Z Oil Catch Can

Since the Vr30DDTT engine on the Nissan Z is a direct injection engine, I knew I wanted to install an oil catch can as early as possible to hopefully avoid or at least drastically slow any buildup on the intake valves.  After researching my options, I decided that the kit from Z1 motorsports was my choice.

As usual the installation instructions provided by Z1 were spot-on.  The most challenging part of the installation for me was removing the intercooler.  Maybe I was just being too gentle with my new car but it took me a while to coax the intercooler off the hose to the turbo.  

With enough pulling and coaxing I was finally able to separate the two.

After I was able to move the intercooler out of the way the PCV hose routing and catch can mounting were very simple.

Once installed the can looks like it was installed at the factory.  

Will I ever know if the catch can reduced the buildup on my intake valves?  No.  Does it make me feel better to have it installed?  Definitely yes.

280Z Carbon Canister Replacement

I've repaired the carbon canister on the 280Z several times.  The have been discontinued for quite some time meaning a new replacement is impossible to find.  I came across a very clean unit from a 280ZX on eBay and snatched it up.

Old unit where you can see the repairs on the diaphragm housing

New Unit

280z Oil Change

I changed the oil on the 280Z today.  Instead of the normal 10w-30 Mobil 1 oil I changed to Valvoline 5w-30 Restore and Protect.  The car has 56,280 miles on the odometer.  I captured a sample for used oil analysis as part of the change.

Z1 Undershroud Installation

The Z has a plastic oil pan protected only by a plastic rock guard.  Just after Z Nationals I ordered a Z1 aluminum undershroud for the Z.  Installation was pretty straightforward and the instructions provided by Z1 were spot-on.  The hardest part of the installation was installing the rivnuts.  I also used some foam weatherstrip to simulate the seal around the vent on the OE rock guard.

The quality of the undershround is great and the service panel makes it really easy to perform future oil changes.

Z Oil Change

I performed the mid-break-in oil change on the new Z today at 806 miles.  I also captured a sample of the oil for used oil analysis.  I installed a magnetic drain plug from Z1 Motorsports as part of this oil change.