This is more of a tech question than a WTB question so that's why it's in the tech section

2001 Vette w/ Dynatech headers - on the top of the pass side header is the pipe/flange for the air tubing - when I installed the headers, the factory air pipe flange and the flange on the header air pipe did not want to line up perfect (only flaw I found w/ this set of headers) - so, being creative, I "removed" (ie: cut out w/ a hack saw) a 2" piece of the 3/8" or 1/2" inch factor air pipe - NOT on the header, but on the factory air pipe

Then, I inserted a piece of 3/8 or 1/2 inch (can't remember the inside diameter, and doesn't matter, the principle is the same) over the end of the factory air pipes thereby rejoining the pipes together - so I had factory air pipe running from the back of the firewall and down the pass side of the engine, then the 3/8 or 1/2 inch radiator hose, then the factory air pipe w/ the flange on it - this gave me some "flex" in the factory air pipe and I was able to easily get the flange on the factory air pipe to meet up with the air pipe flange on the pass side header

Well, this worked for about 2 years (I'd kind of forgotten about it), and you've guessed by now that the 3/8 or 1/2 inch radiator hose was NOT able to withstand the exhaust temp on the line - so the hose finally turned to a crumbly charcoal (it didn't burn, luckily)

I need to replace the hose, and I could get by w/ the same type radiator hose for a year or so, but the problem will repeat itself - SO, I'm looking for some type of hose that can withstand HIGH temps (read exhaust temps) yet is somewhat flexible like the radiator hose and has a 3/8 or 1/2 inch INSIDE diameter that can be slipped over the pass side exhaust tube and fit SNUG - ANY IDEAS of SOURCES or KIND of hose I'm looking for? if so, please post

Also, I was in the middle of my travels when the "radiator hose/air pipe" that I installed vaporized and became charcoal - I had to travel about 350 miles with the air pipe on the pass side header open - IE: once the hose disintegrated, there was approximately 3 inches of the factory Dynatech air tube coming off the pass header, then the two flanges bolted together, and about another 3 - 4 inches of factory air pipe - but then the air pipe was open so I had an exhaust leak, so to speak - Did I cause any damage to my engine as a result of this condition, and if so what kind of damage and what should I look for?

thanks.

 

I don't think you caused any damage to your engine, unless you see visible damage from hot the exahust in the engine compartment.

As far as hose, I'd find a buddy that was a welder and see if he/she(lol) can put a stainless or at least galvanized piece in there with a wire welder.

I don't think any rubber hose will hold up, not sure what else you can use.

 

On the other hand you could just buy block off plates, and have the air tube turned off by a tuner. You can remove all the piping later if you want.

 

In the past, I had to replace a cat converter on an old "beater" that I was driving for a winter/second car. I bought a "universal" converter, and the auto parts store sold me some "high temp" rubber hose to hook up the air inection line. I thought the heat of the cat would toast it in no time, but it held up for about 2-3 years, and at that point I sold the car, so I don't know exactly how long it lasted.