Catch cans are essential components in high-performance compact sports cars, helping to reduce engine oil vapors and improve overall engine health. Proper mounting locations are crucial for optimal performance and maintenance. This article explores the best mounting spots for catch cans in these sporty vehicles, with a focus on common compact sports cars found in the Nashville tuning scene—think Nissan 350Z/370Z, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S, and Honda S2000.

Understanding Catch Can Function and Why Mounting Matters

A catch can is installed in the crankcase ventilation system to capture oil mist and blow-by gases before they re-enter the intake manifold. In compact sports cars with high-revving engines or forced induction, oil vapors can contaminate intake valves, reduce octane, and cause detonation. The mounting location directly affects how efficiently the can separates oil from air, how easy it is to drain, and how well it survives engine bay heat and vibration.

Key factors for any mount include: gravity drainage (the can should sit below the crankcase vent to allow oil to flow in and stay separate), short hose runs to minimize pressure drop, and protection from direct heat sources like exhaust manifolds or turbochargers. Additionally, the can must be secured with brackets that resist vibration fatigue—rubber grommets or isolators are often recommended to prevent cracking welds.

Critical Factors When Choosing a Mounting Location

Accessibility for draining and cleaning. You need to be able to reach the drain valve or remove the can without disassembling half the engine bay. A catch can is useless if you avoid draining it because it’s buried.

Hose routing and length. Shorter, straighter hoses reduce restriction and prevent kinks. Avoid sharp 90-degree bends; use 45-degree fittings or silicone hose with mandrel bends if needed.

Heat exposure. Mounting near turbos, headers, or the exhaust manifold will heat the can and reduce condensation, making oil separation less effective. Use heat shields or relocate to cooler areas like the fender well or firewall.

Vibration and structural support. Sheet metal or plastic inner fenders may not hold a heavy, oil-filled can securely. Use steel brackets bolted to chassis points (strut towers, core support, or firewall).

Level orientation. Keep the can as vertical as possible. Tilting can cause oil to slosh out of the inlet or block the outlet, especially under hard cornering.

Top Mounting Locations in Compact Nashville Sports Cars

Engine Bay Near the Valve Cover

Mounting the catch can close to the valve cover allows for short, direct hoses from the crankcase breather. This location is accessible and keeps the catch can away from heat sources. On cars like the Nissan 370Z or Subaru BRZ, a bracket attached to the strut tower or near the intake plenum works well. Ensure the can sits below the crankcase vent height to allow gravity drainage of oil back to the engine (if using a vented can, drainage goes to a drain cock).

Inner Fender Well

Placing the catch can in the inner fender well provides protection from heat and debris while maintaining easy access for maintenance. Use a bracket to secure it firmly. This location is popular on the Honda S2000 and Mazda MX-5 because it keeps the can out of sight but still reachable from above or below. A potential downside is hose length—you may need 3–4 feet of hose, which increases pressure drop. Use -10AN or larger hose to mitigate restriction.

Firewall Mount

Attaching the catch can to the firewall offers a stable location that keeps it out of the way of other engine components. Ensure proper hose routing to avoid kinks or bends. On the Nissan 350Z, a common spot is the passenger side firewall near the brake booster. This location is cool, solid, and offers easy access for draining. You’ll need to drill or use existing studs. Add a bracket that places the can level and allows removal without disturbing the hoses.

Suspension Strut Tower

For some models, mounting on the strut tower provides a high and accessible position. This location is ideal if space permits and if it does not interfere with suspension components. On the Subaru BRZ, the driver-side strut tower has an unused threaded hole often used for catch can brackets. It offers a short hose route to the PCV valve and is highly visible for monitoring oil level.

Core Support or Radiator Mount

In many compact sports cars, the radiator support or top radiator hose bracket can be used. This location is often the coolest part of the engine bay. However, it may interfere with hood closing on low-profile cars (e.g., 350Z with aftermarket strut bar). Use a low-profile can or offset bracket. This works well for single-catch-can setups on naturally aspirated engines.

Behind the Headlight or Bumper

For cars with tight engine bays (like the Honda S2000 or MX-5), the area behind the headlight housing or inside the front bumper can house a catch can. This requires removing the headlight or front bumper for access—less convenient for weekly draining, but acceptable if you drain every oil change. Route hoses through existing grommets to avoid chafing. This location also keeps the can out of the heat.

Under the Intake Manifold (for dual cans)

Many serious builds use two catch cans—one for the PCV valve (clean side) and one for the crankcase vent (dirty side). On cars like the Nissan 370Z with forced induction, mounting one can under the intake manifold can minimize hose routing. It’s a tight fit and requires custom bracketing, but it keeps the can below the valve cover outlets. Be mindful of heat from the engine block.

Nissan 350Z / 370Z (VQ35HR/VQ37VHR)

These V6 engines are prone to oil consumption and carbon buildup on direct injection models. Many owners install a dual catch can setup. Common mounts: passenger side strut tower (for PCV can), firewall near brake booster (for crankcase vent can), or behind the battery tray. Watch out for the aftermarket intake tubes—a can mounted too close may melt or vibrate. Use silicone hoses and wrap them in heat sleeve near the exhaust.

Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S / Toyota 86 (FA20)

Boxer engines produce high crankcase pressures. A single catch can on the driver-side high mount is typical. Avoid mounting near the intercooler on turbo kits; instead use the firewall or fender well. The BRZ has a dedicated bracket available from Perrin, Crawford, or GReddy. For track use, add a second can on the passenger side.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC, ND)

Compact and low, the Miata needs a low-profile can. Mount on the passenger side strut tower (NC) or behind the battery (ND). The inner fender behind the driver headlight is also popular. Beware of hood clearance—many Miatas have aftermarket strut tower braces that conflict with tall cans. Use a short catch can or relocate to the firewall.

Honda S2000 (F20C/F22C)

High-revving engines benefit greatly from catch cans. The best mount is on the driver-side strut tower using one of the existing bolts. For a cleaner look, mount it near the radiator overflow tank. K-series swapped cars often use the passenger side lower firewall. Ensure the can is below the valve cover to prevent oil pooling in the hoses.

Installation Tips for Compact Nashville Sports Cars

Choose the right catch can size. For a 2.0–3.7L engine, a can with 200–300 mL capacity is sufficient for street use. Track cars may need 500 mL or dual cans. Baffled designs perform better at high G-forces.

Use proper fittings. Most catch cans come with ½" or ⅝" barb fittings. On forced induction cars, upgrade to -10AN or -12AN for the dirty side to reduce restriction. Seal all threads with PTFE paste or thread sealer.

Secure hoses with constant-tension clamps. Worm-gear clamps can loosen over time; use spring-loaded clamps or Mikalor W4 clamps for a permanent hold.

Keep the can level. Use a small spirit level during installation. If the car is lowered, consider your ride height—slammed cars may change the can’s angle under load.

Route hoses away from moving parts. Check steering shaft, radiator fan, serpentine belt, and throttle linkage. Use zip ties or nylon P-clips to secure hoses to fixed points.

Add a check valve if needed. On turbo cars, install a one-way check valve (e.g., from Saab or a generic PCV valve) in the clean side hose to prevent boost entering the crankcase. Avoid check valves on the dirty side as they can become clogged with oil.

Consider a dual-catch-can system. For direct injected cars (370Z, BRZ, S2000 with aftermarket), running a dedicated can for each valve cover port is best. Use a vacuum manifold to balance pressure if the engine has two breather ports.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Mounting too high: If the catch can sits above the crankcase vent, oil will drain back into the engine through the hose, defeating the purpose. Keep the can below the vent.
  • Using restrictive hoses: Small diameter hoses (e.g., ¼") will create crankcase pressure and cause oil leaks. Minimum ⅜" ID for naturally aspirated, ½" for turbo.
  • Ignoring heat: Rubber hoses running near the exhaust will melt. Use silicone hose (rated to 500°F) and wrap with DEI heat sleeve or titanium tape.
  • Forgetting to drain: Set a reminder every 3,000 miles or when you change oil. A full catch can will overflow into the intake, causing misfires.
  • Not securing the can: A loose catch can can rattle, break fittings, or fall off. Use a steel bracket with rubber isolators to dampen vibration.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Empty the catch can at every oil change. To drain, place a rag underneath, open the drain valve (if equipped), and catch the collected oil/water emulsion. On some cans, you unscrew the bottom cap. Dispose of the waste oil properly. Inspect the internal baffle or mesh periodically—clean it with brake cleaner if it becomes clogged with sludge. Check hoses for cracks or softening, especially near heat sources. Replace silicone hoses every 2–3 years.

Performance Benefits of Correctly Mounted Catch Cans

A properly installed catch can system reduces oil ingestion into the intake, keeping intercoolers, throttle bodies, and valves clean. On direct injection engines, this helps prevent carbon buildup on intake valves (a common issue on FA20 and VQ37 engines). Lower oil contamination means higher octane tolerance and less chance of detonation. Many tuners report consistent air-fuel ratios after installing catch cans, as the MAF sensor remains uncoated. On track cars, catch cans can also reduce PCV valve failure by maintaining crankcase vacuum.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mounting location for your catch can in a compact sports car enhances performance and simplifies maintenance. Consider accessibility, heat exposure, and space constraints to select the best spot. Proper installation ensures your engine stays clean and runs efficiently for miles to come. Whether you drive a Nissan Z, Subaru BRZ, Mazda Miata, or Honda S2000, a well-mounted catch can is a smart investment for long-term engine health.

For more detailed installation guides, check resources like Perrin’s catch can installation guide or CJ Pony Parts’ walkthrough. For technical background on PCV systems, SAE International’s paper on crankcase ventilation is useful. For local Nashville tuner shops specializing in catch can installs, consider Tune In Motorsports or join the Nashville Sports Car Owners Facebook group for advice.