For Nashville car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle's performance and longevity, installing a catch can is a popular upgrade that delivers measurable results. A catch can helps prevent oil vapors from entering the intake system, which can improve engine efficiency and reduce carbon buildup. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for a successful DIY catch can installation, with insights tailored to the unique needs of drivers in Music City.

Understanding the Benefits of a Catch Can

A catch can acts as a separator, capturing oil and moisture from the crankcase vapors before they reach the intake manifold. In modern direct-injection engines, the intake valves never get washed by fuel, making them particularly prone to carbon deposits. By intercepting oil mist from the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system, a catch can dramatically reduces the rate of carbon buildup. Benefits include:

  • Reduced carbon buildup in the intake system, especially on direct-injection engines
  • Improved engine performance as valves stay cleaner and airflow remains unrestricted
  • Extended engine life by preventing oil from lowering the octane rating of the air-fuel mixture and reducing the risk of pre-ignition
  • Cleaner emissions when the collected oil is properly disposed of, instead of being burned through the combustion cycle

For Nashville drivers who frequently deal with stop-and-go traffic or high-humidity conditions, a catch can also help separate moisture from the crankcase, reducing the chance of oil sludge formation.

Tools and Parts Needed

Before starting, gather all necessary components and tools. Most catch can kits sold at Nashville auto parts stores or online retailers include the canister, hose, mounting brackets, and clamps. However, you may want to upgrade to higher-quality hoses or add a check valve for certain vehicles.

  • Catch can kit (with hoses and mounting hardware) – Choose a kit with a baffled design for better separation efficiency.
  • Socket set and wrenches – Metric and SAE sizes to match your vehicle's fasteners.
  • Screwdrivers – Flathead and Phillips for hose clamps and trim clips.
  • Hose clamps – High-quality worm-gear or spring clamps for leak-free connections.
  • Drain pan – To catch any oil drips when disconnecting factory hoses.
  • Safety gloves and eye protection – Essential when working around hot engine components and oil.
  • Optional: vacuum gauge, zip ties, heat-resistant tubing, silicone hose, and a mounting bracket extension for tight engine bays.

Popular catch can brands like Mishimoto, Baffled, and Radium Engineering are available at performance shops such as AutoZone locations throughout Nashville and online. For specialized builds, consider visiting Speed Factory Racing in Nashville for local expertise.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Prepare Your Vehicle

Park your car on a flat surface and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes to avoid burns. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for safety. Have your catch can kit, tools, and drain pan within reach. If your vehicle has a heat shield or engine cover, remove it for better access.

Safety tip: Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to protect your hands from oil and hot surfaces.

2. Locate the PCV Valve and Intake

Identify the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve and the intake hose. These are typically located near the engine's valve cover and intake manifold. Consult your vehicle's service manual or search online for the exact location on your make and model. In many engines, the PCV valve is attached to the valve cover with a rubber grommet, and a hose runs from it to the intake system. For turbocharged engines, there may be a second hose connecting the crankcase to the intake pipe before the turbo.

Take a photo of the original hose routing so you can reference it during reassembly.

3. Remove the Old Hoses

Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to loosen the hose clamps at both ends of the PCV hose. Carefully slide the hose off the fittings. Some factory clamps are single-use; have replacement clamps ready. Place the drain pan underneath to catch any oil that drips from the hose or valve. Inspect the PCV valve and replace it if it's dirty or stuck – a clogged PCV valve can cause excessive crankcase pressure.

4. Install the Catch Can

Mount the catch can in a suitable location, such as near the engine bay frame, firewall, or inner fender. Use the brackets and hardware provided in your kit. The can should be mounted upright and accessible for draining. Avoid placing it near exhaust manifolds or other high-heat sources. Ensure the can is level and securely fastened – vibration can cause fittings to loosen over time.

Pro tip: If your kit's mounting bracket doesn't align perfectly, use a piece of aluminum bar stock to create a custom adapter. Many Nashville enthusiasts fabricate simple brackets from metal strips available at hardware stores.

