PDA

View Full Version : Catch Can Comparisons



musclemerc
03-02-2011, 09:38 AM
I wanted to start a thread to provide some info on a recent topic. I've been getting alot of PM's inquiring about my catch can. The member's want me to provide comparison information. I'm going to attempt to do it here rather than disturb Jim's "GB Catch Can (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=69409)" thread.

A little more than a year ago I started collecting information about catch cans. I spent countless hours learning about them, mostly by hanging out on turbo forums. I quickly found out a baffled design was the only way to go. I found only a few companies that produced a baffled catch can 42draftdesigns (http://www.42draftdesigns.com/categories/products/catchcans.html) and UPR products (http://www.uprproducts.com/mustang-billet-oil-catch-can-separator-79-polished.html) . The UPR was quickly disqualified because it uses a single plate design (simular to the 42draftdesign). It works using a single plate with large holes drilled through it to function as a filter. **In theory the vapors will collect on the bottom of the plate and form into dropplets and gravity will take them to the base of the can**. This design is will allow oil dropplets to pass after the plate gets coated with oil vapors. Especially after the can pressurizes under vacum, look at where the hose openings are. They're both above the plate. The divider between the two openings is serving no purpose. With this design the air going out is just as contaminated as the air comming in.

http://www.powerhouserp.com/image/cache/mustang-satin-79-billet-catch-can-lrg-400x400.jpg

So I went on to the 42draftdesign can, the holes in the filter are smaller and they stacked them, but this design wasnt desirable either. Again, in theory the vapors will collect on the bottom of the screen and "gravity" will pull them to the bottom of the can. Well if you stack the plates and the top one fills with oil dropplets then it drips through to the one under it would'nt the plates always be covered with oil? When vacum occurs oil vapors will get pulled and have a tendacy to collect on the underside of the lid. The cost of the "Ultimate" is $235.00 and the "stealth" is $115.00. What do you get for the added expense of the Ultimate? It has a dip stick, a removable lid, and alot more bling. The stealth is fully welded so servicing the filter element is impossible at best, it does have a drain but it doesnt have a way to see the fluid level within the can. So if you want to service the filter you have to remove the can, pour degreaser inside of it and agitate the hell out of it then lay it over to drain. This is the biggest problem with the Stealth design, because you will never get 100% of the moisture out of a sealed container, it's just not gonna happen. Then you gotta make your own hose which are available at any local FLAPS. The factory fittings are 19/32" *which is smaller than a 5/8* these cans come with a 3/4" fitting :eek: Thats WAY TOO BIG!

So these were out, I could'nt afford the Ultimate and the Stealth was inadequate at best.

http://www.42draftdesigns.com/images/cnc/catchcans/cc_ult13.jpg



I ended up creating my own Musclemerc Catch Can with a collection of the best parts that met my needs. http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=60956

The metals I choose had a purpose, oil will eventually cling to everything, even aluminum (it takes longer if it's polished). So I found that copper, brass, and SS work as a catalyst when introduced to a closed loop PCV system. Oil will not cling to these parts here is a pic of my can with the lid off after 12 months of service:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23 686&d=1296047864 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23 686&d=1296047864)


Look at the condition of the filter element. The SS is clean, so is the copper cap and brass fittings.

Now on to what I think that makes my can a better choice. The element is made of dense SS fiber it's thick and realy tight, you cant compress it between your fingers. It lives in a sealed enclosure. Much like the other cans I also rely on gravity to keep my filter element clean. As you can see in the pics my design actually works. When the pcv system pressurizes with my can, the outlet will be 100% oil free. The vacum pulls through the element and keeps the "wet oil" at the bottom of the can and the oil vapors are allowed to collect at the top of the can. The dropplets fall to the bottom, they do not end up in the intake track. My filter is protected from pulling them through because it lives half way down the can and only draws clean air from the bottom where the "wet oil" resides. I use a short 5/8" piece of SS tube that delivers the clean air to the outlet connector.

My kit also comes with all the necessary hardlines for N/A and Trilogy. The Eaton/Whipple guy's get the correct 19/32" reinforced hose to connect their system. These hoses are NOT available at your local FLAP's and will NOT collapse under vacum pressure.

http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy182/musclemerc/0095.jpg

My filter design:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23 681&d=1296046045 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23 681&d=1296046045)

The correct 19/32 pcv fittings:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23 679&d=1296046045 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23 679&d=1296046045)

Front view of my hardlines:
http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy182/musclemerc/0116.jpg

No need to fabricate a bracket for my catch can:
http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy182/musclemerc/0125.jpg

The kit comes complete for $130.00 shipped and has been proven to perform flawless on both N/A or S/C Marauder's.

I'm also working on doing a wrinkle black PC finish for a few member's.

SGT_MERC
03-02-2011, 07:27 PM
Very informative post. Thank You musclemerc.

musclemerc
03-03-2011, 06:31 AM
Thank You, for taking the time to read it.

MMBLUE
03-03-2011, 07:14 AM
As usual, Great Travis. I hope this is the one to be sticky. Great workanship and fitment. I'm jealous that I don't have V.2 But, I'm happy just the same.

BODYMAN
03-03-2011, 08:03 AM
Great info Travis. I myself have wandered how well youres stood up to some others and not to metion price.

J.bo
03-03-2011, 10:09 AM
I can speak on musclemerc catch can and I can say it does what he designed it to do... keep the intake clean. I'm happy with mine.

a_d_a_m
03-03-2011, 05:45 PM
After I do Steedas, this may end up being my next mod.

BigCars4Ever
03-03-2011, 06:33 PM
I recognize that filter. It's from a 5.0 right? I had one on an 86 that was so clogged it had to be removed by drilling a hole in it and using a slide hammer with a wood screw on the tip! The lack of ventilation caused the intake gasket to blow clean of the car! Nice work btw.

musclemerc
03-03-2011, 07:40 PM
^^Ron you are correct, it is from a 79~93 mustang.

Drewstang
03-04-2011, 06:37 PM
I thought that filter looked familar. Any who, got one on the way and can't wait for it. Thanks again Travis.

sailsmen
03-05-2011, 06:28 AM
Impressive write up and research.
Is there an easy way to tell if your vehicle is getting excessive vapors in the intake?

fastblackmerc
03-05-2011, 07:33 AM
Impressive write up and research.
Is there an easy way to tell if your vehicle is getting excessive vapors in the intake?

Pull the upper intake.

sailsmen
03-05-2011, 07:39 AM
There must be an easier way?

fastblackmerc
03-05-2011, 07:45 AM
There must be an easier way?

You could try removing the throttle body and looking in the openings.

DOOM
03-05-2011, 08:33 AM
Can i get one polished with braided hoses? :D

musclemerc
03-05-2011, 09:06 AM
Yes, I shine a mini mag light through the throttle body, you can also pull the hardline going to the upper intake and see if any oil is clinging to the inside of the hose. So far after a year both remain clean.


Impressive write up and research.
Is there an easy way to tell if your vehicle is getting excessive vapors in the intake?

They come polished already Doom, as far as the hose, I like the plastic hardlines (they have a stock look) but if you can find a 19/32" braided hose it will work.


Can i get one polished with braided hoses? :D

hotford
03-05-2011, 09:30 AM
NICE write up musclemerc i like the design of yours by far
most people don't know that oil tracking causes detonation, the cleaner the charge the better.

Mercguy04
03-05-2011, 10:06 AM
Nice Job Travis,
Your customer service is superb. I thank you for your attention to detail on this project.
That is what makes the difference. Thanks for the invitation as well.
Take care my friend.
Russell Youngblood

Speed
03-09-2011, 02:08 PM
Well I got mines today and I must say Travis really did his homework. Excellent craftsmanship, couldn't be any better...even if it was store bought. Thank you.

musclemerc
03-09-2011, 04:04 PM
I'm glad to see that my parts exceeded your expectation's.

Please add some Trilogy pics to this thread.

Thanks Again Speed!

Drewstang
03-13-2011, 09:19 PM
Here's a pic of my Trilogy setup. Crappy Blackberry pic for now:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/Drewstang/utf-8BSU1HMDAyODItMjAxMTAzMTMtMjM1 Ni5qcGc.jpg

musclemerc
03-14-2011, 05:31 AM
Looking good Drewstang!!!

Drewstang
03-14-2011, 06:35 AM
Thanks, I'm happy with the result. It looks good in there with my coil covers.

Embassy
03-17-2011, 07:50 AM
MuscleMerc, you've got an email.

Thanks.

RF Overlord
03-17-2011, 12:03 PM
They come polished already Doom, as far as the hose, I like the plastic hardlines (they have a stock look) but if you can find a 19/32" braided hose it will work.If Doomie can't find some, he'll weave it himself out of fine-gauge unobtainium.

DOOM
03-17-2011, 12:56 PM
If Doomie can't find some, he'll weave it himself out of fine-gauge unobtainium.

:high5: :lol:

:rofl:

musclemerc
03-17-2011, 03:07 PM
Big shout out to the guy's that recently ordered one my catch can kits. Post up some pics when you get them installed.

Speed
Mercguy04
MM2004
RacerX
ROCOB
Vkirkend
Drewstang

DOOM
03-17-2011, 05:59 PM
Think I'm going to do the "ULTIMATE" version. :D

I was serious about the braided hoses too! :coolman:

RacerX
03-17-2011, 06:05 PM
Hey Travis! Did your signature get bigger or are u just happy to see me? :)

musclemerc
03-17-2011, 07:02 PM
I'm glad to see you Bill...

I've been working on something BIG... Watch out!

TAKEDOWN
03-17-2011, 07:39 PM
Hey, what about me!

musclemerc
03-17-2011, 09:34 PM
My bad...

TAKEDOWN
Dragcity
Russell072009
MMBLUE
BODYMAN
SC Cheesehead
frost

musclemerc
03-23-2011, 09:47 AM
I'm considering a special on my catch cans.
I'm thinking my specials should run in groups of 10.
Regular price is 130.00 plus 4% fees

Special will be $115.00 plus 4% paypal fees

Please specify N/A, Trilogy, or Eaton Swap and please include your screenname with the payment

ctrlraven
03-23-2011, 12:14 PM
I ordered mine yesterday. I fixed my hose collapse issue on the one I made but its a PITA to service/clean and this looks a lot easier to service so that's why I bit the bullet.

ImpalaSlayer
03-23-2011, 12:19 PM
good call Birdman. these cans are nice

Dragcity
03-23-2011, 12:25 PM
these cans are nice

Hmph! That's what she said......

SC Cheesehead
03-23-2011, 12:42 PM
these cans are nice


Hmph! That's what Casey said......


Fixed it for you! :D