Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Small Coolant hose?

[Tinman]

Last summer I replace all my coolant hoses and coolant while I was replacing the leaking heater core. The little hoses on the trans cooler where super expensive so I just got some 5/8 heater hose with some 90* bends and cut to length. Now I realize why they were so expensive. They are silicone from the factory. So can I get away with the regular heater hose or do I need to re-do it with silicone?