After reading through 188 of the hits I got while searching, it is obvious that the F/I guys have extensively covered the details of installing a driver's side oil catch can.

On the other hand, I have found a couple mentions about a driver's side can for N/A setups, but nothing definitive enough for me to make a decision.

I have the PCV --> Plenum can right now, which works quite well.

Is it worth my money, even though a homemade can is not a large expense at all, to install a driver's side oil catch can?


I may as well use this thread to ask another question that I've been wondering about...Is my DIY in-line filter-style catch can any less effective than, say, a Cusco or Greddy? It definitely works, I'm just wondering how different the technology really is.

 

It is good to have regardless whether your FI or NA but it is more essential for FI cars. The main difference between the Cusco or Greddy compared to the homemade one is the size and price and it comes with mounting ish.

 

Unless you're just looking for something to spend money on, theres not much reason to put a catch can on the driver's side. I dont even run one on my driver's side and my car is turboed, I just vent that side to atmosphere.

 

Now when you say "vent to the atmosphere"...that just consists of a small filter coming out of the intake tube and plugging the valve cover opening, right?

It's not venting oily air to the atmosphere, right? I know someone (turbo m3) who had a setup like that and his engine bay was gross...just cuz I know him doesn't mean he knew what he was doing.

 

Essentially, the technology is the same then?

 

yep, same concept.

 

Reversed. Intake is plugged and the d/s valve cover is vented to atmosphere.

No it doesn't blow oil anywhere.

 

I just remembered I have an extra in-line filter at home with a few brass fittings. I may as well use it for a driver's side can since I already have it.

The only expense I can think of will be for some 15mm fuel line. Is it even fuel line I want? I have experience with using 5/8" line in place of 15mm and the fit was not as snug as I would have like it to be.

I'm thinking about placing the can either to the left of the intake filter, or over to the right of the battery, but within the engine bay. How could I route the hoses to avoid them resting on any hot parts OR, just as importantly, kinks.

If I mount the filter by the battery I'll use (2) 90 degree brass fittings to face the inlet and outlet toward the intake area on the other side, then run the lines. But won't they burn if they are close to that top-most area near the throttle body?

 

Found these on G35 Driver...

Option 1 - (That's the Weapon R catch can mounted in front...note how the hoses are resting against the engine block )

Option 2 -

^^ this might actually be a PCV one, come to think of it. He said it was a 15mm catch can, which makes me think it's actually a driver's side one. He said he ran the tubing with the spark plug wires...so idk if that helps decide which side it's intended for.

 

Two more quick question. 1) Does the little nipple on the intake tube that accepts the valve cover hose rotate 360 degrees so I can position it the way I want? 2) I can use 1/2" heater hose for this little DIY?

 

Not seeing the edit button, so just disregard the above post:

These are now the 2 questions I need answered:

1) I can use 1/2" heater hose for this little DIY?

2) For those of you venting the valve cover to the atmosphere, where did you position the breather filter, and does it get messy at all? Like does the filter get all oily and spray a film of oil?

 

^ ? ^

 

1. Yes you can, as long as it fits on the d/s valve cover nipple. I may have used 5/8ths though, I forget. The size is not important as long as it fits and can be clamped tight.

2. Heres a pic of mine. This has been in place for like 6 months and as you can see no oil on the filter and none around it. If you are pushing oil out the breather you have issues.

 

I've been running this for over a year. Works great. No oil in my engine bay either.

 

Thanks for the responses Spoils and GothChick. I really appreciate it.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-driv...catch-can.html

 

Thanks for the link. I'm sure anyone who is new to the catch can concept will appreciate it.

I've had my catch can in that location (thanks to that DIY) made for like a year. I'm sitting here right now putting together the same style for my driver's side. Great DIY.