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Should I "Fix" the PCV system? If so, what version fix kit for my build?

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JLL

· MOTM Winner
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6,902 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
So I've always been leary of "fixing" the PCV system on my Cruze. Mainly because it involves putting a screw with epoxy inside of the intake manifold. But, I've begun asking myself that: "Since I'm building my motor in the spring, Do I REALLY want to trust a little plastic orange check valve?"

So I'm making this thread with an open mind.

What are your thoughts on fixing the PCV system?

Which version of the kit should I use if I go that route?
@XtremeRevolution
Thanks
 
Yes of course. I went first with V2.1 kit. However could not stop it from leaking oil down the 90 elbow. No matter what I tried, very tight, RTV, new washer, etc. Got sick of taking the manifold off real fast. I have since pitched it and installed a Dorman intake manifold. People say it's not a fix.. I disagree, they revised it and it will likely last the life of the car. Lifetime warranty too.
 
I went with the version 3.1 and I can tell you trying to get that little plug in the hole using a screwdriver is like winning the lottery! I cleaned the area... but the kit came with these glue tabs and not what is shown on the video.

The first one just tore trying to get it off the paper and that left me with one to try and get it right.

I lost the little plug but was able to retrieve it with a piece of wire.... I just ended putting epoxy on the entire face of the wall with the hole in it. When I took the intake off to port it I looked down the runner and it was well covered.

I ended up replacing all the factory hoses with new hose and clamps and it came out well. I had the new manifold sitting there but even if I used it I was going to do the fix on it and not wait for it to go bad.
 
Quit whining about having to block that port. Thats just a silly excuse. The kit fixes the problem, period. Its a no-brainer.
.....or do you LIKE having 10 other issues happen to your new build down the road because of GM's dumb OEM design?
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Quit whining about having to block that port. Thats just a silly excuse. The kit fixes the problem, period. Its a no-brainer.
.....or do you LIKE having 10 other issues happen to your new build down the road because of GM's dumb OEM design?
:oops::cry:😭

I wouldn't know if I LIKE having 10 other issues happen to my new build down the road because of GM's dumb OEM design because it's never happened to me before.

But on a serious note, Do you have an opinion as to which version of the kit to use?
 
:oops::cry:😭

I wouldn't know if I LIKE having 10 other issues happen to my new build down the road because of GM's dumb OEM design because it's never happened to me before.

But on a serious note, Do you have an opinion as to which version of the kit to use?
If you have a throttle body spacer I would go with version 1, it requires the least parts, has a big brass valve as opposed to V3 having a smaller plastic valve.
 
Isn't this that chronic problem that GM dealers will fix for free under the drivetrain warranty?
No, they may fix the valve cover, but most will ignore the manifold. I'd be surprised if you had any warranty left myself.
 
:oops::cry:😭

I wouldn't know if I LIKE having 10 other issues happen to my new build down the road because of GM's dumb OEM design because it's never happened to me before.

But on a serious note, Do you have an opinion as to which version of the kit to use?
V2 with the brass check valve and the T fitting on the brake booster line. Easy to install, fits like OEM should have done from the get-go, works as intended, and you dont even know its there.
BTW, I should have wrote "WANT".....
 
So I've always been leary of "fixing" the PCV system on my Cruze. Mainly because it involves putting a screw with epoxy inside of the intake manifold. But, I've begun asking myself that: "Since I'm building my motor in the spring, Do I REALLY want to trust a little plastic orange check valve?"

So I'm making this thread with an open mind.

What are your thoughts on fixing the PCV system?

Which version of the kit should I use if I go that route?
@XtremeRevolution
Thanks
I do not work for Andre, nor do I get any kickbacks, I am just a satisfied customer.


Actually you could use any version as it depends on what else you do or do not do. EDIT: I would ask him if he still has the Bonano valves and what version(s) can you get it with. This will be the most expensive route to go, but the best for reliability.

