Jumbo Oil Catch

jumbosrule

jumbosrule

Fully FX Invested
Premium
Location
Redondo Beach, CA
Car
2003 FX35T
Name
Brad
Been working on an oil catch for my FX for a while now. It started with a universal oil catch that I bought on eBay and had installed on the passenger PCV. Here's a definition that will really help out:

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system is designed to regulate and
remove fumes from the engine crankcase, and to alleviate crankcase pressure which could cause oil leaks or seal damage. The PCV system routes crankcase fumes into the intake manifold where they can be burned to eliminate harmful emissions into the atmosphere. The PCV valve controls the amount of crankcase flow volume depending on the engine's load. With large throttle openings (high engine loads), the more blow-by gases are produced, and the more the PCV system flows oil vapor in to the intake manifold. The PCV valve also functions as a check valve to prevent intake manifold flow from reversing back into the crankcase when there is a backfire, or during periods of high manifold pressure (boost) during forced induction by turbocharger or supercharger.

Originally, I had the oil catch installed inline from the PCV to the lower plenum. Here's a photo:

View attachment 188901

After running that for a few weeks, I found the ARC oil catch for the 350Z (Z33). I saw that it had three hoses and that two of them were large and one was small. I didn't understand and started a thread about the ARC oil catch and how it works. In a nutshell what I learned is that there is another valve cover vent hose, located directly under the Throttle Body. The ARC oil catch takes both valve cover hoses and route them into the can. Then it uses a third hose for suction/vacuum. Makes total sense to me - the way I have it set up above, the second valve cover isn't going into the can. So I modified it to route both valve cover hoses into a T-fitting, then into the inlet of the can. I made a diagram to illustrate the ARC design, with the two suction options:

View attachment 188902

Photo of the actual installation:

View attachment 188903

Here's the T-fitting that goes into the can:

View attachment 188904

Now, there's a new problem. I can tell there is a pressure bottleneck at each fitting going in to/coming out of the can. I need larger orifices so that air passes through freely.

In my continuing research, there are a ton of options out there. But I want to be SURE that pressure bottlenecks won't be a problem because I do plan on FI in the future. If my current catch isn't doing well at NA, it definitely can't handle FI. I'm starting this thread to get the community's experience with catch cans. I've read all the threads here on IS and many on other forums as well. There does not seem to be any clear winners out there - catch tanks that are universally accepted as, "the best".

Just because of the cost, I might consider tryng to modify my current catch can again. I can model them after the ones I have been looking to buy. My top three aftermarket catch cans are:

-ARC oil catch (Z33)
http://www.intensepower.com/noname5.html

-5Zigen proracer oil catch tank
http://inlinefour.com/5zproilcata.html

-E2 PVC oil catch
http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/Catch_Can.html

Anybody have any knowledge/opinions they can throw down?
 
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Hey Brad,

You can probably take a look of this site.

http://www.saikoumichi.com/index.html

I found their product to be widely used on BMW and Mazda forum. The guy has couple different size on the catch can with different fitting option. I am currently working with the guys on my catch can. They do custom work. They can probably come up with a design to meet your need. I think their product is pretty good, IMO. Since they only do oil catch can.:wink:

I trying to find out if they can work on a custom mounting bracket for the catch can to be mounted beside the hood open sensor area. I am thinking of going with 3/8" oem fitting.

:.smile:


Here is also another company makes high quality products.

http://www.42draftdesigns.com/categories/products/catchcans.html
 
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Now THAT is what I'm talkin bout!!!

Sweet finds - I really like both of them. Might have to get one of these - I'm tempted to order right NOW.
 
That picture you made clears everything up so well. I had read your threads about this, but still never fully understood what was going on, but one look at that picture and it all makes sense how it works. Great job! :tup:
 
jumbosrule said:
Now THAT is what I'm talkin bout!!!

Sweet finds - I really like both of them. Might have to get one of these - I'm tempted to order right NOW.
Click to expand...

Glad you like what I found. :.smile:

I am leaning toward the Sakou one, the Stage 2 will be $105 USD, cheaper. And I saw some results on the CX7 which is really amazing.

For the other one (42 Draft), it looks really awesome, but I don't want to spend over $200 on a catch can.
 
BUT if you are going to drop some cash on the OCC the 42 draft unit is def going to attract some attention....it just looks like its doing something more than what it is.....Group buy for Christmas?
 
