Vacuum Hose Replace w/"Performance" Hose?

[usafa]

In the process of removing my intake manifold and decided while I was in there, I might as well replace all vacuum hoses since most are probably original and showing signs of dry rot. So, I'm thinking (here we go again), why not upgrade to a hose that maybe looks a little better yet is just as reliable as the OEM hoses. Is there a product out there worth using to do just that?

What really got me going was all those fantastic pics of the engine detailing on previous thread.

I mean, aren't these ugly?

Also, what is the significance of the various color/type of vacuum hose used?

[82SC]

yeah...when I was back there, I pushed one line out of my way and it literally just snapped in my hand

I replaced with OEM style hose from Pelican...I don't know if there is anything better

MJ

[jmohn]

Silicone hose is better, withstands heat better, stays pliable. I used it everywhere when I "re-did" the engine compartment on my now defunct 951. I got mine through these guys: http://www.bakerprecision.com/hosetech.htm
but Pelican may offer it too.

Jerry M
'78 SC

[RickM]

Will Silicone tubing/hose collapse when under vaccum? I'm assuming not but curious. I see it's used quite a bit in the Turbo arena as it is very heat resistant.

[jmohn]

Originally posted by RickM
Will Silicone tubing/hose collapse when under vaccum? I'm assuming not but curious. I see it's used quite a bit in the Turbo arena as it is very heat resistant.

Not if it's "vacuum" type hose, the vacuum stuff has a thick wall and will withstand a considerable amount of vacuum, much more than an engine will produce. It's not "preformed", however, so don't route it with short bends or you could "kink" it.

Jerry M

[usafa]

jerry: Thanks for the link. How did the silicone hoses perform? I noticed they didn't have the same sizes as stock. I have 3.2mm, 5mm, 12mm ID for instance. Good point regarding potential kinking in close radius bends. Maybe that is one reason the OEM lines (some of them) were fabric reinforced?

82SC: Thanks for the input. I haven't decided what path I will take yet, but I would like to use say blue lines for vacuum just to differentiate them from fuel/oil lines?

[jmohn]

Originally posted by usafa
jerry: Thanks for the link. How did the silicone hoses perform? I noticed they didn't have the same sizes as stock. I have 3.2mm, 5mm, 12mm ID for instance. Good point regarding potential kinking in close radius bends. Maybe that is one reason the OEM lines (some of them) were fabric reinforced?

82SC: Thanks for the input. I haven't decided what path I will take yet, but I would like to use say blue lines for vacuum just to differentiate them from fuel/oil lines?

Fortunately on the 951 I was able to use 4mm for everything (except the brake booster, of course), maybe you can find another supplier that has 3.2mm lines. They "performed" beautifully and looked good right up until the fuel line let go, the hot manifold ignited the spraying fuel, and then they were consumed in the ensuing fireball. It was very dramatic, but it wasn't the fault of the vacuum lines


Good luck,

Jerry M

[usafa]

Thanks again, Jerry.

Hope you still have all your hair after that experience!

[tobluforu]

I have them on both my cars! They look and work great. I have blue as well. They are worth the investment in my mind. I have had them for 3 yrs w\no problems. They clean up great. Able to boost to 24 psi without any problems. vacuum goes to 22 at times.

[usafa]

tobluforu, so you have the baker silicon hoses on your 72? Are you a RGrupper? Just wondering because if you are, then that would weigh heavily on my decision. I just didn't know if it were "acceptable" by the p-car crowd to use "pretty" hoses. Didn't want to be known as the guy who Riced my Stuttgart Stallion.

[TurboRuf]

I have the bakerprecision hose on my 930 and love it. One of the nice things about Silicone is that you don't have to clamp it. Plus it's easy to clean up, unlike the factory hose.

[usafa]

TurboRuf,

Thanks for the input! I was planning to clamp all vacuum hoses, but maybe that's not necessary.