Oil Lines, which to use? Options

[porsche735]

OK, so I am finally going to run a front mounted oil cooler. From what I have read -12 AN is the way to go for the lines. However, there are 2 choices.

Aeroquip steel braided hose at $6.55 a foot
Aeroquip socketless hose at $4.96 a foot

Seems like I will need about 28 feet (sounds like a lot) from what I have read. So cost difference is $44.52.

The connectors are more expensive too $88.18 for the socketless versus $126.52 for the reuseable. There is another $38.34. Total $82.86 difference.

It seems that given the routing that there is not much abrasion (http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=4657).

Is the steel braided really needed? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Wadya think?

Chris

[john rogers]

My race 914 has a front cooler and braided lines and here's several things we learned: Get the largest cooler that will fit in the space in front, as you can always block off some of the air flow if too cool but it is really hard to make it larger at the track. Use dash-12 lines so if you go with a six later you will NOT have to replumb as you noted. Use a single or dual expernal filter for additional oil capacity. If you can afford it put in the dry sump system now as it will make the 4 last longer but even if you don't, design the system with the idea that a 6 will come later, just in case!!! There are some that use solid lines but most race cars use braided and run them in the body to protect them. Use pieces of large neopreme hose to provide abrasive protection. To find the length of the hoses, sacrafice a garden hose and route it just like the oil lines wil run and even add several inches "just in case". Good luck