Titanium VS Silicon Radiator Hoses
 

So I saw someone running a titanium upper radiator hose and thought it looked really cool but was curious about the performance of it. I know silicon is better than rubber from OEM and have heard about people using aluminum but do any forum members have any experience with either aluminum or titanium hoses??

It's been done for certain cars/chassis for a while. I don't recall seeing it for the Zs, which could be due to the amount of curves the OEM upper radiator hose has. As for "performance": so long as it's transporting water/coolant and not leaking, I doubt it'll any difference (the pipe will be hotter than the silicone, should you decide to touch it). Please share pics if you have them.

TBH it wouldn't make sense to use Ti from a performance/value standpoint; you'd use Ti where you'd normally use a steel part but want to lighten it. Aluminum would be even lighter, easier to work with, and cheaper. If it's just for looks, then it shouldn't hurt anything.

A titanium upper radiator hose??

I would be VERY worried about the lack of flex, as the motor does shake and move a little in the motor mounts. This results in the metal rad hose tugging on and stressing the connection to the rad. (even with an all aluminium rad)

Also, wouldn't this also add to under hood temps, with all the heat radiating off the metal pipe?

To clarify what you probably saw is not a full hose. Meaning it's a S type tube with 2 small silicone hoses attached to it.

If it is then it's for appearances since TI would be an overkill since the cooling system doesn't need to see more than 20lbs even on a VQ.

Does nothing other than provide looks. Well it strengthens this area of the cooling system just a bit since it wouldnt swell over time like regular full hoses.

Again, this swelling wont happen if temps and pressures are kept stable.

Yea exactly it had to silicon couplers with just the TI s bend. I was originally worried about the vibrations but every seems to agree it's not really bad since there are silicon couplers.

Thought it looked pretty cool but didn't want to just do it for looks if there was any draw back from a performance stand point, but figured there wasn't any real gain beside bling factor haha

I'll try and put some pictures up tonight after work.

I assume you're referring to the Mazterpiece Automotive item:

https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...83&oe=60D5C9A7

Seems like there's better ways to spend money

Hahaha spot on my friend. I might get the power steering reservoir from him as mine needs to be replaced. Saw the radiator hose and was more just curious than anything.

I definitely agree there's other things I should get before that though

If you feel like burning money, buy Earls or Fragola -16 fittings and hose. You will have flexible hose AND your pocket book will be much lighter.

I don't know, everytime I go into Earl's, Tom tells me to bend over :rofl2: