Silicone Hoses

Does your project need a hose that typically handles heat and boost pressure better than a standard rubber hose, or do you need to join two pipes of different diameters? This category contains silicone hoses for the cooling system, intake and charge air – both universal couplers and complete kits for specific cars.

What silicone hoses are used for

Silicone hoses connect components in the cooling system and in the intake and charge air system, e.g. between turbo, intercooler and throttle body. Silicone can typically hold its shape better than rubber at high temperatures, but durability depends on the material, number of plies and any reinforcement. We carry both universal straight couplers and reducer couplers, e.g. Torque Solution 2.25 to 3 inch, as well as vehicle-specific kits such as the Torque Solution radiator hose kits for Mitsubishi Evolution X and Subaru WRX and do88 turbo intake hoses for Porsche 911 Turbo (992). The full range can be found under hoses, lines and tubing.

How to choose the right hose

• Inner diameter: measure the outer diameter of the pipe; a reducer coupler joins two different diameters.
• Application: coolant and charge air place different demands than fuel and oil. Silicone is typically not intended for the latter, so choose e.g. PTFE hoses or braided hoses there.
• Pressure and temperature: check the product specifications against your boost pressure and coolant temperature.
• Shape and length: straight, bent or moulded hoses – the space in the engine bay determines the choice.

For vacuum we have separate vacuum hoses.

Installation and maintenance

Use hose clamps of a suitable size and tighten evenly; overtightened clamps can cut into the silicone. On the charge air side a coupler can slip off the pipe at high pressure, so a bead on the pipe end can help. Inspect the hoses for cracks and wear, and keep them free of oil, as oil can degrade silicone over time. Brands in this category include Mishimoto, Vibrant, aFe, do88 and Torque Solution.

Frequently asked questions

Can silicone hoses be used for fuel and oil?

Typically not. Standard silicone can swell and be degraded by fuel and oil. For those fluids you should choose hoses specified for the purpose, e.g. PTFE hoses or braided hoses with a suitable liner.

How do I prevent a coupler from slipping off at high boost pressure?

Check that the diameter matches exactly, use hose clamps of the right size and tighten evenly. A bead on the pipe end typically provides better grip. Whether that is enough depends on the boost pressure and the pipe surface.

Do silicone hoses matter for vehicle inspection?

It depends on the product and the car. Changes to the intake and charge air system can matter at inspection, so check for the specific part number whether documentation or approval is available before fitting it to a registered car.