Oil Filter options

[kcdirtbro54]

I'll start this off by saying I'm not an engineer or a scientist.
But I have always heard that a bigger oil filter is better. So with this in mind, and having experience working at Honda and Mazda (for a very short time) as a tech, I got to thinking... A lot of Asian manufacturers use similar parts or at least the same thread pitch on their parts. Our M2 filters are so tiny. Yea they work but why not try something bigger. I have no idea if another Mazda filter will work or not, but today I did the 2nd oil change on my 2 at 8300 miles. I had an extra Honda filter from when I had Hondas so I tried to see if it would fit. And it DOES fit.
Now this filter was a Supertech filter, yes from Walmart, that has been sitting in my toolbox for awhile now. It's a lot bigger than an OEM Honda filter, but even an OEM Honda filter is bigger than the OEM Mazda filter. If you buy non OEM filters, they're the same price. Why not have a little more filtration for the same price?
Just remember, by doing this, you will need a little extra oil when doing an oil change.

 

[DrWebster]

I don't know off the top of my head of any filters that are larger but still compatible, but if it's any help to you in your search, our OEM filters are the same as the ones used on the Miata. They're decent quality too, even though they're small; on a recent UOA I got from Blackstone they specifically noted that the oil filter was doing a good job.

 

[kcdirtbro54]

I read the Blackstone feedback they gave you. I'm not saying our filters are doing a bad job, I've just always heard that a larger filter (of same quality) is better. That's all. That and I have no idea if a larger Mazda filter would work, but I do know Honda filters are quality and that they'll work and larger capacity.

 

[Racebrewer]

I believe that there is a lot more to it than the physical size of the filter. It can be like a big box with nothing inside.

There are folks that have taken multiple brands filters apart and found different amounts of filtering material. Pics are on the internet.

That doesn't even get to the quality of the filtering material.

John

 

[zps2004]

From what I remember it is the same one used in the miata. Also I know for the miata people sometimes use a filter from a older 626 I think it was, which was the same connection face, but it was about 2 inches taller so there is more filtering area.

 

[Joker2]

I have a Mobil 1-110 I believe in place of the recommended 108 (same as the older Miatas). So OEM cross-references to PureOne PL14612, Mobil M1-108, Bosch 3300 and Walmart ST 6607. These are about 2.5" long. Meeting the same specs: 20x1.5mm thread with 14psi bypass and anti drain back valve but in longer version we have the following: PureOne PL14610, Mobil M1-110, Bosch 3323, Wally ST7317 and these are about 3.25" long.

 

[Phone]

Use the OEM oil filter or a Wix. We're pushing a whole 4L of oil; no reason for a larger oil filter.

 

[kcdirtbro54]

I would stay away from Wix, personally. http://www.efficient-mileage.com/oil-filters.html scroll down. I plan to use Purolator or OEM Honda filters (since I can get them cheap) on my 2. Nothing wrong with our stock filters, but there's nothing wrong with a bigger filter.

EDIT: Sorry for the poor article, I didn't read the whole thing. There are others out there that doubt Wix filters.

 

[Joker2]

Bad article and the author is lacking in technical knowledge. Erosion is caused by metal chips? Wow! And there is more bad stuff in there!

 

[PGTBrow]

Purolator is some good stuff, their gold filters are 99.9% effective. Not too mention they invented oil filters (ughdance)

 

[Phone]

Let me rephrase real quick: What does a bigger oil filter get you?

 

[Joker2]

Bigger is better? JK
Commonality in my case, between the Miata and the M2. A little more weight at the wrong end? Easier to change out because it has more grip area. Slight increase in volume meaning more of everything: additive package, reduced filtration, etc.

 

[Tom_Mazda2]

I started using a K&N oil filter. It has a stop valve in the filter that helps maintain pressure on the top of the engine when the engine is shut down to prevent dry starts.

I use that and I run Royal Purple 5w-20 motor oil.

 

[Gravity]

I'm using a K&N filter on my last change and Royal Purple 0w20. Do you find much difference with the 5w20?

 

[323F Rock]

which K&N filter are you guys using? HP-1010?

cheers
Nathan

 

[Tom_Mazda2]

I'm using a K&N filter on my last change and Royal Purple 0w20. Do you find much difference with the 5w20?

which K&N filter are you guys using? HP-1010?

cheers
Nathan

Too Gravity... I noticed that my engine runs smoother and quitter using 5w-20 but that comes with a loss of about 1 or 2 MPG.

Too 323F Rock... I'm using a K&N HP-1004

 

[323F Rock]

thank you i will fit one of these when i come to change my oil next year! i have a HP-1010 which is for a 2.5l V6 mazda engine on my Mazda 323F GTR 1.8l turbo

 

[skullsroad]

I started using a K&N oil filter. It has a stop valve in the filter that helps maintain pressure on the top of the engine when the engine is shut down to prevent dry starts.

I use that and I run Royal Purple 5w-20 motor oil.

I'd recommend Purolator. It has an anti drainback valve just like the K&N along with more filter media... at around half the cost.

 

[Andy Hollis]

The only reason "bigger is better" is that the filter can theoretically hold more contaminants before the flow rate slows to the point that the filter goes into bypass mode.

A better solution is to simply replace the filter twice as often, if you are worried about it.

A smaller filter has the benefit of establishing oil pressure quicker when the car is turned on. And most of the wear in a motor comes from those first few minutes of cold use, especially during cranking. Anti-drainback features are not 100% effective.

 

[ngd298]

Dumb question- what do you guys think about FRAM filters? Thats what I've been using since they are like $3-4. Should I stick with them or spend $10-12 on a Bosch filter?