5. Connect the Hoses

Attach the hose from the PCV valve outlet to the catch can inlet. The inlet is typically marked as “IN” or “Engine.” Connect the catch can outlet (marked “OUT” or “Intake”) to the factory intake port using the supplied hose. Cut the hose to length, making sure there are no sharp bends that could restrict airflow. Secure all connections with hose clamps – snug but not overtightened to avoid damaging the fittings.

If your catch can kit includes a check valve, install it inline on the hose between the PCV valve and the catch can. This prevents backflow of blow-by gases under high vacuum conditions. Some vehicles require a specific orientation – read the kit instructions carefully.

For extra security, use zip ties to support the hoses away from moving engine parts and hot surfaces.

6. Check and Test

Double-check all connections and mounting points. Reconnect the battery. Start the engine and let it idle. Listen for any hissing sounds indicating a vacuum leak. Inspect each hose clamp for leaks – a small puddle of oil around a fitting means it needs tightening. Rev the engine gently and watch the catch can's sight tube (if equipped) to verify it is collecting vapor. With the engine running, you can also use a vacuum gauge to ensure the PCV system is drawing correctly.

After a short test drive, re-inspect the installation. Tighten any clamps that may have loosened due to thermal expansion. Check that the can is not rubbing against any components.

Maintenance and Draining

Regular maintenance is key to getting the full benefit of your catch can. Check the can every 1,000–3,000 miles, or more frequently in cold weather or during frequent short trips (common in Nashville's urban traffic). Drain the collected oil and water mixture into a suitable container. Dispose of it at a local auto parts store or recycling center – do not pour it down drains.

Inspect the hoses for cracks or hardening, especially near the engine. Replace any worn clamps or hoses to maintain optimal performance. Clean the catch can itself every 10,000 miles using a solvent like brake cleaner to remove accumulated sludge inside the baffles.

If you notice the can filling up unusually fast, check the PCV valve function and consider upgrading to a larger capacity can. Some Nashville owners with modified engines install dual catch cans – one for the PCV side and one for the crankcase vent side – for maximum oil separation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mounting the catch can upside down – This prevents proper draining and can cause internal flooding.
  • Using the wrong hose diameter – A loose fit causes leaks; too tight may crack the PCV valve fittings. Always match the factory hose inner diameter.
  • Blocking the PCV system entirely – The catch can should not create excessive restriction. A clogged filter or small-diameter hose can increase crankcase pressure and cause oil leaks.
  • Forgetting to drain the can – A full catch can will push oil back into the intake, defeating its purpose.
  • Neglecting local emissions laws – While catch cans are generally legal, some states require the PCV system to remain functional. In Tennessee, aftermarket catch cans are typically allowed as long as the system does not vent to atmosphere. Always check with local authorities or a shop like Turn 5 for advice.

Nashville-Specific Considerations

Nashville's climate and driving conditions can influence your catch can installation. The city's humid summers and cold winters mean more moisture enters the crankcase. A catch can with a large capacity (at least 500 ml) is recommended to handle increased condensation. In winter, you may need to drain the can more frequently.

Additionally, Nashville's traffic – especially on I-24 and I-440 – leads to extended idling and short trips, which accelerate carbon buildup on direct-injection engines. A catch can is especially beneficial for vehicles like VW GTI, Subaru WRX, Ford Mustang EcoBoost, and Honda Civic Si, which are common among Nashville enthusiasts.

Local performance shops such as Apex Auto offer installation services and can recommend the best catch can for your specific car. Many members of the Nashville Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and local car meetups share their installation experiences online.

Conclusion

With proper installation and maintenance, a DIY catch can can significantly improve your Nashville vehicle's efficiency and lifespan. By reducing carbon buildup on intake valves and preventing oil contamination of the intake charge, you'll enjoy smoother performance and potentially fewer trips to the mechanic for intake cleaning. The upfront cost of a catch can kit (typically $100–$300) pays for itself over time through reduced maintenance and better fuel economy.

Whether you drive a daily commuter or a weekend track car, investing a few hours in this upgrade is one of the smartest modifications you can make. Happy driving – and we'll see you on the streets of Nashville!