Why You Need a Catch Can for Mitsubishi Evolution 8 - Prevent Oil Contamination

What is a Catch Can and Why Do You Need One?

A catch can is an important emissions control device that is equipped on many vehicles, especially performance cars like the Mitsubishi Evolution 8 (Evo 8). The Evo 8 is a high performance sports sedan known for its incredible turbocharged power. However, all that power comes at a price - blow by gases.

What is Blow By?

Blow by gases are byproducts of the combustion process that leak past the piston rings into the crankcase. These gases contain particulate matter and unburnt fuel that can contaminate and dilute the oil, reducing its lubrication properties and leading to excessive engine wear over time.

A catch can provides a place for these nasty blow by gases to condense and collect separately from the oil. This helps prevent oil contamination so you can extend the life of your engine.

Why Do High Performance Cars Need Catch Cans?

High performance turbocharged engines like the Evo 8 tend to have higher cylinder pressures and temperatures. This increases blow by gas volume. Without a catch can, these extra gases end up back in the intake system or can even cause oil leaks in some cases.

Catch cans help control emissions by providing extra crankcase ventilation. They give the oil a dedicated place to return to the engine safely without risk of contamination.

Different Types of Catch Cans

There are a few different types of catch cans available for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII:

Baffled Catch Cans

Baffled catch cans have internal walls that cause the blow by gases to spin. This separates any oil droplets from the gaseous vapors, allowing the oil to drain back while the cleaned air releases from the top vent to be recirculated.

Mesh Filter Catch Cans

These catch cans contain a fine stainless steel mesh that captures oil droplets and contaminants as gasses pass through. Cleaned air passes through the filter mesh to be recirculated back into the intake.

Spiral Tube Catch Cans

Spiral tube catch cans flow the blow by gases through a coiled tube. Centrifugal force pushes liquids to the perimeter while letting cleaned air escape from the inside passages back into the intake system.

Benefits of Installing an Evo 8 Catch Can

Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from installing a catch can on your Mitsubishi Evolution VIII:

Extend Engine Life

Catch cans are proven to help extend engine life by reducing oil contamination from blow by gases. This allows your oil to retain its proper viscosity and lubrication properties for maximum engine protection.

Improve Performance & Efficiency

Reducing oil contamination also helps improve engine efficiency and performance. Engine power and response suffers when contaminated oil causes excess friction between moving parts. A catch can gets rid of these contaminants.

Reduce Oil Leaks

Excess crank case pressure from blow by gases can push oil past gaskets and seals over time. This leads to annoying external oil leaks. Catch cans reduce crank case pressure for better oil containment and less mess.

Lower Emissions

Modern EVAP emissions systems route crankcase gasses directly into the intake to be re-burned in the engine. Recirculating contaminated gases leads to a buildup of particulate emissions over time. Catch cans clean these gases to help optimize emissions.

Choosing the Right Catch Can for your Evo

Choosing the right catch can comes down to a few key factors:

Build Quality

Look for billet aluminum or stainless steel catch cans rather than cheaper alternatives. These will be more durable to withstand heat and pressure.

Size

Bigger catch cans hold more oil allowing longer service intervals. But also consider space constraints in your engine bay.

Style

Function is most important but don’t be afraid to add a little visual flair to your engine bay with polished or colorful catch cans.

With the right catch can in place, you can push your Evo VIII engine to its true potential while avoiding excessive wear and oil contamination in the process. Install one before tuning your Lancer for ultimate reliability and performance.