mazdaspeed | CorkSport Mazda Performance Blog

May 2, 2013

Our Videos, Your Input

With the release of our new Passenger Side Motor Mount for the Mazdaspeed 3, we were met with some interesting comments on some of the forums based mainly upon the somewhat controversial design we used. With that in mind, Austin and Joel grabbed a camera and a mic to set the story straight.

What happened was very interesting, the video (while crude) almost instantly set many fears aside and made quite a few customers out of disbelievers. In just a few hours they were able to address all the potential issues brought up on the forum. At CorkSport we often talk about unexpected successes so that we can learn from them. We have always taken pride in the fact that we listen to you and always ask what you feel is needed in the market and what we could do for you; but with this video we discovered how quickly and definitively we could let you know that we did address not only your needs, but also any fears you may have. If you have a question you would like addressed or a video you want to see, let us know by contacting us here: https://www.corksport.com/contact-us.html . At CorkSport, you can expect to see more videos putting our products and your concerns to the test, and then to rest.

Cheers,

Joel

April 25, 2013February 28, 2018

Fuel Pump Comparison Part 2

In part 1 we discussed fuel pumps, their uses and what’s inside them. Now we can talk a little about what goes into making them and what the differences are.

Does size matter? When looking at the stock piston on the factory fuel pump you can sure say that it does matter. If you increase the piston diameter you increase the flow of the pump. We have decided to compare the similar internals first and then compare the APR pump afterwards. The Autotech/KMD internals use the same diameter piston head. At 9.8mm compared to the factory 8.0mm. When comparing the volume area they are both about 50% improvement with the KMD edging out the Autotech by a marginal amount. This slight edge comes from the shape of the end of the shaft being slightly different. The Autotech looks more like a piston from an internal combustion engine where the KMD is very similar to the factory design at the end. Because these are the older version of the KMD internals they are coated differently. They look to be a TiCN coating but we can’t say for sure. The Autotech internals are listed as a DLC coating which stands for Diamond Like Carbon. The newer KMDs are now PVD coated (Physical Vapor Deposition).

When we start comparing the sleeves that the piston rides in we notice they are all similar in shape and size. The Autotech has a coated sleeve that appears to be some sort of tool steel. The factory is uncoated and appears to be tool steel. The KMD is uncoated and appears to be stainless of some variety. Internally there is a relief cut that is ~3 times larger on the aftermarket internals which should help with the 50% improvement in flow. The sleeve shows the constraints for why you can not go much larger than the 9.8mm piston. The end that fits in the factory pump can only be so large and the wall thickness must maintain a certain size or failure will be imminent.

For a long time the CP-E pump was rumored to be made by APR. The CP-E pump we ordered actually came with an APR sticker on the side of it. Oops. We quickly disassembled it and documented the findings. The pump uses a 9.5mm piston which is smaller then the two internal only options. APR claims 40% improvement and we calculated about a 41% improvement so no issues there. They also chose a Stainless steel sleeve and DLC coating on the piston. The big difference comes when you look in the cap. They machine in an extra Seal to help with the oil deposit issue. Is this needed? We aren’t sure yet but it is an interesting addition.

Now for the one big addition that only one manufacturer saw fit to think about. APR added a spring that increases the ability to return the piston. This can be very important for wear on the cam shaft if you get any float from the spring at higher RPM’s; the more the pump worked, the more important this would be. Remember that the cam has three lobes on it so even though the cams spin at half the speed of the crank the pump spins at three times that of the cam. This makes a 1.5 times the crank difference. So what ever the RPM you are at the pump is at 1.5 times that. At a 8000rpm redline the pump is going 12000rpms. The pump also has to draw in 40-50% more fluid so a return spring plays apart in that as well.

Next time we will get these pumps on the dyno and check out how the hold pressures at the same load. Luckily we have an in house dyno that can vary load and the ability to log pressures.

April 16, 2013February 28, 2018

Fuel Pump Comparison Part 1

Adding power to your Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazdaspeed can be amazing and very rewarding. One of the most important decisions you can make when tuning these cars is which fuel pump to use. Since we have never seen a proper comparison of the currently available models we decided to test them for the Mazda community. In this multi-part series, we will talk about the basics, the differences and the advantages with all of the available options.

Most aftermarket fuel pump upgrades consist of changing the internal parts of the factory pump with an enlarged piston and sleeve. By enlarging the piston, you increase the volume of the pump; thus creating more flow and the ability to maintain pressure at higher power levels.

