Too often, race car mechanics will overlook the little things when it comes to creating a lightweight, super fast machine. But small parts such as race hoses and fittings can make a big difference on the track. The weight of these items can often mean the difference between winning and losing. Why Lightweight Race Hoses are Best Using a lightweight hose can reduce the overall weight of a race car, which is critical even when racing in a class with minimum weight limits. Racing hoses, often called "plumbing lines," allow mechanics to shave off weight and help the car reach its full racing potential. Race hoses might seem to be a little thing, but when added up, there can be as much as 40 feet of tubing installed in the usual stock car that has a dry-sump oiling system. There are fuel lines, water coolant lines, power steering, oil lines, etc. - and each can be tweaked to your advantage! Many companies are developing lightweight race hoses with stainless steel braiding or an alternative Aramid Fibre braiding. Goodridge, for example, developed the G-Line XF flexible PTFE hose, which incorporates all the benefits of both convoluted and smooth bore designs. This type of hose is convoluted on the exterior, but smooth on the interior. It allows for a weight savings of up to 10 percent, provides higher flow rates and pressure ratings, and is carbon impregnated. There are several variations of the G-Line hose to meet specific needs, such as the fully convoluted G-Line hose. And, don't forget the hose fittings! The weight of hose fittings can make a difference in performance as well. Hose fittings come in various shapes, sizes, and bends to fit any type of race hose. The hose fittings can be permanent, adjustable, swiveling, or re-usable. Look for hose fittings made of anodised aluminum; these are lightweight and reliable. Goodridge offers a wide range of hose fittings for its race hoses, including a G-Line Hydraulic swage/crimp machine for mechanics that want to create their own custom race hoses and fittings. Things to Consider Before choosing races hoses and hose fittings, look for features that meet the needs of your car. Consider temperature and pressure resistance as well as the overall flow rate. Be sure the hose is lightweight without sacrificing quality, and check for compatibility with the fittings and type of fuel you plan to use. The hose should also be easy to clean. Save Money on Hoses and Fittings by Planning Ahead Plan ahead when installing your hoses and fittings to be sure they will fit properly so you won't have to cut and re-size them or re-order them later. Re-ordering high quality hoses and fittings can get to be very expensive. To prepare for installation, be sure all racing hardware is in the proper place, such as the oil tank, fuel cell, oil pump, coolant reservoir, and filter. Any hardware that will be attached to a race hose and/or hose fitting should be double-checked for proper positioning before getting started to save time and money later. With online resources, it's easy to find and purchase the types of races hoses and fittings you need. There are online stores that carry brand name custom race hoses, AN fittings, and other racing products at reasonable prices. You can save time and money by taking advantage of online retailers or by using the Internet as a tool for your research. Look for top quality race hose name brands such as Goodridge to ensure excellent racing performance.
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