Hello everyone. I recently installed an oil catch can to my new 2015 Impala 2LZ, and thought I'd post an installation write-up in case anyone else may be interested in doing the same. I understand that the subject of oil catch cans may be controversial around here, but after seeing the results after only ~400 miles since installation, I'd like to share. This thread is only meant to share information and answer any questions anyone may have.
The can I went with was Elite Engineering. After looking at the various cans out there, the Elite can appeared to be a quality product and the ease of unscrewing the bottom half to drain it won me over. The product to use for the LFX Impala is the 2010+ Camaro LFX V6 can.
First, remove the engine beauty cover. This is accomplished by first removing the oil fill cap. Next, unscrew the single screw that holds the cover down - located behind the oil fill cap. Once the oil fill cap and screw are removed, pop the cover off (there are a few "plugs" on the underside that fit over posts that also help keep the cover in place; just apply a little upward pressure and the cover will pop off.
Once the cover is removed, re-install the oil fill cap.
Remove the plastic cover that sits above the radiator and spans the length of the front of the engine bay. The snaps that hold it in place have 2 parts - a small piece fits inside a larger piece to secure it. Pry the small pieces out first with a flat head screwdriver, then pry out the larger plugs. Once the plugs are all removed, gently remove the cover.
I found a location to mount the can. There is a bolt on the driver side that attaches to a bracket that (I think) holds up the aforementioned plastic cover. This about the only location that I could find, that would have enough space to install the can.
Elite sent me a few different brackets, as there currently are none offered for the Impala. The "ZR1" style was the best in terms of working with the space up front. That particular bracket was a 90 degree bend of thick aluminum. However, after test fitting the can, it was clear that the 90 degree angle wasn't going to work - the angle really needs to be opened up to 135 degrees in order to give the can proper clearances all around. I took the bracket to a local metal shop and they were able to bend it without heating it (or snapping it in two for that matter!)
OK, on to the can. Screw the bracket onto the can with the 2 small screws supplied. Then, screw in the hose barbs to the can. I went with the "Electroless nickel hose barbs" instead of the standard brass fittings. **Make sure you wrap the threads with plumbers tape first!** This is the only way to ensure a tight, secure connection.
On to the PCV tube… I ordered a spare OEM tube to keep as a spare. I can't find the part number at the moment - but it is the REAR (dirty) side tube. Locate the tube at the rear of the engine compartment. Remove the PCV side first, as the side that attaches to the intake manifold needs to be rotated in order to free it. The PCV orifice side is removed by pulling back (outward) a small "release" lever, then pulling straight up. It is an easy procedure, just be careful not to break the little lever. You can't see it in the picture below, but just follow the tube down and you'll find it.
Once removed, you now see the PCV orifice:
Cut off the foam surrounding the PCV tube. Then, cut the tube on each side leaving a few inches for the new tubing:
The rubber tubing that came with the can was fine - but I decided to order something more substantial that would offer better heat insulation. I ordered some transmission cooler hose from Jeg's (part #555-60355.) Once I test measured the lengths I wanted, I cut the tubing. **Note** - make sure you get it right the first time - as once the tubing is slid over both the OEM plastic tubing as well as the can fittings, it is very difficult to remove.
I then wrapped the hose with DEI "cool tape" to ensure that heat would not be a problem with the installation.
I routed the hose as follows. The "in" side of the can is the top. The hose routed directly back and onto the PCV barb. For the "out" side (on the side of the can,) I routed the hose around the front of the engine bay and underneath the engine beauty cover. It really worked out nicely. Pics:
After driving for approximately 400 miles, I unscrewed the bottom of the can to take a look. **DO NOT** over tighten the threads when putting the bottom half back on, it WILL be very difficult to remove next time. Just use enough pressure to screw it on firmly but not tightly. I carefully removed the can, and here is what I found:
It has already caught quite a bit of oil/water/fuel in just that many miles. Elite Engineering makes a good product, and Steve was a really good guy to work with. So, there you have it, I hope this walk-through helps anyone who is thinking about a catch can, or wanted to see one mounted on an Impala.
