Understanding the Role of an Oil Catch Can

A modern direct-injection engine like the 6.2L V8 in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado produces blow-by gases that contain oil vapors and unburned fuel. The factory PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system routes these vapors back into the intake manifold to be reburned. Over time, the oil residue condenses on intake valves, forming carbon deposits that can reduce performance, fuel economy, and even cause misfires. A catch can intercepts these vapors, allowing the oil to collect in a canister while the cleaner gases continue to the intake. This keeps your valves cleaner and helps maintain peak engine efficiency.

Why the Vortex Oil Catch Can is a Top Choice

Vortex catch cans are engineered with high-flow baffles and an internal coalescing filter that maximizes oil separation without restricting air flow. Many Silverado owners report noticeable reductions in intake valve buildup after 20,000 miles. The kit includes a sturdy bracket, pre-formed hoses, and all necessary hardware, making installation straightforward for a DIYer. Vortex also offers a large capacity so you can go longer between emptying intervals, which is convenient for daily drivers and tow vehicles alike. For more details on the product’s specifications, you can visit the Vortex Oil Catch Can official site.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following items to avoid interruptions:

  • Vortex Oil Catch Can Kit (model VCC-2020-60)
  • Socket set (metric and SAE, 1/4” and 3/8” drive)
  • Ratchet with extension (6” and 12”)
  • Standard screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips)
  • Torque wrench (capable of 5–20 ft-lbs)
  • Drill with 1/4” and 3/16” drill bits
  • Heavy-duty zip ties (8-inch length, UV-resistant)
  • Shop rags or paper towels
  • Safety goggles and mechanic gloves
  • Penetrating oil (optional for stubborn bolts)
  • Funnel and a small container (to drain old oil if needed)

Safety and Vehicle Preparation

Park your Silverado on a level surface and engage the parking brake. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes – hot engine components can cause burns. Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. Isolate the cable end with a rag or electrical tape to prevent accidental reconnection. This step eliminates the risk of shorting tools against battery terminals and prevents any electrical spikes during the installation.

Raise the hood and prop it securely. Remove any loose debris from the engine bay, especially around the air intake area. Take a moment to inspect the PCV hose routing from the driver’s side valve cover to the intake – you will be interrupting this line later. Familiarizing yourself with the routing now will make the connection steps faster.

Step 1: Disconnect Battery and Remove the Engine Cover

With the battery disconnected, locate the engine cover – a large plastic piece covering the top of the V8. It is held by four push‑pins that can be released by pulling upward firmly. Some models use six Torx T30 bolts; check your kit instructions. If the cover is stuck, use a trim removal tool to pry gently at the corners. Once free, set the cover aside in a clean area – avoid placing it on the ground where it could pick up debris.

While you have access, examine the PCV hose routing. On the 2020 Silverado LTZ with the 6.2L engine, you’ll see a rubber hose connecting the driver’s side valve cover to a metal port near the throttle body. This is the line you will interrupt with the catch can. Snap a picture with your phone for reference.

Step 2: Install the Catch Can Mounting Bracket

The Vortex kit includes a steel bracket designed to bolt to an existing stud on the strut tower or inner fender. Use the template provided to find a location that allows clearance for the catch can body and hose routing. The driver’s side inner fender near the battery tray is a common spot – it’s out of the way yet accessible for draining. Mark the two holes with a sharpie.

Drill the marked holes using a 3/16” bit (for mounting hardware). Clean the area with a rag to remove any metal shavings. Attach the bracket with the supplied M6 bolts and a 10mm socket. Torque to 8 ft-lbs – do not overtighten as the sheet metal can strip. Zip tie any loose wires away from the bracket to prevent chafing.

Step 3: Mount the Catch Can and Route Hoses

Slide the catch can onto the bracket posts and secure it with the included nuts or spring clips. Hand-tighten until the can sits snugly; you may need to adjust orientation so the inlet and outlet ports aim toward the PCV hose path. The Vortex can has clearly marked “IN” and “OUT” arrows – confirm these match the direction of PCV air flow (from valve cover to intake).

