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Why are the OE Fuel Filters *SO* expensive?

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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 09:37 AM
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Thumbs down Why are the OE Fuel Filters *SO* expensive?

It's listed at $60 from Petit -- really, why is it so expensive? Regular fuel filters usually run for about $10-$15.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 09:49 AM
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Don't buy from Pettit. You can get it cheaper from a place like Mazdaformance or Malloy Mazda. IIRC they are in the $30 to $40 range.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 10:20 AM
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you can get a mazda miata fuel filter also...same thing just a little different connector on one side.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 10:26 AM
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If you plan on keeping your FD for a while, just order things in bulk from Malloy (fuel & oil filters, etc):

Malloy Mazda
1-888-533-3400
Talk to Ray Crowe
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 11:58 AM
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Just move the fuel filter bracket to a lower place on the rear of the rear sub frame . Then get the ends or make them for a filter with threaded connectors . the filters are about $10 .Then you can change them for cheap in about 2-3 minutes .My mechanic does this . Rotorbrain has also, he may have pictures . the filters are good enought for very high out put cars , so that is not a disscussion .
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 12:17 PM
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Everything OE is Too Expensive!

Originally posted by WaLieN
It's listed at $60 from Petit -- really, why is it so expensive? Regular fuel filters usually run for about $10-$15.
Come on, everything OE is too expensive! The question is why does anyone buy OE for standard maintainance parts such as filters, belts, hoses, and sensors when the aftermarket parts are just as good and substantially cheaper.

In situations where you have no choice then Mazdaformance or Malloy Mazda is where to get the best prices on new OE parts. For other than maintainance parts you can always look for deals in the used parts market.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 01:47 PM
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It's $60 from Pettit so Cam can go racin'!

I believe Purolator makes an OE-style fuel filter for the 3rd gen as well.

Dale
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 03:20 PM
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I use the Purolator, I think it was about $15.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 04:03 PM
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Originally posted by duboisr
Just move the fuel filter bracket to a lower place on the rear of the rear sub frame . Then get the ends or make them for a filter with threaded connectors . the filters are about $10 .Then you can change them for cheap in about 2-3 minutes .My mechanic does this . Rotorbrain has also, he may have pictures . the filters are good enought for very high out put cars , so that is not a disscussion .
Post the pics if you have them. I am interested in doing this.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 04:45 PM
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Originally posted by Tom93R1
I use the Purolator, I think it was about $15.
BINGO! It's the same as the Miata one, and is way cheaper then the OE one.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 08:01 PM
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I usually let the dealership do the fuel filter work, but will they install a miata filter, or does it take some refitting due the one connector being different?
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 08:08 PM
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My frien runs 2 BMW fuel filters together(relocated) The filters are only like $10 from the dealer. Looks pretty sweet. I will try to get a pic and post it on here.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 08:41 PM
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Well, the OE oil and air filters aren't too bad of a price - it's just the fuel filters that are totally overpriced, yet they do nothing that a Purolator can't do.
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Old Sep 3, 2003 | 08:43 PM
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the miata one isnt really that different...just the one end comes out at a different angle...same connecter just different angle...i kinda like how its angled now. i tried to get a purulator oem style filter but discount autoparts said that purulator doesnt make em anymore....or some baloney like that.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 02:54 AM
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Originally posted by apexkw
the miata one isnt really that different...just the one end comes out at a different angle...same connecter just different angle...i kinda like how its angled now. i tried to get a purulator oem style filter but discount autoparts said that purulator doesnt make em anymore....or some baloney like that.
What's the PN for the Miata one? Also, do I need different sized clamps or tubes or anything to install it?
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 08:49 AM
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nope everything is the same. i will look and see if i still have the box at my house after work tonight.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 09:30 AM
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The replacement Purolator is part number F54803.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 10:25 AM
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Personally, I would do the fuel filter myself or have a trusted shop do it. I've heard of a number of cases where dealerships said they changed the filter, but it wasn't actually done, due to it being a royal pain to get to.

Really, if you use the right tools, it's not THAT bad. My first time took like 30 minutes. Get a good pair of hose pliers that can grip and pull the hoses off - that's the hardest part of the whole deal.

Dale
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 10:31 AM
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Originally posted by dcfc3s
Personally, I would do the fuel filter myself or have a trusted shop do it. I've heard of a number of cases where dealerships said they changed the filter, but it wasn't actually done, due to it being a royal pain to get to.

Really, if you use the right tools, it's not THAT bad. My first time took like 30 minutes. Get a good pair of hose pliers that can grip and pull the hoses off - that's the hardest part of the whole deal.

Dale
I've seen it myself. The original filter has a chrome label on it so it is easy to tell if the car is still wearing the one that came from the factory. A friend had a receipt for a filter change, close inspection revealed the original filter still on the car.

I also agree with Dale, it isn't THAT bad of job. Start with a near empty tank and loosen the gas cap before you start. THe wooosh you hear when you open the gas cap will relieve gas pressure in the tank that pushes the fuel out in your face while changing the filter.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 08:00 PM
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guys, ill have pics of the filter relocation up this weekend. . . the part numbers are on the forum. if you think you can do it yourself. . . use some imagination and common sense. . . then here they are again:

f33144 fuel filter
800153 fuel line

just go to the parts store and get em. purolator parts. if you search up the application for the filter, youll find a plethora of vehicles that it is good for. . . many are turbocharged and one particular car is the 12cyl. jaguar. . . . so. . . it can handle it.

paul
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Old Sep 8, 2003 | 05:43 AM
  #21  
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Originally posted by rotorbrain
guys, ill have pics of the filter relocation up this weekend. . . the part numbers are on the forum. if you think you can do it yourself. . . use some imagination and common sense. . . then here they are again:

f33144 fuel filter
800153 fuel line

just go to the parts store and get em. purolator parts. if you search up the application for the filter, youll find a plethora of vehicles that it is good for. . . many are turbocharged and one particular car is the 12cyl. jaguar. . . . so. . . it can handle it.

paul
Hrm... I think I might just keep mines in the stock location -- I'll most likely change my mind, once I see how easy it is to relocated it.
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Old Sep 9, 2003 | 07:53 PM
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Fram fuel filter costs like $35 from Kragen so I don't think OEM is a rip off. Yes, it's expensive but how often you do change it? (Mazdas recommends every 60k but many change it every 30k mi)

I got mine cheap from someone on the forum. The filter is much bigger compared to normal passenger car so it's more expensive. Plus, there aren't too many Rx7s out there so any parts that is specific to Rx7 will be expensive.
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Old Aug 4, 2004 | 07:42 AM
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Sorry to dig this thread out of the grave, but for those who want to know how much OE filters are, I did buy a fuel filter from Malloy Mazda for $43. I guess that isn't too bad.
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