Recommended catch cans & other questions

[z6cyl]

Hi folks, I'm increasingly close to pulling the trigger on a 15 EcoBoost, but have a few other questions about modifications.

• What's the recommended catch can manufacturer?
• From extensively reading many threads in this forum it looks like the 2.3L I4 has a lot of potential with modifications related to performance. Do we know yet the limits of this engine with the stock block/internals how much PSI and HP are safe?
• What are your guy's recommended first modifications?

Right now on my list is a catch can, manual transmission fluid swap and MGW's Race-spec shifter. I'll definitely be bringing this car to Stage 1 with a tune and full exhaust, but not sure about a new intercooler (wont ever see the track) or anything else yet. Thoughts?

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[AngelOreo]

In regards to safe numbers, there is no clearly defined line. That said, a couple of the repuatable Tuners here seem to be hitting 400/400 confortably. Keep in mind this is with quality and reputable tuner behind the Tuner Device.

Some feel more comfortable around 350, but that will be up to you, your Tuner of choice and the quality of fuel you choose to run.

An oil catch can is a great idea, but i think most here would recommend an upgraded FMIC(intercooler) if you plan to run your EB hard. That said, a Tune, Intercooler and a Cat h can would be a good top 3.

Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[EcoSwag1990]

Why the immediate manual trans fluid swap??

Other than a catch can and tune which are some obvious good ones with this car. It all comes down to what you plan to do with the car and how you want it to sound. Intake will give you some cool sound and a few horses and same goes with exhaust. Exhaust will also drop some weight if you do full cat back or turbo back

 

[z6cyl]

Why the immediate manual trans fluid swap??

Other than a catch can and tune which are some obvious good ones with this car. It all comes down to what you plan to do with the car and how you want it to sound. Intake will give you some cool sound and a few horses and same goes with exhaust. Exhaust will also drop some weight if you do full cat back or turbo back

I had a 14 with the manual and the stock fill vs Redline MTL was just night and day. Smoother gear changes and movement as well as better cold driving.

 

[dragonacc]

You should read the thread on Mishimoto vs UPR catch can. It has everything you need to make your decision.

 

[z6cyl]

You should read the thread on Mishimoto vs UPR catch can. It has everything you need to make your decision.

I read through that thread, I am slightly confused as I don't understand the pcv system on these cars (or any really).

It seems like the Mishimoto doesn't help from feeding the oily gases directly to the turbo where as the UPR does? What significance does this have?

 

[AngelOreo]

It has to do with how it works under "boosted" driving. The second can helps when the car is under boost versus not.

I dont understand the how either to be honest, its just what read in the comparison thread.

 

[dragonacc]

Check out this tech article on the Mazdaspeed 3's PCV system.

http://www.permtuning.com/index.php/pcv-plate-vented-occ-installation-notes

It's designed the same way ours is. You can stop reading once you get to the - the PERM approach to crank case venting. (Although if you want a serious overkill system you can buy that plate, it will fit our engines and copy his whole setup)

The dual valve can adds a second vacuum source so the PCV valve stays open all the time and air moves through the system (and through the catch can) just like it does under part throttle, idle etc. even if you are in boost or WOT.

 

[dragonacc]

It seems like the Mishimoto doesn't help from feeding the oily gases directly to the turbo where as the UPR does? What significance does this have?

You are correct. The UPR can prevents the vapors from going into the turbo. Actually Mishimoto's testing didn't show any accumulation on their car from a can they hooked up to the turbo line, BUT, when you start running higher boost levels and add on more mods you are very likely to start getting oil going that direction on a single valve can.

It is potentially overkill for most people, but if the extra cost isn't a huge factor for you I would get the UPR can.

 

[z6cyl]

You are correct. The UPR can prevents the vapors from going into the turbo. Actually Mishimoto's testing didn't show any accumulation on their car from a can they hooked up to the turbo line, BUT, when you start running higher boost levels and add on more mods you are very likely to start getting oil going that direction on a single valve can.

It is potentially overkill for most people, but if the extra cost isn't a huge factor for you I would get the UPR can.

What bad can happen from oil getting to the turbo? I realize it's bad when it gets into the intake/valves, but what about the turbo?

 

[tsunami]

Oil vapors going into a hot turbo...My mechanic insisted that I use full synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil has a much higher temperature stability than regular or blend oil. It is almost impossible to get it to burn! I have wondered what the internal operating temperature of a boosted turbo is...and how much blade deposit would occur comparing regular/blend/full synthethic oil. Also, synthetic oil should have less carbon deposits on the valves, especially since there is no cleaning from the gasoline detergents.

 

[z6cyl]

Oil vapors going into a hot turbo...My mechanic insisted that I use full synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil has a much higher temperature stability than regular or blend oil. It is almost impossible to get it to burn! I have wondered what the internal operating temperature of a boosted turbo is...and how much blade deposit would occur comparing regular/blend/full synthethic oil. Also, synthetic oil should have less carbon deposits on the valves, especially since there is no cleaning from the gasoline detergents.

Okay thats reasonable, it could make deposits onto the turbo blades.

Why even run a pcv tube to the turbo, why not just dump the crankcase vapor into the intake and call it good? Then we wouldn't need the dual catch can.

 

[dragonacc]

Okay thats reasonable, it could make deposits onto the turbo blades.

Why even run a pcv tube to the turbo, why not just dump the crankcase vapor into the intake and call it good? Then we wouldn't need the dual catch can.

You still don't understand the PCV system.

The ideal operation of the PCV involves air being drawn through the engine not just letting the pressure out. In order for air to be drawn through it has to come from somewhere. Under normal operation the intake manifold has the highest vacuum so it will draw air through the engine FROM the line right before the turbo.

The only reason the air will go back the other way is when in boost and the PCV closes. The line has to be before the turbo because it must be a closed system in order to meet emissions requirements. That oily vapor is not just going into the turbo either, it will eventually coat the interior of the IC as well, decreasing it's efficiency.

 

[z6cyl]

You still don't understand the PCV system.

The ideal operation of the PCV involves air being drawn through the engine not just letting the pressure out. In order for air to be drawn through it has to come from somewhere. Under normal operation the intake manifold has the highest vacuum so it will draw air through the engine FROM the line right before the turbo.

The only reason the air will go back the other way is when in boost and the PCV closes. The line has to be before the turbo because it must be a closed system in order to meet emissions requirements. That oily vapor is not just going into the turbo either, it will eventually coat the interior of the IC as well, decreasing it's efficiency.

You're right, I don't understand the PCV system at all. Even the reading you posted is a bit over my head. I couldn't point to a crank case on a motor so I don't quite understand this to an extreme degree. I would like to though, I'll do some more Googling.

 

[Impulsed7]

old bmw idea, electric vacuum pump on the pcv? discuss... (not going to do it on my end)

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