Do you guys just go with the stock one or like someone suggested to me i find a K&N one that fits.. anyone have any suggestions of the matter?

 

YOu should search on this subject...I just did the other day because I had the same question.

MOstly, people seem to just replace the stock filter with either a stock replacement or an aftermarket unit (like the one from RX7.com), or go with the washable K&N unit. There's benefits and detriments with both, so it's all about your personal preference.

 

I just replaced mine with another stock one. They are about $20 and I plan on changing ever 15k miles or so. Doesn't seem that bad of a deal

 

Where did you find a stock fuel filter for $20?

 

k&N makes fuel filters ?

 

normally when people are using the K&N they are relocating it to the engine bay. Search, there are several people that do it for other members, maybe one lives near you. If you are planning on doing it yourself check out:



as it isn't as easier at the manual implies.

 

It is relatively easy, took ~30minutes but be well prepared to get a little gas running down your arms.

I bought mine at the local autozone, they had to get it in but it was just over $20.

yes K&N makes a fuel filter...

yes you can relocate but there are problems in doing so. I recommend trying to change it yourself this time and if it seems to troublesome, then relocate.

 

30 minutes!!! Are you kidding me! That job took me around 2-3 hours the first time. I used to believe people who told me it took less than an hour. That was until I tried it for myself. I have a friend who has changed several of them now and he can only do it in 1 hr. That is with around 30 years of experience with working on cars. I think you are yanking someones chain here.

As for the the gas running down your arm. Don't forget to pull the fuel pressure fuse in your engine compartment. If you forget this you will be drinking/showering in a lot of fuel if you aren't careful.

- Cody

 

I did it last weekend and it took maybe 45 minutes. It's in an akward spot, but the toughest part is getting the little hoses off and back on. A lesson learned for me was to wear safety goggles next time. It really hurts to get gas in your eye!
Plus, I guess I should shop around more because I think I paid about $45.00 for my filter.

 

Ya, last I checked, Auto Zone doesn't sell Mazda OEM parts. I just found someone on the forum to sell me one they had left over, and I thought I got a steal for $25 because they're $45 after shipping from Mazdaformance. I didn't want to use one of those Bosch or Purolator ones. I figure I can fork out the extra cash, since it only needs changed every 30k miles anyways.

 

I'm relocating mine when the engine goes back in.. . $73 special order at kragen for the K&N 10 miro mini billet alumninum filter. takes 1 day to come in

 

Did a OEM filter change tonight. It took me about 2 hrs. Besure to bring some pen caps to plug the hoses. I pulled the fuel relay and relieved the gas cap pressure so it wasn't too bad. Take off the plastic and metal shields on both sides of the differential to get more acess space.

The hoses were hard to pull off but spraying a little wd40 worked well. I also sprayed wd40 on the filter nozzles and the hose slipped right on. The clamps were a little hard to get off and on.

 

could you use vise grips to clamp the hoses and avoid most of the leaking gas?

 

It's really tight up there. I don't think your hands and the vice grips would fit.

 

It's true. I picked up a Fuel Filter for the car tonight. It was around $20. I was checking on the price since we were picking up a filter for my GF's Prelude. Grabbed them both for like $40 total including tax.

 

This is the price for fram fuel filter or something similar, not Mazda OEM.

 

I don't think the OEM filters are high quality. My reson being, our parts are normal extremely expensive but an oil filter is cheap compared to Mobil 1 and K&N (1/4 the price). The fuel filter is alot more expensive but that is because it is not used on other models as the oil filters are.

How do we even know who makes these filters? What if Bosch makes the Mazda OEM fuel filters and you're paying double not to buy Bosch?

 

No, not yanking anything....

 

Mazda pretty much use the best parts. I wouldn't think they would make cheap fuel filter consider that it's pretty important. Their oil filter, spark plug/wire and every thing else is always first rate.

I went with OEM, don't want to deal with any fitment or performance issue. Besides, I got it from a great guy on this forum for $20 shipped, can't beat that!