Turbocharged engines can create serious power, but that performance can come at a cost if you don’t protect your engine. These forced-air systems increase cylinder pressure and create oil vapors, creating issues throughout your intake system and valves. One of the simplest ways to keep your intake system clean and your engine running at its best? An oil catch can.
Whether you’re trying to preserve fuel economy, prevent carbon build-up, or just want to keep oil vapors out of your intake manifold, a quality oil catch can is worth the investment. In this guide, we’ll cover the best oil catch can brands on the market for turbocharged setups so you can make the best decision for your car.
Why You Need an Oil Catch Can for a Turbocharged Car
Turbocharged and direct injected engines are especially vulnerable to oil vapors being recirculated through the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. This happens because the turbocharger increases cylinder pressure which then causes blow-by, a condition where combustion gases slip past the piston rings and into the crankcase, pressurizing the crankcase with vapors.
Those vapors then escape through the positive crankcase ventilation valve and enter back into the intake manifold to be burned again. This improves efficiency, but when vented gases are full of oil vapors and contaminants, they end up collecting on the intake valves, throttle body, and other intake system parts, reducing performance and potentially damaging the engine and the vehicle’s life.
While all engines face blow-by challenges, turbocharged (and supercharged engines) create more of them. And since these engines are designed to perform, the restricted air flow and reduced power aren’t ideal. Rather than recycling the gas from the PCV directly to the intake system, installing a catch can inline with the PCV system can be a better resolution.
Once installed, the catch can system captures those oil vapors and mist before they can re-enter the intake manifold. There, the catch can will separate oil and trap harmful contaminants, improving the engine’s overall performance and protecting it.
Best 7 Oil Catch Can Brands
HPS Performance Products
HPS offers well-engineered oil catch can kits that include everything needed for a clean installation—hoses, brackets, fittings, and more. Known for their reliability and ease of use, HPS products are great for enthusiasts who want a straightforward solution that gets the job done right.
Nuke Performance
Built for serious power and demanding setups, Nuke Performance delivers premium catch can systems with high-grade materials and modular designs. Their advanced air separation features and support for dual inlets/outlets make them ideal for high-boost applications and track cars alike.
Cusco
With a long-standing reputation in the JDM scene, Cusco offers clean and efficient oil catch cans designed for performance and engine bay aesthetics. Many of their models are compact and universal, making them a favorite among Subaru, Mitsubishi, and other turbocharged platforms.
ProSport
ProSport combines value and performance in their catch can kits, making them perfect for budget-conscious DIYers. Despite the affordable price point, these kits still deliver solid construction, effective oil mist filtration, and easy maintenance.
Deatschwerks
Best known for fuel systems, Deatschwerks also offers high-capacity oil catch can solutions that excel under high-pressure conditions. Their cans are ideal for vehicles running aggressive tunes, E85, or setups that push crankcase pressure to the limit.
M7 Speed
Tailored for compact performance cars—especially MINI and other Euro platforms—M7 Speed’s oil catch cans are compact, lightweight, and packed with premium features. Their space-saving designs are perfect for tight engine bays, and they deliver excellent protection for small-displacement turbo engines.
Mishimoto
Mishimoto is a well-known name in the world of engine cooling and oil control, and their universal oil catch cans live up to the brand’s high standards. Featuring internal baffling, color options, and a wide range of mounting accessories, Mishimoto cans offer a great blend of form and function.
What to Look for in an Oil Catch Can
Internal Baffles & Filters
If performance is your main concern, you want a catch can that can trap as much oil mist and contaminants as possible. Baffling and filtering systems help ensure oil stays in the can, not your intake system.
Quality Fittings & Lines
Make sure to look for kits that include high-quality fittings, brackets, hoses, and clamps. Leaky or loose lines can ruin an otherwise great install.
Ease of Installation & Maintenance
A good catch can kit should be easy to mount, check, and drain. Bonus points for clear sight tubes and included mounting hardware to make the process as smooth as possible.
Compatibility with Turbo Systems
Turbo setups require catch cans that can handle high crankcase pressure and increased blow-by. Stick with brands that say they’re tested under boost.
Universal vs. Vehicle-Specific
Universal oil catch cans offer flexibility, while vehicle-specific kits often include pre-cut lines and custom mounts that ensure the system will work its very best.
Final Thoughts
A high-quality oil catch can is one of the best mods you can make to protect your engine from carbon build up, reduce harmful contaminants, and extend your vehicle’s life. Whether you’re running mild boost or going full send at the track, adding a catch can is a no-brainer.
Each of the brands above delivers a blend of performance, value, and reliability—so no matter your budget or build, there’s a catch can here that’ll help keep your intake and combustion chamber clean.
