Hard lines for oil/coolant
 

Has anyone had success with using hard lines for the oil and coolant to/from the turbo? At least just for the section closest to the turbo where it will see the most heat. I did not get any relevant information from my searches.

I am starting to put my parts together for the install and was debating on doing this instead of braided stainless. I have access to free tubing, tools and fittings as well.

Pictures would be great!

http://flyinmiata.com/index.php?dept...0%20%201994-05

Not saying you would be using their parts, but if you hunt around on the FM site you might find some pics of these installed. If they are doing it, it probably works.

I have the FM water oil hardlines (except oil supply). They work great and look nice :D Will get pics soon.

EDIT:

Turns out I took some during install:

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3531/143gr.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/6189/153hq.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4609/136g.jpg

I also have hard lines from FM. the only major downside is working on the car when they are there. They do not move once they are installed and if you have to tighten a stud Good Luck with that. Also aligning the lines and bending them to fit on the turbo can be a bit of a pain. But actual functionality they are great.

Do you have them wrapped in any insulation material or just leave them exposed? Im just wondering if that would affect the oil and coolant temps any.
My OEM turbo on my 01 Jetta has all hard lines and it looks real clean and is very reliable. I have seen one or two cars burnt down due to oil supply line failures and would really like to avoid that problem if I could.

Now for the FM kit does it run hard line all the way to wherever you attach to the coolant system or does it become some kind of flex eventually? If so, is it reinforced rubber hose or braided stainless for the flex part?

Did you see the pictures?

Sorry,
They must not show up at work. I will check when I get home. Thanks

The hard lines that FM sells are good I believe. Seamless stainless is used I believe.

I made a set myself from brake line pieces you can buy at an auto parts store. Big failure, seems to be too much high frequency vibration at the turbo. The seamed mild steel oil line fatigued and split along a seam where it was connected to the turbo.

I went to braded stainless lines with fire sleeve for insulation but have AN fittings on both ends of everything, no hose clamps.

Bob

I have access to seamless 316-SS so that would be what I would use. What size line were you using? I was thinking of around 3/8", just because 1/4" seems a little small, even though I am sure it would work for coolant and oil feed lines.