DigitalSynthesis

Hey guys, while my engine is out, I want to replace all rubber hoses, belts, etc... I know you obviously can't use silicone for fuel and oil lines, but I'm using it for all the vac/air lines + dress up. The questions I have are:

1. What can I use for heater/coolant hose & where (if its special) can I get it? How do I make it curve like the factory hoses? E.g. I've heard people say silicone is OK for this application, but I wouldn't have the foggiest as to where to get silicone heater lines that curve like the originals to fit that funky bend to the heater core. Same with the lower radiator hose.

2. Does standard fuel line hose like at pep boys or autozone work if I buy the correct inner diameter?

3. Where can I find the belt specs in terms of what I'd buy at one of the above mentioned shops? Mazda wants an arm and a leg for each belt.

4. Should I replace the oil cooler lines or are those ok to keep using my stock ones? They seem pretty sturdy (but are dirty).

Thanks much!! Happy holidays...

truespin88

Here's my guesses to what you want to know.

1. There is a company that makes those colorful radiator hoses that you want, I believe. I will search my SS mags to find the name of the company for you.

2. If you are replacing all the lines, no sense in skirting so you should use that stainless braided stuff.

3. If you know are you buying belts, you could cut them, lay them flat, and measure them in every way possible.

4. I don't know.

Hope that helps, and I'll go searching.

DigitalSynthesis

Stainless braided fuel lines? ooh nifty. I'll have to look for those. I haven't seen them offered anywhere yet. Are they sized? I have no means for terminating those properly here...

truespin88

It's Thermal-Flex. They make colored silicon radiator hoses.

As for stainless braided fuel lines... Aren't they fairly common for high pressure fuel systems?

Wankels-Revenge

They're probably expensive as hell..but well worth the price.
I say u look into stainless braided brake lines too...then tell me where u got all this wonderful stuff cuz im lookin to do the same

DigitalSynthesis

Got the brake lines already. Rotary performance (RX7.com) DOT standard stainless lines. They are BEAUTIFUL. In fact, instead of just leaving the stainless steel braiding to the weather, these are covered in a clear rubbery plastic that feels very solid and durable. I'm VERY impressed with the kit, and can't wait to get it on the car. I bought a SS clutch line from mazdatrix (their price was better than anybody else's and the line is also of top quality). I've done a brief search and havent' come up with SS fuel lines yet... will post if I do. If anybody else has suggestions on my list or these SS fuel lines, please enlighten us all.

truespin88

Here's a link for those Thermal Flex hoses.
http://www.mandiesel.com/0hoseandclamp.htm

Wankels-Revenge

Those brake lines sound freakin' awesome. I've been on that site before but i guess i missed them on there....i dunno, im an idiot

truespin88

And here I thought stainless steel was impervious to the forces of rain and snow....

Templeswain

Hey there digital.

Not sure if you got you diff out yet but I took some pictures for you.

Templeswain

Templeswain

DigitalSynthesis

Sort of. Technically stainless can still rust. It is only guaranteed not to stain other items if/when it does. But what I'm referring to is more on the order of getting the lines hit by a rock and so breaking a braid or two leaving sharp, unravelling threads and a weak spot in the line.

DigitalSynthesis

thanks Templeswain. I understand now. So I'm going to drop the subframe, replace it with my nicer replacement unit, and forget unmounting the diff + halfshafts anyway. I'll probably do it this weekend, and will let you know the results.

Scott 89t2

use the mazda heater hoses. buy at dealer.

standard fuel line is ok. just make sure it's EFI (high pressure) and not carb. the problem is stock lines are metric which you will never find. the 2 close " sizes are a bit too small and a bit too big.... the smaller one is a bitch to get on and the bigger one can leak.

don't use SS lines unless you want to pay another $500+ on end fittings, new fuel pressure reg, and custom welded fuel rails...

belt specs would come out of the book at the store.... just walk in and tell them you want belts for your car.

SS oil cooler lines can be bought at most rx7 places. racingbeat, corksport etc if you want to change them