Which Washers to choose?

Posted on August 20, 2018 by admin

Specialist WashersViper Performance have a range of specialist washers for professional hose connections such as oil lines and fuel lines, bulkhead fittings. All washers are manufactured for AN/JIC fittings and are sold in boxes of 70 pieces. We have three different materials to choose from:

Aluminium Crush Washers

Aluminium crush washers are specifically designed to form against the sealing faces. These single layer aluminium washers are popular with fuel systems when sealing banjos or adaptors. Once they are formed they should not be re-used.

Mixed box of sizes AN-3,4,6,8,10,12    Buy Now

Teflon Washers

These Teflon washers are particularly well suited for use on bulkhead fittings. When a bulkhead fitting is installed on a fuel tank they offer excellent resistance to fuel and seal the fittings. They can be used for a number of oil/fuel resistant applications.

Mixed box of sizes AN-3,4,6,8,10,12. Buy Now

Rubber Washers/ O rings

Or you can choose a more tradditional rubber washer for less demanding applications.

Mixed box of sizes AN-3,4,6,8,10,12 Buy Now

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Hybrid cars exempt from 2040 Petrol & Diesel ban

Posted on August 15, 2018 by admin

Hybrid Car EngineIn a move that has frustrated environmental campaigners, the government confirmed that Hybrid petrol and diesel cars will still be available for sale in 2040. This was however welcome news for the car industry.

Last year, ministers pledged to ban the sale of new cars powered with fossil fuels by 2040. However the transport secretary (Chris Grayling) confirmed on Monday ‘hybrid cars powered by both electricity and diesel or petrol – would be exempt’.

As well as the Petrol & Diesel ban the governments road to Zero strategy to reduce car pollution includes a further target. By 2030 their aim is for at least 50% of new cars to be ultra-low emission. If this target is successful it is stated that they expect “all new cars and vans to have significant zero-emission capability” by 2040 and “almost every” car and van to be zero-emission by 2050.

“I want it to be easier for electric vehicle drivers to recharge than for motorists to visit a filling station. I want them to choose electric cars because they are so convenient.”

This statement by Chris Grayling implies that the best method is to influence car buyers. He said that a delayed 400 million electrical charging fund would be put into action this summer. This is aimed to help expand infrastructure throughout the country, with hundreds of thousands more charging points on streets, in new homes and in workplaces.

Grayling also said that as well as reducing pollution, the new strategy set out a clear pathway for Britain to be a world leader in zero-emission transport. This strategy could represent a “huge global opportunity for industry and business” which could be worth £1tn a year by 2030.

Nevertheless, environmental groups have accused the government of weakening its commitments. The environmental group Greenpeace stated that the car industry was “yet again being given a free pass”. The Campaign for Better Transport also stated it was substandard, describing it as “a step backwards, giving concessions to keeping hybrids on the road, which will water down the already inadequate 2040 target”.

Although, Chris Grayling had told the Guardian – “I don’t think it’s watered down at all … We want to get rid of classic petrol and diesel engines. It’s about supporting the industry to deliver it and encouraging changes to consumer behaviour. I expect by 2040 every vehicle to have substantial zero-emission capability and most to be 100% zero-emission.”

Overall the car industry had disputed that these new 2040 targets have been adding worry for consumers. Which has contributed to fears over diesel cars, whose UK sales have slumped in the last 15 months. The chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (Mike Hawes) believed that the strategy acknowledged, “The vital role conventional engines, including diesel, will continue to play in the transition to 2040 and beyond”.

Hawes said that this was greatly received news for the car industry, and that they welcomed the “technology neutral approach”.

“We need realistic ambition levels and measures that support industry’s efforts, allow manufacturers time to invest, innovate and sell competitively, and provide the right incentives and infrastructure to take the consumer with us,”

The news that hybrids will not be banned allows a progression period in the industry. However, the 2030 targets for ultra-low emission vehicles remains a concern.

What are your thoughts? Head over to our Facebook page we’ve put together a poll to see what is powering our customers cars.

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Two new products launched this month

Posted on August 13, 2018 by admin

aluminium pipesAugust has been a busy month here at Viper Performance and we are excited as we have two new products launching at the end of August. Hose Joiners are ideal for joining hoses for Intercoolers, Radiators, Air inductions or superchargers. The two additions to our product range this month are:

Super Long 90° Elbow Aluminium Hose Joiner

Our first product launch will be a super Long 90° Elbow Aluminium Hose Joiner. Manufactured from 6063 billet aluminium these are high quality hose joiners with a super long 300x300mm leg length. They are roll beaded and polished so they look great.

