Hello
My mx5 NC 1.8 is due an engine oil change which I will be doing myself, I am using an OEM oil filter but am unsure what the best oil to use is. I know Mazda will upsell me on their oil so I’m seeing if there is any alterative that is best for the engine.
I’ve also heard that some Mazda engines are from Ford and was seeing if Ford oil could be used in the 1.8, if its the best option.
Thanks
Hi
Any good quality oil will do 5/30w or 5/40w
Mazda dont make there own oil there just promoting a label as you probably know
And its the other way round with the engines
Mazda designed and built the MZR engine
Ford owned rights to build and use the MZR generation of engines under their Duratec brand name for global service in its vehicles since 2003.
The Ford boys love hearing that lol
I’ve always used Mobil oil in the 2ltr, it’ll be the same for the 1.8 engine.
Get this, the formula FE…
Thanks mate 
Ford FE specification (fuel economy!) 5W30 is what it needs.
The dealer has sometimes put Mazda Supra-X 0W20 in mine, which I wasn’t entirely happy with.
Id recommend a fully synthetic 0w/30 because as most wear occurs on a cold start it will circulate faster.
For the small price difference, choose a decent and well known brand. Then go onto their web site and look for the oil-chooser, type in your reg number and it will tell you exactly which oil to use.