So, my upper radiator hose started leaking and I'm about to replace it. I bought a new OEM hose and clamps from Majestic (previous owner had screw clamps), but a friend also suggested that I get upgraded silicone hoses. Any real perk to having those? My car is going to stay NA for as long as I own it, and sees occasional track days and some spirited driving.

 

I ran silicone hoses because they looked really nice and I thought they were better. But truth be told they don't fit as good as stock, the outside diameter is usually smaller so they sit loose in the hose holders that are made for oem size hoses. You also need better clamps to keep them sealed. I also read that silicone hoses allow coolant vapour to permeate out of them over time unlike OEM hoses. In terms of longevity maybe the silicone hoses will last longer but you can get a long life out of oem hoses. I liked the look of the silicone but that was the only real benefit IMO. Do a search about silicone hose permeability with coolant fluid, my engine bay always smelled like coolant and I never found out why but I suspected it was the hoses as I never had any leaks, the coolant just permeated through the hoses without leaking.

 

I appreciate the detailed response
I guess if that's the case I'll just keep the OEM

 

"Different" is not necessarily "upgraded." OEM hoses are not universally falling apart or leaking.

Of course they have no "Bling" for those concerned with underhood cosmetics. I wonder when there will be RGB LED hose and cable setups for under the hood like the high school PC gamers want behind glass panels in their computers. We need glass hoods to show off our wiring and hose "tucks" and other bling.

-- Chuck

 

I posted this because my friend was mentioning increased longevity, not concerned about the aesthetic

 

That white Spoon logo stamp does look very cool on blue hoses though lol.. They may have longer longevity but oem hoses can last a very long time too.

 

My OEM hoses have 195k miles and 18 years still working just fine.