Im looking on rockauto, and I usually get beck arnley because most of the stuff I got for my 929 was made in japan, but after looking at images of oem thermostat and the beck/arnley they look considerably different. Im sure it would work fine but there is an aisin for 16.81 that is a exact image of the oem unit. Anyone have any advice for aftermarket brands, I dont want to spend 60 bucks on a performance one.

2004 MAZDA RX-8 1.3L R2 Thermostat | RockAuto

 

Any of those on rockauto are fine.

 

Just get an OEM on or an equivalent. The mazmart is pointless imo, even though I still bought it...

 

I replaced mine with one from advance auto parts. OEM equivalent. That has been over a year without any problem.