole!

We are proud to announce the Performance Exhaust Manifold for the Mazdaspeed 3 & 6! With over 2 years in development, the MPS exhaust manifold has been long waiting, but for good reason. A project of this scale does not happen overnight; many variables have to be considered, evaluated, and verified.  

I’m confident you have seen “leaked” images from our 6 Alpha and Beta testers over the recent month, but we can make it official.  

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
CorkSport

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But with so many options currently available what makes the CorkSport option compelling? Why should you care?  

That’s a great question and one that can easily be answered with multiple great reasons. The most obvious is the design: this includes the overall shape and the type of material & manufacturing.  

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
Mazdaspeed Exhaust Manifold

Material & Manufacturing: In our initial investigation and vetting of this project we strongly considered two primary manufacturing methods; Casting and Tubular fabrication (check out the blog here). In a nutshell, we opted for a cast manufacturing method because it reduced the chance of failure modes, reduced the overall size and weight, and gave us more flexibility in design.  

Like most exhaust manifolds, we opted to use 304 stainless steel because it is corrosion-resistant, handles heat well, and is a common and cost-effective material.  

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
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Following up is Design: The list of details that went into the design is far too long to list here, but we can cover the major items that define the CS Exhaust Mani. With investment casting, we had a lot more flexibility in design with the bend radius, diameters, and wall thickness of the individual runners. This allowed us to increase the inner diameter of the runners to 1.59 inches, achieve a 0.200-inch wall thickness, and fine-tune the path and bends of each runner to optimize runner length and flow.  

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
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With that flexibility in design, we were able to increase peak flow and improve flow balance per runner. Overall we were able to increase peak flow 45% over the OEM manifold and 33% over the XS Power V3.  

Next up in design, and arguably the most exciting and unique aspect, is the modular flange system.  

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
Mazdaspeed Exhaust Manifold

This is unlike any other manifold available for the Mazdaspeed today…you can choose your flange between OEM Stock Flange, Precision V-Band, or T3. Sure all these options are available today from other options, but none are modular. Say you pull the trigger on the OE Stock Flange today, but a year from now you want to upgrade your build to a Precision V-band flange. With any other manifold, you would have to buy another $900+ manifold to get the new flange, but with the CorkSport Exhaust Manifold, you just have to get the new flange elbow for your setup. This is MUCH MUCH cheaper and easier to change!

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
CorkSport

Speaking of install, compared to the typical performance exhaust manifold the CS design is cake to install. With the modular design, you are not fighting the entire bulk for the manifold and flange at the same time. You can leave you turbocharger unmoved connected to the downpipe and intake system, you just install the flange elbow after the manifold is in and bolted to the engine.  

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
Mazdaspeed Exhaust Manifold

Making life even easier…we opted to develop a pre-fabbed dump tube (screamer pipe) for the Tial 44mm EWG. This is an optional feature for the kit, but one we highly suggest because it’s just so damned easy. Designed for MPS 3 and MPS 6, it fits around most standard downpipes and dumps below the sub-frame right behind the drive axle. Also included with each kit is a SS heat shield that is required for the GEN1 and GEN2 Mazdaspeed 3. You Mazdaspeed 6 guys just get a cool garage ornament.  

So how does the CS exhaust manifold stack up on power? 

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
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First up is a fully bolted CST4 MS3 with a 6th port fuel system: Comparing the CS EM to the OEM EM, this drop-in test we found that the turbo was spooling faster, carried more mid and upper range power and held that gain through to redline. Overall it improved power under that curve which is what truly makes a car fast and fun to drive.  

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
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Next up is a fully bolted and built CST6 MS3 with 8th port fuel system: Just like the previous graph, we saw an improvement in spool, mid and upper rpm ranges, and carried it to redline. The difference here is the exhaust manifold we are comparing. This is showing the difference between the CS EM and the XS Power V3.  

With that being said, the CorkSport Exhaust Mani has been proven to 685whp on this same car and with the CST6. We are confident the CS exhaust manifold has far more capacity to support; if we have anything to do with that we will prove it. 

Mazdaspeed Cast Exhaust Manifold
Mazdaspeed Exhaust Manifold

Lastly is sound…we’ve been asked a lot about the sound. How will it affect the sound? Will it sound like a Honda now? Will it be louder?  

We knew the sound was critical because let’s be honest…we are all car guys/gals and Mazdaspeed has a great unique sound to it. We did not want to lose that so we did our best to hit performance goals without sacrificing the Mazdaspeed grumble.  

One of our Beta testers put together a great video comparing the sound of OEM vs CorkSport. The car is a GEN1 MS3 with a built engine, full bolt-ons, CST4, and Cobb Exhaust system. Check out this video link for sound!

