I'd love to go with braided steel..but the stuff is just too expensive. It would be like $100 JUST to do my return lines. I've been using 3/4" heater hose (bad and temporary..I know). One of them got a kink in it..so I figure this is a good time to do it right.

Anyone have any ideas? Maybe 1/2" copper tubing or something?

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"American made baby. 100% American iron. The muscle among the masses. My hero. Yep, you can take your ergonomically designed, space age, computer controlled, 4 door, cup holding map lighted split double wishbone split fold down retractable cargo covered moon roof piece of transportation and keep it. For I have felt the thunder. And I know the difference!"
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3/8 aluminum would be overkill for a return line. It can be had for a buck a foot.

 

I used 1/2 alluminum for the feed and return.
You can get the compressoin fitting at the hardware store. They can convert it from hard line to pipe thread or just about whatever you need.

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82z28 (currently building)with p1sc procharger
70.5 camaro
383 with D-3r procharger
best time 9.38@148

 

So, are you talking about fuel return line (which I doubt) or turbo oil return line (which I figure at 3/4"!)?

Either way, I would say go with aluminum tube. You can use 3/8" or 1/2" for fuel return.
You can use 1/2" or 5/8" for oil return line.

You can get natural finished tubing in 25' rolls for $20-$30 depending on size. You can also get it anodized red or blue.

For the cleanest install you can flair the ends yourself and use tube sleaves and tube nuts from Russell, Earls, Aeroquip, etc. Tube nuts & sleeves are usually about the same price as or cheaper than compresion fittings, and will work with other AN fittings (and look right too). Since tube nuts are AN fittings, you can easily use short sections of braided hose in sections that you need fexability, and hard tube in the areas you don't need to flex.
3/8" = -06 AN
1/2" = -08 AN
5/8" = -10 AN


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Tracy /AKA IROCKZ4me
'86 IROC-Z Camaro
"Cogito ergo zoom"

• 355 cid
• AFR heads
• Arizona Speed & Marine hydraulic roller cam w/ AFR hydra-rev kit
• modified SLP runners
• TRW forged pistons/ceramic coated
• fully balanced
• Edelbrock headers/ceramic coated
• SLP cat-back
• Paxton supercharger
• Nitrous Express nitrous oxide

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I used Aeroquip push lok hose for my return line,look in the NHRA rule book,they list which style is legal.I beleive it is the #300 line or something like that,I posted on this same subject awhile ago,check the archives for "return line" or something to that nature.I run -6an from tank to pump and -8an for return line.The Aeroquip is very bendable but also very strong,synthetic hose with a very thick braided cloth cover,nice.

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1982 Z28:355,4 Speed,Lots of bolt ons

 

lol..I think there is a little confusion. This isn't a fuel return line, it's an oil return from my turbos. I prolly shoulda mentioned that. I just realized what a73camaro meant...I thought he was on crack for saying 3/8 was overkill. Thanks for the replys so far guys..keep'em coming.

 

LOL, I kinda figured, knowing about your turbo project, your using 3/4 heater hose, and since you posted this question on the Power Adder board, LOL
5/8" aluminum tube should be good.

While I'm thiking about it, You might want to check with a local hydraulic hose/fitting shop (like a Parker Store) if you have any around. They often sell a woven shielded hose usually called "truck hose". It is good for gas, diesel, oil, etc. They can crimp fittings on it for you. Probably will cost more than aluminum tube but less than braided steel. It might be more to your liking.
If you want to use rubber, but be safer, last longer and be more kink resistant than heater hose, you can use oil cooler hose. I have seen it as large as 3/4" and they probably make bigger, but 1/2" and 5/8" is more common and should be sufficient.

 

Oops, I just assumed fuel line. I was wondering why he was using heater hose.

 

try some 3/8" oil/emmis re-enforced hose or some of the earls cheaper magna braid hose