How to Install a Catch Can On a Nissan 300zx Z32 And Delete the PCV Valves
I had to install a catch can on my 300zx due to the smoking issue I spoke about here.
This video is a quick explanation on how I did it. It’s a fairly straight forward process, which involves blocking off a few ports on the valve covers, intake manifold and intake pipes, and running the hoses for the catch can. The hardest part is finding room for the catch can in this engine bay.
Quick List of Things You Will Need to Install the Catch Can:
- Catch can with fittings etc
- 2x 15mm hose joiners
- Some 15mm ID hose (3 meters should be plenty)
- 4x 15mm ID block off caps (or hose with a bolt stuck in the end of it) for the valve cover ports and PCV valves.
- 2x 12mm ID block off caps for the intake ports
- Hose clamps
Installing the Catch Can On Your 300zx
In order to install the catch can, you need to remove the two hoses coming out from the ports on the left hand side valve cover. These two hoses go to the PCV valves, one on each side of the intake maifold.
You need to block these ports, either by putting silicone caps on them, or by putting a bolt in a short hose and doing up the clamp. You will need 15mm ID caps or hose.
Next you need to remove the hoses from the PVC valves and block the PCV valves.
The PCV valves are located on either side of the intake manifold, under the plenum:
You need to block these off in the same manner as you did the ports in the previous step. You will need 15mm ID caps or hose for these also.
Now, there are two ports on the plastic intake pipes with a hose that you will need to remove and block off:
Make sure these are properly sealed, otherwise you will have a vacuum leak and your car will not run right. You will need 12mm ID caps or hose for this.
Now, the other end of that hose you just disconnected from the intake pipe goes to the front valve cover ports:
Those hoses have a 90 degree elbow and connect to metal pipes that go to those valve cover ports.
The easiest thing to do is loosen the hose clamp at the top of those hoses and just turn the hoses so that the bottom outlet faces towards the back of the engine bay (unless you are putting your catch can at the front somewhere, in which case leave them – you’ll need to decide this depending on how you are doing the job).
Then, use hose joiners (you’ll need 15mm ID) to connect your catch can hoses to those hoses. You can see how I did mine here:
Do the same thing on both sides.
Now you just need to run your new hoses you just connected to your catch can.
I placed mine beside the battery as that’s the only place I could find:
I have seen some people place it where the airbox goes, which is a good option if you have removed the factory airbox and replaced it with cone filters (I haven’t yet).
Once you have connected the hoses to the catch can, that’s it. The job is now done and you have a catch can installed on your Nissan 300zx.
Where to Buy the Catch Can
You can get a catch can similar to the one I used here. Just pick out the one that will suit your installation.
Cars owned: Mk2 Golf with 1.8T swap, BMW E28 with M30B35 swap, BMW E36 328I Mtech, BMW 750IL, Nissan 300ZX, Honda Civic EF
- BC Racing Coilovers Review – Are They Any Good? - September 12, 2024
- 8+ Best Nissan 350Z Coilover Guide In 2024 - September 12, 2024
- Top 6 Best 2015 Subaru WRX Coilovers - September 12, 2024