  1. 1.5 wall – 32mm outer diameter – 32mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
  2. 1.8 wall – 51mm outer diameter – 63.56mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
  3. 1.7 wall – 63mm outer diameter – 73.025mm centreline radius – BUY NOW

Quality L Shape aluminium 90° elbow hose joiner

Produced from 6063 billet aluminium these L shape hose joiners with a 500x150mm leg length. These L shape hose joiner are available in the following sizes:

  1. 1.5 wall – 32mm outer diameter – 32mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
  2. 1.8 wall – 51mm outer diameter – 63.56mm centreline radius – BUY NOW
  3. 1.7 wall – 63mm outer diameter – 73.025mm centreline radius – BUY NOW

 

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Would you pass a theory test?

Posted on August 13, 2018 by admin

Theory TestIf you’ve been driving for years then chances are it’s been a long time since you clued up on the theory behind the driving. So the question is would you still pass?

We all like to think we have retained the knowledge from when we learnt but do you really know your stuff. Some questions on the theory test can seem simple and completely obvious but others testing signage knowledge or scenario based questions can catch you off-guard.

Theory Test

The theory test requires you to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes and you must answer 43 correctly, which is an 86% pass mark. In 2016/17 the pass rate for the theory test was 48.7%, which means over half of all people who take the test fail.

If you are intrigued as to how you would do in a theory test, then why not take a practice to see how you get on. There is a practice theory test available on the gov.uk website.

Hazard Perception

Whilst you’re at it see how you fair with the hazard perception test as well. The hazard perception segment of the test was introduced in 2002 so anyone over the age of 33 won’t ever have taken this test.

There are 14 questions in the hazard perception test and you will need to get 44 marks out 75 available to pass. This test is scored a little differently. In 13 of the questions, there is one developing hazard you need to spot. One question, which can appear at any time, will have two developing hazards. You need to click the mouse as soon as you see a danger ahead. Each question carries a maximum of five marks dependent on how quickly you click the mouse. Don’t be tempted to click too early though as you will get no marks for that question.

It can be great fun to see what the test entails and what your hazard perception skills are like.  You can take the free hazard perception test on the Safe Driving for life website.

*Both of these free tests are just for practice and the real tests may differ in content.

 

Regardless of whether you pass or not I’m sure you love to drive. Check out our online shop we have lots of products available to boost the performance of your car. 

 

 

 

 

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Adding your logo to a silicone hose

Posted on July 17, 2018 by admin

own logo on silicone hoseOne of the things we pride ourselves on, here at Viper Performance, is giving our trade customers the best possible product but still giving them the freedom to build there own brands. As such, unlike other silicone hose manufacturers, we are happy to add your own logos to our silicone hoses. This means you can have our great quality hoses with your own branding. In most cases we even offer a 3 year guarantee on non Viper branded hoses.

The process of applying a logo to a silicone hose

We have two methods, which we use to add a companies logos to a silicone hose.

Method 1 – Colour Logos long term regular orders

The most common method for branding hoses is a special printing method where we print your logo onto a run of plastic material. This requires artwork setup, printing plates and a minimum print run. The miniumum print run will give you anything from 800-1200 meters. Each metre will have your logo repeated many times. Budget £280-£380 depending on the size and colours. The process of adding the logo can only be done at the time of building the hose onto uncured silicone. The ink material will bond into the silicone at the curing stage in the oven. It is impossible to add a logo at a later stage. We don’t charge any more for

Method 2 – Black and white logo for small batches

We have developed a stencil, which costs just £90. The ink is hand painted, there will therefore be an addition charge to apply the logo.

Please Note: We will not print 3rd party brands or registered trade marks, you must own the rights and we will not accept and liability for artwork supplied to us.

For more information about custom logos please watch our YouTube video demonstrating how our process works below:


Are you a fabricator? We have recently written a blog on how we can help fabricators  take a look to see how we could supply you with the highest quality products for producing a range of car systems.

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How we can help fabricators

Posted on July 17, 2018 by admin

Car fabricatorsWe love helping fabricators by supplying high quality, reliable and superbly priced aluminium pipes and silicone hoses. Our team is passionate about producing high quality parts and we only use the best materials.

