Oil is often referred to as the blood of an automobile engine. The thin layer of oil molecules that rides in between engine parts is in reality all that prevents the friction between these moving parts from creating excessive heat and turning the engine into a useless heap of expensive scrap metal. The oil filter takes in dirty oil and removes the particulates and crud. This engine damaging crud remains trapped in the filter media and the oil filter returns the clean oil back into the engine. This is important, for in addition to providing essential engine lubrication; oil also scrubs the inside of your engine clean. Changing the oil and filter on a regular basis gives the engine a fresh transfusion for longer life. You should change your oil at 5,000 mile intervals. Using the unleaded gases of today cuts down the need to change your oil more frequently as the oils are cleaner and contain no lead deposits for one thing.

Inside the Filter

Choosing a quality oil and oil filter preferably a Mazda oil filter and to change both oil and oil filters at each service. All oil filters are not created equal. A poor quality oil filter may temporarily save a dollar or two, but can instantly cause thousands of dollars in engine damage upon burst or failure. At the heart of the engine oiling system is the oil pump. The pump circulates oil through the engine at a required pressure. The materials and construction of an oil filter must be able to withstand this pressure under torturous conditions of heat and cold. If an oil filter housing or oil filter base gasket fails due to rupture, a rapid loss of oil pressure and oil will result and it will be time for a new engine. Engines usually cost more than a few bucks.

Hidden Horrors

Worse than outright failure is an oil filter that fails in its task without ever letting on. A poorly constructed internal bypass valve inside the filter can open unnecessarily and cause the oil to simply go around the filter. Filtration is lost without any outward signs. Conversely a clogged oil filter will also cause a bypass valve to open. Just because an oil filter looks right or screws onto an engine does not mean it's the right one for the job. Oil filters are manufactured to match engine requirements to maintain the correct oil pressure, flow volume, pressure relief valve opening and of course filtration. Always select Mazda oil filters designed and built specifically to work with the engine and oil system it is to be spun onto. Saving money on an oil filter is right up there with getting a deal on day-old Sushi and bargain basement brain surgery.

Help from our Vendors

Moss Motors and other vendors sell a relocation kit for the oil filter so you do not have to crawl under your car to change the filter. One is located on the firewall where when you replace the filter you can place a rag under the filter to catch the oil drips. I use a small cat food can to let the filter drop into, helpful if the oil is hot. And have a rag to catch and wipe up any oil that may drip from the holder.

Thompson Automotive has a nice remote kit for the NB Miata's. It mounts up front in the space by the coolant recovery tank. You can get these with extra fins for cooling, and if you want an, outlet for oil pressure readings. Also available are steel braded holes for that classy look.

I have used both of these methods and both work just as well as the other. I also added an oil cooler which mounts in front of the radiator and condenser to help cool the oil down. Some of the new members may not know this but the Miata has an oil cooler built in; but the cooler the oil the longer your engine will last.

Suggested Modification

Here is a small modification to the brace that supports the Miata's intake. This will give you a little more clearance for the hoses leading from the filter base to your new remote filter location.



Photos courtesy of Tom Wood