I recently bought a '99 Miata and would like to change my own oil & filter. Are there any gotcha's I should know about? Also, are 3rd party oil & air filters (like Fram or Purolator) okay to use? Thanks in advance.
---Geary
You're better off spending a couple bucks more and buying the OEM filters - particularly the oil filter.
And this section
Some think so. Many owners consider OEM Mazda filters the best you can buy, though, and they're not expensive if you order them from Finish Line Performance or Trussville Mazda. My mechanic won't use anything but Mazda filters in my Miata and 3.
Geary, the NB's more of a challenge than most cars. Read up a bit. Most of us have to do some pretty wacky contortions if we don't have the relocation kit installed. I generally have to turn my front wheels all the way to the left and go in through the wheel well (no tools) OR, if you get the (cup shaped) filter wrench that exactly fits over the end of the filter and uses a std 3/8" ratchet, you can probably get it done from up above. PIA though, that's for sure.
Oh, makes a huge mess down below if you don't make a good plan for that. I shape a paper plate into a sort of funnel shape and guide the oil thru the frame. Some catch the oil with a disposable baby diaper but since baby diapers and used oil are two of the worst things in the dumps, I like the paper plate method.
Good luck, Chris
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