For most drivers, the oil catch can isn’t something they think about—until engine issues show up. But for performance enthusiasts and anyone who values long engine life, this simple device has become a critical part of a proper engine setup. Let’s take a look at where the oil catch can came from, why it’s more important now than ever, and how modern designs like the Tracy Lewis Catch Can have perfected the formula.
Origins: From Racing Roots to Daily Drivers
The oil catch can started appearing in motorsports decades ago as a practical solution to a very real problem: blow-by. This occurs when combustion gases escape past the piston rings and carry oil vapour into the crankcase. That oily mist doesn’t just vanish—it gets routed through the PCV system and back into the intake, where it coats valves, clogs sensors, and eventually leads to carbon buildup.
Early catch can setups were crude but effective—basically metal cans with an inlet and outlet that trapped oil before it could re-enter the intake. Racers saw immediate benefits: cleaner intakes, fewer fouled spark plugs, and more consistent performance. Over time, these systems started making their way into the street performance scene.
The Modern Need: Direct Injection Changed Everything
The introduction of GDI (gasoline direct injection) engines changed the game. Unlike port injection, GDI sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber, meaning it no longer washes over the intake valves to keep them clean. As a result, oil vapour and blow-by residue have nowhere to go but onto the valves—building up carbon deposits that rob power, cause misfires, and trigger check engine lights.
Today, an oil catch can is no longer just a racing accessory—it’s a necessity for any modern engine, especially GDI-powered vehicles.
Enter the Tracy Lewis Catch Can System
When it comes to protecting your engine, not all catch cans are created equal. The Tracy Lewis Catch Can system stands out as one of the most comprehensive and effective solutions available.
Engineered as more than just a container, this system is a full PCV crankcase evacuation setup, designed to trap oil vapour, fuel mist, and combustion by-products before they can cause harm. It’s made in the USA with U.S. materials, includes a Clean Side Separator for full coverage, and is backed by proven long-term testing. It’s also adaptable to virtually any vehicle application, from daily drivers to high-performance builds.
For those who demand the best protection against valve coking, fuel dilution, and premature wear, the Tracy Lewis system is the final word in oil catch can technology.
From racing garages to your driveway, the oil catch can has earned its place under the hood. Make sure yours is one that works as hard as your engine does.