{"id":10762,"date":"2018-11-01T08:51:28","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T16:51:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corksport.com\/blog\/?p=10762"},"modified":"2025-04-14T06:25:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T14:25:40","slug":"safely-upgrade-your-mazdaspeed-turbo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corksport.com\/blog\/safely-upgrade-your-mazdaspeed-turbo\/","title":{"rendered":"Safely Upgrade Your Mazdaspeed Turbo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It doesn\u2019t take long for those building power to use up the stock Mazdaspeed K04 turbo<\/a>. They are prone to fail, especially when you start shoving that extra air through it. A common question is, \u201cMy Mazdaspeed is smoking, is my turbo bad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First things first. There is a BIG difference between replacing a bad turbo and upgrading Mazdaspeed K04<\/a> to a more efficient one for more power.<\/strong> If you want to replace it, go with OEM and just plug and play, you\u2019re good to go, wash your hands, and get on with your life. This will have your car up and running pretty quickly. However, your maximum power output will be limited and you will eventually have the same problem – the Mazdaspeed KO4 turbo will fail.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are saying to yourself, \u201cIt\u2019s time to upgrade the K04 Turbo<\/a>…I NEED more power in my life!\u201d Then this blog is for you. Below, we lay out the basics needed to successfully install a CorkSport Mazdaspeed Turbo, highlighting the required supporting modifications to keep your Mazdaspeed safe.<\/strong> As a bonus, we keep our installation instructions on each of our product pages, so you can preview how easy the installation will be for your experience level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Here it is, the list is comprised of the BARE essentials to run the 18G CorkSport turbo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

HPFP INTERNALS<\/span><\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Giving you 50% more efficiency with your fueling system, as well as, a strong base to build power for your Mazdaspeed. The CorkSport Max Flow Fuel Pump Internals are built to directly replace your stock fuel pump internals and perform with immediate improvements. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"CorkSport<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ACCESSPORT<\/span><\/a> (or VERSATUNE if you have a CX-7)<\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The Cobb Accessport will give you the basis for tuning, and since this is required with the CorkSport turbo – you\u2019ll want to make sure you have this in hand and ready for when you install your turbo.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the basic foundations<\/span> of our Mazdaspeeds, without these two items you cannot operate your Mazda after installing an upgraded turbo.  You will need your Mazdaspeed tuned, and your tuner is going to say the same thing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s it, that\u2019s all you need to run the CorkSport Mazdaspeed turbo<\/a> safely. With this proper foundation, you can put yourself in a position for efficiency, or more power.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Now the question is do you want to make it go fast and harness the power that this turbo is built for? Keep reading and we\u2019ll provide some other awesome upgrades that are the next step once you have your turbo installed and running.  Oh, and if you are looking for a proven path to make 400WHP, check out our Chasing 400 WHP Blog here!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2013<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

CorkSport Upgraded 3.5\u201d Intake<\/span><\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The CorkSport turbo<\/a> is rated for up to 450WHP with the right set up. Unless you are going for the MOON and shooting for over 700WHP a 3.5\u201d intake will be more than sufficient for this turbo. Giving you some extra airflow to increase your power range, and harness what your Mazdaspeed3 is capable of. Note: Will require additional tuning!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

CorkSport Mazdaspeed Downpipe<\/span><\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Doesn\u2019t matter if you go with a high-flow catalyst or opt-in for one without, the choice is yours. However, if you want to utilize its flow you are going to have to upgrade to a bigger diameter. Our 80mm one does really well, plus it sounds GREAT.  Note: Will require additional tuning!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"CorkSport<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

CorkSport Cat-Back Exhaust<\/span><\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret that car engines are just big air pumps; the faster you can shove air into the engine and the faster you can expel it efficiently is what it takes to make more power. No need to run the stock 63.5mm Mazdaspeed exhaust<\/a> when you can run our 80mm (like to wake up the neighbors every morning, go with our non-resonated, you can\u2019t beat the cold start)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Top<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

CorkSport Top Mount Intercooler<\/span><\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If your power goal is 450whp or less you can get away with just upgrading your TMIC and be on your way and they look great in your engine bay.  <\/span>Note: Will require additional tuning!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have the 2<\/span>nd<\/span> gen you can really utilize that hood scoop from the factory.  Not only that but you can even see a noticeable performance gain with our <\/span>larger hood scoop<\/span><\/a> and a TMIC set up. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to your Mazdaspeed<\/a> we know you want to create safe power and harness the true potential of your ride. Be sure to build upon the proper foundation and head in the right direction for your build. Our techs are available for any questions you have and are ready to assist with planning your Mazdaspeed build path!<\/strong> Any questions – give us a call directly – (360)260-2675, email to <\/span>sa***<\/span>@*******<\/span>rt.com<\/span><\/span><\/a> or leave a comment and we\u2019ll get back to you! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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