Am in the process of completely redoing much of my car, and I've now come to couplers/90'bends/humps for my piping. Because I'm needing 7x couplers, 1x hump, and 1x 90'bend & this sh*t adds up quickly... I'd figure get your opinions on should I double the cost for the 'nice' stuff, or am I just wasting needless $$$ and just do the eBay thing. Specifically, what are your experiences w/ leaks and ballooning between them.

P.S.
The glossy finish ones look nice compared to my current mesh, am assuming it will wash/clean nicer (very nasty right now)

Curiosity trying not to waste this cat's $$$ needlessly,
- J

::edited::
Thanx Blunt, I neglected to list the rad hoses (forgot)... although I'm not really considering it as an option. Am wanting the aesthetics personally, but good to poll regardless.

Poll question: Couplers: Worth it or waste of $$$?

Poll result (9 votes) 2-ply Fiberglass 600' @ ~$12/ea (TurboHoses.com) (2 votes) Vote 4-ply Aramid/Nomex 500' @ ~$10/ea (HighTempSilicone.com) (5 votes) Vote 3-ply Polyester 350' @ ~$6/ea (eBay) (0 votes) Vote Why waste? Large radiator hoses work just fine! (2 votes) Vote I dunno either, want to see also for myself! (0 votes) Vote (0 votes) Vote

Napa radiator hose FTW. Old school approved and dirt cheap.

Well, some votes trickling in, but not any comments as yet.

Fiberglass:
Do you find it difficult to tie down tight enough to prevent leaks cuz it's too sturdy?

Aramid/Nomex:
This is what my OBX Coolant Hose is made of, and I'm very impressed... but I've not used it in a high pressure application like intercooler piping (running 15lbs myself). Do you find it tends to balloon out any?

Polyester:
Yeah, what I figured...

Right now, I too am leaning a lil toward the Aramid/Nomex (I like my coolant hose), but I can definately see the benefit of the Fiberglass. Pick your poison maybe, leaks or ballooning?

Vote & Comment Pleaz!
- J

I use the nice looking 4 ply silicone stuff and t-bolt clamps mayself so thats what I voted for.

Another option for cheap straight couplers is to go to the local Mack truck dealer or truck stop/service center and they sell nice thick silicone hose in a variety of sizes by the foot. Its not as shiny or pretty as the other stuff but its tuff and cheap.

http://www.atpturbo.com/ :thumbsup
...couldn't be more impressed with my silicone couplers and t-bolts

Originally posted by XMasta19
http://www.atpturbo.com/ :thumbsup ...couldn't be more impressed with my silicone couplers and t-bolts

I get most of my turbo parts from them, including my 4-ply silicone couplers. :thumbsup

Originally posted by MR BLUNT 2gnt
Napa radiator hose FTW. Old school approved and dirt cheap.

I had radiator hose for a while, it sure worked pretty well. Although, real nitrle couplers look a lot better.

Well... the reason why I never considered ATP was cuz they put no info about them on their site. Namely what they're made of or how hot they can get (albeit a bit superficial). Not to mention that they run @ ~$6/ea, the same as on eBay. So I'm left assuming that it's the same cheap 3-ply polyester crap.

We have high quality, hi-temp, turbo connectors made of reinforced multi-layer silicone.

And what exactly does the above quote mean, specifically?
- J

Well... I 'was' gonna get them from HighTempSilicone, BUT they haven't got any black in stock (says 'scheduled for production'). Thought about red, but nah. Loox like it'll be the TurboHoses for me.

Thanx for your votes, a nice poll :)
- J