C6 cooing system hoses
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
C6 cooing system hoses
I have a 2007 C6 ( modified) and the cooling hoses are getting soft. I am headed on a long trip and want to replace the factory hose set, all hoses.
Are the silicone hoses worth the extra money? i do not race it any longer but it may have value when it comes time to sell.
also what should a complete set of factory hoses cost from a dealer or repair shop?
thank you
Are the silicone hoses worth the extra money? i do not race it any longer but it may have value when it comes time to sell.
also what should a complete set of factory hoses cost from a dealer or repair shop?
thank you
Last edited by youout; Jun 26, 2016 at 10:48 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 315
From: Bridgewater New Jersey
These would look good under the hood.
https://www.pinnaclecorvette.com/Sil..._p/v-c6shk.htm
I have no first hand experience with this hose set, but I know that the material is better, more durable and less likely to dry out and crack. Not sure what the OEM prices would be, but it looks like you had them on the car since new without problems, really no reason to upgrade to silicon because I don't think it would add much to the resale value of your car, unless the cost was not much different. Cool factor is a plus with all your mods under the hood.
https://www.pinnaclecorvette.com/Sil..._p/v-c6shk.htm
I have no first hand experience with this hose set, but I know that the material is better, more durable and less likely to dry out and crack. Not sure what the OEM prices would be, but it looks like you had them on the car since new without problems, really no reason to upgrade to silicon because I don't think it would add much to the resale value of your car, unless the cost was not much different. Cool factor is a plus with all your mods under the hood.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
These would look good under the hood.
https://www.pinnaclecorvette.com/Sil..._p/v-c6shk.htm
I have no first hand experience with this hose set, but I know that the material is better, more durable and less likely to dry out and crack. Not sure what the OEM prices would be, but it looks like you had them on the car since new without problems, really no reason to upgrade to silicon because I don't think it would add much to the resale value of your car, unless the cost was not much different. Cool factor is a plus with all your mods under the hood.
https://www.pinnaclecorvette.com/Sil..._p/v-c6shk.htm
I have no first hand experience with this hose set, but I know that the material is better, more durable and less likely to dry out and crack. Not sure what the OEM prices would be, but it looks like you had them on the car since new without problems, really no reason to upgrade to silicon because I don't think it would add much to the resale value of your car, unless the cost was not much different. Cool factor is a plus with all your mods under the hood.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The OEM stuff lasts so very much longer than it did years ago, that those items are way down near the bottom of my priority list for replacement. I don't know how many miles on your car, but I'm at 132K and not even close to slightly concerned. And yes, I've raced mine since new.
BTW, long trips are far easier on engine/trans components than short local jaunts. I'll wave while passing through Iowa next month during a road trip.
BTW, long trips are far easier on engine/trans components than short local jaunts. I'll wave while passing through Iowa next month during a road trip.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 107
From: Opelika Alabama
the big hoses are cheap, silicone in my O are not worth the $ GM will get you for that 3/8 x 1/4 cross over hose that goes across the front of the engine/rad, but you can buy a 3/8 x 1/4 SS TEE from Grainger and then just buy your own hose and make one, they also have a funny dual sized heater hose, I tried to make my own but it didn't work, but all in all I was still under a $100 for the hoses I did buy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 50
From: Westmont Il.
Not sure what your definition of "soft" is. A new hose is soft. There are other indications of an aging hose. Just like tires, technology has come a long way.
Rarely does a tire blowout occur, and rarely the ruptured hose. The upper rad hose takes the most heat, I believe, unless you have heater hoses laying by headers. The heater hoses and A/C on my '91 Caprice are original and look fine. Of course, they are kept clean and checked periodically.
But if it gives you peace of mind, personally I would go with OE or a name brand.
Rarely does a tire blowout occur, and rarely the ruptured hose. The upper rad hose takes the most heat, I believe, unless you have heater hoses laying by headers. The heater hoses and A/C on my '91 Caprice are original and look fine. Of course, they are kept clean and checked periodically.
But if it gives you peace of mind, personally I would go with OE or a name brand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 237
From: Murphy NC
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,644
Likes: 1,219
From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
The OEM stuff lasts so very much longer than it did years ago, that those items are way down near the bottom of my priority list for replacement. I don't know how many miles on your car, but I'm at 132K and not even close to slightly concerned. And yes, I've raced mine since new.
BTW, long trips are far easier on engine/trans components than short local jaunts. I'll wave while passing through Iowa next month during a road trip.
BTW, long trips are far easier on engine/trans components than short local jaunts. I'll wave while passing through Iowa next month during a road trip.
I have 108K on my 08 vert and have the all original hoses. Prior to a recent trip I had them checked at the dealer and they said still OK.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24,035
Likes: 2,342
From: Gilbert AZ
Hoses are silly cheap at any auto parts store. I cut my factory upper the wrong way and AutoZone replacement was $11. If you want to replace them, go for it but I wouldn't bother and if you do just goto Napa or local place and get some.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 465
From: Southern Utah
Hoses and belts are both made from EPDM rubber nowadays and last much longer than in the past. There's nothing wrong with paying more for silicone rubber hoses but it's much more of a change for good looks than for performance...nothing wrong with good looks!
Example, when I sold my last SUV, it had the original serpentine belt on it at almost 180,000 miles and it was fine.
Example, when I sold my last SUV, it had the original serpentine belt on it at almost 180,000 miles and it was fine.
Last edited by cclive; Jun 26, 2016 at 12:08 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
thanks for all of your comments. not so sure I will replace. it is the small diameter hoses I am told are getting soft. will dig into, getting soft and what that means to them. to me it may be just fine so it is time to see how much they are looking for sales verses what I need.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,457
Likes: 297
From: corpus christi Texas
thanks for all of your comments. not so sure I will replace. it is the small diameter hoses I am told are getting soft. will dig into, getting soft and what that means to them. to me it may be just fine so it is time to see how much they are looking for sales verses what I need.