Best Catch Cans for Oil Control in Turbo Engines: Complete Performance and Buyer’s Guide
Turbocharged engines deliver impressive power and efficiency, but they come with a hidden challenge: turbocharged engines generate more blowby, or leakage, which in turn increases the amount of pressure that needs to be evacuated from the crankcase. This blow-by carries oil vapors, unburned fuel, and moisture directly into your intake system, where it creates a sticky, carbon-laden mess that gradually chokes performance and shortens engine life.
An oil catch can is a simple yet highly effective solution. It intercepts these contaminants before they reach your intake manifold, turbocharger, and intercooler. An oil catch can is an accessory that captures and filters excess oil from entering the engine’s intake manifold. It’s not always fitted by manufacturers in vehicles, but they are commonly found in diesel, turbocharged and supercharged engines. Installing one keeps your engine cleaner, maintains consistent power delivery, and helps prevent costly repairs down the road.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about oil catch cans for turbocharged engines: why they’re essential, what features matter most, which brands deliver the best performance, and how to install and maintain them properly.
Understanding Blow-By and Why Turbo Engines Need Oil Catch Cans
What Is Blow-By and How Does It Form?
During combustion, high pressure on the top side of the piston pushes combustion gasses, as well as droplets of oil and fuel, past the piston rings and into the crankcase. This mixture is known as “blow-by.” Even brand-new engines experience some level of blow-by—it’s an inevitable byproduct of internal combustion.
The unwanted gases, called blow-by, are gases from the combustion chamber which have leaked past the piston rings. Blow-by, as it is often called, is the result of combustion material from the combustion chamber “blowing” past the piston rings and into the crankcase. This mixture contains exhaust gases, raw fuel, water vapor, and aerosolized oil—all of which need to be vented to prevent pressure buildup that could damage seals and gaskets.
Why Turbocharged Engines Produce More Blow-By
Turbo engines operate under significantly higher cylinder pressures than naturally aspirated engines. High horsepower and more notably BOOSTED engines create conditions in an engine that are not typically or ever seen in their factory form. Pressure built by faster moving engine parts, wider ring gaps, looser tolerances, and stresses on components can allow for crank case pressure to increase.
The turbocharger itself adds another layer of complexity. Most turbocharger problems occur because of oil contamination. Anything that helps keep the oil clean and flowing will ultimately help keep a turbocharger healthy. When oil vapors enter the turbo’s compressor side, they mix with intake air and get distributed throughout the entire intake tract—coating the intercooler, intake manifold, throttle body, and intake valves.
The Role of the PCV System in Turbo Applications
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is designed to control and recycle the gases produced within the engine’s crankcase. During the combustion process, some gases escape past the piston rings into the crankcase. The PCV system routes these gases back into the intake manifold where they’re burned during combustion, reducing emissions and preventing crankcase pressure buildup.
However, when an engine is turbocharged, the intake manifold is under pressure during most running conditions. This creates unique challenges. Modern turbocharged engines have large oil separators typically incorporated into the valve cover or on the side of the engine block. The crankcase pressure is not managed by a simple check valve. Pressures are monitored electronically or mechanically at both the crankcase and intake. The system directs the vapors to either before the turbo or intake manifold when the time is right.
Despite these factory oil separators, they’re often not efficient enough to catch all the oil mist, especially under high boost conditions or in modified engines.
Why Oil Catch Cans Are Essential for Turbocharged Engines
Preventing Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Carbon buildup is one of the most serious long-term issues facing modern turbocharged engines, especially those with direct injection. The primary cause of these problems is that fuel and added detergents are not hitting the back of the intake valves. By injecting the fuel directly into the cylinder instead of at the back of the valve, the gasoline and detergents can’t clean the valve and port.
When oil vapors from the PCV system coat the hot intake valves, they bake on and form hard carbon deposits. This is bad because if nothing is done, this excess “gunk” will build up in the intake manifold, coat the intake valves, coldside of the turbo, intercooler, and intercooler chargepipes. Over time, these deposits restrict airflow, reduce valve lift, and create hot spots that can cause pre-ignition or knock.
