Buying Your First Oil Catch Can? 7 Things You Should Know

Upgrading a performance engine involves more than bolting on new power parts. Enthusiasts often focus on turbos, intakes, and exhausts, but one overlooked part plays a quiet role in keeping engines healthy. That part is the oil catch can. 

For anyone shopping for a first unit, it helps to know what makes a quality design stand out. Below we explore seven key points that guide a smart choice and help protect an engine for the long run.

An oil catch can may not add horsepower on its own, but it preserves the gains made from other upgrades. It works in the background, yet its effect is seen in engine life and consistent power.

1. Understand the Purpose of an Oil Catch Can

An oil catch can is built to trap oil vapor from the crankcase. Without it, vapor moves back into the intake path. Over time, sticky deposits form in the intake manifold and on valves. That buildup hurts fuel flow, reduces horsepower, and accelerates carbon deposits, which are costly to clean. 

It also increases carbon buildup, which is expensive to clean. With a catch can in place, the system stays clean and efficient. The design may seem simple, but the benefits last for thousands of miles. Drivers who plan on keeping a car for years gain peace of mind knowing the intake stays free of sludge.

2. Quality Construction Matters

Not all catch cans are the same. Cheap options use thin walls or weak fittings. Under boost or high heat, these can warp, leak, or fail outright. A strong design uses thick metal, precise welds, and fittings that lock tight under load. The NGR unit is made as a fully sealed system. 

Engineered for both street and track applications, it delivers the versatility required for different driving demands. By focusing on strength, it supports engines that see high RPM and heavy boost. A solid housing also adds safety. 

It prevents leaks that could cause odors or pressure loss. A poorly built can may cost less up front, but a failure during a hard run can risk serious engine damage.

3. Look at the Internal Baffle System

The inside of the can matters as much as the shell. The job is to separate vapor and oil before it recycles into the intake. NGR cans use a stainless steel 40-micron baffle system. This precision system separates vapor efficiently, allowing oil to collect securely in the reservoir.

The design traps particles before they reach valves or cylinders. For drivers, that means less sludge, more consistent power, and better fuel economy. 

Many generic units lack a real baffle system and only act as a hollow container. That may catch some oil but does little to separate vapor under load. A real baffle design is key to engine protection.

4. Consider Port Options for Flexibility

Some drivers need a simple setup with one or two ports. Others, especially with turbo or supercharged builds, need more. NGR catch cans come with four ports. This allows full venting for drag or circuit racing. 

It also allows capping unused ports for a clean street setup. This flexibility ensures one unit can support different builds and adapt as upgrades are added, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.

When comparing Oil Catch Cans, the number of ports and the layout make a clear difference. A multi-port design is ideal for engines that see serious boost. It also gives owners room to add more performance parts later without needing to swap out the reservoir.

5. Fitment and Fittings

The best catch can in the world fails if it does not fit the engine setup. High output motors often use larger fittings to keep flow high. NGR cans are designed to accept 8AN to 10AN fittings. That makes them perfect for turbo and supercharged motors. 

Engines that live at high RPM also benefit from the wider flow path. A universal design makes installation easier across platforms. It also allows owners to route hoses in a way that matches the space available in the bay. Proper fitment also prevents hose kinks and ensures unrestricted flow through the PCV system.

6. Street and Track Performance

Many parts work well on the street but not on the track. Few work well on both. NGR cans are made for dual use. With open ports for drag or circuit racing and capped ports for a clean street setup, the design adapts seamlessly to different driving needs. This adaptability reduces cost and effort for drivers who alternate between street and track use. It also ensures long life for engines that see a mix of driving styles.

In high boost use, the Sealed Oil Catch Can is vital. It keeps the system tight, stops leaks, and prevents pressure loss. A sealed unit also stops fumes from escaping into the bay. That adds safety and keeps under-hood space cleaner. This matters for daily drivers and track builds alike.

7. Long-Term Value

A catch can is more than a tank. It is an investment in engine life. The NGR design protects valves, intakes, and pistons from excess oil. That cuts down carbon buildup and saves money in the long run. 

A clogged intake can cost horsepower and fuel economy. Cleaning valves on a modern engine can be expensive and time-consuming. Viewed as long-term insurance for the engine, this single investment eliminates costly cleanings and protects against power loss. 

Drivers spend thousands on turbos, injectors, and tuning. Protecting those upgrades with a proven catch can is a smart move.

Beyond Catch Cans: NGR Performance Products

NGR Performance focuses on parts that boost reliability and speed. While the oil catch can is a flagship unit, the brand also develops performance gear for both street and race builds. 

Each part is designed with strength and function in mind. From intake systems to track-ready hardware, the lineup supports engines built for power. The goal is simple: keep engines efficient, durable, and ready for more performance. 

For enthusiasts who want to build a car that lasts, this range of products provides a solid foundation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right oil catch can is about more than stopping vapor, it is about safeguarding the entire build. A well-constructed unit with proper baffling, flexible ports, and secure fitment ensures lasting protection for both daily and high-performance use. 

The NGR Performance catch can meet these standards, offering reliability today and adaptability for tomorrow’s upgrades. For drivers committed to performance and longevity, it represents not just a part, but a foundation for lasting engine health

For more performance solutions that protect and unlock power, explore NGR Performance and discover how the full lineup supports both new projects and proven machines.