I want to put a large braided hose on my upper (and maybe lower) radiator hose, like the picture in this post:

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=132349

Does anyone know what size would be best to fit a Be Cool radiator, and what brand (Earls ?) to use ? Earls has the Auto-Flex and Perform-O-Flex, but which is best for a radiator ?

And, do the Billet Specialties clamps work right when used on a braided line ?

Thanks

-Kevin

Kevin, that is my car that you are using as an example. I used a -28 Earls Auto-Flex hose with the Billet Specialties clamp and have had absolutely no problems with it so far. After the innitial drive of about two miles, there were a couple of drips from the clamp at the radiator, I just sinched it down about 1 turn and have had nothing since. Oh...and I have the BeCool radiator as well!

Thanks for the info!. I was going to send you a PM, but I kind of wanted an immediate reply as I want to order the parts tonight and I thought what are the odds of the owner responding right away...

I have more of same parts you do too: the support struts and hood hinges.

Thanks again.

-Kevin

Do these hoses run cooler than the Cool Flex the heat stays in them for a long time after shutting down....I like the way both look but already made the jump dont really think I want to turn back but if the motor will run cooler I may change...
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/davidcalligan/PICT0544.jpg

I'm not sure if they run cooler or not Dave, I just wanted a change as the Cool Flex hoses just were not doing for me anymore. Absolutely no offense intended.

Steve:

One more question: which Billet Specialties end, the 1.5 or 1.75 fits the -28 Earl's hose ?

Thanks

-Kevin

steve:

One More Question: Which Billet Specialties End, The 1.5 Or 1.75 Fits The -28 Earl's Hose ?

Thanks

-kevin

1 3/4"

Make sure not to make it too tight, I ripped the neck off of my radiator in high school in my 454 chevelle... DOH!

Steve what kinda money you have tied up these....Thanks Dave

Steve what kinda money you have tied up these....Thanks Dave

Dave, it was probably somewhere around $250-300 or so I guess with the clamps and AN fittings. :cool:

i got rid of my cool flex junk i didnt like the way you have to superglue the adapters together.plus everytime i leaned over the engine i burnt my arm on them. you know the old saying once you go black you never go back.

i got rid of my cool flex junk i didnt like the way you have to superglue the adapters together.plus everytime i leaned over the engine i burnt my arm on them. you know the old saying once you go black you never go back.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Adam I dont think they are quite the junk you say they are.Lets see your enginine compartment and see what you got.......

1 3/4"

Steve:

Are you sure that the 1 3/4" size on the fitting is right ? I ordered a set of part #67925 and they fit pretty loose. I was wondering if the 1 1/2" would not fit better. I was assuming that -28 = 28/16, or 1.75, so that would be right, but perhaps they are made to fit a rubber hose.

I can post a picture if it helps of how it all fits.

-Kevin

Kevin, I just went and double checked mine and they are 1 3/4". Post pics, you got me very intriqued now!

OK, here's a pic of the -28 Earls hose and the 1-3/4" Billet Specialties (BS) hose end:

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj102/missioncritical/Camaro/board_posts/DSC01521.jpg

I am not sure that the hose will expand that much when I put it on the radiator.

I measured the hose diameter which is 1.86", while the back of the clamp cover is 2.21". The front where you would connect to the radiator or thermostat is 1.91".

I may email or call BS to see if they can give me some firm measurements on their clamp covers.

-Kevin

Just to put all of the information up here about the Billet Specialties (BS) radiator hose ends. The 1 1/2" hose ends have an I.D. of 2" according to BS. So I suspect these are going to fit better on the -28 hose.

FYI, the smaller ones for heater hoses don't fit too well either, at least as you would expect. So if anyone needs the I.D. on those, I would call BS before ordering. I would be good if they just posted this info in a PDF.

And finally to give a good plug for a company that I ordered my Earls hose from. Everyone (ie Jegs, Summit)seemed to be out of it, which is understandable given the size, and the shipping delay was quite long. So an Internet search yielded 'StreetSideAuto.com'. Not only was the price less than everyone, the shipping was free. And I mean FREE as in no handling, fuel, processing, box, etc. charges. And it arrived in a few days too.

-Kevin

I'm not sure if they run cooler or not Dave, I just wanted a change as the Cool Flex hoses just were not doing for me anymore. Absolutely no offense intended.

Ditto on that...after all the money I spent on the Cool Flex lines I had nothing but grief :sad:. Oh well, I guess I am not the first person to try something new and fail, so I went back to the stock hoses and clamps.

Heads up guys I read any of the corigaded flex lines cause turbulence and cavitate the water that can interupt flow.

I got the Billet Specialties ends on. The part number that fits perfectly (for me) is #67825. That is the 1-1/2" size. There is just enough room to get the end of the hose over the thermostat and radiator outlet. This is with Earls AN-28 size.

-Kevin