Titanium VS Silicon Radiator Hoses

Dapper370z · 06-19-2021, 06:36 PM

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??

NorthStyle · 06-20-2021, 06:59 AM

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.

K2e2vin · 06-21-2021, 02:19 AM

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.

SonicVQ · 06-21-2021, 09:30 AM

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?

THE BULL · 06-21-2021, 10:03 AM

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.

Dapper370z · 06-21-2021, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE BULL

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.

OptionZero · 06-21-2021, 01:15 PM

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

Seems like there's better ways to spend money

Dapper370z · 06-22-2021, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptionZero

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

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

gbrettin · 07-13-2021, 02:49 PM

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.

redondoaveb · 07-13-2021, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbrettin

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

06-19-2021, 06:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dapper370z Base Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 10 Drives: 2012 Nissan 370Z MT6 Rep Power: 4	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??

06-21-2021, 02:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
K2e2vin Base Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: RDU/SUA Posts: 19 Drives: Z32, VW/Audi TDI Rep Power: 7	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. Last edited by K2e2vin; 06-21-2021 at 02:26 AM.

06-21-2021, 01:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
OptionZero A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,160 Drives: 15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 203226	I assume you're referring to the Mazterpiece Automotive item: Seems like there's better ways to spend money FL 4Motion and JARblue like this. __________________ OptionZero Build Thread

07-13-2021, 02:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
gbrettin A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portage, MI Posts: 2,237 Drives: Tricycle Rep Power: 542172	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. Rusty and redondoaveb like this.

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06-20-2021, 06:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
NorthStyle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Deutschland + SC/FL USA Posts: 1,235 Drives: 2011 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 24276	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.

06-21-2021, 09:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
SonicVQ Base Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ontario Posts: 230 Drives: G37 Sport Rep Power: 6720	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?

06-21-2021, 10:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
THE BULL Base Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Florida Posts: 217 Drives: G37S Rep Power: 26848	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.