By installing an Oil Catch Can on your turbo car, you’re preventing those oil vapors from collecting on the inside of your intake manifold, helping you keep the need for media blasting intake cleaning spaced as far apart as possible. Professional walnut blasting services to remove carbon deposits can cost $500-$1,500 or more, making a catch can a smart preventative investment.
Protecting the Turbocharger and Intercooler
Benefits of an OCC on CCV: Prevents oil contamination of the turbocharger and intercooler.Keeps the intake system cleaner, reducing the risk of clogging.Enhances the efficiency and longevity of the turbocharger and intercooler. When oil vapors enter the turbocharger’s compressor wheel, they create a coating that reduces aerodynamic efficiency and can lead to compressor surge or damage over time.
The intercooler suffers even more. Oil coating on the internal fins dramatically reduces heat transfer efficiency, meaning your intake air temperatures rise and power output drops. Monitoring excess oil collection can provide an early indicator that may prevent a jammed nozzle ring in an excessively carbonized turbo turbine or an oil-soaked inter-cooler that needs replacing or flushing.
Maintaining Octane Rating and Preventing Detonation
Oil being present in a fuel charge can cause detonation and tune issues. On a Nitrous or Boosted engine it is even more detrimental. When oil enters the combustion chamber through the intake system, it effectively lowers the octane rating of your air-fuel mixture.
Blow-by that makes it into the cylinder can lower the effective octane rating of the air-fuel mixture. If the octane rating of the air-fuel mixture drops enough, it can cause knock (also known as pre-ignition), where the fuel mixture ignites before the spark plug fires, causing very high cylinder pressures. This is particularly dangerous in turbocharged engines already operating at elevated cylinder pressures.
Improving PCV System Efficiency
Not allowing the excess crank case pressure out can cause even more issues including: seal failure, loss of horsepower, oiling issues, and even fire hazards as oil exits seals. A properly installed catch can helps maintain optimal crankcase ventilation by removing oil from the vapor stream before it can clog PCV valves or check valves.
Oil residue in the intake and vacuum system fouling valves and sensors. Incorrect boost sensor readings can cause wastegate malfunction and hence over-boost. Fouled pressure and MAF sensors mislead the ECU, leading to incorrect combustion, lower performance and at worst, engine damage. By keeping these sensors clean, a catch can helps your engine management system function as designed.
Key Features to Look for in a Turbo Engine Oil Catch Can
Construction Materials and Durability
Quality construction is non-negotiable for a component that will be exposed to hot oil vapors, engine vibration, and temperature extremes. Opt for cans made from robust materials like aluminum, which can withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion over time. Aluminum offers an excellent balance of strength, heat resistance, and weight.
Look for catch cans with high-quality seals and O-rings. Cheap rubber seals will deteriorate quickly when exposed to oil and heat, leading to leaks and vacuum issues. Stainless steel hardware is essential—regular steel bolts and brackets will rust in the engine bay environment, especially if you live in areas with road salt or high humidity.
Some premium catch cans feature transparent or clear anodized reservoirs, allowing you to monitor oil levels at a glance without disassembly. While not essential, this convenience feature can help you stay on top of maintenance.
Internal Baffling and Filtration Systems
The internal design of your catch can determines its effectiveness. If performance is your main concern, you want a catch can that can trap as much oil mist and contaminants as possible. Baffling and filtering systems help ensure oil stays in the can, not your intake system.
Multi-stage baffling works by forcing the vapor stream to change direction multiple times. As the hot vapors slow down and cool, oil droplets condense and fall to the bottom of the can while cleaner air passes through. The baffle system in this oil catch can is superior to others on the market as it cools down any hot oil vapor in the air and changes it into an easy-to-filter liquid. The baffle system and filter help to create the cleanest possible air and this can lead to better engine performance.
Some high-end catch cans use coalescing filters—specialized media that causes tiny oil droplets to combine into larger drops that can’t pass through. The Flashlube Catch Can Pro and the Mann+Hummel ProVent range are the most efficient oil separators tested. Coalescing filters are the most efficient at removing oil droplets without restricting airflow.
