3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
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Old 03-17-11, 02:18 AM
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My maintenance...

Hey guys. Before tackling the reliability mods I would like to do some maintenance. The previous owner didn't remember when he did them so I might as well do it now. This is what I had in mind. For my oil filter I was going to get the nippon one( I saw on other threads that it's oem, but i'm not sure) or mazda oem. For oil I was thinking of just puting castrol gtx, but now considering idemitsu. I was reading other threads and it seems like it doesn't really make a difference because of the frequent oil changes. What do you guys think? I also want to change the fuel filter and was consider rp fuel filter. I've never heard of this brand before though. For spark plug and spark plug wires are ngks fine?
Thanks Any recommendations would be nice.
Old 03-17-11, 04:41 AM
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Which oil filter, synthetic vs. non-synthetic oil, which spark plugs and best plug wires have all been covered extensively. If your "not sure" after reading those threads, why do you think these responses will inspire confidence?
Old 03-17-11, 05:55 AM
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if oil changes are frequent enough the oil won't matter..much (depends how hard you drive), the oil filter brand won't make much difference...cheaper options than the OEM one.
I'll stay away from dino vs syn oil...that's personal preference.

I would suggest relocating the fuel filter as its a pain to change...also that should be done as regular maintenance IMO.

Lots of info out there, many of it debates on which is best. You'll have to decide your comfort level for peace of mind and peace of wallet mind.
Old 03-17-11, 07:24 AM
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My personal car I ran the cheap Wal-mart 20w50 oil, changed it every 1500 miles or so. My car was not driven lightly, 15psi on the stock twins all day every day with large streetport and water/meth. After nearly 7k miles the engine was torn down and the bearings looked great(even without a fancy idler pulley ).
Old 03-17-11, 11:42 PM
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@sgtblue, I understand what you mean. I just wanted to see what people would say because from the old threads to now probably more people joined or new and updated information. Sorry if this thread was useless.
@evot23 haha yeah. I'll get that relocation kit when I have some more money
@djseven whoa haha. Was the oil like new when you changed it at 1500? Sounds really good if it's a cheaper alternative.

Do you guys what part number the oem mazda oil filter is or do i just go to the dealership and ask for a 3rd gen rx7 oil filter?
Old 03-18-11, 12:46 AM
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mazdastuff.com has oem oil filters pretty cheap.
I bought an r1 wing from them, and ended up ordering some plugs and a bunch of filters too.
Old 03-18-11, 06:24 AM
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If you are going to buy OEM oil filters, I would recommend you buy several at a time from Ray at Malloy Mazda 888.533.3400

He will give you a discount since you frequent the RX-7 club. Plus, he ships two-day air via FEDEX.
Old 03-18-11, 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by cloudz
@evot23 haha yeah. I'll get that relocation kit when I have some more money
Fuel filters and fuel line is cheap...
Old 03-18-11, 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by cloudz
@sgtblue, I understand what you mean. I just wanted to see what people would say because from the old threads to now probably more people joined or new and updated information. Sorry if this thread was useless.
@evot23 haha yeah. I'll get that relocation kit when I have some more money
@djseven whoa haha. Was the oil like new when you changed it at 1500? Sounds really good if it's a cheaper alternative.

Do you guys what part number the oem mazda oil filter is or do i just go to the dealership and ask for a 3rd gen rx7 oil filter?
You really shouldnt go over 2-2500 miles in these cars between oil changes. The fuel becomes extremely diluted with fuel.
Old 03-18-11, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by caredden
If you are going to buy OEM oil filters, I would recommend you buy several at a time from Ray at Malloy Mazda 888.533.3400

He will give you a discount since you frequent the RX-7 club. Plus, he ships two-day air via FEDEX.
Malloy Mazda are great guys. I just placed my first order with them and picked up a six oil filters. Prices are reasonable and the shipping is a flat rate. Can't beat that.