In our design, we kept a varied length runner design to help maintain the Mazdaspeed grumble. We believe we succeeded in keeping that classic grumble, but also refined the sound a bit. We like to describe it as exotic. Either way, the grumble lives on, and honestly, none of our beta testers can stop grinning ear to ear with every WOT pull.  

With that being said act fast! We know these are going to fly off the shelf and we are going to do our damn very best to keep them in stock for everyone, but don’t wait!

Grab yours here!

Thanks for tuning in with CorkSport Mazda Performance.  

-Barett @ CS

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Barett’s 1/2 Mile Mazdaspeed 3 Build – Part 1

Hey Everyone, if you don’t know me already I’m the engineering manager at CorkSport Performance & @Halfmilespeed3.  I want to make a formal greeting and invite you to follow along as I take the next huge step with my personal build.  I drive a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 that has been through many iterations.  I bought it nearly 6 years ago and have since used it in excess to support CorkSport R&D.  Hundreds if not thousands of passes on the dyno with so many parts…it’s been a beaten test mule.  The time has come to set a focus.

2007-2009 Mazdaspeed 3 Crashbar

Now, with the 4th engine going in it, I’m setting the build focus for ½ Mile Drag Racing.  Power, Aero, and some “Mad Scientist” R&D is going into this build.  (see WTF is THAT)

Mad Scientist Add-ons
600hp Mazdaspeed Build Path – CorkSport Barett’s 2009 Mazdaspeed

My goals are 700whp on the CST6 stock flange (with Will @ PD Tuning giving it the sauce) and 180mph in the standing ½ mile.  I plan to play in the 1320, but half mile is the focus.  My first event was going to be Never Lift @ Coalinga Munical Airport in Late March, but with recent events, this was canceled and a new date has not been set.  Fingers crossed the country gets through this and the next events hosted by Shift S3ctor Airstrip Attack in June and November hold.

Back to the build…I know that pushing a Mazdaspeed through the air at 180mph is a lofty goal and that physics are against me.  With the help and advice of Aaron O’neal @ English Racing I am exploring high-speed aero design. 

Gen 1 Mazdaspeed Parts

The primary goal is stability at high speed.  I want to be safe in this type of racing so I need to do what I can to make the car stable and predictable at speed.  This means I need the car to cut through the air as smoothly as possible, and if possible, generate downforce. 

To do this I’ve made a prototype drag wing (which I will share more detail on in a later blog) per the advice of Aaron and my research.  This wing is two feet long at the top! And with the closed sides, this should reduce the amount of lift generated at the back of the car.

There is still a lot more work to do here but you get the idea so far.

Splitter Mount
CorkSport

Upfront I am still very much in the conceptual phase of design.  Nearly the whole front bumper will be sealed off with a single sheet of ABS plastic formed to the front of the car.  The only opening will be a rectangle about the size of the intercooler for cooling airflow.  I also plan to build a chassis mounted splitter.  The red parts in the image above are the one-off brackets I designed to mount the splitter to the chassis and still be able to adjust the height (Again I’ll share more detail in future blogs as the prototype comes together).

CorkSport

The other less intuitive aero bit I’m doing on the front of the Speed is hood venting.  Thanks to Jonathan Castro @ JC Speedworks for the hood vent I’m able to kill two birds with one stone here.  If you’ve done any type of racing you know heat is a killer and must be managed.  With this hood vent, I am both evacuating any high-pressure air build up in the engine bay and promoting more efficient airflow through the intercooler and radiator. 

With the 300 miles I’ve put on the car, I can already see a huge difference in normal operating temps.  Maybe more vents are in the works? 😉 Oh and shout out to @mz_rawr (Aaron Maves) for cutting holes in my hood.

CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 Transmission Mount Blog

In the process of getting the engine and transmission together, I wanted to fix a 2nd gear drop out issue I had.  Over a weekend @thatonepnwguy (Bryce Peterson) and I split my transmission and replaced the shift forks.  We certainly did it the wrong way and had to chase some balls around and get them back into their respective locations; despite all that, don’t be afraid to tear into things and learn the hard way. 

How To Achieve 400 WHP In Your Mazdaspeed Blog

The powerplant made it in the car and is running great.  Right now I’ve got about 300 miles on the engine.  I’ve been working out some little details with heat management and setup of the Vacuum Pump (WTF is THAT).  I am just now starting to do logs and tuning with Will Dawson at Purple Drank Tuning.  With these goals, I still intend to keep the car street legal and driven on a nearly daily basis (I wish you could see the stares I get from people).  I’m putting this out to all of you as an invite to follow along with the build on Instagram @halfmilespeed3.  All the inside info and goodies are there for you to see along with @corksport for other stories and build updates.  I’m stoked for this season and to explore a racing series that has largely been untouched by the Mazdaspeed community.  I will be finding limits and new challenges for the platform that I hope to overcome.

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