Brake lines July 13, 2010, 10:34:52 PM Re-doing all the lines from the MC to the wheels.. What size lines do I need, and is it worth going stainless?Thats all...Jerry Quote Selected
Brake lines Reply #1 – July 13, 2010, 11:43:30 PM With all the work you have done, you should go stainless, unless you like rust:mullet:. I believe most of the lines are 3/16ths. I would run all 3/16ths in the front to make it easy and run an adjustable brake portioning valve. Quote Selected
Brake lines Reply #2 – July 15, 2010, 08:14:08 AM The std hardline size is 3/16. I'm assuming by "stainless", you mean braided stainless hoses in place of the rubber ones? That would be my choice. I try to convert all my cars to braided stainless when I can, even the "dailys".If you mean stainless on the hardlines, that would probably be a PITA to try to flare.On a car that's not going to be seeing salt duty, the std steel hardlines should be fine. For what it's worth, on the Volvos (at least on the 240's) they use a copper hardline. Quote Selected
Brake lines Reply #3 – July 15, 2010, 01:28:59 PM It wouldn't hurt to run 1/4 " to the back for the tc rear disc if you are running all new. Quote Selected
Brake lines Reply #4 – July 15, 2010, 08:09:20 PM Quote from: Chuck W;328339The std hardline size is 3/16. I'm assuming by "stainless", you mean braided stainless hoses in place of the rubber ones? That would be my choice. I try to convert all my cars to braided stainless when I can, even the "dailys".If you mean stainless on the hardlines, that would probably be a PITA to try to flare.On a car that's not going to be seeing salt duty, the std steel hardlines should be fine. For what it's worth, on the Volvos (at least on the 240's) they use a copper hardline.I had the same thought about the hard lines right after I clicked submit... The car will never see salt or snow ever again. I'll look into the braided lines. and probably put an adjustable proportioning valve in the setup.What would be the difference in braking if I went to 1/4" lines in back. If I do that... should I swap the MC to a Cobra MC or something better? Quote Selected
Brake lines Reply #5 – July 16, 2010, 03:08:56 AM It would give you a bit more fluid for the calipers. I'm still using the stock mc without problems,so I can't compare. from what people say it's got a better feel. Quote Selected
Brake lines Reply #6 – July 16, 2010, 02:23:30 PM The 3/16" will make tighter bend radius versus the 1/4" which can be of some benefit in some cases. The 1/4" will move more volume due to the line having a just about twice the area of a 3/16" line. I am pretty sure the pressure will not change due to the pump i.e. the MC is not changing. I would say the average person could not tell the difference in braking characteristics due to the rear brakes only doing about 30% of the stopping on most setups. If you are running out of pedal i.e. not enough fluid to move the pistons in the calipers correctly then a MC change is the way to go.Changing to the SS braided lines on the front calipers, rear calipers, and the line from the body of the car over to the rear end help as the rubber units swell from the pressure and can reduce the amount of force the pistons in the calipers exert on the rotors.Bang for the buck would be to install the standard 3/16" lines and the SS braided lines IMO.Darren Quote Selected