The can I went with was Elite Engineering. After looking at the various cans out there, the Elite can appeared to be a quality product and the ease of unscrewing the bottom half to drain it won me over. The product to use for the LFX Impala is the 2010+ Camaro LFX V6 can.
First, remove the engine beauty cover. This is accomplished by first removing the oil fill cap. Next, unscrew the single screw that holds the cover down - located behind the oil fill cap. Once the oil fill cap and screw are removed, pop the cover off (there are a few "plugs" on the underside that fit over posts that also help keep the cover in place; just apply a little upward pressure and the cover will pop off.
Once the cover is removed, re-install the oil fill cap.
Remove the plastic cover that sits above the radiator and spans the length of the front of the engine bay. The snaps that hold it in place have 2 parts - a small piece fits inside a larger piece to secure it. Pry the small pieces out first with a flat head screwdriver, then pry out the larger plugs. Once the plugs are all removed, gently remove the cover.
I found a location to mount the can. There is a bolt on the driver side that attaches to a bracket that (I think) holds up the aforementioned plastic cover. This about the only location that I could find, that would have enough space to install the can.
Elite sent me a few different brackets, as there currently are none offered for the Impala. The "ZR1" style was the best in terms of working with the space up front. That particular bracket was a 90 degree bend of thick aluminum. However, after test fitting the can, it was clear that the 90 degree angle wasn't going to work - the angle really needs to be opened up to 135 degrees in order to give the can proper clearances all around. I took the bracket to a local metal shop and they were able to bend it without heating it (or snapping it in two for that matter!)
OK, on to the can. Screw the bracket onto the can with the 2 small screws supplied. Then, screw in the hose barbs to the can. I went with the "Electroless nickel hose barbs" instead of the standard brass fittings. **Make sure you wrap the threads with plumbers tape first!** This is the only way to ensure a tight, secure connection.
On to the PCV tube… I ordered a spare OEM tube to keep as a spare. I can't find the part number at the moment - but it is the REAR (dirty) side tube. Locate the tube at the rear of the engine compartment. Remove the PCV side first, as the side that attaches to the intake manifold needs to be rotated in order to free it. The PCV orifice side is removed by pulling back (outward) a small "release" lever, then pulling straight up. It is an easy procedure, just be careful not to break the little lever. You can't see it in the picture below, but just follow the tube down and you'll find it.
Once removed, you now see the PCV orifice:
Cut off the foam surrounding the PCV tube. Then, cut the tube on each side leaving a few inches for the new tubing:
The rubber tubing that came with the can was fine - but I decided to order something more substantial that would offer better heat insulation. I ordered some transmission cooler hose from Jeg's (part #555-60355.) Once I test measured the lengths I wanted, I cut the tubing. **Note** - make sure you get it right the first time - as once the tubing is slid over both the OEM plastic tubing as well as the can fittings, it is very difficult to remove.
I then wrapped the hose with DEI "cool tape" to ensure that heat would not be a problem with the installation.
I routed the hose as follows. The "in" side of the can is the top. The hose routed directly back and onto the PCV barb. For the "out" side (on the side of the can,) I routed the hose around the front of the engine bay and underneath the engine beauty cover. It really worked out nicely. Pics:
After driving for approximately 400 miles, I unscrewed the bottom of the can to take a look. **DO NOT** over tighten the threads when putting the bottom half back on, it WILL be very difficult to remove next time. Just use enough pressure to screw it on firmly but not tightly. I carefully removed the can, and here is what I found:
It has already caught quite a bit of oil/water/fuel in just that many miles. Elite Engineering makes a good product, and Steve was a really good guy to work with. So, there you have it, I hope this walk-through helps anyone who is thinking about a catch can, or wanted to see one mounted on an Impala.