Additionally I picked up a thermoswitch for the car which might be beneficial - More info here: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-archives-73/fc-thermoswitch-fd-447606/
Old 03-18-11, 10:35 AM
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I don't see why the need to go OEM on an oil filter...adequate ones found in any auto store.
Old 03-18-11, 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by evot23
I don't see why the need to go OEM on an oil filter...adequate ones found in any auto store.
I use K&N oil filters, mostly for the nut on the top of them makes it nice being able to get a wrench on them to take them out.
Old 03-18-11, 11:54 AM
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I use the FRAM filters, I've not had any problems as a result.
Old 03-19-11, 01:10 AM
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Oh okay thanks carredden and mldoom. I'll hit them up tomorrow after work. Do you guys remember how much it costed you guys to buy the filter+shipping? Thanks for the tip djseven. I don't plan on running the oil any more than that. @ evot, force and fenda, i'm not sure haha. I just wanted the oem one. Would I be better off buying a fuel filter at mazda too?
Old 03-19-11, 01:27 AM
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I don't remember the cost but price was fair. As for the debate on oil filters, search "oil filters" and you will see many threads on what filters people like, and why. There will always be a debate on filters...
Old 03-19-11, 02:05 AM
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Great idea! Lots of guys mod before maintenance. Regular Fram filters are fine, these guys hit it on the head, if you boost much the oil becomes diluted quickly, change oil early and often 1500-2500 miles depending if you are cruising @ 70mph or boosting a lot around town.

A few mods are great many mods just create more problems.
Old 03-19-11, 03:29 PM
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If you need an Alternator belt PM me, I have a factory Mazda one for the FD3S. Accidentally ordered the wrong part.
Old 03-19-11, 11:37 PM
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Oh okay thanks though carredden. Oh alright i'll be sure to check the oil more often, i don't really boost a lot unless i need to haha thx turbo jeff. I'll pm you mldoom if i need it. For a coolant flush, does any 50/50 coolant work?
Old 03-20-11, 10:34 PM
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Hmm, my friend just told me about royal purple ice and it's suppose to lower your temp because you mix it in with your coolant. I heard good things about royal purple and their oil, but never heard of this "ice" stuff. What do you guys think?
Old 03-21-11, 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by cloudz
Oh okay thanks though carredden. Oh alright i'll be sure to check the oil more often, i don't really boost a lot unless i need to haha thx turbo jeff. I'll pm you mldoom if i need it. For a coolant flush, does any 50/50 coolant work?
Living in San Jose you should probably run 40/60 or 30/70 since the chance of freezing is low. Less antifreeze and more water. Water conducts heat much better than antifreeze.

I think the best single mod for a FD is the 89-91 thermosensor. It turns the fans on ~20 degrees earlier. Do that mod, NOW. FDs run hot in traffic because there is no air flowing through the engine bay.
Old 03-21-11, 10:45 AM
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40/60 and 30/70 doesnt make much of a differences. I live in SF and relatively close to SJ and drive down there once a while. I would recommend 50/50 per manufacturer's specification. But it's up to you personal references =).

And I do recommend having the coolant flush every two years with brake, differential, and trasmission/clutch fluids as a routine maintenance =].


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Old 03-21-11, 08:14 PM
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Oh turbojeff do you know where i can pick up one of those thermosensors and how much would they go for? Is oem mazda coolant good enough? I think i get my paycheck in 2 weeks.. so i can start getting my stuff
Old 03-22-11, 10:47 AM
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Malloy Mazda, call Ray Crowe @1(888)533-3400

-AzEknightz
Old 03-22-11, 07:57 PM
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Oh alright i'll give him a call asking about the thermosensor, oil filter, fuel filter, and coolant. Thanks
Old 03-24-11, 06:43 PM
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Do you guys ever wash your fd during raining season? As of right now my fd is the only car i have so i dd it.. but it's getting kind of dirty lol. Are there any brake and tranny fluids you guys recommend? I read a bit on evan coolant and it's pretty interesting. Is it worth the 30 dollars a gallon though?


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