Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Oil filter relocation kit from Brainstorm
Makes oil changes a snap, though you have to be careful not to spill oil on the car. Oil changes have gone from a drag to a 15-20 minute job. I've had this kit about 18 months now and have been very happy. The only disappointment I've had is the yellow plastic connectors at the end of the hoses have broken, allowing a slow oil leak to develop. A set of $1.79 hose clamps later, and some extra work to get them installed in tight places, and viola - no oil leak. For $130+, I'm disappointed that the hose connections were not sturdier and didn't last longer.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Brainstorm Remote Oil Filter
Unsatisfactory.
Even though I've done clean and successful installations of everything from bumpers to superchargers, not to mention headers, ECUs and everything in between, I had major difficulties installing this product. One of the hoses interfered with the brace under my intake manifold, making it nearly impossible to attach the adaptor to the engine block. I tightened everything down but the hose connection kept leaking oil. I removed and replaced the unit but the leak persisted. Eventually I gave up. I'm returning the unit. The kit is beautifully made but I don't like the thought of those soft oil lines being exposed to abrasion if they chance to rub against any engine parts. (This is the same kit that Flyin' Miata sells.)
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Remote Oil Filter system.
A friend of mine ordered the same system from Dealer Alternative. It is a beautifully crafted piece. He has had no problems.
I called Brainstorm last Friday to purchase their remote oil filter system. I made it clear that it was very important that I have the product by this Friday (8 days later). The rep at Brainstorm stated that he would personally see to it that the part would go out that day and advised me that 2-3 UPS shipping would not be necessary. I called today to get the UPS shipping number and got the same rep. He told me that the system had been shipped only yesterday (Wednesday). :-( When I reminded him of our conversation he stated that he was only an employee of Brainstorm, not the owner and that orders go out when they go out. He said that if I wanted to cancel the order that was fine with him. When I asked to speak to a manager or an owner I was stonewalled (even after calling twice). I will never order another product from Brainstorm. It was not the fact that shipping was delayed but rather my treatment after the sale.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.8 liter
remote oil filter kit
Arrived in good condition, but was missing the two brass elbows needed at the filter base. Took six days before those arrived. The overall quality of the product is oustanding, the mounting bases are machined from solid pieces of alluminum with fins machined into the filter base, very impressive. Mounting was not much harder than changing the filter, which is a nightmare to begin with. After two weeks not a drop of oil has leaked. My only concern is the two hoses now carrying the oil, its took some creative zip tying to keep then from contacting hard parts in the engine bay. I think that maybe stainless steel braided lines may be a better choice and provide better protection against chaffing.
Not too many Miata owners look foward to an oil filter change, but with this product I can safely say I can't wait.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
| Back to Product Reviews | 15 December, 2002 |