Does standard LS3 need an oil catch can?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 236
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From: Farragut TN
Does standard LS3 need an oil catch can?
Please forgive my ignorance but, does a standard LS3 need an aftermarket oil catch can? I have read several threads re: the installation of an oil catch can but most appear to be written by members who either have the dry sump system or they track their cars placing more stress on the engine. Does a street driven LS3 need this modification? I am confused. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,457
Likes: 297
From: corpus christi Texas
I have one on my 08/Z51 and I do not drive it much every day.Every time i drain it i get about a oz of oil out of it.Do a search and you will find a lot of information about them.No harm with adding one to your vette...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 236
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From: Farragut TN
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 923
Likes: 37
From: Green Bay Wisconsin
Please forgive my ignorance but, does a standard LS3 need an aftermarket oil catch can? I have read several threads re: the installation of an oil catch can but most appear to be written by members who either have the dry sump system or they track their cars placing more stress on the engine. Does a street driven LS3 need this modification? I am confused.
Don't bother unless you are going to track your car!
Enjoy the LS3, GM did a great job.
Douglas in Green Bay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,457
Likes: 297
From: corpus christi Texas
I have never tracked my vette,just a short cruze every day at 45mph.I do get on it at times to clean the engine out.....Like said, I get about a shot glass of oil out of the can when I change the oil between 4-5000 miles.....GM builds crap...
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16,897
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From: Lewisville TX
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Typically it is not needed, but it isn't a bad idea either.
The way they have the car setup from the factory is that any and all bypass products have to back through the engine and get burned and processed by the cats. This includes any blow by and oil/oil vapor. By installing the catch can you reduce (or remove in some cases) any oil going back through your engine. This can cut down on build up on the valves, in the chambers and reduces the chance of ignition knock.
You do have to keep an eye on it, and drain it from time to time as there is no place for it to go, other than into the can. Depending on how you drive, and how much wear is on the engine...how much oil it is going to produce in the can.
The way they have the car setup from the factory is that any and all bypass products have to back through the engine and get burned and processed by the cats. This includes any blow by and oil/oil vapor. By installing the catch can you reduce (or remove in some cases) any oil going back through your engine. This can cut down on build up on the valves, in the chambers and reduces the chance of ignition knock.
You do have to keep an eye on it, and drain it from time to time as there is no place for it to go, other than into the can. Depending on how you drive, and how much wear is on the engine...how much oil it is going to produce in the can.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Farragut TN
Please forgive my ignorance but, does a standard LS3 need an aftermarket oil catch can? I have read several threads re: the installation of an oil catch can but most appear to be written by members who either have the dry sump system or they track their cars placing more stress on the engine. Does a street driven LS3 need this modification? I am confused.
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