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Thread: Cobb Stage 3 Power Package??? Worthwhile or Worthless???

  1. Default Cobb Stage 3 Power Package??? Worthwhile or Worthless???

    Hi Guys and Gals,

    I am not new to the tuning/modification scene however I am only relatively new to the Mazda 3 MPS scene and was wondering if I could get some advice before I make a costly error.

    I am looking at purchasing either a Gen1 or a Gen2 in the near future and was doing some research on modifications. I started reading up on CorkSport and they seem to be quite genuine and of quality. As well as this I began to read about COBB and some of their products (coz I am already set on the AccessPort V3) when I came across their Stage 3 Power Package. All I am wondering is if it is a worthwhile investment to get this Stage 3 Power Pack or piece together another package myself.

    Here is what I have already pretty much decided on.

    Exhaust: CorkSport Turbo Back or the COBB SS 3" Cat Back & SS 3" Downpipes
    Suspension: BC Racing V1 Coilovers (everyone seems to rave about them)
    CAI: CorkSport Stage II Power Series Short Ram Intake or COBB SF Intake & Airbox kit
    ECU: COBB AccessPort V3

    The Stage 3 Power Package from COBB also comes with:
    -Front mount Intercooler
    -Fuel pump internals
    -XLE BPV
    -Turbo Inlet Hose
    -Rear Motor Mount
    -Exhaust Hanger kit
    -COBB Vehicle badge (which is the reason I want the kit !!)

    Anyway just would like to get some feedback and maybe some advice on these options. All comments are welcome. I would especially like to hear from someone who may have utilised this kit and how they found it ie. Gains and results.

    Cheers
    Robski

  2. #2

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    Quote Originally Posted by Robski2011 View Post
    Hi Guys and Gals,

    I am not new to the tuning/modification scene however I am only relatively new to the Mazda 3 MPS scene and was wondering if I could get some advice before I make a costly error.

    I am looking at purchasing either a Gen1 or a Gen2 in the near future and was doing some research on modifications. I started reading up on CorkSport and they seem to be quite genuine and of quality. As well as this I began to read about COBB and some of their products (coz I am already set on the AccessPort V3) when I came across their Stage 3 Power Package. All I am wondering is if it is a worthwhile investment to get this Stage 3 Power Pack or piece together another package myself.

    Here is what I have already pretty much decided on.

    Exhaust: CorkSport Turbo Back or the COBB SS 3" Cat Back & SS 3" Downpipes
    Suspension: BC Racing V1 Coilovers (everyone seems to rave about them)
    CAI: CorkSport Stage II Power Series Short Ram Intake or COBB SF Intake & Airbox kit
    ECU: COBB AccessPort V3

    The Stage 3 Power Package from COBB also comes with:
    -Front mount Intercooler
    -Fuel pump internals
    -XLE BPV
    -Turbo Inlet Hose
    -Rear Motor Mount
    -Exhaust Hanger kit
    -COBB Vehicle badge (which is the reason I want the kit !!)

    Anyway just would like to get some feedback and maybe some advice on these options. All comments are welcome. I would especially like to hear from someone who may have utilised this kit and how they found it ie. Gains and results.

    Cheers
    Robski
    Hi,

    I have all of the parts of the COBB stage 3 package except the BPV (I have a forge V1), the FMIC (I have a CPE TMIC rated for 450hp+ - point of FMIC down here in VIC, not running enough boost), and a magnaflow custom exhaust. I am also running a custom tune and I have been dynoed at 211kw at 21psi (Summer tune, but now winter so I am getting boost cut, blahhh!).

    If I was you, do NOT order directly from COBB with the US dollar being so high. Try to find a COBB dealer or tuner shop who stocks COBB (perhaps MPSgarage, but not heard great things) as the conversion is huge and shipping will be a few hundred $$. I also have pedders coilovers which where cheap and are going great (new design) , so dunno about BC but I hear they are cheap.

    Advice, don't waste your money on the COBB exhaust, get a custom one for about a 1K less. If I was you, actually go for the COBB stage 2+ kit and add the TMIC (CPE or CORK) and either leave BPV the same or non cobb one (stock is still good). Also as said, custom exhaust, COBB's a waste of money. Same thing, non polished welds or engraved tips (who cares). Don't use AP COBB stage 3 tune, go and get a custom one.

    Advice : I buggered up my custom tune with adding BPV and CBE after and now its boost spiking over boost cut on tune. Leaving it as it doesn't matter (getting a big turbo now, so will retune in a few weeks), but I would get it ALL done first and then tune and leave it.

