OEM Hardlines of new soft lines
 

I am going to install an external oil cooler in my 74 911 and wanted to get feedback regarding oil lines to use. Is the OEM "hard Lines" running from the engine to front right wheel well better than using newer soft lines?

What is everyones choice and why?

The factory style (or Elephant Racing style) lines are superior because the radiate quite a bit a of heat all by themselves.
-Chris

There are two types of OEM hard lines, ones that go through between the inner and outer rocker on the earlier cars and ones that run below the car under the floor on the later ones. Not sure which the 1974 had, but if you want originality, that would be the way to go.

But here are the drawbacks. The inner rocker lines requires cutting through the rocker support and possibly removing the outter rocker to get the line in properly. The under the floor line is very exposed to a high apex.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/Alan.UK/car.jpg

If originality is not an issue, I would go with aeroquip lines. Either the braided or the rubber lines. much easier to retro fit, can easily snake it through the rocker, very flexable, and repairs would be easier. Plus I like the braided line look and have them on all my race cars and never had a failure. It'll work either way, but areoquip would be the simplist. Hope this helps Allan

I'm partial to the Elephant Racing finned lines since they really help to dissipate the heat. And yes I'm affiliated.

Besides the poor heat dissipation of the braided lines, they don't work for me visually. They have a soggy noodle look between the clamps. My apologies (sympathies) to whoever owns this otherwise fine car:



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1164336572.jpg

If you use braided....make sure you mount them well as the SS shell will eat threw most anything if it starts to chaff on it.........

AshEvan,

I am adding an external set up to my 75S, and am going with the factory hard lines mainly because of: cost (got a used set up in great condition, but had to shop for a long while) I did not check out the cost of soft lines, and they probably are cheaper. My cost factor was stock vs Elephant; the radiation of heat along the hard line itself; I want to keep the car looking stock.

By the way, your lines will route under the rocker like in the photo sent by Gearbox, should you go with the hard lines. If you go the hard route, don't forget the necessary clamps (sold by our host).

Larry

I love Chuck's hard finned lines myself.

Bias aside, I'm with Chuck on the soggy noodle look.

But with a '74 (same rocker body parts from '74 through '89 3.2) not only do the proper hard lines not require cutting, but they also are pretty well concealed from view and from track/road damage). And I bet that rubber lines (braid covered or not) will be better concealed than those in Chuck's picture in cars of that vintage with their more fulsome rockers.

Does someone have a picture of Chuck's Elephant lines installed in a '75-89?

Walt (happy his '77 came with the front cooler and thus the lines).