Anything but FRAM. I read the reviews on their filters--crap!

Hand tightening is fine as long as it does not leak. Check at the bottom of the filter post on the engine block for oil as it will puddle there if it is leaking.

I know about the true *purpose* of the bolt, reason I didnt get the socket and extenstion thing because I had 2 concerns:

Am I going to keep using K&N oil filters ? I think Wix is as good and cost 40% cheaper.

Im a cheap ass so I dont really want to buy another socket just to take the filter off.

So my conclusion would be , this will be my LAST K&N filter for my 8. Wix afterwards.

Would the filters from Atkins Rotary work???
http://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/cu...1&cat=0&page=1

Since more cars change their oils every 7500 miles, when I change out my oil @3K miles, I do not change the filter since it is at least good for another 3K. Which means, instead of $10/filter, it almost like $5. Of course, if you buy a cheaper filter, the same could be applied..so..more $$ saved ^_^

hmm good idea, maybe i should do that at next oil change :D:

Wix do make very good filters as well - another good alternative.

Wix oil filters generally have very good filtration with pretty good flow, just not as much flow as a K&N. I would choose a Wix over the PureOne because the have similar filtration with the Wix having better flow.

I can get you a 1" socket for cheap if that is really a big factor in your filter choice :)

Actually, the cheaper the filter, the less you save :)

Saving $6 on something I do once every 2 months isn't big on my list.... less particles the better.

Hahahaha..yeah..I only added that because nycps mentioned that the WIX filters were better than K&N and were cheaper..so..in that regard, will some some $$. Granted, those really cheap ones (fram, etc.), will not be worth it..but..like I mentioned, most cars only change their filter every 7500 miles..we have to change ours @3K, so the filter should last another round (at least). Yup..a conspiracy to get our $$ :)

I cant say for sure that WiX will do better than K&N. by looking at the structure design they're about the same. At least both of them wont freaking leak like FRAM does !

I've be using K&N and thinkin' about switching to denso http://sparkplugs.com/results_app.asp

Here is a good website on most oil filters out there. Granted, this was done by an enthusiast, so take with a grain of salt..but, HEY! It is interesting info to digest and might change your opinion on the varieties of oil filters out there..I'm sticking to my K&N..for now (got a nice bulk purchase..hehehehe), but the Premium Plus L30001 seem like a good filter for the $$..

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

Good thread from BITOG on K&N filters and the benefits of "flow".

Notice that "Terry" is an oil analyst and states that although K&N's have less single-pass efficiency than some filters, that he is seeing BETTER wear numbers (from oil analysis) on engines using K&N filters as they go in "by-pass mode" much, much less than other filters because of their high flow - contributing to better total filtering over the entire oil change interval.

He also recommend the AMSOIL Ea filter as well.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/foru...=15#Post733143

I wonder what happen to him, he hasnt update it for so long.

Another thing I dont like about K&N is the *hard to get* factor.

My Local pepboys should have it but for some reason they're almost always out of stock (at least the size that I need, HP-1008)

WiX is just easy for me to buy ....

Well, I still have another K&N around. Im pretty sure its quality product. but Im Lazy so I almost always go by with whatever easier for me to get
(Maybe I should change that habit because I hate myself so much after I pour Mobil1 Extended Performance into my engine ..... RP RP RP RP RP I love you!)

Someone asked about the NAPA filter. I think they are made by WIX.

I've used K&N on my Cobra for the last 3 years and on my 8 since i bought it new in May/06. Never had any problems with it.

Guess I shouldn't be so surprised to find that the most expensive ISN'T always clearly the best.

Aside from the aforementioned links, is there anywhere where actaul professional testing of these filters has been done?

Just as with oil, its always so hard to decide with so many alternatives. Never thought about the stock Mazda filter, but might start to hop on that. Is Mazda the only place you can pick them up from?

Oil Filter
 

I use Fram Tough guard,It cost me about $5

I like the Mobil 1 filter.

OMG, that filter SUCK ASS ! (unless they changed their design since then, base on the information from one of the oil filter study test)

but FRAM has a really bad name to being with ... I wouldnt touch that.

I would rather go for OEM filter than FRAM ....

Don't use FRAM!!!!

They are

I wouldn't - the filters they have listed are for the 7, not 8, and look to be a standard diameter filter instead of the smaller diameter the 8 uses.

In Europe Bosch filters are pretty common in stores, do you know how good/bad they're?