3D Printed Oil Catch Can Bracket: Complete DIY Guide [2026]

If you've installed an oil catch can on your project car, you've probably faced the same frustration everyone does: the mounting bracket. Either the included bracket doesn't fit your engine bay, it's made of flimsy metal that vibrates loose, or you're left drilling holes in places you'd rather not. Enter 3D printing—the perfect solution for creating custom oil catch can brackets that fit your exact engine bay layout.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about designing and printing your own oil catch can mounting bracket. From material selection (spoiler: PLA will fail) to design considerations for engine bay temperatures, you'll have a rock-solid bracket ready for track days or daily driving.

What Is an Oil Catch Can Bracket?

An oil catch can bracket is the mounting hardware that secures your oil catch can to the engine bay. It's the unsung hero of your PCV system upgrade, holding the catch can in place while your engine sends hot, pressurized crankcase gases through it.

Oil catch cans intercept oil vapor and contaminants from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system before they can reenter your engine's intake. This is especially important for direct injection engines, where carbon buildup on intake valves is a serious problem since there's no fuel spray to clean them.

Why 3D Print Your Oil Catch Can Bracket?

Universal catch can brackets are designed to fit "most" vehicles, which means they fit none of them perfectly. Here's why 3D printing makes sense:

The real advantage is design flexibility. You can create brackets that:

• Mount to existing bolt holes (no drilling required)
• Include integrated hose clips for clean routing
• Position the catch can for optimal drainage
• Allow easy access for maintenance
• Match any can diameter (universal or specific brand)

Material Selection: Why PLA Will Fail (And What to Use Instead)

This is where most DIY catch can bracket projects fail. Engine bays experience temperatures ranging from 60°C (140°F) to well over 100°C (212°F) near hot components. PLA's glass transition temperature of 55-60°C means it will soften, warp, and fail in a matter of days—or even hours on a hot summer day.

Material Comparison for Engine Bay Brackets

Our recommendation: ASA filament is the sweet spot for most oil catch can bracket applications. It offers excellent heat resistance, UV stability (if any part is exposed), and chemical resistance to oil and fuel. For brackets mounted very close to exhaust manifolds or turbo housings, step up to PA-CF (carbon fiber nylon).

Design Considerations for Catch Can Brackets

Whether you're designing from scratch or modifying an existing STL file, keep these factors in mind:

1. Catch Can Diameter

Common oil catch can diameters vary by brand:

2. Mounting Strategy

Choose your mounting approach based on your engine bay:

• Existing bolt holes: The cleanest option—design the bracket to use factory bolt holes (fender bolts, strut tower bolts, firewall bolts)
• Flat surface mount: Use 3M VHB tape or self-tapping screws to a flat, clean surface
• Frame rail clamp: Design a two-piece clamp that wraps around a frame rail
• Zip-tie through: Include slots or holes for zip-tie mounting to existing brackets or hoses

3. Wall Thickness and Infill

For a load-bearing bracket in a vibrating environment:

• Wall thickness: Minimum 2.4mm (6 walls at 0.4mm line width)
• Infill: 40-60% for rigidity (grid or gyroid pattern)
• Top/bottom layers: At least 5 layers each
• Layer adhesion: Critical—ensure no delamination

4. Integrated Features

The beauty of 3D printing is adding features metal brackets can't have:

• Hose routing clips: Add 3/8" or 1/2" hose clips to the bracket design
• Drain clearance: Ensure the catch can's drain valve is accessible
• Angle adjustment: Some designs incorporate multiple mounting hole positions
• Vibration dampening: Add rubber grommet slots or TPU inserts

Where to Find Oil Catch Can Bracket STL Files

Before designing from scratch, check if someone's already created a bracket for your application:

Popular vehicle-specific designs that already exist:

• Prius: 68mm Ruien bracket (Thingiverse)
• Dodge Challenger: Inner fender mounting bracket (ChallengerTalk forum)
• Subaru WRX/STI: Multiple designs on r/WRX and Printables
• Motorcycles: Frame-mounted designs on Printables

Print Settings for Engine Bay Brackets

These settings assume you're using ASA or ABS. Adjust as needed for other materials:

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Once your bracket is printed and inspected, follow these steps for installation:

1. Test fit without the catch can: Make sure the bracket fits your mounting location and all holes align with existing hardware.
2. Check clearances: With the hood closed, ensure nothing interferes with the bracket or catch can. Check clearance from moving components (belts, pulleys), hot components (exhaust, turbo), and electrical connections.
3. Install mounting hardware: Use stainless steel bolts, lock washers, and appropriate fasteners. Don't overtorque—you can crack the bracket.
4. Seat the catch can: Install the catch can into the bracket. Add rubber padding if needed to prevent rattling.
5. Route PCV hoses: Connect your PCV inlet and outlet hoses. Use the integrated hose clips if your design has them.
6. Final inspection: Double-check all connections, start the engine, and verify nothing vibrates loose or interferes with operation.

Real-World Examples: Community Builds

Toyota Prius Oil Catch Can Bracket

One of the most popular 3D printed catch can brackets is for the Toyota Prius. The Ruien catch can (68mm diameter) from Amazon is a budget favorite, and Thingiverse user Danlatu created a bracket that includes an integrated 3/8" hose clip.

Key lesson from this build: The designer's first PLA+ print warped in summer heat. The nylon replacement has survived multiple seasons without issue. This perfectly illustrates why material selection is critical.

Dodge Challenger Build

A member of the Challenger Talk forum shared a 3D printable mount that uses the inner wheel arch as a mounting point. Printed in ABS, the bracket positions the catch can for easy access while keeping it protected from road debris. The design works for both the 3.6L V6 and Hemi engines.

Subaru WRX Community

The Subaru community has embraced 3D printed catch can brackets. One popular design mounts in the passenger-side corner of the engine bay, using existing factory bolt holes. The designer printed in PLA initially but noted the temperature near PCV lines can still reach 90°C+ during spirited driving—requiring an upgrade to ASA.

Cost Comparison

Let's break down the real costs:

Even at the high end with PA-CF filament, a 3D printed bracket costs 80-90% less than a universal metal bracket—and fits perfectly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Printer Requirements

To print a reliable oil catch can bracket, you'll need:

Good printers for this project include the Bambu Lab P1S, Creality K1C, or any enclosed CoreXY machine. Check out our complete printer buying guide for more recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Join the Community

Conclusion

3D printing an oil catch can bracket is a practical, cost-effective solution that delivers better fitment than universal metal brackets. The key is using the right material—ASA for most applications, PA-CF for high-heat environments—and designing with your specific engine bay layout in mind.

Whether you download an existing design from Printables or create your own in Fusion 360, you'll end up with a bracket that fits perfectly, includes integrated features like hose clips, and costs a fraction of aftermarket alternatives.

Ready to start? Check out the parts library for existing catch can bracket designs, or head to the forum to ask questions about your specific vehicle. And remember: when in doubt about material selection, always choose the higher-temperature option. A $3 bracket reprinted in ASA beats a failed PLA bracket any day.