Why the oil filter relocation?
 

I've looked and looked and can't even fathom a reason for this besides it's easier to get to the filter. Is that the reason??

We have a weiner.

Lol, wow...... this has been driving me nuts trying to figure out why it's "needed" for a turbo build.

You also get more oil capacity; which makes you have slightly less oil temps.

I haven't read anywhere that it is needed, where are you seeing that? Since many of us run oil coolers, it could be said that using a relocation plate and then running cooler lines off the relocated filter might be nice, but it still adds potential leak points.

Which would also make it a pain in the ass to fill. Stock you can just pour a gallon in and be happy. One jug done.

It means you can change the filter from above, and you don't pee oil all over the subframe when you do it. It also means you can run any filter you like, rather than having to use one that fits on the Mazda mount.

It's hard to integrate remote oil filter and oil cooler lines and still use a thermostat on the oil cooler.

--Ian