Assuming oil coats the core of the IC without the use of a catch can, would a drop in IC performance be expected? If the answer is yes, I would also assume power output will suffer as well???

 

yup yup. I believe the coating of oil inside the IC insulates the colder Alum. from the hot air blowing thru it. Try putting a little oil on your finger, smear it around and blow on it. Then try it again without the oil.

Hope this helps

 

Yes. It takes time for the i/c to get coated, which relates to driving habits and other intangibles. So, you will read anecdotal info where someone had a look at their intercooler at x miles and it was still clean, and someone else looked at their intercooler at x miles and it was oiled.

What is certain is that the i/c will be coated with oil over time, and the oil will interfere with the i/c's function, resulting in a higher temp intake charge, etc.

 

I'm sure I can figure a way to clean the inside of the IC after I install the catch can; sealing one end and filling half way with gasoline or acetone, shaking vigorously - the IC. However, do you have a suggestion? Tonyb recommended brakeclean for the outside which worked very well.

Damnit Jim, I'm a doctor, not a scientist!

 

I used brake cleaner too. If you have latex gloves, they work to seal the ends up for the shaking in just enough time before they fall apart.

 

Okay, thanks!

 

If what you guys say is true, then why didnt they include an oil catch can with the standard engine?

 

oil will accululate in the IC regardless of what you do. The catch can will remove excess oil.

 

My thought too. I guess it's because a decline in engine performance over time is not an important enough thing for a company to invest money in to prevent. If the average Cooper S were to lose 5hp after three years, most owners wouldn't even notice. Therefore it isn't worth the extra $100 cost for Mini (which turns into about $400 extra sticker by the time it gets to us) to include such a device. But probably most important is that such a device isn't marketable. It's much cheaper to just add 5hp with an ECU tweak and brag about it on the window sticker and in the magazines than to add a more costly component and talk about saving a few hp down the road. But, this is all just a guess.

In any case, I bought an M7 catch can today from Peter. I'm going to install it on Sunday while I'm waiting for my turn at the So. Cal. dyno gtg. Can't wait.

 

Not true. I have had a catch can for almost a year and my IC is virtually spotless inside.

 

I agree , same experience here, but not as long a time

 

In speaking to Peter at M7 yesterday, he recommended cleaning the IC with brake cleaner at least once a year if you have a catch can. He said a CC won't completely eliminate oil from entering the IC, but almost. Once a year sounds easy enough.

 

Thank you all every much!