I have a 98 coupe, my question is do I need a catch and if so why? Also what happens if you don't have one and how do you know if you need one? Thanks alot for your help, sorry for the stupid question but I just don't know.

 

Look down the throttle body throat. Mine looked like this after 2900 miles - stock. Drenched in oil from the PCV system.



This is what my can caught after 800 miles . . .


. . . and this week after another 2900.

 

Yikes...was that just from normal day-to-day driving? If so, you've convinced me!! Will put it at the top of my mod list!

 

Do as Patches recommended. But my '97 had no oil to intake problem until I had LS6 heads installed..then I noticed my oil was going down between changes by 1/2 qt. (never used oil before). So I installed a catch can and sure enough that is were the oil was going to the intake.
So I say that to say this. If you are using oil between changes you maynot need a catch can. My $.02c
SLPRC5

 

Take note:

http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/PCV...oval%20101.pdf

 

Patches - was the oil you have shown there really collected from the can after just day to day driving ??? No track, or lots of WOT ?

 

Weekend driving - zero track time. Some spirited driving, but primarily normal and highway driving. I don't use much oil at all - nothing measureable on the dipstick - between changes but what does escape seems to end up in my catch can and intake.

 

Thanks, Dave68.

A couple of questions:
Do you have any comparison on how much the coalescing filter removes versus a "normal" catch can?

Instead of making a new larger reservoir, how about attaching a a piece of hose (it can just hang down) where the drain fitting goes on the stock cup and using that hose as the reservoir? The existing drain fitting could go on the lower end of the hose.........

 

THAT WAS GREAT!!!!
DID YOU MACHINE THE OVERSIZED RESEVOIR, OR CAN THIS BE PURCHASED?

HOW OFTEN DOES THE FILTER ELEMENT NEED TO BE REPLACED?

 

Dave, sent you a PM.

Cheers, Curt

 

catch can is a great early mod it actually does something important. I would replace the PCV valve when adding the can. valve is a couple of bucks at any parts store. good luck

 

I don't have a direct comparison, but just looking at their fairly coarse "filters" assures me that my coalescing filter will trap more oil aerosols, quite easily. Look at the pics in my article and you will see how much more dense the Watts filter is compared to the stuff used in catch cans.

I thought about an alternative that is similar in concept. A glass jar is screwed to the filter's zinc reservoir with a screw that has a hole drilled in it. This screw would be sealed by using an o-ring washer against the jar lid. Your method would work as well, although it may look kinda funny. You can get a large diameter hose and neck it down using various fittings.

Thanks! I did machine the extended can, but have contracted a machine shop to make more. 10 people have requested them and the Watts filter assembly and a few more people in this post have asked if I can get more. I have sent an email to the machine shop to see if they have finished the "run" of extended cans. If they are done, I may need to wait until there are 10 additional interested people before I can get more at the same per-piece price. Currently, the extended can is costing me $30 each and the filter, fittings, bracket, and thumb screws, about $43. The total for the 10 people who have requested them is $73 + shipping. (about $5.00)

I have been using particulate and coalescing filters in compressor lines for years and have yet to have to replace a filter. I'd guess that it is good for many years.

 

Curt, I did not receive it; please resend.

Dave

 

Thanks! I did machine the extended can, but have contracted a machine shop to make more. 10 people have requested them and the Watts filter assembly and a few more people in this post have asked if I can get more. I have sent an email to the machine shop to see if they have finished the "run" of extended cans. If they are done, I may need to wait until there are 10 additional interested people before I can get more at the same per-piece price. Currently, the extended can is costing me $30 each and the filter, fittings, bracket, and thumb screws, about $43. The total for the 10 people who have requested them is $73 + shipping. (about $5.00)

I have been using particulate and coalescing filters in compressor lines for years and have yet to have to replace a filter. I'd guess that it is good for many years.[/QUOTE]


I SENT YOU A PM.

 

[SPOILER]The PM is lost and to make a long story short.

In a one hour road race situation, all first and second gear (to 6000+ rpm) rarely a straight away to get into third, I used almost one quart of Mobile 1. Yet I can drive 900 miles on the interstate averaging 71 mph in 11+ 30 off the trip computer and not burn a drop.
This high RPM, on/off the throttle must generate allot of oil mist and a small catch can will be full (I would think) in a short time.
I wonder if a tight fitting "windage tray" around the crank would help and if the crankcase ventilation system flows too much air so as to pick up all the oil flying around at high RPM and backing of the throttle from high revs (High manifold vacuum) for the next corner.
I was going to a DE at VIR but after this, I'm not comfortable with this oil use situation.
The oil Low level light doesn't come on (on my car) until I crank it up after a gas stop. This is not a good feeling (Oh my poor baby what have I done to you!), (a Qt. of oil in a zip bag, fits nicely between the battery and the fuse box)
Mechanical things that cause this are Piston ring flutter but my engine is too low time for this to be a consideration.
Again in norm fun driving oil use is minimal.
I've installed a Gulf Coast Performance can but haven't driven the car yet.

Curt


1999 Pewter/Grey Coupe, Z-51, 6mn.
Mods:AFR 205s, Comp 224* .580" 112*+2*, PRC Gold w/Ti retainers. Z06 Oil Pump, Double Chain timing set. LS6 Intake, Big K&N, no air box, Dynotec SuperMaxx headers/no cats, Corsa X and PaceCar mufflers. Hurst shifter, Hotchkis Bars, Z06 Shocks. Fikse Classic Aro Forged 3 piece 18"x9.5", 18"x10.5". Michelin PS2, 265/35 & 315/30, EFI FlashScan, LM-1 controller.

 

Curt, that explains why many people recommend overfilling the oil before every race. That's a LOT of oil. With a standard catch can, I'm sure much of the oil that disperses into the airstream, ends up in your intake. You CAN have a quart-size extended can machined from billet aluminum, but at some point, welding a a threaded tube and a cap to a large tube would be more cost effective. In other words, going to a custom setup may be your best option. Let me know if you need design assistance.

Dave

EWEBABY, I replied to your PM. If we can get another 6 people who are interested, I can place another order of filters and cans.

 

Installing a catch can on my car is one mod I plan on doing this winter.

 

[QUOTE=Dave68;1558334843]Curt, that explains why many people recommend overfilling the oil before every race. That's a LOT of oil. With a standard catch can, Let me know if you need design assistance.

Dave

Dave, thanks, being retired and a custom gunsmith, I'm lucky enough to have a full machine shop. However, sometimes it's more efficient to buy mass produced part.
BTW, thanks for the great article, PVC 101, I printed it and put in with my "Good Stuff". I wish I'd read your article first.

Cheers, Curt

 

You know, I never thought I'd need a catch can, but today I ported my throttle body and while it was off I looked inside the LS1 intake manifold and sure enough, oil on the inside floor.

I do not drive my C5 hard, so this has convinced me, I need a catch can.

Let me know when and where I can get one.

 

Curt, I often check McMaster-Carr before reinventing the wheel! I sent you an email in response to your email to me a short while ago.

Secret, I should be able to find out (tomorrow) if I can add to the initial 10 sets. If not, and the four of you guys who expressed interest here are still interested even if we have to wait until we get more people, I will post again in the For Sale section. At least one other C5 guy I know is in, so we may have 5 people signed up so far.