Improved Racing’s patent-pending CCS oil catch can was designed to maximize air-oil separation efficiency, with a peak efficiency of 85-90%. This is significantly higher than any of the competitor’s catch cans we tested, which had peak efficiencies of around 60% or less. The difference between a well-designed catch can and a cheap empty canister is dramatic.
Capacity and Size Considerations
Match the size of the catch can to your vehicle’s engine volume and your driving habit. High-performance engines or those frequently pushed to their limits often require larger capacity cans. A 300-500ml capacity is typically sufficient for most street-driven turbocharged engines, but track cars or heavily modified engines may benefit from 750ml or larger cans.
Consider your driving style and conditions. If you frequently drive short distances where the engine doesn’t fully warm up, you’ll collect more condensation. Track driving or aggressive street driving will generate more blow-by and require more frequent draining. Some users report collecting just an ounce or two every few thousand miles, while others with worn engines or aggressive driving styles may fill a catch can every 1,000-3,000 miles.
Mounting Hardware and Installation Flexibility
A catch can is only effective if it’s properly installed and securely mounted. Make sure to look for kits that include high-quality fittings, brackets, hoses, and clamps. Vehicle-specific kits typically include custom brackets designed to use factory mounting points, making installation cleaner and more secure.
Universal catch cans offer more flexibility but require more fabrication work. Look for adjustable mounting brackets that can accommodate different engine bay layouts. The mounting location should be accessible for draining but protected from excessive heat sources like exhaust manifolds or turbochargers.
Hose routing is critical. In turbocharged applications, you will need to choose a pressure-sealed catch can to prevent boost-leak. All connections must be airtight—any leaks will create vacuum issues at idle or boost leaks under load, both of which will trigger check engine lights and cause drivability problems.
Drain and Maintenance Features
Easy maintenance encourages regular service, which is essential for catch can effectiveness. Look for designs with convenient drain options: threaded bottom caps that unscrew for emptying, drain plugs with hose barbs for remote draining, or quick-release reservoirs that can be removed without disconnecting hoses.
Some catch cans include dipsticks or sight tubes for checking oil levels without disassembly. Transparent reservoirs make monitoring even easier. The clear tube on the side of the catch can is used as a sight to show fluid level. When catch can gets more than 3/4 full, drain fluid.
Top-Rated Oil Catch Can Brands for Turbocharged Applications
Mishimoto Oil Catch Can Systems
Mishimoto is a well-known name in the world of engine cooling and oil control, and their universal oil catch cans live up to the brand’s high standards. Featuring internal baffling, color options, and a wide range of mounting accessories, Mishimoto cans offer a great blend of form and function.
Mishimoto offers both universal and vehicle-specific kits. Their vehicle-specific kits are particularly popular because they include all necessary hardware, pre-bent hoses, and custom brackets designed to fit specific engine bays. Installation is typically straightforward, often requiring just basic hand tools and 1-2 hours of work.
The internal baffle design uses multiple chambers to slow airflow and promote oil condensation. Most Mishimoto cans include a dipstick for easy level checking and a drain valve at the bottom. Build quality is solid, with thick aluminum construction and quality O-ring seals. They’re available in various anodized colors to match your engine bay aesthetic.
Price point is mid-range, making Mishimoto an excellent value proposition for most enthusiasts. Have a Mishimoto kit on my ST – very nice “factory-like” fit, noted one satisfied user on a Ford forum.
Moroso Oil Catch Cans
Moroso has been manufacturing performance parts since 1968, and their catch cans reflect decades of racing experience. Moroso catch cans are designed with high-capacity oil separation in mind, often featuring multi-stage baffling systems that excel at handling the higher crankcase pressures common in turbocharged applications.
These cans are built tough, with heavy-duty aluminum construction and robust mounting brackets. Moroso offers both universal models and some vehicle-specific applications. Their universal cans come in various capacities, from compact 1-quart models to large 2-quart versions suitable for high-horsepower builds.
The internal design typically uses a combination of baffles and mesh screens to maximize oil separation efficiency. Moroso cans are popular in racing applications where reliability under extreme conditions is paramount. They’re slightly more expensive than some competitors but offer excellent durability and performance.
