Flexible/Adjustable radiator hoses

[dmention7]

Anyone ever dealt with any of the custom/adjustable radiator hoses? I'm pretty sure my upper rad hose is going to need some tweaking to clear my hotpipe properly, and I'd rather get something that looks nice than just hack some bends together.

Specifically, I'm looking at a couple of different types, and just wondering if anyone has any experience with them...

Flexible SS: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-390124/ or http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MRG-11010C/
Braided: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SPE-7799/
Flexible Copper: http://www.coolflex.com/cfm/store.cfm?maincat=3600&subcat=299&mode=kits&type=1&makes=imp

 

[mndsm]

You need the see thru ones.

 

[dmention7]

http://www.killerglass.com/

Set up the mnmazda donate link to go to my KillerGlass fund, and I will make it happen.

 

[Big Nate]

I have had XP with the braided ones when detailing a car. Looks ok but was discolored in spots. Not sure if that is from the brand or just what happens. I think black rubber still looks better then all of those. Just get nice clamps and couplings.

 

[micahlarson]

man.. that killer glass stuff looks sick

 

[dmention7]

I have had XP with the braided ones when detailing a car. Looks ok but was discolored in spots. Not sure if that is from the brand or just what happens. I think black rubber still looks better then all of those. Just get nice clamps and couplings.

I'd tend to agree about plain black rubber ones looking fine, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to futz with routing, as my hotpipe goes directly through the area my upper hose normally occupies. I like the flexible stainless/copper ones in that regard because they would hold their shape nicely.

 

[mndsm]

Copper would look pretty hot, IMO. IDK about thermal conductivity though, as in if it would get hot as fuck and transfer to the hot pipe or whatever, artificially raising charge temps.

 

[dmention7]

Well, all the copper ones are plated, so I get to choose from chrome, red, blue, or purple (they don't have black as an option for the diameter I need). And given that the turbo, motor, and radiator itself are all right there inches away, I'm not terribly worried about how hot the hose would get, you know?

 

[concealer404]

You really don't think you'd be able to go behind the counter at Vatozone and find something that will work? I'm having to do a full custom setup on the Deathscrotum and i don't think i'd have to go that route. (Course, i don't have a turbo on that car.)

I'm having problems envisioning a situation where you would absolutely NEED one of these flexible pipes. (But they ARE cool.)

I may have to get some of these for the Mazderp for bling blang factor.

 

[dmention7]

Well that's the thing. I know I could go back there and find something I could hack up and get to fit. (That's what my BPV return hose is) But I'm trying to make my engine bay less ugly, not more. lol