I've read the vacuum hose test and I do not question the veracity of the experiment. I also don't question the results of the tests or that Viton is a superior hose. However, I view the experiment as more a test to determine the failure conditions for silicon hose and not a test that replicates the actual operating conditions that vacuum hose see on the FD3S.

Here's the link to the hose tests:

http://www.geocities.com/sdrx7_club/hosetest.pdf

I believe that silicon hose of sufficient wall thickness will provide more than acceptable vacuum hose service on the FD3S, and that the more superior (and extremely expensive) Viton is overkill.

So, let me ask this, "Has anyone using silicon vacuum hose on their FD3S had a silicon hose failure similar to the one described in the hose test?"

 

I haven't had any problems yet

 

^^^^^

 

Silicon should work well enough, but I just replaced several vaccum hoses with viton on my car and what I like about it is that its very strong.You dont have to worry about it splitting or tearing when you are installing it, and I didnt need to use any ty wraps or clamps because it fits tight.I bought a set of 4mm and 6mm from some one on the list cant remember there name for $120 shipped.

 

3 years here going on the same hoses, but there IS a differance in hoses, though.

Here you have a typical cheap generic brand thin walled silicone hose. Notice the kink


Here is high quality thick walled hose. This particular one is from Arospeed. Notice same bend but no kinking.

 

I don't know if it is overkill or not......
The whole hose job is such a PITA that I would only want to do it ONCE!
I talked at length with a salesman from a company called GT Sales, they specialize in rubber hoses and belts, etc., and told him about the deal with all the hoses on our cars, and luckily this guy is a real gear head and understood immediately what I was talking about, and he looked thru his entire database of hose specs, and was able to quote all the elasticity and durometer and temperature info, and in the end, he said that using VITON would be the way to go, in his opinion, notwithstanding the cost. He said he could get it down to under $3.00 a foot, maybe as low as $2.73 for a 100 foot roll. This would work out well for the 4 mm, but man....no more 6 mm than we use, it would take a lot of people to make buying a 100 foot roll feasible.....

 

Are you starting a group buy?


Petros

 

As long as I'm in there replacing hoses, I'll spring for the extra $$ and use Viton. I might change my mind if I was going to be taking all that crap out on a regular basis, but I'm not. Bottom line is that my time is worth more to me than saving some $$ on hose.

 

Where can we buy the Viton hose?
I don't want to do a hose job with anything less than the best.
Someone has to have a roll of 6mm they can sell by the foot.

 

I think this is a KILLER idea... if we do the numbers right and order enough of it I'm sure we can bring the price down. I know theres enough of us out there that havn't done the hose job yet ( ) and are either dreading it... or trying to fig out what hose to use ( again)

 

McMaster-Carr sells the Viton hosing, but I don't know how much you need to order to get a good deal from them...
-MP

http://www.mcmaster.com/

 

I have had problems with silicone hoses, I use the baker precision so they are the good quality thick walled kind.

I have had problems with some of the 6mm getting estriyed and soaked with oil, particluary the large one from the y-pipe and pCV hoses.

Also, sometimes silicone has probelms holding the TPS and WG pills in at higher boost.

just my 2 cents, I woudl never use silicone again, I also ran into a problem with kinking the b port fo Charge control selenoid, just two sharp of an angle. I woudln't go vitton necesarily, because stock hose are great as well and form fitted.

 

can jason get a hold of these hoses. also, exactly how much hose is needed to do a complete job. i dont mind springing for the extra cash as a few have stated. nothing less than the best for my baby, and that is the way it will always be.
kris

 

Go hear to learn about Viton http://www.dupont-dow.com/Products/Viton/viton.asp

I'll see if I can find it in bulk.

 

I'm really dreading doing the vacuum hose replacement, but if you can get a good price for a group buy, i'm in...