Can I use any steel braided rubber lined hose (of the correct size of course) for my heater hose connections? Do I need to worry about wether its of special heat resistant rubber or anything, found some a good deal on braided line but they are not sure of its physical qualities.

 

Well, to use it correctly the connections need to be of the proper type, unless you just want it to look cool, and use those hose clamp cover things..whatever they are. But that kind of kills the reason for using steel braid.

 

considering the cost of braided steel hose, and the connections, i don't think it worth it. If your just going for the look, they sell cheap hoes dress up kits that come with sleeves to make rubber hose look like braided steel hose.

 

Wow. That's like buying a Chrysler Sebring because it's made to LOOK like a Camaro.

Steel braid covered lines? Nylon reinforced lines are much lighter and more efficient. That's why HP tires are nylon belted instead of steel belted.

 

you can go to pepboys and we sell the pre-covered lines and they work just like regular rubber lines but look good

 

Well, first off I said I found some good deals, and besides I wasn't asking if you would spend the money on it, I was asking a tech question on the physical characteristics of the rubber in heater hose if there was anything I need to be aware of.

Second theres no "Special" connection on heater hose, the manufactures typically use a spring clamp that rest in front of a tapered nipple on the connection. Pretty much any worm gear hose clamp can do the same job, were not talking high pressure fuel line here.

Third I have given thought (not much mind you) to those cover kits, because yes I am doing this mostly for aesthitic purposes with the extra durability of the steel braid hose as a bonus, and I think those kits look like cheap r1cer alternatives that after time just look worse. If you like them great, you are happy and saved money, cheers to you.

Vader as far as the Nylon wound you are correct and many very reputable car companies (Mercedes, Porsche, BMW) actually use some of that in there stock vehicles. To me the weight savings is pretty much insignificant on a hose, as far as more efficient, Not sure I need more efficiency out of my heater hose, not even sure what that means, Nylon hose allows the fluid to travel faster (no) allows it to stay cooler (maybe, doubtful) last longer than standard rubber hose (definatly), does that make it more efficient!??

 

And I thought that was only the opinion of an outsider like myself....

They do look like Camaros!

 

To realize any benefit out of braided stainless hose, it would need to be used with hose ends and threaded fittings, which the stock rad doesn't have.

 

Nobody mentioned anything about radiator hoses, and I am not looking for added benefit, just trying to clean up the engine compartment.

Kinda curious also what benifit would you gain by having threaded fittings? You no longer have to use clamps but instead have to thread the connections together? Hows that a benefit. It would handle higer pressures I guess, but this isn't NASCAR I'm dealing with. I have seen those setups on showcars and they do look trick though.

 

Even if you get a "good" deal I cant imagine it being cheap... The size braided line to replace those hoses is EXPENSIVE no matter how good of a deal you get. It may look good but its just not worth it to me. That coolant isn't under any seriously high pressure nor will it cause your car to burn to the ground if the hose cracks and leaks (like a rubber fuel line would).

Stick with some $4 heater hose, theres just no other reason aside from looks to go with braided line

 

I know thats what I'm going for. Interesting how many are saying don't waste your money just to make something look a little more trick. So I don't suppose any of you have ever bought anything polished, chromed, or painted pretty and paid a little more just for the added nice look? Or how about you got a used part but spent time, effort, and money to clean it up before putting it on your car. Its all the same thing. I am willing to pay to have it look nicer I am surprised thats not more clearly understood here.

 

I had them on an EFI 400+ FWHP 454HO in an 86 Suburban. They worked fine, but actually seemed to hold the heat in the engine more so than the standard non-braided hoses did. I actually say a 5-10 degree rise in water temps with just these hoses.

Just my $0.02, YMMV.

Have a Great Day!!!



- Vern

 

Really Vern, now thats the type of info I am looking for. How did you verify this? Did your car just start running 5-10degrees hotter after you changed nothing but braided lines? I can see how they might hold temp longer within the hose being more insulated, not sure how they could effect temps that much though. Anyone else ever notice this phenomenon?

 

The temp rise of 5+ degrees was pretty much just observed on the dash guage (a digital unit). No highly technical scientific measurement, but better than the calibrated wrist torque wrench method. In general the underhood temps were always quite warm with that motor, but seemed worse with the all metal shrouded hoses. Just my $0.02



- Vern

 

no.

the Sebring came first. the camaros look like Sebrings, not the other way around.

and the LT1 camaros look like geo storms.

*shrug*

 

In my experience the worst part of the braided lines is trying to keep them clean. They look great at first but a couple hundred miles later they start to look crappy, and don't easily clean well. Personally looks wise the std black hoses look the best. IMO

 

Yeah I thought of that. I have seen some that don't look to great. Maybe I'll just use it on my PVC and brake booster vacuum line. Not get to crazy.

 

Told you I was an outsider