When piecing together a performance build, parts like intakes, turbos, and intercoolers usually steal the spotlight. But one of the simplest and smartest upgrades you can make—especially for longevity—is adding an oil catch can.
At WOT Performance Parts, we believe performance isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about protecting your investment. Here’s why an oil catch can is essential for keeping your high-performance engine cleaner, stronger, and running longer. Contact us today for more information.
What Is An Oil Catch Can?
An oil catch can is a small container plumbed into your engine’s crankcase ventilation system. It intercepts and traps:
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Oil vapor
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Fuel vapor
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Water vapor
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Blow-by gases
Before they can enter your intake system, gum up sensors, dirty your intake valves, or reduce combustion efficiency, these contaminants are captured inside the can.
Why Engines Produce Blow-By
Even in a healthy engine, tiny amounts of combustion gases slip past the piston rings and into the crankcase under pressure. This is called blow-by.
Blow-by carries oil mist, unburned fuel, and moisture into the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system, and in stock setups, it’s usually rerouted directly back into your intake.
The problem:
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Oil coats intake manifolds and intercoolers
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Gunk accumulates on intake valves (especially direct-injection engines)
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Fuel octane drops due to contamination
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Sensor performance (like MAFs) degrades
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Knock (detonation) risk increases
In a performance build—especially forced induction (turbocharged/supercharged) setups—blow-by volume can skyrocket, making an oil catch can even more critical.
How An Oil Catch Can Works
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Blow-by gases travel through the catch can
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Inside, vapors are cooled and condensed
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Oil, fuel, and moisture collect in the can
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Clean air exits the can and re-enters the intake system
Simple, effective, and essential for keeping your engine breathing clean.
Benefits Of Installing An Oil Catch Can
✅ Cleaner Intake System
No oily residue gumming up your throttle body, intake runners, or intercooler piping.
✅ Protection For Direct Injection Engines
Since DI engines don't spray fuel across the intake valves (like port-injected engines), they are extremely vulnerable to carbon buildup. A catch can greatly reduce this risk.
✅ More Consistent Performance
Keeping air/fuel mixtures clean and consistent means better combustion, smoother power delivery, and improved fuel economy.
✅ Reduced Risk Of Knock
Contaminants in the combustion process increase knock (pre-detonation) risk. Reducing oil vapor intake helps your tune stay safe at higher boost levels.
✅ Long-Term Engine Longevity
A clean intake system = less chance of valve deposits, oil sludge, and mechanical wear over time.
When You Need An Oil Catch Can
While nearly any engine benefits, an oil catch can becomes essential when:
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You run high boost pressures
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You have a direct-injection engine (common on modern performance vehicles)
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You do frequent high-RPM driving (track days, spirited canyon runs)
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You want maximum reliability and long-term performance
Choosing The Right Oil Catch Can
Here’s what to look for:
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Internal baffles or filtration: Helps separate oil from air efficiently
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Easy-to-drain design: Threaded drain plugs or quick-release bottoms
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Pressure-tested construction: Aluminum or high-quality billet designs are best
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Mounting brackets included: A clean install matters, especially in tight engine bays
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Vehicle-specific kits: Easier installation without needing custom fabrication
Pro Tip: Always mount the catch can as high as possible in the engine bay and use proper hose routing for best results.
Maintenance: Don’t Forget To Empty It
An oil catch can needs regular emptying, especially after track days or hard driving.
Typical maintenance:
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Check every oil change (normal street driving)
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Check every 1–2 track sessions (aggressive driving)
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Drain more frequently in humid environments (more water vapor captured)
Failing to empty the catch can defeats its purpose and could even cause issues if it overfills.
Protect Your Build With WOT Performance Parts
At WOT Performance Parts, we carry a complete range of oil catch cans designed for everything from daily-driven street builds to full-blown race cars.
Protect your intake, keep your valves clean, and safeguard your horsepower gains with the right catch can setup, because performance is about power and protection.
Shop today and add the smartest upgrade for any performance build—at unbeatable prices!