UPR Products Catch Cans
UPR Products specializes in catch cans and has developed a strong reputation among American muscle car and truck enthusiasts. UPR is the best, but J&L does 95% of the job and is half as much, according to one forum member, highlighting UPR’s premium positioning.
UPR catch cans feature dual-valve designs that work well in turbocharged applications where intake manifold pressure varies between vacuum and boost. Their build quality is exceptional, with precision-machined aluminum bodies, high-quality fittings, and attention to detail in the finish work.
Many UPR kits are vehicle-specific and include everything needed for installation, including pre-made hoses, mounting brackets, and detailed instructions. The company offers excellent customer support and stands behind their products. The main drawback is price—UPR catch cans are among the most expensive on the market, but users consistently report excellent performance and durability.
JLT Performance Catch Cans
JLT Performance has built a strong following in the Ford and GM performance communities. Their catch cans are known for excellent oil separation efficiency and straightforward installation. JLT for me. Used them in my mustangs for years and they never disappoint. Plus, the price is right.
JLT uses a patented internal baffle design that creates a vortex effect, spinning the vapor stream to separate oil through centrifugal force. This design is particularly effective at high flow rates, making it ideal for turbocharged applications. The cans feature a threaded bottom cap for easy draining and are available in various sizes.
Installation is typically simple, with most kits including vehicle-specific brackets and hoses. JLT offers a good balance of performance and value, priced between budget universal cans and premium brands like UPR. Their customer service is responsive, and the company frequently updates their product line to cover new vehicle applications.
Billet Technology and Other Premium Options
Billet Technology (BT) produces high-end catch cans specifically designed for certain engine families, particularly Chrysler Hemi engines. Choosing a brand like Billet Technology or UPR – both of which design OCCs specifically for HEMI engines – might be a good option. These application-specific designs optimize baffle placement and flow characteristics for particular engine layouts.
Other notable premium brands include Radium Engineering, which offers modular catch can systems with replaceable filter elements, and Improved Racing, whose CCS catch can achieves industry-leading separation efficiency. Mann+Hummel ProVent systems use replaceable coalescing filters and are particularly popular in diesel and heavy-duty applications.
Budget-Friendly Universal Options
For enthusiasts on a tight budget, several universal catch cans offer decent performance at affordable prices. Brands like Ruien, ESPEEDER, and Evil Energy produce aluminum catch cans with basic baffling for $30-60. While they lack the refinement and efficiency of premium brands, they’re significantly better than no catch can at all.
When choosing a budget option, prioritize models with internal baffles rather than empty cans. Look for quality fittings and seals—cheap hose clamps and rubber connections are common failure points. Be prepared to upgrade hoses and clamps to ensure reliable, leak-free operation. Budget cans typically require more frequent draining and may not separate oil as efficiently, but they still provide meaningful protection for your intake system.
Installation Best Practices for Turbo Engine Catch Cans
Understanding Your PCV System Configuration
In order to properly install a catch can on any application, you must first have a basic understanding of the PCV system operation on your car so you can determine the correct position of the feed and return lines. Turbocharged engines typically have more complex PCV systems than naturally aspirated engines.
Most turbo engines have two crankcase ventilation paths: one that connects to the intake manifold (the PCV side) and one that connects to the intake tract before the turbo (the CCV or breather side). I built out my PCV to closely mirror the stock SRT-4 setup. I’ve got a PCV valve that goes through a catch-can to the intake manifold and then the breather port goes after the air filter and before the turbo through a second catch-can.
Some enthusiasts install dual catch cans—one on each ventilation path—for maximum protection. Others install a single catch can on the PCV side, which typically sees the most oil vapor. Research your specific engine’s PCV configuration before purchasing parts.
Proper Hose Routing and Sizing
Hose sizing is critical for maintaining proper crankcase ventilation. The most critical task when choosing a catch can of any type is making sure the inlet and outlet hoses are the same or larger diameter than the factory crank case vent hose it is interrupting. Undersized hoses will restrict flow, causing crankcase pressure to build up and potentially forcing oil past seals.
Route hoses to avoid sharp bends or kinks that restrict airflow. Keep hose runs as short as practical while ensuring they don’t contact hot components like exhaust manifolds or turbochargers. Use high-quality, oil-resistant hoses rated for automotive use—cheap vacuum hose will deteriorate quickly when exposed to hot oil vapors.
