Mahle oil filter for FB 12a...
 

Placed an order recently for a bunch of maintenance stuff for the fleet... including an oil filter for my FB 12a. This time I got a Mahle brand... I've had good experience with them with other cars I have. The thing is, it's about 2/3 the size of other brand filters I've used in the past. The model number I was given was OC707. I've since looked online for fitment and cross reference and have seen conflicting results with some sites calling out different model numbers. So I'm confused... Has anyone out there used an OC707 on their 12a?...

While I don't have any experience with that brand. I did look up their online catalog and both the 1982 and the 1983 rx7 call for that OC707 filter.

Mahle says it fits. the Mazda oil filter is a B6Y1-14-302A, and there are a couple of old numbers that went before, the Mahle corresponds to one of these old numbers, but it doesn't really match up to the B6Y1-14-302A very well.
if that makes sense.

Do you mean it's shorter than previous filters? What other filters have you used before?

The Mahle filter on rockauto looks similar in size to Wix's. Purolator is shorter and fatter. I'm using Denso and it's like Purolator but a touch smaller.
I think fitment means it has the correct thread and seal size.

Thanks for the comments all... The Mahle OC707 is both shorter and smaller in diameter than previous filters I've used such as Bosch and NAPA (Wix?)... There is no doubt it will mechanically fit fine, but filter element in obviously smaller... which is my concern. I actually found a Youtube video where a guy cut open a OC707 to check its construction... seems well built so I guess I'll give it a try... I typically change my oil well before 3K, and I run a pre-mix, so it will probably be fine...

Where/who did you purchase your parts from?
I'm also looking to purchase some stuff and it seems like RA is the cheapest online so far.

Filter came from Rock Auto...

The OEM filter is tiny compared to the STP one I have.

The larger filters make the car idle smoother faster when i first turn my car on for some reason.

I'm using the Mahle filter on my 88 10th Anniversary RX-7 and it's been just fine. I wouldn't hesitate to run it, as Mahle is a reputable brand. A lot of the parts for my Porsche are made by Mahle, including the oil filter.