Join the Mazda Family

Oh man, where to start.

Day one, was a 6-hour drive from Utah to Boise Idaho. I was supposed to head out with a couple of other Utah guys, but they were not able to make it. I was on my own for 6 and the only thing going through my head was, “I’m on my own, driving to a town I know no one in, I have zero friends and that I’ll probably be the only Mazda 3 there”. I made it my goal to make friends wherever it is I go or else this was going to be a alone and this trip would have been a waste. As I get into town I settled into my Airbnb and decided to hit the town. I only saw one speed that night but I was anxious for the next day to go to the events start.

Day two, I went to this pancake house to grab some grub and I was shaking out of excitement. I head over to Keith’s house and see four speeds outside. I immediately knew I was in the right place. I walk up to Keith and welcomes me with open arms and announces I am the only Utah guy to show up this year. I start talking to everyone and get to meet everyone who shows up and I’m having a blast every one welcoming me to Idaho and the first takeover for me.

Keith announces we will be going to horseshoe bend. A canyon drive day one, one I will never forget. It was a beautiful sight the entire time. Brett hanging out of Corey’s MX-5 MSM taking beautiful shots of everyone’s cars and even a drone in the sky.

Later that day we head off to start our first competition of the weekend, go-karting. Name of the game fastest lap time wins a prize. I can’t remember who it was that won. Then that night was BBQ night and drinks all around. That’s when I got to meet everyone else who had shown up, share a couple of beers and enjoy the CorkSport koozies that were handed out.

Day three, I woke up in my car…well because of the night before.

Saturday was a slow and relaxed day of just hanging out in the garage hiding from the rain. While we hanging out in the garage some of the Oregon guys decided to adopt me and I can join them since I was the only Utahan. I also got to talk to Dale and pick his brain about tuning and learned a bunch about speed that I had no knowledge of as well. Later that night we head off to the raceway and I’m excited to see everyone run and see lap times everyone was laying down. There were a bunch of cool cars and Barett laying down some fast times on street tires.

Day four, the last day.

Everyone meets up to say their goodbyes, have a beer or two, share some last tales. The few people that have left a great memory for me where Keith, Jordan, Anthony, Aaron, Dale, Brett, Corey, and how could I ever forget Brian. As I head back to Utah with everyone on my mind and how my entire weekend went I wanted to turn around and just stay. I had made new Mazda Friends and Family.

Those four days were ones I could never forget. The feeling of being accepted into a group of people I didn’t know and didn’t necessarily fit in with was one that cannot be explained. It can only be experienced. When I came back to Utah, I couldn’t stop thinking about my vacation in Idaho. How it ended so soon. How it felt like I started a new life for just 4 days. I want next year to come sooner so that I may meet the friends and family I now have in Idaho, Washington, and in Oregon. Thank all of you again for the wonderful experience.

Oh yeah, by the way, I am making the drive to the CorkSport Dyno Day and Show & Shine on August 25th – Excited to see my new/old friends!

July 26, 2018April 21, 2023

Stopping power for the Mazdaspeed6

With our goals to make more power, we often forget about the opposite requirement so speed…stopping. The CorkSport Big Brake Caliper Kit is a great place to start, however, if you wish you could stop even faster say hello to the CorkSport 13-inch Big Brake Kit. Designed for serious stopping power, it includes 13” directional rotors, powder-coated 4-piston calipers, upgraded pads, and everything you need to install it on your Mazdaspeed 6.

Read on for a breakdown of all the components:

2-Piece Rotors

Lots of thought has been put into the design of the performance rotors found in the CorkSport 13-inch BBK. The upgrade to 13-inch diameter rotors provides greater braking torque for an equivalent braking force (like how a longer wrench makes it easier to loosen a tight bolt). The increased diameter combined with a thicker 28mm (vs 25mm for OE) rotor ring provides better cooling as there is a larger mass to reject heat into.

In addition, slots were added to the friction surface to help sweep away any debris, brake dust, or gases that can otherwise affect your braking characteristics. Drilled rotors were not used as holes decrease your total friction area and increase the chance that the rotor will crack. Utilizing a two-piece design, we were able to decrease the overall weight of the rotor via the center section produced from billet aluminum; while also helping dissipate heat from the rest of the rotor better. Semi-Floating mounting between the inner and outer sections allows for a quieter rotor vs having a full-floating center section.

Lastly, the rotors feature directional internal vanes that promote more efficient airflow through the rotor which further increases the rotor’s ability to dissipate heat. By using curved vanes instead of the typical straight vanes, the rotor becomes directional and has to be used on a specific side of the vehicle; however, it also provides more efficient cooling. When the rotor turns, the curved vanes draw air through the center of the rotor and out through the edge, providing greater airflow than a straight vane and thus better cooling. There is another bonus to heat dissipation as the curved vanes have a larger surface area that will come in contact with air than an equivalent number of straight vanes.

