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Yeah, they're pretty good at catching liquid blow by. Your engine may indeed be "super clean" (as far as consumption goes) but few if any baffle plate /pcv valve combinations eliminate liquid blow by.
The question is whether a catch can is worth it. Some oil vapor becomes liquid when it goes from the hot engine to the relatively cool intake manifold. A catch can will only contain the burps of liquid that the valve cover baffle plate fails to knock down.
Pros - You won't have to clean your throttle body as much. Less detonation on the piston heads. Valves and valve stems may get less gunky.
Cons: Expense. Some cans are over priced. The kits with custom hoses cost hundreds. Liquid buildup in long rubber hoses is a potential problem. Blockage can cause crankcase pressure and seal leakage problems.
I found a Chinese Mishimoto for less than $15 shipped. The hoses were $5 each and the bracket was garage scrap. I probably get two ounces between oil changes, (not enough to see on the dipstick.)
Just my opinion, low rpm acceleration is better with the can. I'm at ~2850' elevation and low rpm hesitation is a thing of the past.
Mine also has a hose from the valve cover to the air box. The pcv valve is on the opposite end. The only thing a can will catch between the airbox and the valve cover is air.
I still think the 2AR runs much cleaner than the 2AZ. I understand how OCC's work, as I've installed them on previous vehicles. I really don't think they're necessary in the 2AR (11-16 tC motor) though. Also.. you're not going to like getting to the PCV on the 2AR, I believe you have to remove the intake manifold to access it. Not worth it for this motor IMO.
62 I do get what you're saying about it running smoother and better throttle response though, I've noticed that as well with previous installs.
Cutlass I think what you're referring to is the crankcase vent tube. Putting a catch there won't make a difference in what gets returned into the intake system as far as oil deposits. You can actually vent it to atmosphere (VTA) if you're worried to and it will run just fine that way, you'd just need to cap off the intake side where that hose attaches. The PCV (where an OCC attaches) is on the back side of the motor and it's in a really PITA location to access.
Thanks for the info, drizzoh. I was wondering why I couldn't spot it in pics. And I agree with you on the "not necessary" verdict. Particularly since the valve's inside the manifold but also in general.