I am going to assume you will be installing a throttle-body spacer. For that I would install V1 as Cruzin2011 says, assuming he still has some available. I suggest you purchase a BNR spacer. I personally have a DDMworks spacer and used what I would call V0.9 as it required another fitting to make it work. That also entailed removing or modifying an engine lifting point. I suggest not going that route. I think the DDM spacer was made for the Sonic, but it will work just the same.

Now having said that, V3.1 is the easiest route to go and adds at least one more fix to other issues, but I really like the Bonano valve over the cheaper plastic one. He has been progressively making the kit more affordable for those who do not have a lot of money. for that matter, he gave the instructions for making your own, but really he has been able to buy in bulk so most of the parts he will have at a better price point.

I would spend an hour or so and look at all the different posts he has created here and on Cruzekits.com There are also many youtube videos he has made as well.

If you are really that concerned about messing up your intake, buy an intake that has the valve missing from someone here that decided to g with the Dorman or even a new GM part. should be able to get it very cheap. Then install the kit. That way you have a somewhat running car if yours is already blown and you will have the time to be methodical in your installation of the kit. You can then see the plastic piece (or as I did, a screw), being inserted instead of trying multiple times.

For those who want to go the easiest route, the plastic pin in V3 can be installed without removing the manifold, but at a cost of being a bit more difficult for some.

Lastly, the latest version also replaces the crack-prone corrugated/accordion hose going from the manifold to the turbo inlet.











 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
I do not work for Andre, nor do I get any kickbacks, I am just a satisfied customer.


Actually you could use any version as it depends on what else you do or do not do. EDIT: I would ask him if he still has the Bonano valves and what version(s) can you get it with. This will be the most expensive route to go, but the best for reliability.

I am going to assume you will be installing a throttle-body spacer. For that I would install V1 as Cruzin2011 says, assuming he still has some available. I suggest you purchase a BNR spacer. I personally have a DDMworks spacer and used what I would call V0.9 as it required another fitting to make it work. That also entailed removing or modifying an engine lifting point. I suggest not going that route. I think the DDM spacer was made for the Sonic, but it will work just the same.

Now having said that, V3.1 is the easiest route to go and adds at least one more fix to other issues, but I really like the Bonano valve over the cheaper plastic one. He has been progressively making the kit more affordable for those who do not have a lot of money. for that matter, he gave the instructions for making your own, but really he has been able to buy in bulk so most of the parts he will have at a better price point.

I would spend an hour or so and look at all the different posts he has created here and on Cruzekits.com There are also many youtube videos he has made as well.

If you are really that concerned about messing up your intake, buy an intake that has the valve missing from someone here that decided to g with the Dorman or even a new GM part. should be able to get it very cheap. Then install the kit. That way you have a somewhat running car if yours is already blown and you will have the time to be methodical in your installation of the kit. You can then see the plastic piece (or as I did, a screw), being inserted instead of trying multiple times.

For those who want to go the easiest route, the plastic pin in V3 can be installed without removing the manifold, but at a cost of being a bit more difficult for some.

Lastly, the latest version also replaces the crack-prone corrugated/accordion hose going from the manifold to the turbo inlet.











Thanks Blasirl 😊
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
V2 with the brass check valve and the T fitting on the brake booster line. Easy to install, fits like OEM should have done from the get-go, works as intended, and you dont even know its there.
BTW, I should have wrote "WANT".....
Cool. I haven't been able to find the V2 on his website.
 
V2 with the brass check valve and the T fitting on the brake booster line. Easy to install, fits like OEM should have done from the get-go, works as intended, and you dont even know its there.
BTW, I should have wrote "WANT".....
The V2 kit is the first thing I did when I bought my cruze.
 
I'd use the V3/3.1 kit myself.

Checking in on my old car's history on myCarfax I see it's had several valve covers replaced even since it had the whole intake replaced. Wish I could reach out to the current owner about the kits...
 
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