Forged Calipers

Four-piston performance calipers manufactured from forged aluminum are included with the kit in a choice of powder-coated blue, red, or black.

Although each piston is individually smaller in diameter than the single OE caliper piston, the total surface area is increased so the braking force at a specific brake pressure is increased. A larger piston surface area means larger brake pads can be used as well. You also get more even braking force on each side of the rotor due to the opposed piston design. This encourages even pad wear, even rotor wear, and consistent braking characteristics. The piston diameter and material were chosen for optimum braking endurance and reliability. They are staggered in size, with the pistons on the leading edge being slightly smaller than the trailing edge pistons. This is another protection for even pad wear. Each piston is made completely out of stainless steel for its low conductive heat transfer. What this means is that the pistons themselves will transfer less heat to the brake fluid than an aluminum or steel piston, decreasing the chances of overheating brake fluid.

Performance Pads

Street performance brake pads are included with the kit. The street sports pads bridge the gap between street and trackpads. They are a more aggressive compound than the pads included with the CorkSport Big Brake Caliper Kit but are not full trackpads. They will produce less dust and noise than a trackpad but still need to be warmed up for optimum performance. Should you need new pads or want to change to a different pad, you have a bunch of options from G-Lock, Carbotech, EBC, Hawk, and various other manufacturers.

Lines, Brackets, and Hardware

The remainder of the CorkSport 13-inch BBK is composed of exactly what you need to properly and safely install the kit on your MS6. Coated stainless steel brake lines are included to remove any risk of a soft brake pedal and ensure the calipers are operating optimally. High-strength billet steel brackets properly position the four-piston calipers on the new rotors using the OE bracket locations. All components are locked down using Grade 12.9 hardware with a corrosion-resistant coating for lasting durability. We’ve recently launched new brake lines for the Mazdaspeed 6.

The CorkSport Mazdaspeed 6 and Mazda6 13” Big Brake Kit has everything you need to keep you safe at increased horsepower levels. If you’re looking for more than the stock brakes have to offer, let the CorkSport BBK be a part of your build.

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July 24, 2018July 26, 2018

CorkSport and Mazda Events

I absolutely love it when the fantastic humans at Corksport approach me to blog it up for them. So let’s dive right in, no time to waste.

August is kind of a sad month if you look at a calendar. No real holidays to speak of, it’s hot and miserable across the entire United States, and with the exception of Vigil of Assumption Day(whatever that is), August is kind of boring. But, look no further than the CorkSport’s Dyno Day, Show & Shine and Drag Racing on August 25th!!! It’s almost like Christmas in August. Free stuff, raffles, food and drink but most importantly, great people. Be sure to let them know if you are coming on their EVENT PAGE!

Oh, you forgot who I am. Well, I put on one of the craziest meets for us Mazda junkies. Mazda Takeover, yeah, I’m that guy that annoys you on the Facebook groups reminding you to come and have a weekend of a lifetime. You might be wondering what that has to do with a Corksport Dyno day? I will gladly tell you.

Corksport has gotten behind Mazdaspeed Idaho’s little shindig in a big way. You see, the good folks over at CS year after year make the trek, a pilgrimage if you will to Idaho for Takeover weekend. It’s only right that we return the favor! As soon as CorkSport announced their dyno day event, posts from Mazdaspeed Idaho members flooded our local page with questions, ideas, plans and straight up commitment to making the trip to CS in August.

I might be a little biased about the Mazdaspeed Idaho group being the best group of people ever, and they are. The cars in Mazdaspeed Idaho may not be showpiece material, nor are they the fastest on the planet, but us members love our Mazda’s as if they were show cars or all out HP cars.

Hell, one member sold his Gen 1 speed and within a year picked up a Gen 2 just because he loved the community more than the other community options given his other cars, so that’s saying something about not only the Mazda brand, his local Mazda community, but it says a lot about Corksport as well. Having owned his new Mazdaspeed 3 less than a week, he was the first to commit to wanting to go with the group that forms to the CorkSport dyno day! He is beyond excited to meet the people and see the building where his car part dreams come to fruition.

As of right now, I’m guessing Idaho will roll into Vancouver with 10-20 Mazda’s, which is a huge improvement over the 4 we took last year. I’m really looking forward to this event, mostly because it gives the Western Washington Mazdaspeed and Nator OR communities another group to bond with. Which is what Mazda should be about, forming and building a strong, unbreakable community that forges lifelong friendships through one shared passion. I really hope some California members make the trip as well. It’s always refreshing to see other Mazda’s, other ideas, and other builds.

I didn’t ask my boss, I told him I won’t be available because I have race car stuff to do with my race car family. And you all should tell your boss the exact same thing, and show up for one hell of a weekend out at Corksport.

See you @ CorkSport August 25th!

Keith Eggert

July 17, 2018November 20, 2019

Why Lowering Springs?

