I've searched (a lot), and while I see requests for mitsu part #'s for replacement hoses, and references to hoses being replaced: I don't see information about solid options for replacing or doing custom/one-off lines.

The stock lines look to be rubber, and if you look at a cross section closely, they are black rubber on the inside with a thin coating of dark grey material. The dark grey stuff seems to be harder.

I purchased some silicone line from my local auto parts store. Looked like a viable option at first blush, maybe it still is. My issue with it is that while relatively resistant to collapse/expansion when cool or cold, once the engine bay reaches operating temperate it becomes much more pliable.

So, what are some good options for vacuum/boost line/tubing/hose that will withstand the engine bay's environment and won't compress/expand much?
(links to specific products if possible)

Maybe fuel line? Maybe silicone with a thick wall?

Does it matter if they expand or contract when they get hot?

------------
Also, while people are thinking about it: Clips/clamps/zip ties.... you know, the things we use to hold the hose on.

Anyone have links to places they could be ordered from? What sizes are needed?

I found a pack of assorted "Quick Connect Hose Clamps" at an autoparts store....a whopping 2 of the 8 were useable (3/8"). Even at that, they weren't as good a fit as the OEM ones.

Are the clamps better than zip ties? Do both to be safe?

Thanks in advance for your comments.
~cmz

(Note: redundant terms used to help searches)
Edit: Added question(s) about clamps

 

Here's a site for you:
http://www.roadraceengineering.com/hoseandclamps.htm

 

I would like to know too. I just used regular silicone hose from pep boys.

 

Rubber (fuel line, vacuum lines etc.) will get hard from heat over time which can lead to cracks and leaks. They are inexpensive so if the lines are easily servieable they are a good option. Their service life can be extended with flexible thermal barriers available at the high-performance outlets, i.e. Jegs. This is the option I have chosen for vacuum and water lines to and from the turbo.

Silicone takes heat much better but is more expensive than rubber. Rubber comes in any color as long as it is black (Goodyear makes a high pressure/temp blue), silicone has many color choices available. With silicone, make sure the wall thickness is stout enough to withstand collapsing from vacuum. Some of the less expensive silicone lines I have seen at the auto parts stores were pretty thin.

 

SILEVO8,
Thanks, hadn't run across that.

In the same vain, ran across this at STIKiller.com: http://www.stikiller.com/product.php...4&cat=0&page=2

Brianb,
Any links to the stuff on Jeg's website?

 

That's hilarious.

 

I tried the junk from Pep boys, and they collapsed under the pressure/vaccum,and made my car run like CRAP!! I would avoid those!!!!

 

Suprised no one has said braided lines yet

I got some silicone lines which seem to hold up well.. they are pretty soft though.

EDIT: I'm 99.9% sure I'm using the same stuff as RRE is selling.

 

Smoked,
What'd you end up using instead?

 

Thermotec makes it, they have two products; Thermo-Sleeve and Themo-Flex. I prefer the sleeve as it is more flexible and easier to work with.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...tegoryId=16021

-Brian

 

HKS Vacuum Hose: http://www.racerwheel.com/under-the-...cuum-hose.html

Injen, Sard, PiThon: http://performancenissanparts.com/ca...id=...&x=0&y=0

Tubo Logic (hoses + zip ties & small band clamps)
http://www.boostcontroller.com/index.php?category=8

 

friend better you buy silicone SARD vaccum hose it's much better than hks . I have try before . if you have more money you better use braided lines but depend on you . what I mean if you want run in high boost use braided lines but must custom and you don't afraid the hose is leak or something like that . you can see in AMS car . take a look closer in modified mag february edition .

 

I was just adding links to a couple other options I found.

And you are correct, AMS did use steel braded line. Chomed out connectors too. heh.

 

another option: http://www.stylinmotors.com

 

Bringing this back from the dead, but how much vacuum line must I buy of the 4mm and 6mm?