Radiator hose thoughts

[AA-ron]

I seek the advice of the wise forum...
I've installed my motor and radiator and have passed the milestone of my first start. I've seen some comments as I poke around in older threads about some issues with the radiator lines FFR includes with their kit. In mine, I used everything that was included with the exception of a few elbows to clean up routing of the SS hose included with the kit.
Here's my question. Are there areas that I should improve upon beyond the stock FFR setup? Are there some standard problems that arise a few years down the road (or sooner) with this setup?. I've run it in my garage a bit (wheels and tires on back order) so I'm very limited in my experience so far. But as it sits, no leaks.
Any advice would be helpful as I'd like to make changes sooner than later. However, if the general thought is to leave it as it sits and fix things as they break, I'm good with that advice as well.
Thanks in advance!

[Papa]

If you are happy with the plumbing and it isn't leaking, no need to do anything different in my opinion. As far as down the road, just keep checking for wear and any leaks and deal with them as needed. For me, I liked the look of Bob Boig's (RIP) Cool Tubes.

[GTBradley]

Check the hose clamps, repeatedly. I've never had a problem with the FFR supplied SS hoses, but others have had them blow off and I did find that the clamps could be tightened some after heat cycles. You may find that the FFR supplied reservoir tank will almost empty itself when the engine is hot and refill when it is cold. This works for me, but others have gone with a larger, aftermarket tank like the Moroso.

[J R Jones]

I am the third owner of an incomplete 818. One of my first tasks was to disassemble the cooling system I was disappointed to find sleeves on hose connections and a mixture of component diameters. As you know Aaron I am ocd about flow and serviceability. The SS flex tubes are 1.28 ID. The FFR side tubes are 1.5 OD / 1.36 ID. Moreover flow and air entrapment is different smooth tube VS corrugated tube.
I am building a system with consistent cross section of 1.45 in sq or larger. All joints are consistent diameter. I built a bead rolling tool to optimize tube length utilizing smooth aluminum elbows and straights.
FWIW my side tubes are 1.5 X 2.0 extrusions with hose bibs drains and radiused angle transitions.
jim

[Sdonnel]

Boig upper and lower tubes. A cleaner look with less opportunity for a frustrating leak that you may chase a while.

[Mike.Bray]

Boig upper and lower tubes. A cleaner look with less opportunity for a frustrating leak that you may chase a while.

I have the Boig upper radiator hose kit and the Breeze lower kit w/his lower support bracket. Both fit perfect and look great.

Here's a shot that shows the Boig upper hose.
https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20221127124630mediumrotated.jpg

[JohnK]

If using the FFR-supplied corrugated hoses I've seen people recommend putting a rivet or small screw near the end of the hose to give the clamp something to butt up against and prevent the hose from slipping off. Personally, I'd ditch the worm gear clamps (if that's what you're using) and replace them with constant-tension spring clamps (like most OEM's use) or better yet Gates Power Grip clamps. Worm gear clamps will eventually work themselves loose after repeated heat cycling.

That said, I'm personally a fan of the Boig cool tubes.

[rich grsc]

The very first thing to do, put those corrugated hoses in the round file.

[GTBradley]

I whole heartedly disagree with most people's complaints about the SS corrugated hoses. First off, this is not an argument for or against rubber, corrugated or smooth metal tubes. With that said, I would contend that subjects like air entrapment in a corrugated radiator hose are academic arguments. My engine has never had air bubbles cause problems in the system, nor did I burb it or do anything other than fill it with radiator fluid. A well designed system will allow the air out on its own. I understand that some engines have trouble, but that's not the fault of the tubes. (And yes, I do drive mine hard in hot conditions.) As long as we are doing academic, I'll add that a corrugated radiator hose has much more surface area than a "cool tube" so heat dissipation is undoubtedly much greater. I and many others have proven that you can make them work and be dependable. My advice is to pick the looks you are after and make it work.

[J R Jones]

I have never seen corrugated SS tubes on a race car, which represents severe duty cycles. Several of the kit car applications I have seen are long lengths with sparce support. An additional concern I have is fatigue life with vibration. Occasional use and short shifting is not as challenging.
jim

[Scott L]

I am super happy with my Breeze stainless radiator lines. The corrugated hoses did not inspire any confidence in me.

