Inexpensive Coolant Hose Solutions?

[Rick Williams]

Has anyone come up with an inexpensive substitute for the corrugated flex hoses provided in the kit? I'm not a fan of the corrugated for two reasons. I think that without a larger diameter bead to slide a hose over after which a hose clamp can be secured, the potential to blow off a hose exists. The second thing is that the corrugation will restrict flow and with the long runs required I'm not sure this is a good idea. It may be OK but if there's an inexpensive alternative I'd rather not use the corrugated.

I've searched the other forum and there are solutions but they're expensive. I do not want to spend a ton of money converting to AN water pump and radiator fittings and then another ton of money buying the braided hose. I just need enough to go from the water pump to the hard line and hard line to radiator. Someone must make flexible rubber or silicon coolant hose that can be bought in bulk length and cut to fit. The pre-cut hose sold by Summit and others with the fake AN cover over the hose clamps would work but I can't find one long enough for the 50" run of hose. I'll be darned if I can find anything in my Google searches either. If no one has an answer I might just buy the braided stuff that Summit sells and piece two together with a coupling for the longest run of hose.

[HealeyRick]

Try looking at Gates Green Stripe Vulco Flex hose. It's a corrugated rubber hose that's bendable into whatever configuration you want. Looks like it may only be available in 3 ft max lengths.

[VD2021]

I replaced the flex hoses from the engine to the tunnel hard lines with gates 20893 and 20827. I know of one build with custom hoses (AN) but they were expensive.

[The Stig]

I replaced the flex hoses from the engine to the tunnel hard lines with gates 20893 and 20827. I know of one build with custom hoses (AN) but they were expensive.

They sure were! But sometimes good insurance is expensive. I think the only thing that I would do differently is use AN20 fittings and hoses on both lines. I used AN24 on the waterpump intake side. AN20 fittings and hoses are a bit less expensive than the 24's.

You still need to have a radiator made, and water pump updated. (I'd also go ahead and have the waterpump tapped for a steam vent return from the heads). Jeff Schultz (Schultz Racing) makes these upgrades routinely. They'll use your pump, so you don't have to buy a new one. I believe to have the fittings welded on was around $200.00 to $250.00. To tap the pump and adda fitting for the return shouldn't be much more at all.

Griffin Radiators (Near Clemson, SC) built my Radiator for $500.00. (I think... I'll check my receipts).

I bought the AN Fittings and Braided Hoses from "Earl's" in Los Angeles. (Mainly for Ordering Convenience). I've since found a race shop in Charlotte that carries these parts as well, at better prices.

It's not a "cheap" proposition, either way you do it. But, for me it was the best option. I don't mind spending money if it means not having to do so again a year from now.

[crash]

If your going to NOT go AN, which I would recommend againt because of the cost, then the next best alternative is the silicone elbows and aluminum tube connectors with hose clamps. Almost every "real" race car uses this method and you can get the pieces pretty reasonably from the internet. Should be a couple hundred bucks tops.