Flyin Miata

Flyin Miata Oil Filter Relocation Kit

[8/14/2012] Reviewed by: Tonya Ashment

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99-'05 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Flying Miata Oil Filter Relocation Kit relocates your OEM oil filter to the firewall of your Miata, thereby providing better accessibility during oil changes.

Couple of things to mention up front: 1.) FM does state on their website that fitment with the Mazdaspeed Miata (MSM) is tight. 2.) There is also a disclaimer concerning certain model years with this kit. Recommend verifying product compatibility prior to purchase. We actually tried installing the kit on a 1995 Miata prior to attempting on my MSM. Needless to say, that particular install met with disastrous results. Once installed, the kit leaked from every one of the supplied fittings. When we called to find out what had happened, FM speculated that is was probably due to them not including enough sealant prior to shipping. (The item comes with sealant already in place.) Apparently, if sealant does not ooze from the fitting when installed, you don't have enough. They recommended a sealant for use. Lesson #1) Buy additional sealant and utilize said sealant in addition to the sealant provided. Lesson #2) Allow sealant to fully cure prior to putting oil back in your vehicle (this could require up to 24 hours). Not wanting to lose the capability to possibly relocate my oil filter, we next tried the kit on the MSM. Install on both vehicles is similar and straight forward. You will have to remove an engine brace to install and there is no guarantee you will be able to replace it (Once, again FM does put this as a disclaimer in their installation instructions). On the MSM the location on the firewall is regulated to a very small area that is adjacent to the throttle body inlet cable. Lesson #3) Angle the oil filter bracket so the the attaching AN fitting does not rub the throttle body cable. Next, came running the lines. For this step, it is recommended to shield the lines, not to protect the lines - but instead to protect everything else in your engine bay. The placement for the lines on the MSM is tight, due to the OEM catch can, but a direct route is available. Unfortunately the "A" line is too short for the MSM (by 2 inches). Lesson #4) Be prepared to either buy additio! nal fittings or build new lines to make the lines long enough. New location of the oil filter does allow for easy access and allows one to fill the filter prior to install. Bottom line: Not recommended for MSM applications. Will probably require adapters (AN-8). Careful measurement is needed to ensure lines reach oil filter bracket. Be prepared to build new lines, if needed. Buy additional sealant and use prior to install. Wait 24 hours before use for sealant to cure. Install is very straight forward.

Note: For MSM, oil drain line from catch can was rerouted to ensure fitment.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely

Flying Miata oil filter relocation kit

[7/18/2003] Reviewed by: Frank Guagenti - mozart@computer.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.8 liter

Relocates your oil filter to behind the window washer fluid on the fire wall.

The idea is a sound one. Relocate the filter to the firewall where it is easly accessable. I had this one put on by my mechanic. It went on easly enough but when he started up the car it spurted oil all over the place. After talking to the Flying Miata people it seems the piece doesnt fit all 2002 Miatas. On some engines the spindel is too long and it bottoms out on the end that screws into the old filter. This will not allow the peice to screw down tightly. They said they will send a new part that fits.

Flying Miata knew of the problem with this kit. They really should have made me aware of the problem when I ordered the unit. Now I have to pay an additional installation charge.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely