An Improved Oil Catch Can

Improved Racing set out to design the best air-oil separating catch can we possibly could. We focused on a three simple design goals:

 

1. Maximize efficiency: Separate as much vapor from crankcase blowby fumes as possible with minimal restriction.
2. Easy to use: The catch can should be simple and enjoyable to use in every aspect including mounting, draining, and cleaning.
3. Durable: Virtually indestructible. Made from high-quality, reliable components. As with any Improved Racing product, nothing will vibrate loose or come apart under racing conditions.

 

The result is the CCS (Catch Can, Sport).

 

 

Highly Efficient Air-Oil Separation

 

Improved Racing's CCS oil catch can is designed to maximize air-oil separation efficiency, with a peak efficiency of 85-90%. This is significantly higher than any of the competitor's catch cans we tested, which had peak efficiencies of no more than 60%. These results were achieved during bench testing at air flow rates of 0-4.0 CFM and vaporized oil injection rates of 0.20-0.30 grams per minute.

 

Tangential Entry Port	Air enters the catch can manifold tangentially, causing it to spin. The centrifugal force of the spinning air forces heavier particles to the outside of the manifold, where they combine into larger droplets.
Stainless Steel Filter	Multiple layers of stainless steel mesh of varying porosities are sintered together to comprise a single filter. Effective filter rating is 100 microns.  Filter is made from 316 stainless steel and is washable. An optional 40 micron filter is available for small displacement, naturally aspirated engines if finer filtration is needed. Not recommended for use in freezing climates.
Multiple O-Ring Seals	Three internal seals (shown in green) were used to ensure that no dirty air bypasses the filter. This is a major contributor to poor filtering efficiency and a very common problem we found in other catch cans. One primary O-ring seals the top and bottom half of the catch can (shown in red).
Anti-Splash-Back Funnel	The stamped aluminum funnel prevents fluid in the reservoir from splashing back onto the exit port (another common problem found in some catch cans). The funnel features spiral grooves which serve two purposes: They help combine oil droplets so they drain quickly into the reservoir. CFD simulations have shown they help spiral the air, contributing to cyclonic separation.
Bell Mouth Plenum	Extensive R&D went into designing the exit port plenum. The bell mouth shaped sheds oil droplets collected on its outer perimeter, preventing fluid from exiting the catch can. The large bell mouth opening slows air velocity before exiting the catch can and reduce the probability of any fluid becoming entrained and exiting the can.
3.5 fl. oz. (104 ml) Reservoir	The 3.5 fl. oz. (104ml) reservoir is 1.0" shorter than the 7.0 fl. oz. can, providing more clearance in tight engine bays.
Drain Port	A drain port may be added to either can by replacing the modular bottom cap with our drain cap (included in the optional remote drain kit), sold separately.

 

No Sight Glass Needed

Improved Racing's quick-release reservoir is so easy to remove that it eliminates the need for a sight glass. Simply push up and twist an 1/8th of a turn to remove the reservoir and inspect the fluid level. No more fumbling or endless unscrewing required.

 

No sight glass also means improved durability at higher operating temps. Plus, you don't have to struggle to interpret a hard-to-read sight glass to check your fluid level - just remove the quick-release reservoir and look inside.

A powerful wave spring keeps the reservoir locked in place. A safety lock clip is also included just in case you want to be absolutely sure the reservoir cannot be removed.

Fast & Versatile Mounting Bracket System

We made the mounting bracket easy to use and remove because some engines bays are tight. Remove the can in seconds by unscrewing the green bracket nut nut. Installing and positioning is just as quick and easy. If you need a little more leverage, just use a 5/8" or 16mm open end wrench on one of the nut's lobes.

 

Universal Mounting Bracket Options

Two universal mounting brackets are available: 90-degree or flat. The 90-degree bracket is included with the can and the flat bracket is available separately. Vehicle-specific kits and mounting solutions are available for many popular vehicle applications.

 

Positive Lock  Safety Clip

The CCS comes with a safety lock clip. It's peace of mind for crash protection or track events where a positive lock mechanism is required. Push to insert, pull to remove.

 

We also include a lanyard that tethers to any of the mounting bracket screws, so you will never lose your lock clip in your engine bay.

Modular Design & Optional Remote Draining

Improved Racing's latest generation CCS oil catch cans feature a modular design with a removable bottom cap. The modular design allows for thinner walls, reducing overall mass and overall height while maintaining the same fluid capacity.

 

Don't worry about leaks! The bottom cap is securely fastened with a retaining clip, so there is no risk of it coming unscrewed and leaking.

 

Tight engine bay? No problem: the bottom cap is easily removed and swapped for a an optional cap with a drain port (sold separately) for remote draining.

 

We offer a remote drain kit which includes the replacement bottom cap with drain port, a stainless steel drain valve, hose, and fittings (part number CCS-DKB-06). You can also purchase the bottom cap on its own (part number CCS-26-KIT).

Color Options

The bracket nut and lock clip are available in Improved Racing Green, black, or silver. Mix and match them any way you want!

 

 

Extensive Testing

Development of the CCS happened over several years and included ANSYS Fluent CFD simulations, extensive bench tests, and on-vehicle street and track tests. Final prototype testing also included a 9-month beta testing program in collaboration with various road racers, drag racers, and drifters.

 

 

Comparative testing included Improved Racing's prototypes and several catch cans from leading competitors. We ensured our catch can will beat the competition in filtration performance while maintaining a similar or lower pressure drop. Bench testing focused on maximizing efficiency at peak blow-by air flow rates of 3.7-4.0 CFM, where most other catch cans lack efficiency. The chart below (click to enlarge) shows some of our bench test results. Proprietary information and competitor's names have been redacted.

 

 

Applications

The applications listed below would benefit from an oil catch can:

 

• Direct injection engines.
  • Direct injection engines suffer from excessive carbon build-up on the valves and require regular cleaning. A catch can will reduce carbon build up on the valves.
  • Valves on port injected engines are kept clean by the detergents in the fuel, but will also benefit from a catch can.
• Any engine with oil residue found in the intake manifold, throttle body, intake piping, or charge cooler will benefit greatly from the addition of an oil catch can.
• Any engine with an aftermarket tune will see improvements in horsepower from the increase in octane of the air/fuel mixture after adding a catch can.
• The CCS is perfect for recirculated, OEM style PCV systems. It can also be used in vent-to-atmosphere applications by adding the optional CCS-40 filter attachment.
• For built engines with high levels of blow-by and for racing applications requiring a larger volume reservoir, check out our CCR Competition oil catch can.

 

 

CCS-700 (7.0 fl oz) Dimensions

CCS-350 (3.5 fl oz) Dimensions

 

Specifications

 

Port Size	-6AN O-ring boss inlet and outlet ports.
Capacity	3.5 fl oz (104ml) reservoir.
Construction	Reservoir, manifold, bracket nut, and plenum are CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and MilSpec Type II anodized. Filter is made from 316 stainless steel. Anti-splash-back funnel and mounting brackets are stamped from aluminum to minimize weight. Wave spring and hardware are made from stainless steel.
Filtration	100 micron, multi-layer 316 stainless steel mesh filter. Optional 40 micron filter available for small engines (not recommended for use in freezing climates). Washable.
Drain Port	No drain port by default. A drain port may be added by replacing the modular bottom cap with the drain cap (included in the optional remote drain kit), sold separately.
Parts Included	CCS catch can with 3.5 fl. oz. reservoir. Universal 90-degree mounting bracket. Bracket nut. Lock clip. Instruction manual.
Country of Manufacture	United States of America.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty.

 

Please visit the Catch Can Accessories category.