SFS or Samco silicon hoses?

[thompster]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for some silicon hoses for my K-series but which set should I got for?  There's Samco at £127 with 4 hoses or SFS at £147 including a fifth hose, albeit a dull looking straight pipe (not sure where it goes).  The Z-bend pipe looks slightly different in the two sets so presumably one of the sets will fit better than the other.

Thoughts?

[Jonathan Kay]

According to the archives just about everyone is happy with their choice. Check that clamps and heater bits are included, if you want them.

Mine was Classic Silicone Hoses. (They were cheapest at the time and replied to emails.)

There might be a current Club discount from one or more suppliers...

Jonathan

[Mankee]

There was a huge group buy a few years back from SFS, and the club still has good relations with them, so you should be able to get some money off. I've got a set of their hoses on my Caterham as well as a whacking great turbo intake pipe on the Skoda and they have been perfect in terms of fit and quality, especially if you get their clips.

From your description, I assume that you have a wet sump K-series? The "z-pipe" is a slightly different shape for the dry sump setup in order to clear the pump. Depending on if you have a heater and/or modified cooling circuit, the fifth pipe could be either the one from the inlet jiggle valve to the top of the header tank or the one from the stat to the coolant rail.

[paul richards]

SFS. 

Used them on a few occasions and found them and their products great. Also do a L7C discount see http://www.lotus7.club/membership/special-offers-members/sfs-performance-silicone-hoses

[thompster]

Thanks all.  Having checked the car I think the 5th hose is to the header tank.  I'll probably go SFS but via ebay as its slightly  cheaper than using the club discount,

 

cheers, James.

[Mankee]

It's strange that a supplier on eBay can undercut the manufacturer themselves. Maybe drop Anthony or Lee at SFS a line and see if you can get an ever better deal:

ADecaux@sfsperformance.co.uk

LSmith@sfsperformance.co.uk, direct phone: 01582 509252

[LesG]

I used SFS for my K engine, bought in the classic black version, have been perfect.

 

Les

[Edzup Ezzer]

Another vote for Classic Silicone Hoses.  Very helpful if you need something slightly different.  

[BenF]

When you fit them, just give all the hose clips a periodic tightness check.

They seem to have a habit of relaxing a bit after being initially fitted - not enough for the hose to come off, but enough to have a slight coolant weep.

[7 wonders of the world]

Ben,

 

If you use a little vaseline on the inside of the hose clip they nip up nice and tight from the off and you dont get the lossening caused by the hose wrinkles relaxing.