Whilst browsing the Mazda3 forum, I came across this. The B6Y1-14-302 is the filter the FD uses, as well as other Mazda cars evidently. However, the new SkyActiv engine uses the PE01-14-302 as it is 'high-flow', according to some at least.


So...I wonder if one could use the PE01 filter on the FD with no ill effects? Note, I am 100% in favor of using what the OEM recommends, but if technology has advanced and Mazda has a 'better' filter, it makes one think at least.

 

The skyactiv engines I've seen have a 'hanging' filter....opposite of ours. So I don't think those will have a anti-drain-back valve.

 

Yeah...I wonder.

Interestingly enough, one of the people commenting in the Mazda3 forum also has a '94 RX-7, and he posted that he uses the PE01 filter in his car AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT...

I've always used the B6Y1 filter, personally.

 

It's the right thread and gasket size, because I'm currently using FD filters on my Mazda 3 Skyactiv.

I think if you look up the spare filter PN, the 3 and 7 have the same Mazda number now.

 

its not worth the risk of popping a motor from oil starvation or flow so why even bother, when has the stock filter ever caused any problems?

 

Just confirmed: the PE01 is on the books as the filter for a 3, and B6Y1 is on the books for the RX-7.

Easy enough - time to switch filters on my 3.

Nothing's changing on my 7 either.

 

If you side mount the oil filter, you don't have to worry about check valves. This way the oil doesn't drain all over the engine when I remove the filter.

 

^ Just poke a hole in the top of the filter and the oil will drain down and wont make a mess.

 

^I use to do that. I should have menchioned since my 20b engine is moved back, I had no choice but to relocate it.

 

i dont know about the 3 filter, but i've used the S2 Rx8 filter with no ill effects, its an N3R1-14-302. its designed for lotaly engine, at high oil pressure.

 

As the only owner of my March 1992 made FD R1 since June 1992, I have more knowledge of what Mazda has done over the years. The original FD filters were much larger than what is listed by Mazda for today. They have twice consolidated their filters and in doing so the RX7 filter has become smaller and smaller over the years. Smaller in size = less filter size = more back pressure = more wear.

The BEST choices for an oil filter are based on the 83 RX-7 larger filter size.
(1) Purolator Pure One PL14459
(2) Purolator PSL14459, synthetic material instead of paper
(3) Royal Purple CHC-10-2808, synthetic material

 

Mazda has changed filter suppliers in the USA, i think three times? they used to supply a B6Y1-14-302A which is Japanese made, and has the filter media not packed into a circle like you expect, they were able to keep the same amount of filter media but make the filer smaller, compared to the previous N3Y6-14-302.

then in the late 90's, they switched to a filter made by Tennax, which was a B6Y1-14-302A-9U. these filters were pretty junky, we had lots that didn't even thread on.

they have then, sometime in 2007? switched to a different US supplied filter, the B6Y1-14-302-9A, its white. it threads on so huge improvement, but i don't know whats in it or who makes it, or care.

there is also a Canadian filter, although i've never seen it, its Canadian supplied

Japan has used the same filter the whole time.

 

I remember using the Pure One filters back in the day. They are larger so just be careful not to hit the tps when changing them. If you run a sandwich oil pedestal adapter it gets tight.

 

I know in the last year or so Mazda changed the filter from Blue to Black in color. Same size, new box. Whether this means anything Im not sure, just figured I'd contribute. This is for the Canadian filter.

 

One more historical side note. During a Club visit to Irvine in '94 we were told by a Mazda technical rep that all of the US bound 1993-1994 cars came from the factory with a larger filter (same part number as the 1994 Mazda 929 oil filter). At the same time Mazda's listed filter for the FD3S in North America was the smaller filter. We asked why the switch? He said that Mazda engineers felt the larger filter area was needed during the engine break-in period, and the smaller filter area was more than adequate for normal road use. In addition, he said the smaller size was advantageous in that it required less time to fill if during shutdown the oil drained past a worn rubber check valve.

 

ive never heard that one, but there are a few differences between the assembly line and parts sold at the dealership. we often see that the original spark plugs are a mix of Denso and NGK. or the biggie, the spark plug wires, Mazda USA sells NGK, but the cars always come with something else, Yazaki, or Sumitomo

 

Well my original fd engine lasted 108,000 original miles and not one time did I install a factory oil filter on the engine. I bought my fd used with 65,000 miles. I've installed frams, purolators, and even AC delcos based on some research I did on the internal elements breaking down on certain frams. After breaking my engine down, I saw zero unusual wear of all bearings and I was also one of the few who actually allowed the AWS do its thing during cold starts. I think changing the oil on a frequent bases (every 3k) is what's most important.