Such a pain in the *** to get it out!!!
I'm getting one of those oil filter wrenches next time.
I've seen some type of oil filter relocation thing on another FD at BPR. It goes on the filter base and has 2 lines coming from it. The filter was sitting near the water pump connected to those lines. It's pretty cool.
Anyone know where I can get this?

 

Actually, on earlier RX-7s it was an awsome place.. super easy to change.. the 3rd gen stock is just to packed..

Get rid of all your emmisions crap and everything else and it is easy or you could just relocate it..

 

Found the relocation kit.
http://www.greddy.com/products/oilcoolerkit_frame.htm
I'll get this in the future...

 

The filters are easy as hell to get out man. Maybe go with the MX6 filter next time Fits on, gives you more filter area, and easier to grip. If your car is hot the rubber coated gloves help a lot. You kinda have to get the right angle but it's not hard at all. My daily driver, Chevy Malibu is harder to change the oil in.

 

Its all about the angle you grab it at. Try reaching in with your left hand with your palm facing the same direction as your back (you are actually facing somewhat away from the car), and turn on it that way. That works best for me anyway.

 

The part manager at the local Mazda dealership told me that he read a TSB on the MX6 oil filter. It said that the filter media on the inside of the filter is the exact same as the filter on the RX-7. It is only the metal casing that is larger.

 

Just get a filter socket, you obviously can't get a wrench down in there. It is easy to do, I usually remove the intake elbow.. takes like 5 minutes tops.

Matt

 

i got a oil filter tool from kargen, super easy to change

 

I use the tall Mx-6 filters and a socket type filter wrench. No trouble.

Rated R1 I assume that is just for the Mazda filters? I know my "tall" MX-6 filters from Purolator have larger elements as I cut a used one open once.

 

Yeah, I assume that applies only to the Mazda filters.

 

Anyone tried sticking a screwdriver through the filter and turning it?

 

uhm i just use my hand and twist it off.

 

never gave me a problem.

 

If you can't get if off by hand, you're obviously tightening it too much. Other than being upside down, I think it's in a really easy to get to spot.

BTW: I have done the screwdriver-thru-the-filter thing, though not on the FD. It works, but makes quite a mess.

 

if you were to relocate it.. where the hell would you put it ? there's like 0 space

 

Wow, its the best place they could put it.
Try getting one off of a Honda, reaching through the exhaust manifold, or other cars where you have to be under them and reach through suspension components.
I use the PureOne MX-6 filter and even with my GReddy elbow I have no problems getting it off by hand.
$hit even my GF gets my filter off BY HAND with ease, don't put it on so tight next time.

 

with the stock air box gone, battery relocation, FMIC and taking out cruise control you would have more space then ever, i just wanna know where to get the dual ones, those things look sweet.

 

hah ai change my filter the same way. ive been wanting to post a pic of that angle cuz when your filter is on tight i pretty much look retarded trying to take it off

 

the oil filter is so easy to remove. Like what others have stated, there's one angle to do it and remember - hand tight is enough.

 

oh and you can wipe the filter clean first with windex or something, then grab it with plastic gloves on.

 

For all those of you complaining that the 7's filter is too tough to get too, try doing it in an MX-6. the v-6 model at least is upside down right next to the exhaust manifold (so you're laying under the car, unscrewing a filter that is basically the "drain plug" of a chamber with oil in it). there is no way to not get covered in oil taking that thing off. I think mazda had the right idead facing the FD's down. at least it's clean if nothing else.

 

At least you don't have to get under the car to remove the filter like you do in my CRX.

The service manual says 1-1/6 turns after the gasket touches. I couldn't even make 1 full turn by hand. Is that normal?

 

I like the location of the FD filter. It's better than trying to reach into a cross member from under the car if it was located under the car.

 

easy for you to say. you live in Normal, IL and no emission test there. dude, get me an address. I need to re reg my car there

 

I use an HP 1004 filter by K&N. The K&N's all have a 1" hex nut mfr'd into the top and you can remove them with a 1" socket and an extension. Also, the HP 1004 is larger than stock has a great flow rate.

BTW, the FD ranks as the easiest car I've ever had for getting the oil filter out without making a mess. My SVT Contour is a real PIA. You waste about a pint of dirty oil all over the place when you remove it.