Catch Cans: What They Do and Why Every Challenger Should Have One
Oil vapors from your engine's PCV system coat the inside of your intake manifold with sludge. A catch can prevents this. Here's why it matters.
Every internal combustion engine produces "blow-by" — a small amount of combustion gases and oil vapor that escapes past the piston rings into the crankcase. The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system routes these vapors back into the intake to be burned. The problem? Those vapors carry oil that coats the inside of your intake manifold, throttle body, and intake valves with a carbon-oil sludge.
The Problem on the HEMI
The HEMI is particularly prone to PCV sludge buildup because of its high-displacement design and the aggressive cam profiles in higher-trim models. Over time, this oil coating:
- Reduces airflow through the intake manifold
- Coats the intake valves with carbon deposits
- Contaminates the intake air charge
- Reduces the effectiveness of your cold air intake
What a Catch Can Does
A catch can installs inline with the PCV hose, between the valve cover and the intake. Oil vapors pass through the can, which uses baffles and a filter to separate the oil from the air. Clean air continues to the intake; oil collects in the can. You periodically drain the can (usually every oil change).
Do You Need One?
On a stock Challenger, a catch can is a nice-to-have preventive maintenance item. But if you have any of these modifications, it becomes much more important:
- Cold air intake (you're investing in clean airflow — don't contaminate it)
- Supercharger (oil contamination in boosted air is worse)
- Camshaft (increased blow-by from more aggressive cam profiles)
- Any significant engine modifications
Installation
A catch can is a true bolt-on. Most kits come with all hoses, brackets, and fittings. Installation takes 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools. Brands like Billet Technology, JLT, and Mishimoto make vehicle-specific kits for the Challenger that bolt directly to existing mounting points.
Cost
$150–$300 for a quality baffled catch can. It's cheap insurance for your engine's long-term health and the performance of your intake modifications.
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