Air filters are one of the easiest performance mods you can make to your car. Here’s a collection of some of the best air filters for the Mazda RX-7.
Air is just as important for the health and performance of your car, as it is for you. So, do your RX-7 a favor and keep on top of its air filter. There’s a lot of uncertainty about the true merit of air filters as a performance upgrade, but given the age of these cars, a fresh one will inevitably be positive.
So, if you want to get your RX-7 breathing better than ever, here are some of the top aftermarket options on the market…
Best Air Filter for the Mazda RX-7 FC
Replacement Panel Filters
The FC RX-7 comes with a panel filter as standard, and as such, replacing that dusty old one with a new high-performance panel is super simple. All you have to do is remove the old one from the car’s air box, and place the new filter in its place. Job done!
The idea behind performance panel air filters is that they’ll do better at collecting contaminants, while also improving air flow. And as air is crucial to power, this is meant to improve your car’s performance. However, the reality is that any gains are likely to be minimal at best. Still, it’s a good idea to keep on top of the quality of your car’s air filter, as you don’t want hot or dirty air getting into the mix. K&N are often the go-to air filter brand, and as an added bonus, their products are washable, meaning that if the filter gets dirty you can clean it and re-use it. HKS’s Super Air Filter ($36) is a much cheaper alternative.
Cone Filters
Open-air cone filters replace the standard air box and panel filter. Visually, they look a bit more sporty in the engine bay, and theoretically the filter’s larger surface area should back that identity up. However, it’s worth noting that an open-air cone filter will be exposed to higher engine bay temperatures, compared to a panel filter tucked away in its airbox. And unfortunately, hot air is detrimental to performance. Ensuring good cold air flow into the engine bay is therefore vital if you want to run a cone filter.
A popular example of this for the RX-7 FC is the APEXi Power Intake ($69).
Closed Cold Air Induction Kits
To take things to the next level, you might want to invest in a full-on induction kit replacement, rather than a simple air filter replacement. Before you do that though, make sure to read our induction kit guide.
AutoExe produces a Ram Air kit for the FC-gen RX-7 (and the FD too, actually). If you want the FC-spec one, it’ll cost you $477.
Best Air Filter for the Mazda RX-7 FD
Replacement Panel Filters
Like the FC (and most cars, for that matter), the FD RX-7 runs a panel filter as standard. So, replacing the old one with a high-flow panel is super easy.
The HKS Super Air Filter ($25.80) is a good value option, while another popular alternative is the K&N washable & reusable panel.
Cone Filters
Want the more eye-catching look of a cone filter? The APEXi Power Intake ($56.00) is one to consider.
Serious trackday drivers might be interested in a couple of HKS products too. The Super Power Flow ($290.18) intake and Racing Suction Kit ($550.59) are slightly odd looking parts, but claim to increase air intake surface area by 27%.
When weighing up which sort of replacement filter to go for, there are certain form vs function factors to consider. So, be sure to read our panel vs cone guide!
Closed Cold Air Induction Kits
To take things to the next level, you might want to invest in a full-on induction kit replacement, rather than a simple air filter replacement. Before you do that though, make sure to read our induction kit guide.
AutoExe produces a Ram Air kit for the FD-gen RX-7, but at $744 it’s quite an investment. For the money, you get significantly improved airflow, filtration, and engine response, while the carbon airbox will be a nice visual addition the car’s engine bay. Oh, and expect some added induction noise too.
Pop-Up Headlight Duct
Although admittedly not an air filter per se, the KSP ATTAIN pop-up headlight duct is another sort of performance upgrade you could opt for to aid your car’s intake flow. And, as an added draw, it’s got a certain visual quality too.
The idea is that air will flow through the small duct in the headlight casing, towards the intake. KSP suggests that cone filters mounted near the lights will benefit the most from such a design, as it’ll ensure they receive cold air despite being without an airbox.
A headlight duct for the FC RX-7 is priced at $106, whereas the FD part is a little more expensive ($124). Alternatively, Fujita Engineering produces a similar product for the FD for $141.
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