We recommend the use of braided hose that is oil and fuel resistant and rated for automotive use. Route your feed and return lines so they do not interfere with or rub on any moving or hot components. Connect the feed line between the crankcase and the catch can. Connect the return line between the catch can and your intake system.
Check Valves and Boost Protection
In turbocharged applications, check valves play an important role in preventing boost pressure from entering the crankcase. One of the things I read about PCV valves on boosted engines is that the valve needs to seal completely when under boost so that vacuum will pull from the valve cover but boost will not enter.
Some catch can kits include integrated check valves, while others rely on the factory PCV valve to prevent backflow. If you’re installing a universal catch can, you may need to add a check valve between the catch can and intake manifold to prevent boost pressure from pressurizing your crankcase. This is especially important on high-boost applications.
The check valve should be oriented correctly—flow should be allowed from the catch can toward the intake, but blocked in the reverse direction. Incorrect installation will prevent proper crankcase ventilation and cause oil leaks.
Mounting Location and Accessibility
Choose a mounting location that balances several factors: accessibility for draining, protection from heat, secure mounting, and clean hose routing. Make sure it’s mounted stably to withstand engine vibrations. The catch can should be mounted upright or nearly upright—tilted installations may allow oil to slosh back into the outlet port.
Common mounting locations include the inner fender well, firewall, or strut tower. Some vehicle-specific kits mount the catch can in the engine bay using factory mounting points. Avoid mounting near the exhaust manifold or turbocharger—excessive heat can cause vapor pressure buildup in the can.
Consider maintenance access when choosing a location. You’ll need to drain the catch can regularly, so mounting it where you can easily reach the drain plug or remove the reservoir is important. Some enthusiasts install remote drain kits with a valve and hose routed to an accessible location.
Ensuring Leak-Free Connections
Air leaks in your catch can system will cause problems. Leaks on the intake side create vacuum leaks that cause rough idle, lean conditions, and check engine lights. Leaks on the crankcase side prevent proper ventilation and can allow oil mist to escape into the engine bay.
Use quality hose clamps on all connections—worm-gear clamps are more reliable than spring clamps for this application. Be sure and lubricate all o-rings with clean engine oil. In cold temperatures, the crank vent system will generate a much greater amount of moisture which can present a risk of freezing.
After installation, start the engine and check for leaks. You can use a smoke machine or spray soapy water around connections while the engine is running to identify leaks. Listen for hissing sounds that indicate air leaks. Check that the catch can isn’t building excessive pressure—the outlet should flow freely to the intake.
Maintenance and Service Intervals
How Often to Check and Drain Your Catch Can
Drain frequency varies widely depending on engine condition, driving style, and climate. I use synthetic blend and get the oil changed every 4-5k miles, and planned to empty the can around the same time, but I’m finding it gets full before that, so now I’ll empty it about every 3k miles. That’s a whole lot of oil it’s accumulating – I wish I had installed one at 30k miles.
As a general guideline, check your catch can every 1,000-2,000 miles initially to establish a baseline for your specific vehicle and driving conditions. Once you know your typical accumulation rate, you can adjust the interval accordingly. Most users find that draining every 3,000-5,000 miles works well for street-driven vehicles.
Track cars or vehicles driven aggressively will accumulate oil much faster. Make sure to check level of catch can at least once a month, and after every track day. Cold weather driving also increases accumulation due to condensation—you may see significantly more liquid in winter months, though much of it will be water.
Don’t let the catch can overflow. An overfilled can will allow oil to pass through to the intake, defeating the purpose of the installation. Most catch cans should be drained when they’re about 3/4 full.
Proper Draining Procedures
As far as maintenance, the JLT cans are very simple. Just unscrew the can from the mount every oil change and drain. If you have one of the oil consuming engines that I hear about here, you may need to drain the cans more often. The specific procedure depends on your catch can design.
For cans with drain plugs: Place a container under the drain plug, remove the plug, and allow the contents to drain completely. Reinstall the plug and ensure it’s tight to prevent leaks. Some users install a small valve on the drain port for easier draining without removing the plug.
