Hoses & Lines

Fuel, oil, charge air or brake fluid – what needs to flow through your project, and at what pressure and temperature? In this category we bring together hoses, tubing and hose ends for the engine, fuel system, cooling, intake and brakes, so you can build up the lines to suit your exact car and purpose.

Hoses and tubing for every system

Silicone hoses are typically used for coolant and charge air, e.g. between turbo, intercooler and intake, as they typically withstand heat and hold their shape under boost pressure. For fuel and oil you can choose between braided hoses and PTFE hoses, where a PTFE core typically handles modern fuels and ethanol blends better than rubber. Vibrant, for example, offers universal aluminium tubing in several diameters and bends that can be used for charge pipes or intake, while vacuum hoses cover negative-pressure lines.

How to choose hose and hose ends

Start with the fluid, pressure and temperature, then choose size and connection:

• Medium: fuel, oil, coolant, air and brake fluid place different demands on the hose core.
• Diameter and AN size: must match the flow requirement and the hose ends and fittings you use.
• Pressure and temperature: check the data for the specific part number.
• Hose end: PTFE hoses typically require hose ends made for PTFE, e.g. Aeromotive PTFE hose ends in AN-08 and AN-12.
• Space and routing: bend radius, distance to hot parts and angled ends, e.g. 90 degrees, determine how the hose can be routed.

Russell, for example, offers both standard hoses and nitrous hoses, and among the brands you will also find Gates, DFC and Fragola.

Brake hoses, installation and maintenance

Stainless braided brake hoses can give a firmer pedal because they typically expand less under pressure than rubber hoses. Extended kits are also available, e.g. from ICON for the Ford F-250/F-350 from 2017, where the length must suit the vehicle's suspension. Whether a brake hose is approved for road use depends on the product and the car, so check the approval for the specific part number. Tighten hose ends according to the manufacturer's instructions, secure the hoses with clamps and brackets, and regularly check for chafing, cracks and leaks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between braided hoses and PTFE hoses?

Both are typically available with braided outer protection, but the core is different. A PTFE core is typically more resistant to modern fuels and ethanol, while rubber cores can be more flexible. Choose based on medium, pressure, temperature and hose ends.

Can I use standard hose ends on PTFE hoses?

Typically not. PTFE hoses often require hose ends designed for PTFE, where an olive clamps around the core. Always check that the hose end and hose are made for each other and that the AN size matches.

Can stainless braided brake hoses pass inspection?

It depends on the product and the car. Check the approval, e.g. E-mark, for the specific part number before fitting the hoses to a registered car, and consider asking the inspection centre in advance.