    Guys on here know alot more than me...but thats just my 2 cents
    2010 Gen 2 - "SPOOOL" (VIC) - Fully bolted

    CORKSPORT TURBO | COBB AP3 | COBB DOWNPIPE | COBB REM | AUTOTECH HPFP | CORK SPORT 3" PS MAF INTAKE | COBB SF AB | CPE TMIC | CPE HEADERS | COBB 3 PORT EBCS | 3 BAR MAP| PEDDERS COILOVERS | DBA T4 SLOTTED ROTORS | CORKSPORT EYELIDS| FORGE V1 BPV| | MAGNAFLOW CUSTOM | VELOCITY RED | PEARL 2PAC STOCK RIMS | DUAL TUNED BY HPF ON E30

  3. Default

    Thanks for that Nas I will keep researching till I purchase. Nothing is ever set in stone till you part with your money.

  4. #4

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    Yeah I know what you mean. The thing I liked about the COBB stuff the most is that it is extremely high grade stuff and tested. COBB specialise in WRX and MPS...beautifully made stuff.

  5. #5

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    Welcome. Looks like a good list there and I agree with what nas711 said. I guess the thing to do is decide what your goals are, what you want, and see what arrangement gets it cheapest. Certainly work out your goals before you throw money at the car haha

    Biggest thing I see is you don't really need a FMIC until you go big turbo, so get it if you want bling or save money and go TMIC. Not sure on the suspension, but make sure they are properly good, and not just 'fully sick coilovers bro'.

    Definitely factor in some $$$ for a good tune or etune too, as that will add more power than all the rest combined. Also suggest a RSB and probably good tyres also once you add all those mods. Oh, and for the love of all that's good, stay away from MPSgarage!
    Fast: RayD Tune|COBB AP|JBR|Stratified|CP-e|Xforce|Autotech|Denso|Corksport
    Turn: Bilstein|Eibach|Whiteline|JBR|Hankook RS3
    Stop: Wilwood 4pots|Custom lines|DBA T3|Remsa|TRW 600
    Rice: JL|Alpine|Focal|MiniDSP|Rota g-force|2XS|Cree|Celestial Blue FTW!

  6. #6

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    I got my CPE TMIC from MPSgarage and it was delivered in 3 days from NSW to VIC. The sales guy (I think its daniel) always answered my emails straight away and said if stuff was in stock or not. The website set up is the main problem, says its in stock, but it is not. So now I email and ask what is in stock..and it gets delivered. I will use my CPE TMIC even with my corksport turbo once fitted. FMIC are for race and massive turbos.....total overkill.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    9,459

    Default

    For the what it does, Cobb stuff is overpriced... Can usually find things for 1/2-3/4 of the price that work just as well....
    If staying stock turbo, you can get 90% of the performance from your car with AP + hpfp + test pipe + intake + e85 tune... That's about $2000

  8. Default

    Sorry I should have explained something else. I was only looking at FMIC due to reading about the Gen 1 Heat Soak issue. I have another pieced together package that I was also looking at please have a read below.

    -Exhaust: CorkSport Turbo Back
    -Suspension: K-Sport Version RR Coilovers
    -CAI: CPE Xcel or CorkSport Stage II Power Series Shott Ram (For some reason I keep coming back to the CorkSport Short Ram)
    -Short Shifter: JBR Short Shift kit
    -ECU: COBB AccessSport V3 (with 3 custom tunes one for fun one for wife and one for valet)

    If the heat soak issue with the Gen 1 is an over exaggerated issue then I will stay with the TMIC but just in case what FMIC and or TMIC would you guys recommend?

    With a quick search I do like the look of the CorkSport Power Series FMIC as well as their TMIC.

    Thanks for the replies guys and gals.

  9. Default

    Oh and I forgot to mention I am looking to make a quick Street car that I can have some fun on track days with and (although not pristine) won't look out of place at a All Jap car show. Nothing over the top power wise just enough to scare some Skyline drivers
    As you can see I am only focused on the performance upgrades ATM, for I am pretty set on my styling (not my first time ).

  10. #10

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    Ok you are gen one. Then MAYBE the FMIC might suit you more, but still relies on quite considerable power upgrade from what I have heard. My tuner said unless making large gains, a FMIC is almost detrimental to the standard TMIC. Note of warning, Corksport exhaust is quite loud due to lack of baffling, but does sound tuff! Intake wise, no experience as I have COBB intake and love the jet fighter sound it makes. You definately need two upgrades though for piece of mine . 1. upgraded high pressure fuel pump (autotech is a common brand) and 2. Rear engine mount due to wheel hop and need to put power down in FWD's.

