ooh, maybe a sparkplug might fit too...then we'll get 120 hp per liter just like them....or maybe it'll give the car V-TEC... ...a good quality filter is all you need...Fram's are crap, just use OEM....don't even really need a V-6 filter..the stocker works just fine

 

yea your right

 

My experience with Mazda filters is limited but I do know a great deal about Honda filters. I'll try to distinguish what I know firsthand and what I've picked up through reading or word of mouth.

First, the earlier point about oil filter brand names versus the actual oil filter manufacturer do change. And frequently. Alot of the common aftermarket filters will change manufacturers every couple years. This happened a couple time over the last 6-8 years with Purolator and Wix. So while what you're buying might have been top notch a couple years ago, you could be using crap now, even though it's the same brand. This should sound familiar to anyone who remembers when Fram was a top quality filter (20+ years ago).

Second OEM doesn't mean better, or even satisfactory in some cases. Honda used to have a very nice filter. Then they started sourcing filters from Fram and Filtech. I've personally cut these filters open...and while they're better specs then off the shelf Fram, they're not as good as they once were. It's a bean counter move...if they drop their cost by .15 and raise the retail price a dime, they're making a quarter more per filter. That's alot of quarters.
In the last year, Honda has changed their oil filter design to a smaller, Mazda similar piece. It's one generic filter for the entire line and another filter for the s2000.
I've seen two different manufacturers of the small filter. Allied Signal(own Fram I believe) and Filtech. Now this new s2000 filter is made by Toyo-Roki(who I've read makes/made Mazda filters also). Who used to make the usdm Honda filters way back when and still do in Japan. And Toyo makes the very nice HAMP brand in Japan.
So what about the new small filter makes it unsuitable for the s2000?
And if you're going to buy one, be careful what they hand you...I've found that the average parts guy is still unaware of the differences(they all look alike).
And to further clarify...the HAMP and s2000 filters ARE identical filters except the color of the case. The price of both can run $5-$10.
A back to back test with oil pressure gauge showed a 5psi increase when switching from the old Fram/Honda to the new Toyo/s2000 filter.
I've "read" this is one of the reasons Honda went to a smaller canister filter: higher, more stable oil pressure. But it's hearsay, if you will. So you guys talking bigger v6 filters might want to look into that. More oil at lower pressure isn't necessarily a good thing.

Third...I address quality and some people have expressed a desire for details. I care about a couple things.
(a) the end caps. Have to be metal, what happens when you soak cardboard with oil? The answer is, not what I want in my oil filter.
(b) bypass valve/anti drainback should be bonded to the assembly, not press fit.
(c) the filter media should be a tight weave...not loose enough to pull fibers off.

So if the s2000 filter works, cool. I have box of HAMP filters. They really are a good quality filter. It probably sounds **** to a lot of people...but if you've cut open a Fram and compared it to something better, you wouldn't be questioning the **** man's decision to pay a little more. The way I flail cars, I need the extra protection.

My choice for $10?
I'd just buy the K&N filter and be done with it.

$7?
I'd try and find a Toyo Roki Mazda or Honda filter. Helps to order something like 1/2 a case at a time, sometimes this will garner a price break.

$5?
Only in a pinch, I'd temporarily use anything but a Fram and change to something better when circumstances allow.

And to note for Fram fans, we're talking about the standard road hazard orange filter. The Doubleguard, X2, Race etc filters have rec'd mixed reviews, depending on application.

 

Interesting...just looked up K&N filter cross reference. ..all these cars use the same k&n oil filter that the Protege does. I'll bet there is some interchangeability to explore.

http://216.109.67.253/integratedcata...57121&type=acc