SS Brake Lines from Pelican, DOT & non-DOT Options

[thomasotten]

Can anyone tell me which of these two sets of brake lines from Pelican are the better ones. One is DOT approved, and cheaper, and the other isn't approved and a few more dollars.

Stainless Steel Brake Line Set, DOT Approved, Includes Front and Rear Lines, 914 1.7/1.8/2.0 (1972-1976), 914-6 (1972 on), Each
SS914D $49.25

Stainless Steel Brake Line Set, Non-DOT Approved, Includes Front and Rear Lines, 914 1.7/1.8/2.0 (1972-1976), 914-6 (1972 on), Each

$54.50

[lapuwali]

I think the DOT braided lines are safe. No reason to completely avoid these. The non-DOT, non-protected lines are what cause the problem, either home-made or bought off the shelf.

Earl's fittings work great, and there are a good many race plumbing supply places that will sell you everything you need to make your own lines. I prefer this when I can, simply because I trust myself to do a good job on the one set I'll make every few years. Certainly more than I'd trust some anonymous pimply teenager making hundreds of these a day who has no accountability if the thing fails later. I've made up a number of lines using Earl's fittings and hose with no problems after long use, as long as I either protected the lines or regularly inspected and replaced them.

I'd put faith in a set of name-brand DOT braided lines, and have. There are a set of DOT Goodridge hoses on my 914 now. I know a number of people who will not use anything but rubber lines on street cars, and I can sympathise. I don't agree with their position, but I can understand it.