Hey guys -

I'm in the middle of a way-overthought intercooler change, going from the Apexi front mount to a Blitz front mount. I'm re-doing a LOT of stuff in the front of the car.

My car is an R2 so has the stock dual oil coolers. Problem is the stock R2 oil cooler hard line is right where the big thick Koyo wants to go. So, the lines are off, and I'll be replacing them with AN hose.

I'd prefer to use a hose with a cloth outer of some kind, I hate the abrasiveness of braided stainless and things will be SO tight I doubt I can eliminate all potential rub spots. Also, I'm wanting this to be BULLETPROOF reliable.

So, list of wants/concerns/questions -

- I'd prefer something that doesn't have a stainless outer braid, but if that's best, OK.
- I'd prefer ends that are black/silver or one or the other, not red/blue.
- I've heard the push-on ends aren't as reliable as the twist-on ends, yes? no?

Also, any experiences you guys have positive/negative would help. I plan on writing all this up when done, there's a lot of information out there on the topic but nothing concise, it's all in bits and drabs.

Thanks!
Dale

 

Xrp makes very nice fittings and hose, you can get black or silver and black hose ends. The nylon braided hose they have has a layer of stainless braid in it for added strength. I have never had any issues with their products.

 

I installed dual aftermarket oil coolers on my 93 base. I used the Summit Twist-Tite hose and fittings. The next day as I was pulling up to the gas pump the low oil level buzzer came on just as I shut the ignition off. The hose blew off the fitting on the left oil cooler. I replaced the hoses with Aeroquip stainless and of coarse have not had any more problems. At this point I would not use push on type fittings and hose to water the garden, let alone supply oil to my FD.
Dave

 

I've heard good things about XRP, I've also used Earls Pro-Lite 350 hose for all of my projects lately, I love the stuff.

 

XRP fitting are some of the best fittings out there, I also use the black nylon braided hose they are more flexible than steel braided.

 

Member "XLR8" had a pretty complete parts list on his thread when he redid his coolers with SS fittings and lines. Here is a complete parts list from his thread:

This will completely replace all OEM lines with SS line & AN fittings using the OEM oil coolers. No fitment issues with A/C. Be sure to cover the SS lines with plastic loom at possible rub points.

British American Transfer

QTY....OIL COOLER FITTINGS…………………………………..........................PAR T#............PRICE

4.... Male 22 MM X1.5 MM metric concave seat -10 AN aluminum...AM22AN10...............12.95--- 51.80
13 ft -10 aeroquip line.............................................. .................FC3-10.....................6.50---84.50
2.... 45 degree alu -10 hose end............................................... ....T45-10..................18.75---37.50
2.... straight alu -10 hose end............................................... ........TS-10......................8.95---17.90
1.... male 18 MM X 1.5 Metric concave seat to -10 AN steel...........AM18AN10.................9.85
2.... 90 degree alum -10 hose end............................................... .T90-10...................37.50
1.... "Metric Banjo -AN Male"............................................. .............BJ1810M...............30.15
1.... banjo bolt.............................................. .................................BJBM18........... ....11.90
2.... seals............................................. ..........................................DS-M18................0.80--- 1.60

Im sure you could substitute the SS lines with nylon or kevlar, but thats a great starting off point.

 

Dale I use the nylon black braided hose has all the benefits of stainless but more flexible and weight less plus its fire proof , Aerouip startlite black hose and jegs 350 hose, both has indentical benefit. Aeroquip FCU1010 Aeroquip StartLite Black Hose

 

Another vote for startlite, light weight, flexible and no blood drawn when working with it:

Aeroquip StartLite Lightweight Racing Hose

I used the Red Horse fittings, I really like these, easy to work with and are compression type not the ones that cut into the hose end:

Redhorse Performance

Richard

 

Thanks for all the good input! Lots to research here. That also confirms my suspicions on push-on fittings, I just don't think they can take the pressure our oiling system generates. They MAY be OK, but MAY isn't BULLETPROOF.

Any more input, especially with regards to brand of lines and fittings, keep it comin'! I might have time to get an order going today.

Dale

 

XRP hose and fittings.

As far as bulletproof, well, that also depends on the person installing and assembling the hose. I do not think the brand and fitting matters too much as long as it is being used within its design parameters and assembled and installed correctly.

 

Thanks for posting my listing. I did this mod awhile back and haven't had any issues. I will mention that when using the adapter fitting for the coolers themselves (22M x 1.5 to -10AN), you want to purchase new factory rubber O-rings, or pick up an aftermarket of equal size. Mine were a little rough and they leaked a little until I replaced them with fresh ones.

On the pushloc, I feel they are adequate. Combined with Otiker clamps, they are quickly becoming the industry standard. I will admit their pressures do not match the SS braided line, but still adequate. As my above listing shows, I order from:

British American Transfer

They are extremely knowledgeable, great customer service, and very good prices.

Their line,

British American Transfer

 

I was under the impression that the fittings to the oil coolers sealed with a crush washer of some kind. I know there's the crush washers that have a rubber insert (can't remember what they're called) that I've seen used on oil cooler installs.

Also, I was planning on using -8 hose instead of -10 - the stock hard lines measured out at about .46" ID, and -8 is a half an inch. Considering how cramped everything up front in the car is, any size savings is fine by me. BTW, that measurement was on the stock R2 oil cooler lines and I'm keeping the stock line going from the oil filter pedastal to the driver's side cooler which I think is a bit larger.

Dale

 

Then they were not installed properly.

I've been racing with those hoses for my oil coolers for 3-4 years - no issues.

 

How high does the oil system pressure go?

Verify your clearances on the passenger side cooler. Ask the manufacturer for the CAD drawings on the 45* and 60* AN fittings.

In using Aeroquip the Eaton product for adding a 2nd oil cooler per HC's instruction I found in using 45* I had to adjust the cooler quite a bit forward. Had the benefit of making my own mounts and shaving some of the duct work off for fitment.

Assuming you use the R2 cooler the 60* AN may fit better.

the reason why I ask what pressures are reached because in hindsight if I could do this cheaper I would. I would just clamp a hose onto cut oil lines.

 

Oil system pressure can reach 60-80 psi easy. That's something you don't want to use a clamp-on hose or something. Not only is the pressure high but the lines are large-ish diameter, so you have a LOT of force that can pop a line off.

A popped-off line can drain your oil pan in a matter of SECONDS. This is something that needs to be done RIGHT.

Dale

 

Oh, the washers I was talking about, they're Dowty washers.



Dale

 

Retracting this ramble. On your R2 cooler you shouldn't need any angled AN fittings off the oil cooler because the thermostat is placed toward the (drivers) left, whereas when fitting a driverside cooler on the passenger side, the thermostat is on the outer edge (far right from driver).

BAT did have a discount section on their site of discontinued hose and fittings.