daviddeep

iTrader: (4)

I have a low mileage '88 GTU which is only street driven. I'm thinking of replacing the OEM rubber oil cooler lines and brake lines as a preventive measure since they're now 19 years old. I am considering the stainless kits offered by Corksport and Mazdatrix.

I've read numerous threads in which the actual performance improvements are debated. Some say brand new rubber brake lines, for example, are nearly as resistant to expansion under heavy braking as stainless lines would be. In other threads, I have read that the performance improvements of stainless brake lines are measurable, but may not be noticeable in a street driven car. I've also seen some comments about stainless hoses rupturing, though I suspect this is mostly an Internet myth.

So my question is this: will stainless lines actually last longer (or at least as long as) new OEM rubber lines? Obviously they look a bit cooler, but my main goals are performance and durability.

RotaMan99

Its hard to say that SS will last longer then OEM since I havn't seen anyone with them for over 15+ years. Its really hard to find a good SS line, no mater what it is since the crimp at the ends are very important and some like corksport's have been known to break very soon in their life.

Mazdatrix is where I got my SS lines for Brakes, clutch and oil cooler lines and have had them for about 4 years now with no problems. So for now, I vote for mazdatrix.

The installer also has to know how ot put them in without putting stress on the crimp of line its self.

For the performane side, you will see no performance over new OEM. If you have a very heavy pressure plate, then possibly you may see a difference over new OEM with SS. Other then that. Its for looks, and personally, I like the looks of SS a lot better then black rubber.

Hot_Dog

I've had SS brakelines on my '90 GXL since 2001. I've had no problems with them. So far, they show no signs of wear or deterioration. From a braking performance standpoint, they are a big improvement over the stock rubber lines. I believe I bough my brakelines from MazdaTrix. If you decide to buy SS brakelines for street use, than make sure you get the DOT approved lines. The DOT approved lines have a clear plastic coating that covers and protects the outer SS braid.

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

Yes, the do. Rubber is higher quality (or so they say), the braid protects the hose from abrasion, and the AN ends are far more reliable then hose clamps.

Not cheap though.

daviddeep

iTrader: (4)

Aaron, when you say "rubber is higher quality," do you mean that OEM Mazda rubber brake lines are higher quality than braided steel lines like the ones from Mazdatrix? Or are you saying that the plastic coated stainless lines are higher quality than those without a coating? Also, does "DOT-approved" guarantee a stainless line with a plastic coating? I ask because Black Dragon's stainless brake line kit ($120) claims to be DOT-approved but does not mention a coating.

Also, sorry to ask something everyone else seems to know, but when you say "AN end", what does the "AN" stand for?

Terrh

iTrader: (7)

I bought an ebay clutch hose last year for my car.

Nice looking product, braided stainless with an epoxy coating (or something, some kind of nice coating to protect it)

over the winter this year it must've failed, because I noticed within 1-2 days of driving the car that the rubber coating over the line was swelling up HUGE, and also, the clutch wasn't working anymore :P.

classicauto

iTrader: (3)

Army Navy

speed_monkey

He means the rubber line inside the SS braid.

Valkyrie

No, MOST of the line kits don't come without an exterior sheath. DOT has nothing to do with an outer covering.

I know the Corksport lines comes with it for sure, although Stop Flex lines are 4 layer (including a kevlar layer), and you can get a vinyl outer coating... but they cost $145 and take three weeks to make.


Also, I've read in a Japanese tuner mag that stainless lines do NOT have longer service lives than the OEM lines. If anything, I'd imagine they don't last as long since teflon is a very temperamental material (strong but no flex and it you kink it once, that kink will never come out 100%). I'd also trust the OEM crimps over any aftermarket parts (if the lines fail, 90% of the time it's the crimps or fittings), including the Goodrich lines.

Of course, I plan to get new stainless lines soon... as soon as I can afford them.

RotaMan99

Not really. Mine are DOT approved from Mazdatrix and they have no plastic covering.