For cans with removable reservoirs: Unscrew or unclip the reservoir from the separator body, empty the contents into a suitable container, and reinstall. Flush with brake cleaner or degreaser every oil change to remove any residual buildup.
Dispose of the collected fluid properly—treat it as used motor oil and take it to a recycling center. The mixture typically contains oil, fuel, and water, all of which should be handled as hazardous waste.
Cleaning and Filter Maintenance
Periodically clean the internal components of your catch can to maintain optimal performance. Over time, sticky residue can build up on baffles and filter media, reducing separation efficiency.
For cans with removable baffles, disassemble the unit every 10,000-20,000 miles and clean all components with brake cleaner or degreaser. Inspect O-rings and seals for wear and replace if necessary. Some catch cans use replaceable filter elements that should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations—typically every 20,000-50,000 miles.
Stainless steel mesh filters can be cleaned and reused indefinitely. Soak them in solvent, scrub with a brush if needed, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry completely before reinstalling. Coalescing filter elements are typically not cleanable and must be replaced when they become saturated.
Monitoring for Issues
Pay attention to how much oil your catch can collects. A sudden increase in accumulation rate may indicate engine problems. Possible causes: ✅ Excessive blow-by – Engine may be worn or running too rich ✅ Poor baffling in catch can – Upgrade to a baffled catch can for better separation.
If you’re collecting very little or no oil, verify that the catch can is actually in the flow path and that vapors are passing through it. Check for blockages in hoses or fittings. Ensure the PCV system is functioning correctly—a stuck PCV valve can prevent proper flow through the catch can.
Watch for oil in your intake system despite having a catch can installed. This could indicate that your catch can’s separation efficiency is inadequate, or that you have an additional source of oil contamination such as turbocharger seal leakage.
Cold Weather Considerations
In cold temperatures, the crank vent system will generate a much greater amount of moisture which can present a risk of freezing. When the temperature outside approaches freezing, your catch can should be cleaned on a weekly basis to prevent freeze up of the crank vent system and damage to engine seals. When the temperature reaches freezing and below, we recommend disconnecting the feed and return lines and installing the original PCV hose between the intake pipe and PCV valve assembly.
In extremely cold climates, some enthusiasts install heated catch cans or wrap them with heat tape to prevent freezing. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of methanol to the catch can to lower the freezing point of collected liquids—though this requires more frequent draining and careful disposal.
Common Installation Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Undersized Hoses Causing Restriction
One of the most common mistakes is using hoses that are too small, which restricts crankcase ventilation and can cause oil leaks. Others utilize hoses that are too small and runs that are too long to allow proper PCV ventilation causing internal motor/ring sealing issues.
Always match or exceed the diameter of your factory PCV hoses. For most turbocharged engines, this means 10mm to 19mm (3/8″ to 3/4″) hoses. High-performance applications may require even larger hoses. If you’re experiencing oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or other seals after catch can installation, undersized hoses are a likely culprit.
Incorrect Flow Direction
Catch cans have a designed flow direction—inlet and outlet ports are not interchangeable. The inlet typically connects to the crankcase/valve cover, while the outlet returns to the intake system. Reversing the flow can reduce separation efficiency or cause oil to be pulled directly through the can without proper separation.
Most catch cans are clearly marked with “IN” and “OUT” labels. If yours isn’t marked, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. The internal baffles are designed to work with flow in a specific direction.
Boost Leaks and Vacuum Leaks
Any leak in the catch can system will cause problems. Possible causes: ✅ Some modern PCV systems monitor pressure drop; ensure your can doesn’t restrict airflow excessively ✅ Some catch cans require a check valve to prevent pressure imbalances.
Symptoms of leaks include rough idle, poor fuel economy, check engine lights with lean codes, or loss of boost pressure. Use a smoke machine or careful visual inspection to locate leaks. Pay special attention to hose connections, O-rings, and threaded fittings.
Inadequate Mounting
A catch can that isn’t securely mounted will vibrate loose over time, potentially causing hose connections to fail or fittings to crack. Engine vibration is significant, especially in turbocharged applications. Use quality mounting hardware and ensure the catch can is firmly attached to a solid mounting point.