Whether you want the better handling that comes with the lowered center of gravity, or you want to rid yourself of the wheel gap eyesore. Lowering springs will give you want you’re looking for.

For running the track, or a spirited drive through the countryside, CorkSport lowering springs are the upgrade you’ve been looking for. By adding lowering springs and lowering the center of gravity of your Mazda allows the car to stay more planted to the road.

One of the biggest things to note on stock suspension is how far upward the suspension travels when hitting a bump. It can make the car feel like it wants to lift off of the road; depending on how fast you’re taking corners. Lowering springs help to correct the car’s suspension travel when you hit a bump in a turn.

Corksport Mazda 3 racer

Lowering springs also have about 25% increased stiffness. For the Mazdaspeed platform, increased stiffness in the rear is a must. Mazdaspeeds like to squat pretty hard when hitting full boost, so any way you can manage to stiffen up the rear is a great modification for your car.

Adding lowering springs also gives your baby amazing eye appeal and a much more aggressive look. Whether you drive a Mazdaspeed3, Mazdaspeed6, Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX-5, CX-3 or MX-5, lowering springs will get rid of that ugly wheel well gap. The result is a Mazda that carries a much cleaner and more aggressive look and gives you the ability to take it to the track if you want to.

Some people want to drop their Mazda as much as possible, and some don’t. CorkSport lowering springs don’t deliver a super aggressive drop. If you’re not interested in scraping your front bumper on every road bump, the CorkSport lowering springs have the right drop for you, and provide the increased handling capabilities you’re looking for.

If you’re curious about other suspension pieces for your Mazdaspeed, check out our Struts and Shocks combo kits, that give you just what you need for suspension.

June 26, 2018July 9, 2018

Drag Racing: Just Like the First Time

Ask any of my friends or coworkers and they will quickly tell you “Barett Loves Curves!”

I’ve always been the first guy to dive into the corner, hit the apex and power out with just a touch of wheel spin. My car follows suit with its build; upgraded sway bars, big brake kit up front and the steering wheel to hold it all together. Of course, my friends were always there with the peer pressure to hit 1320…Luke McCarvel being the biggest offender (check out his “Drag Strip Checklist”). However, one day my opinion changed.

At some point I realized that I can’t knock it until I try it, so I finally succumbed to the straight line life.

So let’s go through the first line up: Do a burnout…that was much easier than I expected.

Ok now roll up to the staging line…don’t be that guy that rolls through and has to back up. Knuckles white on the steering wheel, heart beating in rhythm with the launch control, closely watching the tree light up…GREEN LIGHT! Launch…wheel spin to redline. Shift…wheel spin to redline. Shift…try to modulate the throttle, but still tons of wheel spin. Shift…finally the car hooks, builds speed then it’s over in the blink of an eye.

All that build up waiting in line, doing the burnout, staging, launching and rowing the gears for a few seconds of intense adrenaline. It was an absolute blast; I couldn’t believe how intoxicating just a single pass was. I wanted more and I wanted it immediately. Back in line, I went.

My first pass was an awkward 14.37sec @ 119.8mph. I say awkward because that is a slow ET for the trap speed. It shows just how much tire spin I was fighting and how much time I was giving up because of it. With full interior and street tires this was to be expected, however, the crowd thought it was quite funny either way.

I proceeded to make 3 more passes as the night progressed. Each time making a small change to the car or to my approach and control of the launch and throttle modulation. Each pass rewarded me with a small improvement for my efforts. Each pass down the strip left me wanting more from the next pass.

The third pass was the most frustrating of them all. At the start of the night, I set a personal goal to break into the 12s. I didn’t know if it was realistic or a complete dream, but I had to start somewhere. That third pass was also the one that drove me to get my shit together because it teased me with a 13.000sec @ 120.95mph. So Close!

Alright one more pass, this was the one I could feel it. 30 minutes later I’m staring at the burnout box, line up drop 2nd and get the tires nice and hot. Pull up to staging next to a real crowd killer (I mean Mustang).

Yellow… yellow…yellow…….GREEN LIGHT!

Launch…little wheel spin to redline.

Shift…little more wheel spin to redline. Shift…modulate the throttle with only a tiny bit of wheel spin. Shift…now the car really hooks but I’m a few lengths behind that Musta…oh shit there’s the turbo…I’m reeling him in…it’s so close…I fly past him with the rev limiter dancing.

It’s over…deep breath…that was it I know it.

Now the quick jaunt to the end of the strip then back to the little building and the old guy that’s been racing since flatheads were a thing.

“Car 610?”

“Yes Sir”

“Here’s your slip. Is that a Maaazda?”

YES! Hit my goal for the night and the car can still drive me home. I call that a success.

I parked my car, picked up my 120+mph club sticker and enjoyed the rest of the night with my good friends from Idaho Mazda Takeover. It was a great night and one I plan to top in the near future.

Anybody have some stock brakes and drag slicks I can borrow?

-BS @ CS