Understanding the PCV System and Why a Catch Can Matters

The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system on your 2019 Honda Civic Type R (FK8) is designed to recycle blow-by gases—a mixture of unburned fuel, combustion byproducts, and oil vapor—back into the intake tract. This helps reduce emissions and improves fuel economy. However, on direct-injection engines like the FK8’s K20C1, these oil-laden vapors can condense on the intake valves, leading to carbon buildup over time. Unlike port-injected engines, direct-injection engines lack fuel washing across the valves, so deposits accumulate and can cause rough idle, reduced power, and even misfire. A catch can intercepts these vapors before they reach the intake, trapping them in a canister for periodic disposal.

Installing an oil catch can has become a standard recommendation among FK8 owners who plan to keep their cars long-term or who track the vehicle. The stock PCV system works, but it sends oil straight into the intake manifold. The AEM catch can is one of the most popular aftermarket options because it’s purpose-built for the Civic Type R, with a dedicated mounting bracket and pre-cut hoses.

What Is the AEM Catch Can Kit?

AEM’s catch can kit (part number 30-3053) is a direct-fit solution for the 2017–2021 Civic Type R. The kit includes a billet aluminum canister, a CNC-machined bracket, high-temperature silicone hoses, stainless steel clamps, and a rubber grommet for the crankcase ventilation port. The can uses a baffled internal design and a stainless steel mesh to separate oil from air, allowing clean air to return to the intake. The kit mounts on the passenger-side chassis rail near the strut tower, keeping it out of the way of other engine components.

One key design feature is that AEM includes a hard mounting bracket rather than relying on zip-ties or loose clamps. This reduces vibration and potential hose rubbing against hot engine parts. The kit also comes with a drain fitting at the bottom so you can empty the can without removing it from the car. For more details, you can check the official AEM product page.

Installation Process: Step-by-Step

Installing the AEM catch can on an FK8 is a medium-difficulty job, taking about 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a first-timer. You will need a basic socket set (10mm, 12mm, 14mm), a flathead screwdriver, a pick tool for hose removal, and some patience when working in tight spaces. Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps:

  1. Prepare the car. Park on level ground, let the engine cool completely. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid any electrical issues.
  2. Locate the PCV system. On the FK8, the PCV valve is on the valve cover near the passenger side. The main hose runs from the valve cover to the intake manifold. There is also a secondary vent hose from the crankcase to the air intake tube.
  3. Remove the charge pipe. To access the PCV hose clamp, you may need to loosen the charge pipe (the tube from the intercooler to the throttle body). This adds about 10 minutes but gives you much better access. Use a 10mm socket to remove the two bolts holding the charge pipe bracket, then slide the pipe off its rubber mount.
  4. Disconnect the OEM PCV hose. Using a pick tool, release the quick-disconnect fitting on the valve cover side. Then remove the hose from the intake manifold. Be careful with the plastic clips.
  5. Mount the AEM bracket. The bracket attaches to a chassis bolt near the strut tower. Use the supplied 12mm bolt. Ensure the bracket is oriented so the canister will hang level.
  6. Attach the catch can to the bracket. Slide the can onto the bracket and tighten the locking nut. Hand-tighten only; overtightening can crush the silicone gasket.
  7. Route the new hoses. AEM provides two hoses: one from the valve cover to the can (inlet), and one from the can to the intake manifold (outlet). Route them away from heat sources and moving parts. Use the supplied zip-ties to secure the hoses to existing engine harness clips.
  8. Reconnect the battery and test. Start the engine and let it idle. Check for leaks by listening for hissing and feeling around connections. Rev the engine slightly to confirm the idle returns to normal.
  9. Empty the can after the first 500 miles. New engines may produce more blow-by during break-in, but on a used car, you can expect to drain 10–30 mL every oil change.

If you get stuck, there are excellent video guides on the CivicX forum. This CivicX install guide includes photos and common pitfalls.

Does It Really Add 3–4 Horsepower?

The claim that the AEM catch can adds 3–4 horsepower to the 2019 Civic Type R is often debated. The reality is more nuanced. A catch can does not create more power by itself; it prevents power loss that would otherwise occur over time due to carbon buildup and oil contamination of the intake charge. On a dyno, a clean engine with a catch can may show a very slight improvement in peak power (1–3 hp) and a more noticeable improvement in torque consistency across the rev range.

What the Dyno Numbers Say

Several independent dyno tests on the FK8 have compared runs before and after catch can installation. On a stock car, the gain is typically within the margin of error—sometimes 1–2 hp at best. However, on a tuned car running higher boost, the PCV system pushes more oil vapor into the intake. In those cases, a catch can can help maintain the tune’s intended timing advance, which translates to a more consistent power curve. One tuner reported a 4 hp gain on a 400 hp FK8, but that came from the catch can allowing the engine to run less knock-limited timing.

