Quick update. My car seems to have a combination of leftover and new parts.?.
There are 7 (10mm) main bolts securing the tray onto clips and 2 Phillips screws (not in pic) securing the tray to the front bumper guard (not sure what you call that). To properly drop the tray, you have to remove 9 bolts/screw combos. The front 3 bolts are secured onto clips that have a rotating nut (10mm). Rotating as in the nut actually spins in place on the clip think of the nut as riveted onto the clip they are NOT 2 separate parts! This is actually a practical design if the nut was completely welded onto the clip OR you can get easy access to the nut. They appear to be the pre-modified clips.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda5/bulletin/09-012-07-1747.pdf
There are 4 bolts in the rear, 2 on each side, and they seem to be the secured onto modified versions of the clip -without the nut on top. It is one integrated clip with a threading for the mounting bolt (10mm). For long term use, I dont think the modified version is any better. 3 out of the 4 rears were also rusted tight and without a top nut to work with, it was HARDER to take off than the front 3. They were hard to remove even with full access b/c you the soft plastic is not sturdy enough to hold the clip in place while you attempt to toque it off. Continuing doing so will spin the clip itself around and the metal clip will cut a full circle out of the soft tray (at least it will come off). Had to wedge a screw driver through the two loops in the clip and even then it was quite tough to spin out.
Since I was not able to remove the rear blots to tackle the front ones from the back, I had to look for other options.
It turns out the misaligned filter hole gives you enough space to reach in and touch the middle and passenger side nut (hole is off center to the passenger side so you cannot reach the driver side nut unless you have realllly long arms. By touch/feel, youd have to use a box end or flare nut wrench to hold nut and torque out the bolt below. Once you get the two off, you can wiggle enough space to get the rest off. My car was also missing the passenger side wheel liner cover. With the wheel off the liner off, you have full access as well. However, I 'think' part of the liner is bolted down(?) -didn't take a good look but it could be an easier alternative.
I fully intend on making this a much friendlier (and cleaner) routine the next go around. I installed the Fumoto value and ordered the conversion to canister kit. At fist, I have the flip switch facing down for easy access but since I am going tray less for the next few weeks (to modify the tray), it may not be such a good idea -upwards it goes. Keep forgetting to buy attachment drain hose as well.
For anyone interested, the 2008 does indeed have oil cooler attachments. Wasnt sure at first hence I did not order the kit for my first oil change. The cartridge filter is an unnecessary mess to change compared to a canister.
