Z1 3-Point Brace and Catch Can

[traska_rz34]

Hey all, does anyone here have the 3-point brace and the Z1 catch can? How difficult are the installs?

https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pr...nissan-baffled-oil-catch-can-kit-p-31299.html
https://www.z1motorsports.com/all-s...issan-aluminum-strut-tower-brace-p-47334.html

The brace is severely on sale but I don't love that you have to not only cut pieces but also trim tubing for the windshield wipers. Seems unnecessary to me. The catch can I'm definitely interested in but just want to know how long of an install it is and if there's any "gotcha's".

Thanks!

 

[FSUZ33]

I have the Mishimoto catch can, and it didn’t take me long (during install) to wish I had gotten Z1’s. Nothing wrong with the Mishimoto, but I like that Z1’s mounts to the engine Where MISHIMOTO’s mounts to the brace on top of the radiator. Other than that, they’re the same. The intercooler is no fun to disconnect. It can obviously be done without, but some type of spreading tool, like c-ring pliers could make the separation easier. Getting them off was the hardest part for me. Cramming everything back together was easy. Just make sure the hose clamps are on the couplers before you reattach everything (speaking from experience).

 

[trackratZ]

I've got the Z1 catch can on order at the sale price, plus if you order the drain kit separately, it's discounted to 26.99. That will simplify drains later, totally worth it IMO. All for preventive maintenance and happy valves.

 

[FSUZ33]

Other than the ease of draining the can, a drain kit also adds overall volume to the ‘catching‘ side of things. Haven’t heard of anyone overflowing a catch can, but I’m sure it’s happened to some knucklehead.

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

I have the Catch Can

You have to remove the intercooler. Arm wrestling the cooler off is a chore. Expect a 2 hr job. People have done it without removing the IC, but I dont recommend it. I have a pic of the tools I used. Pry bar will help get the IC couplers back on. And pick tool to cradle the hose to the front

 

[Stefanovich]

I fitted the Z1 catch can, these engines need a catch can for sure. The Z1 is a neat setup, fiddly having to remove the intercooler but very doable. FYI l found the supplied hose clamps too small, had to use my own screw type clamps.

 

[alienpoker]

Can you believe that you remove the IC to the side, just to access the coils & plugs? (See top pic) Having 90K+ iridium plugs seems like a bonus to me. I’m used to the old-school plugs lasting a couple of oil changes, esp if tuned.

Personally, I wouldn’t cut up my engine bay covers to add a brace on a RZ34. But a catch can is a pretty good idea on the Z engine. It helps with the PCV efficiency and will prolong engine life if you tune / track it.

 

[trackratZ]

A catch can does not affect factory warranty, right? Mine is on order. Just making sure before I wrestle that intercooler! Engine bay is too tight everywhere.

 

[traska_rz34]

Thanks all for the feedback! I went ahead and ordered both. The catch can seems like a good move for longevity. I did order it with the change kit too. I knew the install would suck but I survived installing the Nismo CAI so I can handle this. 🫡

The brace is honestly so discounted that I figure I’ll give it a shot. It’s far cheaper than the Nismo brace. Some reviews say it tightens up the front end a bit but I doubt that.

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

I reused the OEM hose clamps cus the hose clamps that are supplied sucks donkey balls

Need a catch can for the passenger side as well. If you do an open box intake, you can fit a 2nd one. With enclosed intakes does not have room for a can

There is a member on FB who added one. Its a custom fab setup. Let me see if I can find the post.

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

Its a private group and cant share the link. Here is the link to the group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenissanz

Here are some pics I downloaded and can share

 

[traska_rz34]

I ordered both earlier this week and will install tomorrow. Thanks all!

 

[trackratZ]

I just received my Z1 catch can shipment. I know there have been issues with hardware, fitment, etc. Do these look right? If not, i.e. hose clamps too small, etc. I'd hate to start tearing things apart before the install. Thanks!

 

[traska_rz34]

100% do not bother with the hose clamps that come with the kit. Go to a hardware store and buy screw hose clamps. Many reviews say the clamps are too small and I thought I would be the sole person to make them work. No, they're way too little.

Not sure if you'll have the same issue but the little screws that mount the can to the bracket all had slightly different sizes. I needed like 3 different sized allen wrenches to screw it in.

Prepare yourself for absolute pain dealing with the hoses that attach the intercooler to the motor and reinstalling it.

Other than that, I decided not to do the drain kit. I have the CZP shroud and routing the hose in a way that didn't come close to moving parts didn't seem worthwhile.

 

[trackratZ]

Great, thanks for your inputs, those clamps do look tiny! I'll check the screw fitments later when I have a full month to install this painstaking can.