The COBB Front Mount Intercooler for the Mazdaspeed3 Gen1 is a high-performance cooling upgrade designed to reduce intake air temperatures, improve boost consistency, and unlock reliable power gains on the 2.3L DISI turbo engine.
The factory top-mount intercooler on the Mazdaspeed3 can quickly become heat-soaked under aggressive driving, causing inconsistent power delivery and reduced performance. The COBB front mount intercooler replaces the restrictive OEM system with a large, high-efficiency bar-and-plate core and optimized charge piping, ensuring cooler, denser intake air and more stable boost pressure.
By improving airflow and thermal efficiency, this intercooler helps the Mazdaspeed3 maintain consistent power during spirited driving, track use, and tuned applications.
A front mount intercooler upgrade delivers measurable performance and reliability improvements, including:
Lower intake air temperatures under boost
More consistent horsepower and torque
Reduced heat soak compared to the stock top-mount intercooler
Improved boost stability and throttle response
Increased reliability for tuned and modified vehicles
On turbocharged platforms like the Mazdaspeed3, intercooler upgrades are considered one of the most effective supporting modifications for higher boost levels and sustained performance.
The COBB Mazdaspeed3 front mount intercooler system is engineered for optimal airflow, durability, and OEM-like fitment.
Core and piping design:
Large bar-and-plate aluminum intercooler core
Core dimensions: 24" x 3.5" x 7.9"
2.5" aluminum charge piping with wrinkle black powder-coat finish
5-ply silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps
Additional design features:
Direct bolt-on installation with minimal modification
Retains the factory bumper beam
Compatible with stock or aftermarket bypass valves
Integrated design compatible with COBB intake and turbo inlet systems
These features allow the intercooler to deliver high cooling efficiency while maintaining proper fitment and reliability.
The COBB front mount intercooler is 50-state legal and CARB-approved under Executive Order D-660-87, making it legal for use on emissions-controlled vehicles when installed according to manufacturer guidelines.
This makes it an ideal upgrade for street-driven Mazdaspeed3 builds in emissions-regulated regions.
Mazdaspeed3 Gen1 (2007–2009)
Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed Axela (2007–2009)
Designed specifically for the Gen1 Mazdaspeed3 platform for precise fitment and performance.
Many intercoolers on the market focus solely on size or price, but the COBB front mount intercooler is engineered as a complete system that balances performance, fitment, and emissions compliance.
Compared to the stock top-mount intercooler, the COBB FMIC offers:
Dramatically improved cooling efficiency
More consistent power delivery
Enhanced performance potential for tuning
OEM-level fitment and reliability
Compared to generic aftermarket intercoolers, COBB’s system stands out for its engineering quality, emissions legality, and complete bolt-on design.
The COBB front mount intercooler installs as a direct bolt-on upgrade using factory mounting points with minimal modification required.
For step-by-step installation guidance, view the official instructions here:
➡️ Installation Instructions (PDF)
Will this intercooler increase horsepower?
Yes. By lowering intake air temperatures and reducing heat soak, the FMIC supports higher and more consistent power output, especially on tuned vehicles.
Is tuning required?
Tuning is not strictly required but is highly recommended to fully optimize performance gains.
Does this fit with aftermarket intakes or turbo inlets?
Yes. The system integrates with stock and aftermarket intake components, including COBB systems.
Is this product emissions legal?
Yes. It is CARB-approved and legal in all 50 states when installed correctly.
Will this work with the stock bypass valve?
Yes. The system is compatible with stock or aftermarket BPVs.
The COBB Front Mount Intercooler for the Mazdaspeed3 Gen1 is a high-performance cooling upgrade designed to reduce intake air temperatures, improve boost consistency, and unlock reliable power gains on the 2.3L DISI turbo engine.
The factory top-mount intercooler on the Mazdaspeed3 can quickly become heat-soaked under aggressive driving, causing inconsistent power delivery and reduced performance. The COBB front mount intercooler replaces the restrictive OEM system with a large, high-efficiency bar-and-plate core and optimized charge piping, ensuring cooler, denser intake air and more stable boost pressure.
By improving airflow and thermal efficiency, this intercooler helps the Mazdaspeed3 maintain consistent power during spirited driving, track use, and tuned applications.
A front mount intercooler upgrade delivers measurable performance and reliability improvements, including:
Lower intake air temperatures under boost
More consistent horsepower and torque
Reduced heat soak compared to the stock top-mount intercooler
Improved boost stability and throttle response
Increased reliability for tuned and modified vehicles
On turbocharged platforms like the Mazdaspeed3, intercooler upgrades are considered one of the most effective supporting modifications for higher boost levels and sustained performance.
The COBB Mazdaspeed3 front mount intercooler system is engineered for optimal airflow, durability, and OEM-like fitment.
Core and piping design:
Large bar-and-plate aluminum intercooler core
Core dimensions: 24" x 3.5" x 7.9"
2.5" aluminum charge piping with wrinkle black powder-coat finish
5-ply silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps
Additional design features:
Direct bolt-on installation with minimal modification
Retains the factory bumper beam
Compatible with stock or aftermarket bypass valves
Integrated design compatible with COBB intake and turbo inlet systems
These features allow the intercooler to deliver high cooling efficiency while maintaining proper fitment and reliability.
The COBB front mount intercooler is 50-state legal and CARB-approved under Executive Order D-660-87, making it legal for use on emissions-controlled vehicles when installed according to manufacturer guidelines.
This makes it an ideal upgrade for street-driven Mazdaspeed3 builds in emissions-regulated regions.
Mazdaspeed3 Gen1 (2007–2009)
Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed Axela (2007–2009)
Designed specifically for the Gen1 Mazdaspeed3 platform for precise fitment and performance.
Many intercoolers on the market focus solely on size or price, but the COBB front mount intercooler is engineered as a complete system that balances performance, fitment, and emissions compliance.
Compared to the stock top-mount intercooler, the COBB FMIC offers:
Dramatically improved cooling efficiency
More consistent power delivery
Enhanced performance potential for tuning
OEM-level fitment and reliability
Compared to generic aftermarket intercoolers, COBB’s system stands out for its engineering quality, emissions legality, and complete bolt-on design.
The COBB front mount intercooler installs as a direct bolt-on upgrade using factory mounting points with minimal modification required.
For step-by-step installation guidance, view the official instructions here:
➡️ Installation Instructions (PDF)
Will this intercooler increase horsepower?
Yes. By lowering intake air temperatures and reducing heat soak, the FMIC supports higher and more consistent power output, especially on tuned vehicles.
Is tuning required?
Tuning is not strictly required but is highly recommended to fully optimize performance gains.
Does this fit with aftermarket intakes or turbo inlets?
Yes. The system integrates with stock and aftermarket intake components, including COBB systems.
Is this product emissions legal?
Yes. It is CARB-approved and legal in all 50 states when installed correctly.
Will this work with the stock bypass valve?
Yes. The system is compatible with stock or aftermarket BPVs.