    You know what I'd like to see. Some one buy a Gen 2 bonnet and put it on a gen 1 and keep a TMIC. Heaksoak probs gone!
    2010 Gen 2 - "SPOOOL" (VIC) - Fully bolted

    CORKSPORT TURBO | COBB AP3 | COBB DOWNPIPE | COBB REM | AUTOTECH HPFP | CORK SPORT 3" PS MAF INTAKE | COBB SF AB | CPE TMIC | CPE HEADERS | COBB 3 PORT EBCS | 3 BAR MAP| PEDDERS COILOVERS | DBA T4 SLOTTED ROTORS | CORKSPORT EYELIDS| FORGE V1 BPV| | MAGNAFLOW CUSTOM | VELOCITY RED | PEARL 2PAC STOCK RIMS | DUAL TUNED BY HPF ON E30

  11. #11

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    I had the corksport stage 2 SRI and airbox and loved it, however, if you want to get the most out of the stock turbo, id suggest a 3" (or 3.5" if you plan to go Big Turbo in future) intake at the start, rather than upgrading it later. Corksport, JBR and HTP make good ones (I prefer the first two as they are true 3" inner diameter).

    You can also keep your eyes peeled here as good stuff pops up in the FS section.

  12. Default

    Fair call, think in the end I will just go the COBB Stage 3 and be done with it. That way if I want to upgrade the turbo later on down the track I can without any real issues. Also just looking at the power graphs on the COBB website the tunes they use are quite substantial but not over the top (something that I like). As you stated before as well Nas is that COBB do do a lot of research and almost specialise in the Subi and the MPS, so with that said I think their package should be reasonably sorted.

    Nas I'm in Vic as well if you are willing I would like to see what your car can do (you driving of course). I am willing to travel, just to have something to compare the performance to once I test drive the stocks, as well as when I get my upgrades sorted.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    9,459

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    Get a bigger intake from day 1...
    The Cobb intake doesn't fit bigger turbos...

  14. Default

    Thanks for that Sarcastic that is food for thought. Apart from that what do you think about the COBB Stage 3 Power Package??

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    9,459

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    bit of a waste....
    the stage 2 is alright, but i feel like a catback is a waste for anything other than noise, at least for stock block...

  16. Default

    Cheers thanks for the input.

  17. #17

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    Where in Vic mate? I am east side (near mt dandy)

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by SarcasticOne View Post
    Get a bigger intake from day 1...
    The Cobb intake doesn't fit bigger turbos...
    It better fit my corksport BT! Though..everything on the CS turbo is manufactured to fit with OEM gear...so should be right there (even the stock downpipe lol). I have a COBB SRI...not even sure the diameter..doesn't list it..
    2010 Gen 2 - "SPOOOL" (VIC) - Fully bolted

    CORKSPORT TURBO | COBB AP3 | COBB DOWNPIPE | COBB REM | AUTOTECH HPFP | CORK SPORT 3" PS MAF INTAKE | COBB SF AB | CPE TMIC | CPE HEADERS | COBB 3 PORT EBCS | 3 BAR MAP| PEDDERS COILOVERS | DBA T4 SLOTTED ROTORS | CORKSPORT EYELIDS| FORGE V1 BPV| | MAGNAFLOW CUSTOM | VELOCITY RED | PEARL 2PAC STOCK RIMS | DUAL TUNED BY HPF ON E30

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    9,459

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by nas711 View Post
    It better fit my corksport BT! Though..everything on the CS turbo is manufactured to fit with OEM gear...so should be right there (even the stock downpipe lol). I have a COBB SRI...not even sure the diameter..doesn't list it..
    It should fit that, I meant 99% of ATP turbos...
    You'll probably need to upgrade with the CS turbo anyways as you'll hit MAF limits...
    Newbie FAQ My Build Thread
    From stock, to GT3071, to substantially less modded, many lessons learned!
    3" HTP | 100 Cel DP | Autotech HPFP | AP V3 - Self Tuned on E20 | JBR RSB | CPE S2 REM | JBR Shifter Bushings

  20. #20

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    Ahh yeah disco potatoes need fab stuff, exactly why I didn't get an ATP. Just wanted a bolt on, tune and drive way with even OEM gear. I am only tuning to about 350hp at the most to preserve precious rods and pistons lol. Should be ok with Stock MAF limits at that range... 450hp...lol probly nope lol

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