Keep Your Intake Clean - Oil Catch Can R&D, Part 2: Bracket Fabrication

After removing both catch cans for data collection in our previous post, we discussed the idea of relocating the bracket that holds the PCV catch can to a different area in the engine bay. We mentioned earlier that we were toying with the idea because the current location of the Fiesta ST catch can raised some concerns. One of them being that the current location for the catch can would interfere with right-hand drive (RHD) applications of the Fiesta ST, and we want this catch can to be all inclusive. In addition, it came to our attention later on that it would also interfere with some aftermarket intakes.  We try to take common Fiesta ST parts upgrades into consideration so that the products we make will fit all Fiesta STs. The consensus was that because there was a bit more room further forward in the engine bay to relocate the catch can, that would be the way to go.

Bracket and Hose Setup

With this new location in mind our engineers began fabricating a preliminary mounting bracket to test the catch can's placement on the front side of the engine. This allowed them to check clearance of the can with the engine as well as the path the hoses will take to and from the catch can.

Prototype of Fiesta ST catch can bracket

Based on our initial prototype, we designed another bracket that our engineers bent from a single piece of sheet metal to fit the dimensions of the initial bracket. This bracket will look much more like our final design. Here it is mounted to our catch can.

Fiesta ST catch can bracket mounted

There were concerns as to the placement of the catch can in our last post, so here is a shot of the new location of the catch can in the engine bay. The bracket holds the can off to the passenger side of the engine behind the headlight. We believe that this will result in much fewer fitment concerns in relation to other aftermarket Fiesta ST parts.

Final placement of Fiesta ST catch can in engine bay

Here is another shot of the catch can location in the engine bay. We are very happy with the black anodized finish on the can, and we think the whole setup will match nicely with any other Fiesta ST parts.

Clearance of catch can in relation to other Fiesta ST parts

The last step after installing our bracket was to mock up hoses to fit in the same location as the stock PCV hoses. While they may be a little rough looking, splicing hoses together to form the finished hose is an important part of the process, and we want our fitment to be excellent. These mock-ups will be modeled so final hoses can be created.

Fiesta ST catch can installed with a mock-up of the hoses

We reinstalled the engine cover to give you an idea what the fully installed catch can will look like on your Fiesta ST. Once the finished hoses are added, we think it will look pretty awesome! Check it out for yourself below.

Final mock-up of Fiesta ST catch can and hoses installed

The Catch Can

In this kit we will be using our compact baffled oil catch can, and although this product has already been developed and tested, we wanted you to get an idea of what the can itself is like. Let's start with the materials; Mishimoto's catch can is 100% 6061 billet aluminum with a black anodized finish.

Mishimoto's baffled oil catch can

Inside the catch can, our engineers designed a 50 micron bronze filter to capture every contaminant down to the smallest of particles. Even the lid has a purpose, and inside you can see an internal diverter to help turbulate the air. To top it all off we added an internal aluminum baffle to help catch and keep contaminants inside our can. Even better, all the components of this can are washable so there is no need to replace filters!

Internals of Mishimoto's baffled oil catch can

It's not just functional! We like to think our can is also one fine looking piece of CNC-machined awesomeness. Its simple yet bold design is sure to complement any other Fiesta ST parts you have in your engine bay. Don't take my word for it, though. You can check out more about the development of our catch can by visiting our Engineering Blog. Also, if you are in the mood for a more in-depth article about the benefits of a catch can, check out our complete write up on Blow-By 101.

Side view of baffled oil catch can with fittings

Coming Up!

We know all of you are chomping at the bit to get your hands on a catch can for your Fiesta STs, so we are working to get this to you guys as fast as possible. Be on the lookout for more information about the pre-sale of Mishimoto's Fiesta ST Direct-Fit Baffled Oil Catch Can. We will keep you updated as we get more information regarding its release as well as other Fiesta ST parts we have in the works!

Thanks for reading!

-Sara