Avoid mounting to plastic components or flexible parts of the vehicle. The mounting location should be rigid and able to support the weight of the catch can when full of oil. Check mounting bolts periodically to ensure they haven’t loosened from vibration.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
The most common cause of catch can failure is simply neglecting to drain it regularly. An overfilled catch can allows oil to pass through to the intake, defeating the entire purpose of the installation. Set a reminder to check your catch can at regular intervals, or tie it to your oil change schedule so you don’t forget.
Performance Benefits and Real-World Results
Measurable Improvements
While a catch can won’t add horsepower to a clean engine, it prevents the gradual power loss that occurs as carbon deposits accumulate. Engines with significant carbon buildup can lose 5-15% of their power output. By preventing this buildup, a catch can maintains your engine’s performance over time.
Intercooler efficiency is another measurable benefit. Oil coating on intercooler fins can raise intake air temperatures by 20-40°F or more, which reduces power and increases the risk of detonation. A catch can keeps your intercooler clean and operating at peak efficiency.
Fuel economy may improve slightly as the engine maintains proper combustion efficiency. More importantly, you’ll avoid the expensive carbon cleaning services that many direct-injection turbocharged engines require every 40,000-80,000 miles.
Long-Term Engine Protection
The real value of a catch can is in long-term engine protection. Using an oil catch can is known toextend the lifespan of components in the EGR system and the engine. By keeping oil out of the combustion process, you reduce carbon deposits on pistons, valves, and spark plugs.
Cleaner intake valves maintain proper sealing and valve timing. This prevents compression loss and maintains optimal engine performance. Reduced carbon buildup also means fewer hot spots in the combustion chamber, reducing the risk of pre-ignition and detonation that can cause catastrophic engine damage.
For turbocharged engines, protecting the turbocharger from oil contamination extends its service life. Turbocharger replacements can cost $1,500-$4,000 or more, making a $100-300 catch can an excellent insurance policy.
User Experiences and Testimonials
Enthusiast forums are filled with positive experiences from catch can users. That’s a whole lot of oil it’s accumulating – I wish I had installed one at 30k miles. Do yourself a favor – get a Catch Can whether you have the v6 or the Hemi! Many users report being shocked at how much oil their catch can collects, validating the decision to install one.
Before-and-after comparisons of intake systems show dramatic differences. Engines without catch cans often have intake manifolds and throttle bodies coated in thick, sticky oil residue. Engines with catch cans maintain clean, dry intake tracts even after tens of thousands of miles.
The investment is modest compared to the potential costs of carbon cleaning, turbocharger replacement, or engine repairs. For most turbocharged engines, a quality catch can pays for itself by preventing just one major service or repair.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Turbo Engine Investment
Oil catch cans are one of the most effective preventative maintenance upgrades you can make to a turbocharged engine. They address a fundamental design challenge of modern engines: the need to ventilate crankcase pressure while preventing oil contamination of the intake system.
The benefits are clear: reduced carbon buildup, cleaner intake components, protected turbochargers and intercoolers, maintained octane ratings, and improved long-term reliability. The installation is straightforward for most DIY enthusiasts, and maintenance requires just a few minutes every few thousand miles.
When selecting a catch can, prioritize quality construction, effective internal baffling, proper sizing for your application, and ease of maintenance. Vehicle-specific kits from reputable manufacturers like Mishimoto, Moroso, UPR, or JLT offer the best combination of performance and ease of installation. Universal catch cans can work well but require more careful planning and fabrication.
Proper installation is critical—ensure hoses are correctly sized and routed, all connections are airtight, and the catch can is securely mounted. Regular maintenance is essential: check and drain your catch can at appropriate intervals, clean internal components periodically, and monitor for any signs of problems.
For turbocharged engine owners, especially those with direct injection, an oil catch can isn’t just a nice-to-have accessory—it’s essential protection for your engine investment. The modest cost and minimal maintenance requirements are far outweighed by the benefits of cleaner operation, maintained performance, and avoided repair costs. Whether you’re driving a daily commuter, weekend enthusiast car, or dedicated track machine, a quality oil catch can is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.