btw w/ regards to those canister refill type filters on bmws, they really are a pain. we have a mini which has that and unscrewing and refitting the canister is always a contortionist act. on the other hand, it does waste material less 'cuz all you're replacing is just the filter element itself (but the filter don't cost any less tho). still, i really hope mazda doesn't completely switch to that type

 

Most canister filters are very easy to replace. A lot of GM cars have them. Along with BMW, Mercedes, Mazda, Toyota. Many newer vehicles have them. But I must say that on a MINI it is not easy.

 

I use Mobil1 oil filter M108

 

the one thing i really hate about canister filters is the top plastic cap. everyone i've delt with was extrealy easy to cross thread if you werent paying attention and the plastic always seemed really soft and easy to corrode.

 

As a suggestion, the Series II (09) RX-8 oil filters are about 25% larger in length, so a bigger filter...

ALL Dealers are selling the Mazda Genuine (Japan) filters, they will fit a Series I RX-8...

Part Number...
N3R1-14-302

So you get the Genuine filter and it is 25% larger.

 

BTW, if you have a Series II RX-8, ANY Larger diameter oil filter (base) will not fit as there is a solid Aluminum Flange as part of the front timing cover housing, it is there to protect the filter body as it is now located near the sump.

This semi circle flange prevents you using a larger diameter filter base....there is only about a 3 mm clearance before the filter will hit this alloy flange.

 

changing oil filter every 3k miles? then you really dont need any larger capacity? lol
olddragger

 

Very true OD...

 

for the k&n, can you reuse the filter a few times?

 

no.

 

If by reuse you mean remove and re-install, then no; I wouldn't trust the seal.

BUT, in terms of warranty requirements, oil filter change is only required every 7500 miles. So if you do 3000 mile oil changes you could replace the filter only every other oil change and be within warranty. Schedule2 mileage is shorter, of course -- consult your owners manual, etc,etc.

 

ooooo...thanks for the info and the very telling picture!

At least I know now that I've been using pretty much the same filter the whole time I've owned the car. I used mobile 1 prior to the K&N cause I've used mobile 1 filters and oil in my previous vehicles.

Sadly, I require the use of the 1 inch socket nut cause of my sandwich plate I use for my oil pressure/temperature gauges. The actual threads on the plate have a rough spot in the middle which makes screwing on and taking off the filter very hard...also there's pretty much no room to get a filter wrench in that space between the plate and the larger HP1010 filter I use.

So, i have a 3/4 inch socket wrench with a long extension and swivel head I use to put the filter on and off. yes yes i know you're supposed to hand tighten them...I'm very careful and I'm never had a filter i couldn't get off.

I've been happy with the quality as the oil comes out without anything unusual looking in it.

 

Exactly. It's more important to change the oil/filter often (~3k) then to worry about its size. After all, the oil filter is supposed to give its life to save the engine. Let it do its thing.

I use OEM and Mobil1 filters.