My 05 MCS is the first supercharged engine I have owned. To be honest I had never heard of an intercooler prior to last December. This could be considered embarrassing since I'm 56 - but whatever! Wikipedia tells me what the intercooler does and I understand the physics, but I wonder if anyone knows of a graphic (blown apart?) diagram of the MINI engine so neophytes like me can see in some detail what is going on and in what order? Thanks for any help!

Don't mean to subvert the thread here, I'll start one if thats a problem.

 

Anyone using a generic catch can like this one?

http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/p...03cd381b2c5e66

Thanks!

 

How about this.........

 

It's long, but goes over most of this stuff. There are several using non-alta or M7 cans. I got an M7 clone of eBay for $40, it's about 20 mm taller, JLM is running that as well. I looked in Summit Racing and there are a bunch there too. The issue is really where to mount it and how much space, but this really is just a jar to collect goo, and any will do (if it's strong enough for the vacuum). The can will see mild vacuum installed one way, and pre-supercharger manifold vacuum if installed another.There are miles of debates on the pros and cons........

Matt

 

Thanks Scott - that should help a lot.

 

NP sir.....glad I could help ! :smile:

 

I searched Summit but could not find any... how did you search?

 

I think that the issues of catch can placement has been clearly defined. If one wants and oil separator catch can, then THE place to install the catch can is in series with the PCV valve and the high vacuum side of the throttle body. The catch can can be installed in a number of hose arrangements, but it will cease to function as an oil separator.

The choice of catch can is another matter. There are a considerable number of catch can options out there. A major limitation to catch can installation is the lack of free space in the MINI engine compartment. It is important to purchase a catch can that has the size and form factor that will permit installation. The Alta and M-7 models have taken the size and form factor into consideration. Beware of all the others.

Regards,
John Petrich in Seattle

 

You will find that many disagree completeley. The reason that you see less oil installed to the other line (the one between the TB and the air filter) is that the lower vacuum at closed or small opening in the TB is that you're not sucking as much stuff out of the crankcase. It still operates as a separator, but you just not getting as much oil without the high vacuum. If you want to SEE THE FASTEST FILLING, go to the high vacuum side, but many consider this original mini design flawed to begin with......

Also, at Summit Racing search on the word "overflow" or "catch can"

Have fun!

Matt

 

Matt,

Agree, others will disagree completely. I had thought that I didn't express myself clearly and wish that I had. I want to restate what I had meant to say. Any catch can connection will allow a certain amount of oil separation to occur. You are clearly correct. What I meant to express in my summary is that the PCV connection / "high" vacuum connection has the most potential for drawing oil mist from the crankcase into the intake system. An oil separator in that particular line will separate the most oil. The Alta recommended connections defeat the manufacturers intended PCV system and might not be as efficient at removing the suspended oil.

So................I made the assumption that those who want to preserve the manufacturers intended PCV system and also want to reduce the oil being drawn into the intake system will place an oil separator in the PCV / "high" vacuum line. If they want something else, they can make what ever connections that they want.

Hope that this clarifies my thoughts to you.
Regards,
John Petrich in Seattle

 

I think all of this has inspired me to get a catch can.. think I'm gonna go with M7.

 

If all that mist jsut bumped into parts in the motor and returned to liquid that would be GOOD not BAD. By sucking to the high vacuum side, you just get more extraction, and more oil with the gasses.

to each his own!

Matt

 

Does that lower hose connect to the intake pipe?

 

To all that may have the factory alarm in the '03 model and above:


I had the oil catch can installed previous to installing the OEM MINI alarm in my '05. Here are a few pics of the oil catch can relocated to allow for the Alarm retrofit:
BEFORE OEM RETROFIT ALARM INSTALL

AFTER OEM RETROFIT ALARM INSTALL