Factors That Influence Real-World Gains

  • Engine health and mileage. A high-mileage engine with existing carbon buildup will see a larger benefit after 5,000 miles of catch can use than a new engine.
  • Existing modifications. If the car already has an intake, downpipe, and tune, the catch can helps protect those investments.
  • Driving style. Aggressive driving or track use produces more blow-by, so the catch can has a greater effect on maintaining performance.
  • Climate and oil viscosity. Thinner oils and cold-weather starts increase oil vapor generation.

Ultimately, the 3–4 hp claim is optimistic for a stock car, but the catch can is more valuable as a preventive maintenance tool. If you want to see it proven, some owners have posted before/after logs from datalogging sessions. A good example is this Hondata community thread that discusses dyno results and timing corrections.

Cost Analysis: DIY vs Professional Installation

The AEM catch can kit for the Civic Type R typically retails between $220 and $280 depending on the vendor and sales. Professional installation at a shop can add $120 to $200 in labor, bringing the total to $340–$480. If you DIY, you need only basic tools, but you may want to buy a pick set ($10) and maybe a silicone hose clamp tool ($15). Here’s a breakdown:

  • Part cost: $220–$280
  • Professional labor: $120–$200 (1.5–2.5 hours at $80–$100/hr)
  • DIY tools (if not owned): $15–$30 for picks, clamps, and a torque wrench if you want to ensure proper tightening
  • Ongoing cost: Zero, other than emptying the can every oil change

Most owners consider DIY the better route because the installation is straightforward and you can inspect the can frequently. However, if you’re uncomfortable removing the charge pipe or working near the turbo, a shop is a safe choice.

Owner Feedback and Real-World Experiences

Across forums like CivicX, Reddit r/Civic_Type_R, and Facebook FK8 groups, owner feedback is largely positive. The most common praise points are reduced oil consumption and peace of mind about intake valve deposits. Some owners report that after 20,000 miles with a catch can, their intake valves look nearly as clean as new when inspected via borescope. Others note a slight improvement in throttle response, which may be due to the intake manifold receiving a cleaner air-fuel mixture.

Negative feedback is less common but includes installation challenges with the bracket alignment (some owners need to file the bracket slightly for a perfect fit) and the need to drain the can regularly—if you forget, it can overflow and cause a mess. A few users have reported leaks from the hose fittings, but these are typically resolved by tightening the clamps or replacing the supplied hoses with higher-temperature silicone alternatives.

An often-overlooked benefit is that the catch can makes it much easier to monitor blow-by amounts, which can be early indicators of engine issues like ring wear or turbo seal failure. For these reasons, the AEM catch can has a strong reputation in the community. Check out this CivicX owner feedback thread for dozens of firsthand accounts.

Maintenance and Emptying the Catch Can

After installation, you need to empty the catch can periodically. The schedule depends on driving conditions: under normal street use, expect to drain it every 3,000–5,000 miles (every oil change). On track days, you may need to empty it after each session. The can has a threaded drain plug at the bottom—simply place a rag underneath, unscrew the plug, and let the collected oil and water emulsion drain into a container. Dispose of the waste oil properly.

Some owners install a small petcock valve for easier draining, but the stock plug works fine. Over time, the can’s internal filter may become clogged with thick sludge. AEM recommends cleaning the mesh with brake cleaner every 20,000 miles or whenever you notice reduced drainage.

Additional Considerations: Warranty, Emissions, and Tuning

Before installing any catch can, consider these factors:

  • Warranty: Modifying the PCV system could potentially trigger warranty claims on engine components if the dealer suspects the catch can caused a problem. In practice, most dealers don’t flag a catch can unless it is leaking or improperly installed. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act generally requires the manufacturer to prove the modification caused the failure. Keep your stock parts to revert if needed.
  • Emissions legality: In many states (especially California), modifying the PCV system is technically illegal for street use because it bypasses emission controls. However, enforcement is rare, and the catch can still routes gases back to the intake (just filtered). Be aware that smog checks may require the stock PCV system intact.
  • Need for a tune: You do not need to retune the ECU after installing a catch can. The engine’s air metering is unaffected. However, if you are already tuned, the catch can helps maintain the consistency of that tune by reducing knock.

Conclusion

The AEM catch can is a worthwhile investment for 2019 Honda Civic Type R owners who plan to keep their car for many miles or track it regularly. While the claimed 3–4 horsepower gain is not guaranteed on every car, the real value lies in preventing carbon buildup, reducing oil consumption, and maintaining engine health over time. Installation is a manageable DIY job for anyone with basic mechanical skills, and the cost is reasonable compared to AEM’s reputation and build quality. Owner feedback across the FK8 community is consistently positive, making it one of the top recommended first modifications. If you prioritize long-term reliability and consistent performance, the AEM catch can delivers exactly that.