Clearing up misconceptions of PCV systems
1) Cars with SD tunes can use valve cover breathers without causing PCM issues.
2) Cars can use valve cover breathers without causing PCM issues as long as the crank case is not vented to the intake. For example, for those with LS6 valley covers, either seal off the PCV nipple or install a PCV valve so that air cannot be sucked into the crank case & then hook the line up to an external catch can vented to atmosphere.
3) Cars using PCV systems connected to the intake cannot use un-measured air (valve cover breathers) without causing fuel trim issues. So, in this case, measured air run from the throttle body to the valve covers is required.
1) Cars with SD tunes can use valve cover breathers without causing PCM issues.
2) Cars can use valve cover breathers without causing PCM issues as long as the crank case is not vented to the intake. For example, for those with LS6 valley covers, either seal off the PCV nipple or install a PCV valve so that air cannot be sucked into the crank case & then hook the line up to an external catch can vented to atmosphere.
The engine needs a vacume source to pull out the harmful vapors or long term damage will occur.....as you described all that is accomplished like that is venting excess pressure, no flushing.
3) Cars using PCV systems connected to the intake cannot use un-measured air (valve cover breathers) without causing fuel trim issues. So, in this case, measured air run from the throttle body to the valve covers is required.
Yah, I thought that you might take issue with #2. I noted it because guys do it; even though it's not the correct way. Your revision of #2 is correct (for archive reference).
Regarding the amount of vacuum pulled; In an effort to continue to note valid findings related to the PCV vacuum, earlier in this thread I noted the STFT changes that the added (non-measured) air caused on my car. The Short Term Fuel Trims went from a normal -3 to 0 (@ idle) to max (on my car 15%) because of the vacuum air added to the intake. This was when valve cover filters were used as an external air source (non-measured air on a MAF system) & the PCV was vented to the intake. When the filters were removed & MAF measured air was used to feed the valve covers, the STFT's returned to normal.
I agree that tuning can return the STFT's to normal when external valve cover filters are used. I also feel that it is important for owners to know that by adding valve cover filters, their short term fuel trims are likely maxed out & over a short time this will also increase the Long Term Fuel Trims (if not re-tuned). What does this mean; nothing unless the engine reaches a lean condition & then can't be corrected by the fuel trims. Most likely @ freeway speeds in 5th or 6th gear when trying to accelerate, the timing @ the lower RPM's is higher, the fueling will lean out with no way to correct it, & engine knock will occur until the knock sensors reduce it. Owners should realize this. I wouldn't expect WOT pulls in first or second to be an issue because PE should take care of the fueling as long as the MAF table is correct. Again, am noting this as information that is helpful to the thread.
Regarding the amount of vacuum pulled; In an effort to continue to note valid findings related to the PCV vacuum, earlier in this thread I noted the STFT changes that the added (non-measured) air caused on my car. The Short Term Fuel Trims went from a normal -3 to 0 (@ idle) to max (on my car 15%) because of the vacuum air added to the intake. This was when valve cover filters were used as an external air source (non-measured air on a MAF system) & the PCV was vented to the intake. When the filters were removed & MAF measured air was used to feed the valve covers, the STFT's returned to normal.
I agree that tuning can return the STFT's to normal when external valve cover filters are used. I also feel that it is important for owners to know that by adding valve cover filters, their short term fuel trims are likely maxed out & over a short time this will also increase the Long Term Fuel Trims (if not re-tuned). What does this mean; nothing unless the engine reaches a lean condition & then can't be corrected by the fuel trims. Most likely @ freeway speeds in 5th or 6th gear when trying to accelerate, the timing @ the lower RPM's is higher, the fueling will lean out with no way to correct it, & engine knock will occur until the knock sensors reduce it. Owners should realize this. I wouldn't expect WOT pulls in first or second to be an issue because PE should take care of the fueling as long as the MAF table is correct. Again, am noting this as information that is helpful to the thread.
You are correct. We do find that with the proper PCV check valve that it has been a managable amount, but pulling the fresh air from the inlet (after main air filter as the TB fitting does) is as you point out the most precise way to insure STFT's are not maxed out. Pulling directly to the intake if the amount is not controlled will result in a lean condition. Thanks for the contribution!
Thanks.
Try local salvage yards. If not there, try on-line salvage yards that specialize in LS1's. Should be able to find one cheap. You can also make your own.
exactly what i was looking for.
Last edited by RX666; Sep 21, 2008 at 10:43 AM.
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
The Vacuum pump can free up some ponies too. Some have reported 40/50hp gains, IIRC. I mounted the puke tank forward of the radiator, on the frame rail, then plumbed and tied up a remote drain line and pet-****. So now I can drain the oil when needed from under the front frame rail area. The pump is designed to use the oil mist as lube on the internal blades and thus making it a long lasting street/strip part. Pumps of old would not last more than a few hundred miles, but this style will. I have numerous pictures for a write-up/how-to if anyone is intrested in seeing the details.
Also, no need to worry about having to much vacuum and pulling oil from the piston pins, a non issue. The kit I used has an adjustable valve to limit vac created. If we keep it under 15kpa, the LSx platform can live a long normal life. They have thousands out in the feild with no issues. Pumps of old would suck the oil from the pins and cause failures. A good engineered piece will not.
I am sold, as we have tried every other trick mentioned and then some. We don't want oil in the combustion chamber of a motor spraying 300 and bigger shots, not to mention a 100shot.


Robert
The Vacuum pump can free up some ponies too. Some have reported 40/50hp gains, IIRC. I mounted the puke tank forward of the radiator, on the frame rail, then plumbed and tied up a remote drain line and pet-****. So now I can drain the oil when needed from under the front frame rail area. The pump is designed to use the oil mist as lube on the internal blades and thus making it a long lasting street/strip part. Pumps of old would not last more than a few hundred miles, but this style will. I have numerous pictures for a write-up/how-to if anyone is intrested in seeing the details.
Also, no need to worry about having to much vacuum and pulling oil from the piston pins, a non issue. The kit I used has an adjustable valve to limit vac created. If we keep it under 15kpa, the LSx platform can live a long normal life. They have thousands out in the feild with no issues. Pumps of old would suck the oil from the pins and cause failures. A good engineered piece will not.
I am sold, as we have tried every other trick mentioned and then some. We don't want oil in the combustion chamber of a motor spraying 300 and bigger shots, not to mention a 100shot.


Robert
Looks nice, but the magical question is HOW MUCH?
Robert
Robert

Robert
Robert
Here is a link I saved that may have the plumbing, if not let me know as I have numerous other catch can threads, with good stuff like that trick catch can below.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-induction/734113-pvc-catch-can-system-final-conclusive-answer.html

Robert