No it doesn't This is way they use teflon between the braid and the rubber line inside. The braid is there for reinforcment.

toplessFC3Sman

iTrader: (1)

I got DOT approved ones from mazdatrix and they did have a clear plastic covering. It was like the stainless line was slid inside a clear plastic tube, and then the ends were covered with black plastic caps. i've been using them for about a year and they seem up to the task. On that note, when you install them, make sure you position them so that they dont rub on the wheel or in the wheel well, or they will blow out, rub through what they're rubbing on, or blow your tire, none of which are good. So after they've been on for about a week, take the wheel back off and check the hose, the wheel, the strut, the inner fender and the sway bar link for signs of rubbing.

daviddeep

iTrader: (4)

I'm glad I asked this question. I'm getting the idea that I'll end up being happier and safer just replacing everything with Mazda OEM since I'm really not after the improved looks of the stainless.

classicauto

iTrader: (3)

The one thing I didn't realize (regarding stainless braiding in the engine bay) that I semi-regret after installing a crap-tonne is that the line is EXTREMELY abrasive. It will wear through wiring,........****, ANYTHING that it touches it will wear into.

If I was to do it all over again I would just use regular high pressure rubber line with good t-bolt clamps. That way I would get all scratched up anytime I run my hand down past the fuel lines...

Just something to chew on.

alexdimen

iTrader: (13)

If your oil cooler lines aren't leaking, then I wouldn't worry about replacing them. All they will ever do (as far as failure) is start to seep from the fittings, then you can replace them.

I have SS brake lines without any problems yet... but if I did it again, I would just go stock mazda. SS lines are apparently more for track use to protect against running over debris with a lower than stock vehicle.

daviddeep

iTrader: (4)

Well, no leaks as yet. They do have a slightly oily appearance on their surfaces though this could just as easily be dirt and grime that has accumulated on them down there over the years. I read a recent thread here about a guy whose car suddenly lost 4.5 quarts of oil and the replies suggested it sounded like an oil cooler line failure. This got me thinking about mine, and how I'd hate to fry my original 30,000 mile engine due to neglecting something like the oil cooler lines.

My5ABaby

iTrader: (7)

Regardless of which are better, I would like to point out how long the stock rubber ones have lasted. My car is 21 years old and is still going strong with the originals (as far as I know).

Valkyrie

Not to mention stainless oil cooler lines are a BITCH to install.

RotaMan99

If your engine is 15+ years old and you still have the old oil cooler lines on. With all the leaks I hear of and from personal experience. Replace them with either OEM or SS. SS are A LOT CHEAPER then OEM.

FirstRotaryExp

iTrader: (3)

I have something to add to this.

Recently, as in day of DGRR2007, my 88T2 BLEW, as in ruptured, the topmost oil cooler line. The lines were OEM originals ad less than 130k miles on them, car wasnt running high oil pressure, and was using Royal Purple 20w50....didnt know it was blown until a buddy informed me he was getting spray of something all over his freshly washed celica. We stopped a few miles down the road because my oil light came on and the buzzer was annoying me, stopped at a gas statio ad instantly a puddle formed.

So just because its not leaking now, just remember it can leak/break at ay given time

alexdimen

iTrader: (13)

Woah, that's scary... I've only ever heard of them leaking at the fittings, and that's where mine were leaking from. Replaced with another used set and no problems at all.

Could you tell whether the line had been abraded/weakened by something? If not, was the rest of the rubber rotten as well?

RotaMan99

My front engine to cooler hose burst in the center of the hose. About 6" away from the fitting

xclusive_one

ss is definately cheaper than oe but my lines were replaced 20 years from its birth... i went with the mazdatrix ss lines and hopefully they hold up... its kind of a hit or miss thing... i'm happy with them so far but we'll have to see how they put up after time... good luck

jarred

well i just bought some corksport ss lines since my current old oem ones are leaking. hopefully these new ones hold up. they look pretty legit but time will tell. anyone else have experience with the corksport lines?

RotaMan99

I heard one incident of corksport line breaking at the fitting costing a new engine.

Black91n/a

The burst SS brake lines aren't a myth, it happens, but it's not exactly common. Just replace them periodically and you'll be fine.

With SS in the engine bay for, say, oil cooler lines, just cover it up with something where it can rub and you'll be fine. Hose works well. With AN fittings you'll get more/better flow than with banjo bolts.