[john42]

When my original (2006 build) hoses started leaking I replaced them with the Breeze setup for the lower and hoses from https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/ for the upper.

Here's a photo of the upper hose setup:
178672

[JJK]

I am sure most know this, but for some that may not, silicone radiator hoses are much more permeable than rubber or steel. So folks should routinely check radiator fluid levels if using silicone. This is an example of a part that is common in racing applications that may not be the best option for street use.

[john42]

I am sure most know this, but for some that may not, silicone radiator hoses are much more permeable than rubber or steel. So folks should routinely check radiator fluid levels if using silicone. This is an example of a part that is common in racing applications that may not be the best option for street use.

I did not know that. That said, I SCCA/Autocross often and I'm also fairly OCD so I'm always checking fluid levels. Pretty much check all levels before every drive.

[Peeker]

I had the corrugated hose blow off on me initially. I took a pair of channel locks and went to the third rib and just worked them around that rib till it collapsed or smashed it enough that it did not damage the hose. It gave the clamps something smaller diameter to grab. Almost 5,000 miles now and have had no other issues with the hose. And in my opinion, they look good.

[Mike.Bray]

I think the OP has done some amazing things with his car, really nice fabrication work and lots of cool details. The corrugated hoses FFR supplies are a simple and low cost solution for universal radiator hoses. To me they look cheap, especially on a $50k+ Cobra. Just an eyesore when the hood is opened IMO.

[rich grsc]

I think the OP has done some amazing things with his car, really nice fabrication work and lots of cool details. The corrugated hoses FFR supplies are a simple and low cost solution for universal radiator hoses. To me they look cheap, especially on a $50k+ Cobra. Just an eyesore when the hood is opened IMO.
I agree, I think they look lousy on a nice car, no different than just running wiring all over the place.

[Peeker]

I agree, I think they look lousy on a nice car, no different than just running wiring all over the place.

It’s really a good thing we are entitled to our own opinions. I have some other opinions that I will just keep to myself.

[GTBradley]

It’s really a good thing we are entitled to our own opinions. I have some other opinions that I will just keep to myself.
LOL. That’s because you are good guy, Ed and you recognize that the OP wasn’t asking for the opinions on the aesthetics of radiator hoses:p

[rich grsc]

Not sure what's the problem? Idea's and options where asked, and I'm not the only one that doesn't think they look that great. So go call out everyone with that thinks that. I'm not a fan of blue or black cobra's either, doesn't make me wrong or right. So yes my opinion, why did it offend you?

[GTBradley]

Not sure what's the problem? Idea's and options where asked, and I'm not the only one that doesn't think they look that great. So go call out everyone with that thinks that. I'm not a fan of blue or black cobra's either, doesn't make me wrong or right. So yes my opinion, why did it offend you?
Rich, at this point I don’t think you should worry about offending anyone. You do you, right?

[Mike.Bray]

I have some other opinions that I will just keep to myself.

That's a bit selfish. Opinions often get thought processes started and personally my creative juices flowing. Nothing wrong with throwing out opinions as long as it's not done in a rude or entitled way.

[rich grsc]

Rich, at this point I don’t think you should worry about offending anyone. You do you, right?
Actually, I do. I don't intensionally try to offend anyone, but I know sometimes I do, and have more than once apologized. I'm straight to the point and some don't like it.

[Peeker]

Originally posted by Rich grsc;
I agree, I think they look lousy on a nice car, no different than just running wiring all over the place.

Originally posted by Rich grsc;
Idea's and options where asked, and I'm not the only one that doesn't think they look that great.

Rich,
You can see in your original post the word “Lousy”, then in your next post, “they don’t look great”. I hope you can the difference and how others take offense. You’re telling a number of us you think our car looks lousy. Really? As I read the original posters question he was asking for ideas, not opinions. I’ll be sure to lower my hood if I see you coming so you don’t have to see my lousy work. ��
Ed

[GTBradley]

Point taken, Rich. I for one will never be offended by you saying things like you don’t like my blue car, or that I made my engine bay look lousy by using corrugated stainless steel hoses. (though I am now second guessing my corrugated air filter:) But some are and I, for one, don’t mind pushing back. Especially, when the OP only asked about the mechanical merits.
My apologies to the OP for getting off topic. I just want this forum to stay positive. To me, it’s the best part of FFR.
Cheers.