Logan said:
BUT if you are going to drop some cash on the OCC the 42 draft unit is def going to attract some attention....it just looks like its doing something more than what it is.....Group buy for Christmas?
Click to expand...

Makes you wonder how ARC can charge $450 and actually sell that thing. The 42 unit seems inexpensive in comparison, but obviously looks so much better. Did you notice it has it's own dipstick to see what the oil level is in the can? Cool, but not really necessary. I'd be down for a group buy if we can get a decent price break. Otherwise I'm fine with the 42 draft stealth can - which is the same price as the Saikou.

I have an email into Saikou to find out about a custom dual input to the can, so I can attach both valve covers to the can rather than running them into a T-fitting.
 
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jumbosrule said:
Makes you wonder how ARC can charge $450 and actually sell that thing. The 42 unit seems inexpensive in comparison, but obviously looks so much better. I'd be down for a group buy if we can get a decent price break. Otherwise I'm fine with the 42 draft stealth can - which is the same price as the Saikou.

I have an email into Saikou to find out about a custom dual input to the can, so I can attach both valve covers to the can rather than running them into a T-fitting.
Click to expand...

I'm down for 42 GB Jumbo, who's gonna be our rep on this? Z1 perhaps?
 
Not sure who would rep since Z1 doesn't carry this product. One of us would have to get in touch with 42 and set it up. Not worth doing unless we have at least ten (usually the threshold for a price break, but we need to ask to be sure). Logan - put out a GB thread or feeler if you feel up to it.

I was thinking the 42 is a bit expensive, but I went back to look at it like three times today and I'm back and forth between the 42 ultimate (really cool) and the 42 stealth model (pretty cool). If we did get a GB going, I'd get on the list, but I'm not sure I can be patient enough to wait! After all, now I gotta go figure out hoses & fittings!
 
jumbosrule said:
Not sure who would rep since Z1 doesn't carry this product. One of us would have to get in touch with 42 and set it up. Not worth doing unless we have at least ten (usually the threshold for a price break, but we need to ask to be sure). Logan - put out a GB thread or feeler if you feel up to it.

I was thinking the 42 is a bit expensive, but I went back to look at it like three times today and I'm back and forth between the 42 ultimate (really cool) and the 42 stealth model (pretty cool). If we did get a GB going, I'd get on the list, but I'm not sure I can be patient enough to wait! After all, now I gotta go figure out hoses & fittings!
Click to expand...

Doing a feasibility check with one of their vendors now. I'll run a feeler once I hear, I may buy one regardless!
 
Isn't the our tube sizing is 3/8"? The 42 draft comes with 3/4" fitting. I personally think that is a bit too big; then we will need a reducer fitting to have the hoses work out in our car or a tight clamps to hold those.

I am still debating on Saikou or 42 draft. I have sent an email to Saikou regarding to the difference in design and benefit 3 hoses catch can design.
 
Again, we have two hoses that I'm trying to tie in to the catch, so if I have to T them together, I definitely want the bigger inlet fitting - like the Saikou stage 3!!! The T-fitting will need to have three different diameter barbs, which shouldn't be a problem.

And for the purpose of this can, I don't think you can go wrong with too big. Only too small. Bigger fittings means less restriction and that means less pressure in the valve covers. Ideally we would put an expansion fitting on the PCV valve and vent valves to increase the tube diameter all the way to the catch.

I am talking with Saikou to see if they can modify a 2 inlet/1 outlet can. If not, I might actually consider two catch cans - one for each side. Depends on what I learn from them. I'll make another illustration/diagram to explain what I actually end up going with. Still need to learn a bit more.
 
Yeah, looking at that illustration I thought 2 cans could work, given there are two suction points. I thought about asking if that was a feasible idea but figured it might complicate things.
 
jumbosrule said:
Again, we have two hoses that I'm trying to tie in to the catch, so if I have to T them together, I definitely want the bigger inlet fitting - like the Saikou stage 3!!! The T-fitting will need to have three different diameter barbs, which shouldn't be a problem.

And for the purpose of this can, I don't think you can go wrong with too big. Only too small. Bigger fittings means less restriction and that means less pressure in the valve covers. Ideally we would put an expansion fitting on the PCV valve and vent valves to increase the tube diameter all the way to the catch.

