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radiator hoses, few questions

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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 12:29 PM
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Default radiator hoses, few questions

hey guys, I'm getting ready to install my engine on my '80 vette. also adding some bling to the engine and engine bay. have a few questions on the radiator hoses.

steel braided or the steel flex? which one is better.

how long are the hoses, length wise?

did you guys use the steel braided/steel flex on both upper and lower?

advice would be helpful. and pics would be really cool too.

thanks.....
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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 12:48 PM
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I prefer the Cool Flex. I have one of their black hoses on the top. On the bottom, I have the stock hose, but for my next coolant change, I'm going to install a Cool Flex on the bottom as well.

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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 02:16 PM
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No matter which hoses you decide on, be sure your bottom radiator hose is the type that contains a spring that prevents hose collapse during hard running.
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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 11:06 PM
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i like the bling braided hose myself to look at but really its just all cosmetic and sometimes i wonder why i got caught up in doing it. nothing wrong with plain rubber hoses with a hose clamp at each end.

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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by mejetdrvr
hey guys, I'm getting ready to install my engine on my '80 vette. also adding some bling to the engine and engine bay. have a few questions on the radiator hoses.

steel braided or the steel flex? which one is better.

how long are the hoses, length wise?

did you guys use the steel braided/steel flex on both upper and lower?

advice would be helpful. and pics would be really cool too.

thanks.....
I like the bling, the steel flex are nice IMO, this is a magna-kool 24" then bend to your liking & cut to length. I used the OEM with the internal spring on the lower due to the tight bends.
[IMG][/IMG]

Last edited by cherrybombc3; Mar 7, 2009 at 11:25 PM.
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 09:31 AM
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thanks guys for replying. I would of thought there would be more input on this. Since there is a lot of engines out there that has one of these type rad. hoses.

but thanks to the few who did offer input..
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 09:40 AM
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I have the same hoses that cherrybombc3 has, and I have had nothing but problems with the couplers slipping off either the radiator or the hose.....I am changing back to the stock black hoses with the spring in the lower,, it will give me peace at mind next time I am driving....
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 09:48 AM
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Chrome SS flex hoses for rad and heater for mine. kind of a pita to get set up, but once done looks way nice
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 12:41 AM
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Originally Posted by davidm_comp
I have the same hoses that cherrybombc3 has, and I have had nothing but problems with the couplers slipping off either the radiator or the hose.....I am changing back to the stock black hoses with the spring in the lower,, it will give me peace at mind next time I am driving....
The stainless steel stuff looks good, but my experience is that it slips off, leaks and isn't as durable. I replaced it with OEM rubber, covered with a ss sleave on top.
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by mejetdrvr
hey guys, I'm getting ready to install my engine on my '80 vette. also adding some bling to the engine and engine bay. have a few questions on the radiator hoses.

steel braided or the steel flex? which one is better.

how long are the hoses, length wise?

did you guys use the steel braided/steel flex on both upper and lower?

advice would be helpful. and pics would be really cool too.

thanks.....
Tell you what, you give me 15 bucks and I will send you the upper and lower hoses, along with the couplers I have..
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 02:34 PM
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I've seen people who bought the shiny hoses have isses - I'm a big fan of the bling too but will draw the line when it comes to my hose potentially slippin off and causin a huge mess, etc. Stick with function over form when it comes to important things like hoses and resist the bling These days the aftermarket is so over-done with billet this and polished that and it's almost getting to be a joke. Just cause it's shiny doesn't mean we have to buy it.
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