When you first start taking the fuel pump apart, the first thing you are met with is the sight of a strange black deposit in the cap of the pump. Shown above are the deposits common to most caps. The bottom is a machined surface that should be clear of debris. In order for us to more clearly understand the situation we sent the cap out to undergo chemical analysis.

The spectrum analysis shows that the buildup is made of motor oil and defoaming agents that are added to motor oil. The oil in the cap is from the camshaft case that drives the pump, a slight amount leaks by the seal and into the pump. When installing new internals it would be a very good time to clean that area as best as you can and possibly replace the O-ring that seals the area inside the cap.

Once we understood what the substance was we then set out to see the options available. We purchased a CP-E pump (APR), Autotech internals and KMD internals to compare and test. Next time we will be measuring all the internals and comparing expected increases while determining what the real differences were. If you already have a pump, are thinking about getting one or are still scared, you’re going to want to see the next blog in this series.

Cheers,

Joel

April 11, 2013May 3, 2023

Dual Product Release!! CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 Passenger Side Motor Mount and Transmission Insert

It’s finally here!! The passenger side motor mounts you’ve all been waiting for. If you’re tired of slamming your engine into the firewall or just want to put all of those horses you spent so much money on to the ground, the new Mazdaspeed Passenger Side Motor Mount from is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Designed as a direct OEM replacement, the CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 Passenger Side Motor Mount maintains OEM fitment while adding a much stronger base incorporating stiffer urethane bushings and a billet aluminum structure.

The CorkSport Advantage:

Durable: Designed to withstand abuse and still provide a direct connection to the ground. With billet aluminum, performance urethane and top grade hardware, the CorkSport Passenger Side Motor Mount is built to last
Vertical Bushings: Like factory to limit fore/aft movement with 80 durometer urethane for improved resistance to movement
Black anodized finish with zinc coated sleeves: for a durable, lasting finish and long life.
OEM Fitment: Designed as a direct OEM replacement for a worry-free install
CorkSport Service and Support: Receive a 2-year warranty, full-color installation instructions, all of the needed installation hardware and knowledgeable telephone support

CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 Transmission Mount Insert

We are also pleased to announce the release of our Mazdaspeed 3 Transmission mount insert. This insert is an easy way to reinforce the stock mount and prevent driveline slack.

The CorkSport Advantage:

Constructed from high durometer polyurethane: Designed to fill in the gaps in the factory rubber motor mounts to limit the movement of the engine and transmission
Patterned after the OEM Mazda mounts for accurate fitment
CorkSport Service and Support: Receive a 2-year warranty, full-color installation instructions, all of the needed installation hardware and knowledgeable telephone support

With the addition of these mounts, you can count on a much more direct path of your power to the ground, helping you get every ounce of performance!

As with all CorkSport products, the CorkSport Passenger Side Motor Mount and Transmission Mount Insert come with a two-year limited warranty, full-color instructions, and CorkSport service and support. The CorkSport Performance Passenger Side Motor Mount and Transmission Mount Insert can be purchased at our online catalog here:

CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 Passenger Side Motor Mount

CorkSport Mazdaspeed 3 Transmission Mount Insert

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March 26, 2013December 17, 2018

Product Release! CorkSport High Flow Panel Filter

Want to help your Mazda breathe a bit easier and free up a few horsepower while maintaining factory appearance and factory warranty? CorkSport is here with our new high flow drop-in replacement panel filter!

The CorkSport Panel filter flows much higher than traditional paper filters and can add proven horsepower and torque increases with very little effort and money.

The CorkSport Advantage:

Superior Construction: Made from three-dimensional filter medium with depth loading and structural screen wire.
No Oil Design: Our filters use patented Dryflow technology that requires no oil, no measuring, no MAF issues.
Durable: Our Filters can go up to 100,000 miles before needing cleaning and are a breeze to clean.
CorkSport Service and Support: Receive a two-year limited warranty, full-color installation instructions, all of the needed installation hardware, and knowledgeable telephone support.

As with all CorkSport products the CorkSport High Flow panel filter is backed by a two-year warranty and comes complete with full-color instructions and CorkSport service and support. The CorkSport High Flow filter fits all MazdaSpeed 3 models and all Mazda 3 models (Non-Skyactiv). These filters are in stock and available at our online catalog here:

CorkSport High Flow Panel Filter

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