Hey all,



I just installed the AMW catch-can on my car. I didn't see too many threads on it, but I'd just like to pass along my impressions.

First off, I got the annodized blue can to come close to matching my Nassau Blue FRC, and the install was really easy. I paid the extra $25 for the LS1/6 mounting bracket, which is black annodized aluminum, and when installed it looks really slick. Sadly, I don't have a digital camera, so no pics. I know, a thread like this is useless without pics, but give me a break...

The only issue I had on the install was cleaning out the holes in the passenger side head to mount the bracket. I was at my Uncle's shop, pulling the car from storage, and I started the bolt to find it got really tight after about 2 threads were in. After backing it out, I noticed a lot of grime/junk in the threads. We pulled out his 3/8" tap and found it was buggered up. So, off to the spare bolt rack, and found a bolt that had the same thread pattern and took a grinder to it to make a poor-man's tap. I ran that in and out a few times (going in deeper each time before backing out, then cleaning it out). I eventually got them clean, and attached the bracket (I used some locktite as there was nothing to keep them from backing out). The can itself mounts really easy as well. The funny part of the whole install came when I had to cut the vacuum lines to fit. I was sent about 6' of vacuum line; do they expect people to mount these things in the trunk???

Anyway, I've not opened it up to see if it has caught anything, but I've only had the car out of her winter slumber for 3 days now... I don't expect much to be in there. I think I'm going to pull it today after work and see what is in there, if anything.

This is a super easy and relatively cheap (for Corvettes) mod to do. I highly recommend it as the annodized aluminum looks great, and is a piece of functional bling to spice up the engine bay.

I also installed an Optima red top while I was wrenching in the engine bay. I figured it had to be superior to the craptastic delco...

Sorny

 

Good post. Sounds like you did a good install job. Btw, all threads in your C5 (except your new 3/8 hole that you tapped ) are metric.

I installed a GReddy catch can some time ago before the AMW was available. I located it remotely from the engine in the front, next to the radiator shroud where the cool air aids in the precipitation of oil from vapor.

I also did the Z06 PCV valley cover mod not too long ago to minimize oil injested through the PCV system.

Here's how much oil the catch can caught in 800 miles of driving.


The two black hoses lead to my catch can.

 

I guess I was less than clear in my post. The 3/8 was the drive to the "tap". We used metric bolts, etc. My uncle was cussing up a storm when I told him that, and it took some time to locate in his shop... The metric bolt supply was tight, at best.



Sorny

 

i did 1 better, i mounted mine upright on the frame rail next to the radiator shroud, with the sight glass visible and put a stainless scrubing pad inside it to help collect the vapor and also drilled/tapped the bottom with a 1/4 turn valve and hose leading under the car. now when i see a level inside it i just have to reach down from the top and turn the valve to drain it. the heck with removing it to empty it.

right now its at LAPD getting some mods takin care of, ask them how cool it really is.

 

I finished up my install last night. I didn't like the way the hose connected to the PCV line fit (at idle, the hose collapsed a bit form the vacuum, I'd hate to think what would have happened at WOT), so I ran to Lowes and got the parts to make a 90 degree elbow with barb connectors. Before the elbow install, the hose had a bend to it in order to reach the catch can, and this bend was at too acute of an angle for my liking. I put the elbow on the PCV line and then ran from that to the can. The hose was now too long, and would hang down onto the pulley, so I tie-wrapped it to the fresh-air PCV line coming from the throttle body.

I'll see about getting some pictures of the completed install.

Sorny

 

ok pardon me for being ignorant .. but what does the catch can do? (aside from catching oil )

 

Check AMW's website for an explanation:

http://www.accmachtech.com/pcvcatchcans.htm

Long story short, it keeps your intake cleaner and catches oil vapor from the PCV system, which should make the car run better by cutting down on carbon build-up and reducing knock.

Sorny

 

the oil dilutes the octane rating of your fuel besides makes a mess in your intake. and who needs to burn more oil?

 

Cool little things...i might have to pick one of those up. is the AMW better than the Greddy or do they all work about the same??

--Marc

 

i got mine from ebay and saved $

 

Just an FYI, at WOT an engine doesn't make alot of vacuum.

 

but you should also note that most of the blow by that is collected is from the down side of the rpms, when the rpm is coming down such as slowing down by down shifting. mostly from 6500? rpm down to 3000 rpm. not all but most. imho.

althou the going upside does make blow by too.
but you are right there is not much vacuum at wot.

 

I have an 04 that burns absolutely no oil. I have 34k miles and at oil changes it is right at the full mark. Should I get a catch can anyways?

 

Sorny,
Does the Greddy can have a baffle of some sort inside? I am looking at gettting one. Thanks.

 

I don't know anything about the Greddy can. I've got the AMW can. Patches has a Greddy, so perhaps he could help you out.



Sorny

 

I got the same one and really like it

 

Oops!
I meant patches.

 

My FRC doesn't consume oil either. I am of the belief that a catch can does no harm, and will only benefit the car. It is about $116 for the AMW can with the mounting bracket, and I spent an extra $5.00 at Lowes for the elbow hardware to install it and used 2 tie-wraps. I consider this one of the cheapest mods you can do, and think it is worth it just for the peace of mind factor.



Sorny

 

Yep

 

Thanks...probably very true