The spec'd oil filter for the 2nd Gens is very small. Is there a larger sized filter that will still fit but offer better filtering?

 

You could probably find a Purolator or Fram that's larger, but I'd go with the OEM.

Funny thing, though. The original S4 OEM filter was about twice the size of the one that's currently used. The RX7 and the Miata filters are now identical, so I suspect they changed about the time the Miata came out, maybe just to standardize their inventory.

I remember questioning the Mazda parts man the first time he gave me the small filter instead of the customary larger size. He told me that the smaller filter was actually more efficient. I don't think I ever fully believed him, though.

 

I use the big Purolator filter. I forget what they call it, but it's blue, and noticeably larger than the OEM size. Cost $5 at Pep Boys.

 

Outside size does not matter at all... for example the Fram oil filter for the 5.0 Ford V8 motors is twice the size of the Mazda under 2.0 filter.

Yet the Mazda under 2.0 filter has more than 3 times bigger the actual filter area.

Stick with the Mazda OEM filter... it is better than 98% of the other filters out there and has a considerably bigger actual filter area than filters double or triple the size.

Maybe this will help, it is for Miata's, but the Miata uses the same under 2.0 oil filter that all the RX-7s use:
http://www.teammiata.com/libs/oil-filters.htm

 

How about WIX filter.

 

I don't know how a Wix filter compares to a Mazda OEM filter, but I've been using Wix on my cars for a while now.

The only brand I don't buy is Fram - they're the only brand that I semi-regularly hear stories of suffering physical failures (in some cases filling an engine with paper).

-=Russ=-

 

Try and find one from a 929.
It's supposedly a bigger case.


-Ted

 

I too use a wix. Anyone check these out? Atkins claims that these are the same as the oem filters. Just renamed with their advertising.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OIL-F...spagenameZWDVW

Price comes to about 4.58 each minus shipping. How much do the oem's cost?

 

Still nothing on WIX....

 

just use the OEM... trust the OG ****** like Icemark

 

wow that was a welth of usefullness

 

www.rockauto.com I bought a case of genuine nippon oil filters for $2.09 each plus shipping. Same exact brand as stock (Nippon), same P/N with slight variation (may be due to it being listed for mx-6 IIRC). Only thing is that it's silver instead of black like OEM ones. Been using them for over a year now no problems. Compared them to genuine OEM and I cannot tell a difference.

 

cut one open and compare it...

I mean common, if your $2500 motor to you is only worth saving $4 by using a WIX, well by all means use the cheaper WIX.

 

How about K&N, I been using K&N Lately because it has a nice bypass valve, very nice contruction. Dono if spending the extra 2$ for k&n over the mazda oem one is really worth it or waste of monies? Anyone cut one open and see compare it with a oem one?