[j.miller]

OK I'll say it ! The place for corrugated hose with bushings is in the round file.(like Rich said) Once it blows off (the first time) you'll be stuck repeating the process over and over and over.....because it's been polluted with methyl ethel glycol . The corrugated hose and bushings are because they don't know what setup you are using and are covering the bases. Kinda like the pre padded dash material. It's a way to go, but not the best way......not even a good way. Yep, Already sorry I wroye this ....But in my defense Kleiner and Frank dared me too. Ok , I'm lying.....THEY DOUBLE DOG DARED ME TOO !!!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yep, went straight to the old Double Dog Dare. Rich on the other hand doesn’t need any prodding…in fact many times I tell him “Rich, you can’t say that!” But he does…I really like that guy :)

Jeff

[frankeeski]

For the record............ We did Double Dog Dare him, the corrugated hose is garbage (I probably have 5 or 6 sets of that stuff upstairs I refuse to use) and I enjoy Rich's brutal honesty. Love you brother. :p

[Joel Hauser]

I think I had a really unusual problem with the rubber sleeves that are used to connect the corrugated tube to the thermostat housing. I apologize if my description of the problem makes no sense. The FF kit includes several different size straight rubber sleeves to connect the corrugated hose to the radiator and the engine inlet and outlet. Because the corrugated hose has a different inside diameter than the thermostat housing outlet, the kit includes a very very thin walled rubber sleeve that fits inside a large diameter rubber sleeve, and reduces the overall inside diameter so it fits the thermostat housing tighter. Somehow, the very very thin walled rubber sleeve got deformed, probably by the heated coolant, which caused it to close up, preventing coolant from flowing to the radiator. The car overheated, and spewed coolant all over the place. I repaired it using a spare thin rubber sleeve that was included in the kit and left over from the build. I should probably replace it with a straight reducer like the Spectre MagnaKool Radiator Hose Part #7814, SKU #443271 at auto zone, but that will be for another day. As for the appearance of the corrugated hose, I personally like the way it looks. But that’s just my opinion.

[Jeff33Ford]

I am using the corrugated for now. Doesn't really bother me, not going after any approval. Just don't trust it. I am using T-clamps which reduces the chance of it coming apart drastically. I saw someone had a kit to replace them with pre-bent pipe but they no longer make them for the SBF. Surprising they still make it for all the other engine combinations. If anyone knows of a replacement option besides splicing a bunch of hoses together I would like to know about it.

[GTBradley]

Okay, since we seem to respect brutal honesty, I’ll say it: only people who don’t know how to install the corrugated SS tubes think they should be thrown away. I would guess that the majority of builders who used them and even had them blow off learned how to install them correctly. This is a stupid argument and most of us tried to keep it helpful and just discuss how to help a fellow builder without going negative. There are pros and cons to everything, for example, rubber hoses can blow off or even blow out, but no one tears them out of their daily driver to put in cool tubes. They just learn how to deal with them. As far as telling you guys that your car looks bad, I’m not ever going to be that guy.

[frankeeski]

Obviously the one who has the most replies in one thread wins. :rolleyes:

[rich grsc]

Obviously the one who has the most replies in one thread wins. :rolleyes:

Didn't we already play that game? :D

[MPTech]

@rich, you crushed me, I will be selling my Blue Cobra with the Corrugated hose!

Actually, I replaced the lower corrugated hose a couple years ago and planning to replace the upper corrugated hose when the new engine goes in, SOON. (It has held for 10 years, but yeah, it blew off during first go-kart, what a mess! ran 3 screws in the corrugated hose for the clamps to grab too (and changed the clamps). It can work, but not without modification.

Sorry, not changing the paint, Cobras are SUPPOSED to be Blue! :rolleyes: (but I like your battleship gray too, with STACKS!)
I also enjoy your brutal honesty. It's an acquired taste.

[RuffShod]

I plan on using 20AN braided hose and fittings with Auto Plumb connectors.

[Mike.Bray]

I plan on using 20AN braided hose and fittings with Auto Plumb connectors.

I did that once on a street rod, they looked great. But they were so stiff they pulled the necks right out of the radiator.

[RuffShod]

I did that once on a street rod, they looked great. But they were so stiff they pulled the necks right out of the radiator.

Good to know. Thanks!