2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Anyone replace hard heater lines with flexible ones?

[JGK]

As part of installing twins, I had to move my heater lines. You know, the hard ones that run over the exhaust manifold. I modified the one closest to the top turbo by cutting out a short section on the forward end and rewelding it so now it swings up over the other one, but it still isn't the best set up.



Then a friend suggested replacing everything from the firewall to the engine with braided flex lines.



Has anyone done this and if so, what fittings and sizes and other hardware did you use to do it and, of course, did it work out OK?



TIA,

-Jay

 

[csutton7]

I've been using SPA heater hose for about 5-6yrs now --no problems---I believe it's 3/4" ID and not 5/8", but you can measure your hard lines to be for sure---stainless steel flex should be fine as long as it rated for water use-----chris

 

[rweis]

I took out ALL the hard water lines and their associated hardware (except the transmission water heat exchanger).



I use Gates heater hose. I generally ran mine over to the engine compartment fender well to get them out of the way and away from heat. The one that goes back to the engine water jacket I plumbed into one of the block ports up by cylinder 4.



I used all brass fittings to turn the hose direction 90* in short spaces. I have had it this way about 2 years with zero problems.



I REALLY did not like the idea of cooling water right next to a hot block and the OEM 90* rubber turn right at the alternator looked like a potential disaster to me.



Gates you can get anywhere fairly cheap, the OEM stuff you have to order from DC and it is pricey. Easy decision.



Bob Weis

 

[NoSeeUm]

My twin kit used a custom hard line. I would not be that hard to make if you opt in that direction. This is the hard line in my kit.



You have to be sure and keep the hot pipe clear of where the host at the heater near the fire wall. The clearance is tight up in that area. I had a little trouble with this so I wrapped some high temperature pipe insulation around the hose. It does not look that great, but it is way up under and hard to see. I also wrapped my hot pipe with header wrap.



Jim