I’d recommend using motorcraft FL820S filters only. They have better anti drainback valves than the Fram filters and will help retain oil in your top end.
I've taken to buying made in japan mazda rx8 filters for my 2015 impreza.
The Mazda filter has a higher capacity and larger design compared to the OEM Subaru filter. So, it will hang down slightly lower than OEM. The anti-drain back pressure seems to be similar, but I have never verified myself. I ran this filter on my 2005 Impreza WRX STi for a few years.
I’d high recommend doing an oil change with 10w30, putting on a factory oil filter (they’re about $10 at the dealer and come with a crush washer), and seeing how it behaves then. I recommend factory filters because for some very odd reason, I had less (or no) lifter tick when I used factory filters vs. aftermarket.
I use Motocraft oil filter also available there.
My opinion… 5W-30. I drive mine year round in a cold northern state. I was always told that if you’re hard on it at all and run it into higher rpm’s sometimes the coyote likes the heavier weight.
Mazda oil filters are good but there are aftermarket filters equal and some are better than Mazda filters. Call the independent shop and ask what oil and filter they use then research it.
Recently changed oil and filter, installed Motorcraft filter.
Motorcraft until they tripled the price. Got a bunch of Purolator Boss’s before their price went up
I'm not sure if the 2008 v6s still had plastic tensioners, but I know my 2004 4.0 did. I had to have it replaced at one point. Unfortunately with the 4.0 engine, removing timing covers with the engine still in the truck is kind of difficult and a shop might want to pull it to do this kind of work. I believe that's what they did on mine. Using motorcraft oil filters could help, but it didn't make mine go away, so I eventually had it replaced.
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In March 2026 on PartReview, oil filter Motorcraft were overall better than OEM Mazda.
In March 2026 on PartReview, oil filter Motorcraft were overall more popular than OEM Mazda.
By vote balance, oil filter Motorcraft surpassed OEM Mazda:
By number of reviews, oil filter Motorcraft surpassed OEM Mazda:
In March 2026, according to PartReview, oil filter Motorcraft led more car-specific ratings than OEM Mazda:
Motorcraft are chosen by owners of cars such as: Ford Focus, Ford Mustang, Ford Ranger, and others.
OEM Mazda are chosen by owners of cars such as: Mazda 3, and others.
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You can also see who is better among other oil filter manufacturers: Fram or Mann, Fram or Wix, Fram or Mobil, Fram or K&N, Mann or Wix.
