Hi there, I've been active quite a bit on this website after getting my first RX8 and I've been appreciating all the help I've been getting!
I've learnt so much about this car through these forums and I wanted to ask one last newbie question (hopefully for now.)
So I read this forum: https://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-te...-ii-r3-188392/ saying that you should ONLY use genuine mazda oil filter so I looked up the part number and went researching a bit.
I came across this website: https://www.oilfilter-crossreference...DA/N3R1-14-302 showing the alternative filter to the genuine Mazda filter.
After looking at the list, I came across the FRAM's PH6607 https://www.fram.com/parts-search/PH6607 which I can purchase with relative ease. My previous owner did tell me that it's okay to use FRAM filters as long as it's not a low end one.
I've seen the name of this filter come up in other posts with the compatible oil filters, but wasn't sure if it was actually OKAY to use this after looking at the first post about ONLY using genuine filter.
So I was wondering if this FRAM filter would work fine or I should go out of my way to buy the genuine Mazda filter despite the website saying that FRAM works as an alternative.
Thank you so much!

 

The main difference between OEM S2 and OEM S1 filter is size(larger) and bypass pressure(higher). Most aftermarket oil filter should fit on a S2 (some are actually S1 filter though) but the bypass pressure should be investigated before purchasing.

 

Just curious, why are you looking for an alternative?

The OEM filter is really good and pretty cheap. When I had my RX-8, the dealer had it for CAN$9.99. The only thing cheaper(by a dollar or two, if that) would be the FRAM Extra Guard AKA Orange Can of Death(which you are looking at). Not sure if that's something I'd use. Their construction is really, really cheap with cardboard parts inside, and they historically had some QC issues where some of the filters are defective out of the box. It's said they have improved but I would still be wary.

 

I think FRAM has improved since. But for about the same price, why not stick with OEM? Your S2 has specific filters to meet oil pressure requirements. No reason to trod off the beaten path on this one. Are the OEMs still made by Tokyo Roki? Black in Grey/White box packaging IIRC.

 

Can confirm Fram filters are garbage. Stick with OEM and never have a problem. OEM filter is not even that expensive too as you mentioned.

 

Yes, they are. They make oil filters for a few JDM cars.

I know some people don't like going to dealers but they should at least get a quote from the dealer first.

 

you confirmed in your own state of the art super laboratory or you read something posted over 20 years ago on the intrawebz?

I almost laughed as hard when you posted “in my experience with the RX8” the other day in a different reply.

 

Drinking the 150 proof Haterade tonight Team? If you want to use garbage Walmart oil filters be my guest. Theres no need when stock filters are better for this car. Dont even need a lab to know that much...

 

Mazmart has great prices on S2 oil filters part# N3R1-14-302. I bought a whole box and split them with a friend in Cincinnati when I lived there. Here's the specs from the MY2009 Highlights manual - if you can find one with both the flow rate (cold/hot) AND bypass pressure - try it.

 

I read good things about Mobil 1 1010 filters. I think they are the same size as the S2 filters. Not sure about flow rate and bypass spec.
Admittedly I have used FRAM for a few years inter mixed with Mazda blue filters. Nothing catastrophic happened in the 14 years of ownership. Switched to fancy Tokyo Roki because I was given a dozen of them. Does make my engine that bit more JDM legit.
I do have 5000km/annual OCI whichever comes first.