{"id":10259,"date":"2018-06-21T05:42:22","date_gmt":"2018-06-21T13:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corksport.com\/blog\/?p=10259"},"modified":"2025-02-24T16:04:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T00:04:06","slug":"boosted-down-the-rabbit-hole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corksport.com\/blog\/boosted-down-the-rabbit-hole\/","title":{"rendered":"Boosted Down the Rabbit Hole – A Mazdaspeed Tail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cIntake, test pipe, and a tune ONLY\u201d was my mantra.  I\u2019d just bought a shiny new \u201913 tech package VRM MazdaSpeed3<\/a> with the extended warranty, 3 miles on the odometer as it rolled off the lot for the test drive.  Via the web forums (back when MSF was still popular), I had performed my due diligence in terms of where I was headed with this ride. I knew what my mods would be, and the results to expect, and even learned a bit about the tuning process, all with the intent to \u201cstock out\u201d in less than an hour in the event I broke something on the car.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mazdaspeed<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But\u2026 the local Nator chapter wrapped their slithering hentai tentacles around me, and those thoughts of a mildly tuned car with the manners fully intact started to erode.  The friends, the fun, and the performance results were an instant addiction.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mazdaspeed<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Mazdaspeed Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In just a few short months I had sold that warranty back and started down the rabbit hole. \u00a0Trips to Epic NATOR Meets were an awesome influence, seeing cars on the bleeding edge of the DISI Mazdaspeed<\/a> platform, and meeting several of the prominent people in the Mazda community who were so forthcoming with their knowledge.<\/strong> \u00a0The hook was set! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I found myself pursuing information, and if there wasn\u2019t any data to be had, I wanted to make it myself.<\/strong>  I tested and cataloged a variety of items, from NVH with motor mounts<\/a> to compression test compendiums (yes Cylinder 3, you deserve that BAD rap!), meanwhile moving along the mod path to a medium turbo<\/a>, front mount intercooler,<\/a> and a methanol kit<\/a>.  Once I purchased a spare long block, I knew I was getting in ball joints deep.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Modding<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mazdaspeed Power Mods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fast forward to today.  I\u2019ve been very fortunate to be chosen to test products for a handful of vendors!  With an aligned focus – direct fit or minimal fabrication parts – I\u2019ve reached my (probably temporary) goal of 500 wheel horsepower Mazdaspeed<\/a>! Where I\u2019ve tested the limits of products\/parts for many companies – whether they have asked me to or not. The CorkSport 3.5 Bar Map Sensor<\/a> is a solid example of exceeding the envelope, as I did manage to over-boost while playing with my EBCS configuration, and pegging it at 37.58 PSI. (At 900 ft. ASL)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corksport<\/a> asked me to describe my modification journey and how their beta parts have impacted my build and decisions, so there is no slight intended toward the multitude of other people involved in my project \u2013 that list is not short.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mazaspeed<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve run the <\/span>Corksport intake manifold<\/span><\/a> for nearly 2 years and just before the big turbo<\/a> transition. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n