Silicone Hose Kits

[Morpheus]

Hey guys,

Along with getting to know 1098, I have come to appreciate the quirks of early cars. One of these quirks is making my silicone coolant hose search a bit more difficult.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=36125&stc=1http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=36126&stc=1

Yes, that's the old style coolant pipe, with the otterstat on top, snaking behind the AC compressor. The other side is slightly different as well.

My question is this: Do I swap the old style piping (just the left and right sides to the WP) out for the newer version to be compatible with pretty much every hose kit, or do i cut down the hose kit to work with my stock early car setup?

What do you guys think?

[David T]

You really should perform all of the updates. They were created for good reasons. Especially check for all of the front end recalls. Because you have an "early" car you have to see if all of the recalls and updates were done on the car by a dealer. Many cars were bought and not used so the dealers didn't do all of the recalls and upgrades and then the dealers stopped working on the cars when things went bad. If originality is important to you (more important than reliability) don't do the upgrades. Some of those original parts may be worth something to someone who will compete in concours and wants original parts.

[Morpheus]

Was the later style piping considered an update? I plan on doing all of the safety updates (front end recall, inertia switch, etc.) but I wasn't aware the coolant piping was among them.

[Iznodmad]

Do what makes you happy. I don't think it is considered a safety update. Biggest issue is the otterstat is the "wrong way" and can introduce the dreaded air bubble (probably the main reason for the switch to later style). Some like that there is no danger of the belt cutting the hose, but it does require removal of that piece for anything you need to remove the intake for. If you decide to part with it, let me know. I have an early car that I would use it for that someone decided to change to the later style.

[Delorean Industries]

Already got you a pair Darren. In the trunk of 16128 for you. :)

[Morpheus]

So, the consensus is that I should buy the 2 newer-style pipes to the water pump, along with the associated brackets in order to install a silicone hose kit?


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[Iznodmad]

If your plan is to have a driver and don't give a crap about this early VIN feature, yes. If you want a garage queen and you value the originality, no.

[Tillsy]

I would - the otterstat orientated that way is asking for trouble :(