Originally posted by todras:
BTW- What do you think is under the stainless braiding? RUBBER! All the braid does is help prevent rubbing. All external oil lines for aftermarket coolers etc should be changed every 12 months.




The reason I went with the steel braided lines was for peace of mind. Engine lubrication is just too critical a component to use the second best option IMHO. Depending on how you route your hoses (3ft gives limited options) you come in close contact with the EM/Headers. Having the SHM headers, it was nessicary to actually go around the headers as the direct route placed the hoses within less than a inch of contact with the headers. I got only 7 miles on my rubber hoses before they bursted due to heat. I was lucky I caught it immediately and was able to shut off the engine and pull over before engine damage occurred. After going through this, I was all too happy to pony up the extra $$$ for the longer stainless steel braided lines.

Benefits of using 5ft stainless steel braided lines vs 3ft rubber hoses in kit

1. Better heat tolerance
2. Hoses I purchased are 10x as strong then the hoses included in my kit. SS = 3000 psi rated vs Standard Rubber = 300 psi. (I know our engines dont push the lines greater than say 100 psi, but it's nice to know the hoses are overkill and engineered for serious industrial use)
3. Extra 2 feet allowed me to route behind the lower bumper grill giving oil a passive extra cooling benefit.
4. Looks nicer
5. PEACE OF MIND!!

Many people here on CEG have spent $130 on a revised oil pan or $250 for an Accusump for it's improved oil lubrication/protection and greater peace of mind. I think the extra $110 is money well spent.

2000 CSVT Frost Silver 3.0 Hybrid