Now route the hoses. The kit comes with two pre-cut lengths: one for the valve cover to can (inlet) and one for the can to intake (outlet). Use zip ties to secure the hoses away from hot surfaces, moving parts, and sharp edges. Leave a little slack so the hoses don’t kink when the engine flexes under load. Avoid sharp bends; a gentle curve maintains airflow.

Step 4: Connection to the PCV System

Disconnect the original PCV hose from the valve cover fitting and the intake fitting. You may need to release a spring clip or squeeze the quick-connect tabs. Do not cut the hose – the Vortex kit uses the same diameter. Connect the inlet hose from the valve cover to the catch can’s inlet port. Then connect the outlet hose from the catch can’s outlet port back to the intake fitting. Ensure hose clamps are tight; use a 7mm socket or a flathead screwdriver depending on clamp design.

Double‑check that the orientation is correct: vapors travel from the valve cover into the can, condense, and then the cleaned air continues to the intake. If you reverse the connections, the can won’t trap oil effectively and may even clog. Refer to the picture you took earlier if needed.

Step 5: Final Checks and Reassembly

Inspect all hose connections: pull firmly on each hose to make sure it won’t pop off under vacuum. Recheck that no hoses are pinched or contacting the exhaust manifold, fan shroud, or belt. Use additional zip ties to secure any slack. Remount the engine cover by pressing it back onto the push‑pins until they click. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the nut to 8 ft-lbs. Double‑check that the battery cable is not routed alongside hot hoses.

Now start the engine with the hood open. Listen for unusual whistling or hissing – that could indicate a leak, though some vacuum noise is normal. Let the engine idle for 5 minutes to reach operating temperature. While idling, spray a small amount of carburetor cleaner or water around the catch can connections – if the engine idle changes, you have a leak. Tighten clamps as needed.

Post‑Installation Testing and Inspection

After the initial idle, take a short test drive (2–3 miles) on a variety of roads. Monitor the engine performance; you should notice no difference in throttle response or power – in fact, many drivers report smoother idling after a few hundred miles. After the drive, park, let the engine cool, and check for oil drips under the catch can. Remove the catch can drain port plug and examine the collected fluid – if it’s mostly clear/amber, that’s normal condensation plus a little oil. If you see a large volume of oil very quickly, check hose routing (you may have a blocked crankcase vent).

Consider checking your intake pipe after 1,000 miles for residual oil. A significant reduction indicates the catch can is working. For a more thorough evaluation, you could remove the throttle body and inspect the back of the intake valves – but that is beyond the scope of this install.

Maintenance Guidelines for Longevity

To keep your Vortex catch can effective:

  • Empty the can every 3,000–5,000 miles (or sooner if you tow or drive in dusty conditions).
  • Use a funnel and container to drain the collected fluid into a proper disposal container – do not dump it on the ground.
  • Inspect hoses for cracks, swelling, or softness at each oil change. Replace worn hoses immediately.
  • Clean the catch can’s internal baffle annually by removing the can and rinsing it with a solvent like brake cleaner. Allow it to dry completely before reinstallation.
  • Check the mounting bracket bolts for tightness after the first 500 miles, as they may settle with vibration.

Many enthusiasts share their maintenance schedules on forums like SilveradoSierra.com where you can find additional tips for your specific 2020 model.

Conclusion: Enhanced Engine Protection

By installing a Vortex oil catch can on your 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, you are proactively addressing one of the main causes of carbon buildup on intake valves. The steps outlined above can be completed in about two hours with basic tools and provide lasting benefits: cleaner valves, less maintenance down the road, and potentially improved fuel economy. For heavy‑duty use – towing, off‑roading, or frequent short trips – the catch can becomes even more valuable. Combined with regular oil changes and the use of top‑tier fuel, this mod helps your Vortec V8 run its best for hundreds of thousands of miles.