Where to find metal coolant pipes?

[Mike Christian]

I thought posting this outside my cooling help thread might get some more eyes.

I want to install new coolant pipes in my SPF MKII with typical Roush 427...where can I source these?

Thanks in advance for any advise!

 

[Michael]

Mike, I already posted to your other thread, so I won’t repeat, but I will add this. Regarding your center tunnel pipes, you should carefully assess their condition as well as possible. If they’re only surface rusted and otherwise solid, you should consider sticking with them, otherwise you’ll be in for quite a job to replace them. If you decide to replace them, you may be able to buy a set of SS pipes from SPF, RCR or other.

 

[Brian Kissel]

Mike. Vibrant can provide pretty much anything you desire. They offer aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, and titanium. I have purchased stainless from them and had quick shipping and quantity parts. Last I knew, you could request beads on the pipes as well.

Tubing and Bends - Stainless Steel Tubing, Bends and Accessories - Vibrant Performance

vibrantperformance.com

Regards Brian

 

[Mike Christian]

Michael, I will see if I can get those two rubber 90s out of end of the center tunnel to access the pipes. Not sure if I can continue too far down this coolant leak rabbit hole.

Brian, thanks. I will check it out. Looks like I need to develop my own custom hoses. This should be interesting.

I do have queries into SPF and Olthoff to see if they have bits known to fit.

 

[Joel K]

These guys are great for stainless tubes and bends. Good prices and they have their own line and also carry Vibrant tubes. They will also cut and put really nice beads on the ends.

Verocious Motorsports – Race Quality Fabrication Parts

Universal fabrication components for custom exhaust, intake, turbocharger, and fuel systems.

www.verociousmotorsports.com

 

[Mark H.]

I built a mid engine V-8 Lotus and used plain steel exhaust pipe, had them ceramic coated by JetHot, same coating used on headers. You can just see them peeking out at the bottom of the frame. I figured if that coating can hold up to exhaust heat and its' velocities, water with antifreeze at lower velocity shoud not be an issue. Have never seen a JetHot coated header rust, the ones I have on my GT350 race car were coated in 1985, no rust.

 

[Neil]

I built a mid engine V-8 Lotus and used plain steel exhaust pipe, had them ceramic coated by JetHot, same coating used on headers. You can just see them peeking out at the bottom of the frame. I figured if that coating can hold up to exhaust heat and its' velocities, water with antifreeze at lower velocity shoud not be an issue. Have never seen a JetHot coated header rust, the ones I have on my GT350 race car were coated in 1985, no rust.

Cera-Kote is also a similar process.

 

[Mark H.]

What’s good about JetHot is the coating can be applied to both inside and outside of the pipe. Not certain, but other coatings like Ceracoat cannot reach the depths of internals and long runs, as they are spray applied. Believe the JH product is poured or part’s are bath immersed and then drained out ,then baked on. What is also an advantage is the heat retention properties which has an advantage over stainless. Just an alternative to new factory pipes or custom stainless.

 

[Mike Christian]

Thanks everyone. I now have some ideas to work on. Like most things, I am probably overthinking it. One pipe I am replacing is welded from pieces bent at different angles...breaking down the segments of the pipe, it wouldn't be hard to replicate it out or three silicone hoses or to find a local exhaust shop to do something similar. I was just hoping for a quicker solution...

 

[Brian Kissel]

Mark, Can you JetHot a stainless coolant pipe ? I have seen headers done like that and the cars I've seen seamed to have less radiant heat. I could save the shipping tube from Vibrant and ship to JetHot.

Regards Brian

 

[Ian Anderson]

Mike.

Someone on here a number of years back decided they would only run 90 and 45 degree silicone hoses and all else would be in hard tube.

So two hard tube down the spine, at front 45 degree, short hard time and 45 into radiator
Return was the fame…radiator 45, short hard line, 45 onto hard tube through spine

At rear of spine 90 drgree to short hard tube to 90 drgree into pump
Etc etc

Logic was only needed to keep one spare 45 and one 90 to cover any leaks or replacements.

Always sounded extremely sensible solution to me

 

[Devin]

Mike.

Someone on here a number of years back decided they would only run 90 and 45 degree silicone hoses and all else would be in hard tube.

So two hard tube down the spine, at front 45 degree, short hard time and 45 into radiator
Return was the fame…radiator 45, short hard line, 45 onto hard tube through spine

At rear of spine 90 drgree to short hard tube to 90 drgree into pump
Etc etc

Logic was only needed to keep one spare 45 and one 90 to cover any leaks or replacements.

Always sounded extremely sensible solution to me

Ian…sounds like what my plan is & keep with the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principe of design which is always good in a race car. Bravo

Devin

 

[David mono]

Some time ago a forum member did some coolant pipes in copper.

 

[Mark H.]

I believe JetHot does coat stainless, not sure but they have a pretty good web site. Their over the phone information is very professional or was when I had my Lotus pipes done 6 months. Their original polished silver coating is supposability the best for heat dissipation? After running a race session, within 10 minutes I can touch the headers.

 

[Mike Christian]

Ian, my initial thoughts are that this is a way I might go. Here are the ones I removed. It really is just a series of 45s and 90s. I even think by using long leg 90s in a couple of places straights would not be required.

 

[Brian Kissel]

Looks like you made a good decision to replace them.

Regards Brian

 

[Tige vellone]

Aluminum coolant pipes can be had at speedwaymotors.com

 

[Mike Christian]

Parts on order...should be an interesting puzzle to solve. Thanks for the guidance/help!

 

[Tige vellone]

You are welcome