I am talking with Saikou to see if they can modify a 2 inlet/1 outlet can. If not, I might actually consider two catch cans - one for each side. Depends on what I learn from them. I'll make another illustration/diagram to explain what I actually end up going with. Still need to learn a bit more.
Click to expand...

Keep us posted Brad. I am leaning toward the 2 inlet and one out let options after your explanation. I want a clean engine and perhaps help extend the engine life. I am also trying to figure out what kind of mounting bracket will be required around the hood pin sensor area. There are couple hoses down there which the bracket needs to designed, so the drain port will not rub against those hoses and still be able sit lower / even with the hood pin when we close down the hood.
 
FX35 & 45 Rocker Cover diagrams

Got a response from Saikou - they only need to know the two hose sizes and can make a double inlet. They said they have done it in the past with a Stage 2 tank, so it doesn't look like it should be a problem.

Right now I'm at work and can't answer Saikou without knowing the two hose sizes. Need some help! Anybody know what the hose diameters are for number 1 in the upper left of the illustration and also number 1 on the upper right?

On the left side I used a 10mm silicone hose, but I know the right is bigger.



View attachment 188905

So this page along with my diagram should pretty much clear up any remaining confusion. I have been calling the rocker covers incorrectly by, "valve covers" according to the manual, so I'll start using "rocker cover" from now on.

Just so this thread is extra bad-ass, here's the VK Rocker cover:

View attachment 188906
 
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Hi Jumbo,

So should I do that to mine as well?
///6079&postcount=6

I just have the universal one. I've caught a lot of oil in mine and it seems to be working fine -- and others don't even have an oil catch can.

Thoughts?
 
Oil Catch types

Chedman13 said:
Hi Jumbo, So should I do that to mine as well?///6079&postcount=6 I just have the universal one. I've caught a lot of oil in mine and it seems to be working fine -- and others don't even have an oil catch can. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Chedman, yeah, I got thoughts!!! You've got the 45 and don't plan to go FI, so I think you are totally fine. It looks good too, by the way! You have most definitely improved the quality of air by using the catch. You're still getting some blow-by, but less than OEM - which doesn't catch blow-by at all. I just went back and edited the Rocker cover post - I put the FX45 diagram up there too. Number 1 and Number 6 tell me there are two hoses. You COULD add a second oil catch, using the other PCV hose, if you wanted to take it a step further.

I've spent the past couple weeks just reading every oil catch thread on every VQ35DE platform forum I could find (and some non-VQ forums also) when I discovered the ARC design was different. There are multiple ways to do the same thing. The three most common methods are as follows:

1) The one car we all use as the model FX - Rookie's build - did his oil catch between the passenger PCV and the lower plenum. From what I have seen, that method is by far the most common - and the only method represented here on IS.

2) Routing BOTH the PCV hoses into the catch can with NO suction or vacuum line. Instead, an open port with a breather or small filter installed right on the can allows the pressure to escape after the oil has been caught. This method is common on domestic muscle cars and I never saw an example of it running on a VQ. This is not CARB legal, by the way. There are still some fumes that get out into the air and violate emissions standards. On the plus side - that air never makes it back into your engine. It's the best option for your engine, worst for the environment.

3) ARC style design - both hoses into the can, or into a T-fitting and then into the can, with a single suction/vacuum line to evacuate clean air. I like this design the best, because it covers the most bases. Emission legal, catches oil from both rocker covers instead of just one and needs one fewer suction/vacuum lines than OEM, good for placement flexibility (show it off or hide it completely).

Besides some of the cosmetic engine bay stuff, I have always tried to make mods that will be compatible with future FI. A Forced Induction build increases blow-by in more than one way. First, there is the increased internal pressures. This forces more oil out of the seals. Second, forged pistons & valves don't expand with heat as much as the OEM engine internals. This means as a boosted engine gets hotter, the gaps actually expand, giving the oil an easier pathway out. Couple the two together and under heavy load, the engine really spits out some oil. I read about a TT 350Z that would catch a full quart of oil after one night on the track. I just want the catch I go with to be designed so that it catches as much oil as possible and does not cause a pressure bottleneck. I want the rocker cover air to get completely filtered as it blows straight through - like High Flow Cats on a big ass exhaust.

And it shouldn't cost freakin $450.
 
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