Silicone hoses
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Database Error Indiana
Silicone hoses
My 87 still has the original bottom radiator hose. Dated 7-86. Just because I believe aftermarket replacement hoses are junk. Does anyone sell silicone hoses For our L98 cars ? I found the Samco hoses for LT1s. I dont want any goofy bright colors. Just a hose that will outlive me so I dont have to change it again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
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From: Windermere FL
I have heard that Summit (I think) sells generic silicone hoses but I cannot find that thread.
Instead, I went with one of those aluminum flexible hoses kits that are sold in various lengths. They have caps that come in various finishes. A small section of silicone is used to mate the aluminum hose to the radiator or neck with a couple of screw clamps. The caps hide the silicone and clamps.
I have had them installed for many years, and removed them quite a few times with no apparent issues.
Instead, I went with one of those aluminum flexible hoses kits that are sold in various lengths. They have caps that come in various finishes. A small section of silicone is used to mate the aluminum hose to the radiator or neck with a couple of screw clamps. The caps hide the silicone and clamps.
I have had them installed for many years, and removed them quite a few times with no apparent issues.
Last edited by Flame Red; Jul 13, 2011 at 10:33 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Most recommend a different type of clamp on the silicone hoses. They still seemed to dig into them.
If thats what you want though Samco may just make them in black.
Had a black set on the Z. Honestly think rubber would have been just fine. Your call.
Edit: post below-
Factory hoses seem like the best they can easily last up to 10 yrs seems.
Replacements from auto parts seem hit and miss. last ones I bought seemed awful thin to me.
If thats what you want though Samco may just make them in black.
Had a black set on the Z. Honestly think rubber would have been just fine. Your call.
Edit: post below-
Factory hoses seem like the best they can easily last up to 10 yrs seems.
Replacements from auto parts seem hit and miss. last ones I bought seemed awful thin to me.
Last edited by cv67; Jul 13, 2011 at 04:43 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Database Error Indiana
My first choice would be NOS GM. Ive had a few new cars and a few used cars. Some things that came from the factory are better than replacements. Original brakes seem to last longer than the 2nd set. Plug wires and belts come to mind too. I will probably end up going to the local parts store and getting the best Goodyear, they offer. The silicone seems like a good idea, if I can get it. Aint fair, they have the LT1 and not the L98.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
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From: Charlotte, NC USA
If you keep your Vette garaged for long periods of time, like through the winter months, you may want to re-consider silicone. It seems mice love silicone hoses... Prior to my retrement I worked for an engine generator distributor. Our service department discontinued use of silicone coolant hoses due to mice eating them.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Database Error Indiana
If you keep your Vette garaged for long periods of time, like through the winter months, you may want to re-consider silicone. It seems mice love silicone hoses... Prior to my retrement I worked for an engine generator distributor. Our service department discontinued use of silicone coolant hoses due to mice eating them.
Rare for this car to sit in the garage for more than 12 hours.
Thread Starter
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From: Database Error Indiana
It just occurred to me, it doesnt matter if the hose is tootiefruitie blue. Its on the bottom and nearly impossible to see. I will try to get the Goodyear for sure.
Le Mans Master
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From: Valparaiso
Safety Car
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From: Jacksonville FL
I was kinda wondering about the NOS hoses. I know the OEM stuff seems to last longer than any others but some of them, especially L98 hoses, may be getting pretty old. Do hoses have the same "age out" issues that tires do?
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Thread Starter
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From: Database Error Indiana
That is a very good price.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Plano, TX
I know you said you wanted silicone but.... Oreilly's carries gates brand molded hoses and they are the cats meow. Plus they have pictures on their website of each hose so you can get the part numbers yourself and see exactly what your getting. They are black and in my opinion are better than nos or silicone.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Database Error Indiana
I know you said you wanted silicone but.... Oreilly's carries gates brand molded hoses and they are the cats meow. Plus they have pictures on their website of each hose so you can get the part numbers yourself and see exactly what your getting. They are black and in my opinion are better than nos or silicone.
Pro
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From: St James New York
