What Is an Oil Catch Can and Why Your Engine Needs One
An oil catch can is a smart, preventative upgrade that helps keep your engine clean by capturing oil vapors before they enter the intake system. This article explores how catch cans work, the types available, installation tips, and why they’re essential for long-term engine health.
What Is an Oil Catch Can?
An oil catch can is a small, sealed container that installs between the crankcase ventilation system and the intake manifold. As crankcase gases exit the engine, they pass through the can, which captures oil mist and blow-by contaminants in a filter or baffle. This prevents those particles from entering the intake system, where they can cause carbon buildup and performance loss over time.
There are various types of oil catch cans available, including baffled models that improve oil vapor separation, and PCV-specific units designed for daily drivers. Some are vehicle-specific, while others are universal and suitable for most engine types.
What Is the Purpose of an Oil Catch Can?
An oil catch can is a vital upgrade for vehicle owners who want to protect their engines and maintain peak performance. Its primary function is to trap excess oil vapor and contaminants from the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system before they re-enter the intake manifold. This reduces carbon buildup, keeps the intake system clean, and promotes more efficient combustion. A properly installed oil catch can helps you maintain a more durable and cleaner engine over time.
Why You Might Need it?
Even in modern engines, oil vapor can bypass piston rings and enter the intake system. Over time, this results in:
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Reduced engine efficiency
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Carbon deposits on valves
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Poor fuel economy
Installing an oil catch can or a PCV catch can is a proactive way to prevent these issues, especially in high-mileage or turbocharged engines.
Which Oil Catch Can Is Right for You?
EVIL ENERGY offers a full range of oil catch can products designed for specific needs:
- Baffled Oil Catch Can: Ideal for high-performance or racing vehicles. Baffles enhance oil separation efficiency.


- PCV Oil Catch Can: Best for daily drivers to keep the PCV system clean.


- LS Engine Oil Catch Can: Custom-fit for LS-based applications.
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Universal Catch Can: Fits a variety of engine bays without specialized fittings.

Oil Catch Can Comparison Guide
Type | Suitable Vehicles/Engines | Design Features | Main Function | Ideal Use Case | Installation Difficulty |
Baffled Oil Catch Can | High-performance & racing engines | Baffled design for enhanced oil vapor separation | Efficiently captures high oil vapor, prevents carbon buildup and contamination | High-speed, high-load conditions | Requires professional installation |
PCV Catch Can | Daily drivers with PCV systems | Simplified design optimized for PCV systems | Prevents oil vapor from entering intake manifold, reduces carbon buildup | Daily driving and commuting | Easy installation |
LS Engine Oil Catch Can | GM LS series engines | Custom design for LS engines and PCV systems | Precisely captures excess oil vapor, improves combustion efficiency | LS engine specific, powerful engines | Moderate, requires matching fittings |
Universal Catch Can | Various vehicle models and engines | Flexible compatibility, no special fittings needed | Captures oil vapor to prevent intake contamination | Wide range of vehicles and brands | Easy installation, no modifications needed |
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Catch Can?
Installation costs can vary depending on the type of EVIL ENERGY oil catch can you choose:
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Oil Catch Can for 2011–2023 F-150/Raptor: Engineered for Ford trucks, includes pre-fitted hoses for easier installation. Estimated labor cost: $60.59.
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Air-Oil Separator for Chevy Silverado: Custom-fit for Silverado engines, straightforward installation. Estimated labor cost: $75.99.
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Baffled Oil Catch Can 300ml & 10AN Baffled Oil Catch Can: Performance-grade universal designs, may require custom bracketry. Labor range: $32.99–$36.35.
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Catch Can with Hose Kit: Universal kit with all hardware included, ideal for DIY installation.
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Vehicle-specific kits, such as the Oil Catch Can for F-150/Raptor, often simplify the process with pre-fitted components, reducing installation time and cost.
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DIY Installation: Most EVIL ENERGY catch cans can be installed at home using basic tools, especially universal models and kits with detailed instructions.
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Professional Installation: Typically ranges from $75 to $150 USD, based on labor complexity and vehicle type.
The cost of installing a catch can depends on whether you opt for a DIY installation or professional service. Most EVIL ENERGY oil catch cans are designed for easy, bolt-on installation, and can be installed at home with basic tools in under an hour.
Why Choose the EVIL ENERGY Oil Catch Can?
At EVIL ENERGY, we specialize in a wide range of oil catch can options engineered to improve your engine’s performance, reliability, and longevity. Whether you're searching for a PCV catch can for your daily driver or a baffled oil catch canister for high-performance applications, we offer durable, high-efficiency solutions for every need.Looking for an LS catch can tailored to your engine type or a universal catch can that fits multiple setups? EVIL ENERGY Oil Catch Can systems help reduce intake contamination and protect engine components from harmful oil vapors.
Our catch cans effectively capture excess oil vapor and contaminants from the PCV system, preventing buildup inside your engine’s intake manifold. This leads to cleaner combustion, better fuel efficiency, and longer engine life.
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Prevent Oil Contamination: The PCV oil catch can traps harmful oil vapors before they enter the intake system.
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Enhance Engine Performance: A clean intake helps maintain optimal engine efficiency and power.
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Durable and Reliable: Built with high-quality materials to withstand tough conditions.
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Easy Installation: Designed for quick setup with minimal modifications.
FAQs
No, when properly installed, oil catch cans are safe and beneficial. They reduce contamination and improve engine longevity.
Yes. Especially in turbocharged, direct injection, or high-mileage engines, an oil catch can or PCV catch can helps prevent performance degradation.
Neglecting to drain it can lead to overflow, sending trapped oil back into the intake—defeating its purpose.
Check every 1,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and engine load.
Not directly. It prevents oil vapor from re-entering the intake, but doesn’t fix underlying oil consumption issues.
Typically, it's installed between the PCV valve and intake manifold. Some kits are bolt-on for specific vehicles.
Most catch cans have a drain plug at the bottom. Simply unscrew it and dispose of the contents properly.
Choosing the right oil catch can depends on your vehicle type and usage. From baffled designs for race setups to PCV catch cans for daily driving, EVIL ENERGY Oil Catch Can products offer reliable solutions to keep your engine running cleaner and longer. An oil catch can is not just an accessory—it's a smart investment in your engine's health.Explore our full collection: EVIL ENERGY Oil Catch Cans
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