By creating strong relationships with fabricators of car parts we are been able to supply high quality parts, which can be turned into even better systems and resold for great returns. Our customer service is at the heart of what we do and we will always be on hand to help you with any query you have. We have an array of products available from stock or can create bespoke products if minimum orders are met.

Car systems that can be fabricated from our products:

  • Intercooler systems
  • Radiator hoses
  • Air induction
  • Superchargers
  • Intercooler systems

Benefits of choosing Viper Performance:

  • Trade accounts can buy direct from Viper at discounted
    prices (minimum orders apply).
  • The largest range of shapes, sizes, and diameters available immediately from stock.
  • Professional team always on hand to help
  • Confidentiality and integrity is always assured.
  • Unlike many other suppliers we are happy to put your branding on our products

If you are interested in our services and products then drop us an email at sales@viper-performance.co.uk or call us on 01952 670 702.

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5 Tips to keep your car cool

Posted on July 9, 2018 by admin

keep car coolWe are in the midst of the longest heatwave to hit the UK in 5 years. The Met Office stated that Sunday 8th was the hottest day in England this year when Gosport, Hampshire, reached 32.4C (90.3F). Porthmadog in north Wales holds the UK record for 2018 of 33C on 28 June. So with temperatures in excess of 30C how can you keep your car cool?

Air conditioning is great, for those who have it, but it doesn’t eliminate the issues when you first enter the car. If you’ve been parked directly in the sun for a long period of time then seats and steering wheels can become unbearably hot. To help you out we have compiled some tips on keeping your car cool:

1. Park in a shaded area

If possible the best way to keep your car cool is to find a shaded area to park. Try to ignore your instinct to park in the closest parking space, instead opt for a shaded spot. A slightly longer walk will be worth it when you enter a cooler car.

2. Cover your steering wheel

Probably the worst part of your car to sit in the sun is your steering wheel. Any driver will now that especially leather steering wheels are sometimes too hot to handle. Popping a small towel over your steering wheel could prevent temperatures getting too hot.

3. Use a sunshade

One of the most successful ways to keep your car cool is of course to invest in a sunshade or visor.

4. Throw blankets over your seats

If your car has leather seats you know just how hot these materials can become when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. A quick and easy way to keep car seats cool is to throw blankets over them. Keeping your seats cool will make your car a much more pleasant place to be on a hot summers day.

5. Keep your possessions out of sight

As well as the car components themselves getting too hot any possessions left in the car are susceptible to rising temperatures. Metal items for example sunglasses can quickly become extremely hot. Try to keep everything out of direct sunlight.

We hope these tips make your car a more habitable space until that lifeline of air conditioning kicks in. If you’re enjoying the sunshine why not check out our blog on the best UK driving roads a great guide to making the most of your driving experience.

We have also produced a blog on how to prepare your car for the summer here.

 

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Jaguar I-Pace wins Car of the year 2018

Posted on July 9, 2018 by admin

Jaguar I-PaceI like driving in my car, it’s not quite a Jaguar!

Oh how I wish it was after Auto Express made the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace its Car of the Year for 2018.

In a world, which is on the precipice of an electric car revolution, the I-Pace really is a look into the future. Pushing the boundaries of technology but without compromising on quality or performance this is a car to envy.

Jaguars first all electric vehicle

Many have heralded the I-Pace as a triumph especially as Jaguar’s first effort at an electric vehicle. They have taken all the elements that people want in a car and fused them into one premium, high performance and practical vehicle.

With a top speed of 124mph and a 0 to 60-acceleration time of 4.5 seconds, the I-Pace is set to rival Tesla in the world of electric vehicles. With speed, comfort, refinement and practicality, it covers so many bases. The fact Jaguar has achieved this in an all-electric vehicle first time is something that should be commended.

The I-Pace’s Impressive Stats

Eurekar wrote a great article back in March detailing some of the impressive stats of the Jaguar I-Pace:

• Top speed of 124mph
• 0 to 60 acceleration time of 4.5 seconds,
• zero Emissions
• potential range of almost 300 miles on a single charge
• Powered by two electric motors – with a combined 400ps and 696Nm of torque on tap.
• Charging to 80 per cent can be done in 45 minutes from a rapid charger

We are bound to see many manufacturers releasing premium electric cars over the next few years, but at this particular moment in time Jaguar has beaten all of its established competition. A worthy winner of Car of the Year 2018.

If you’re not lucky enough to have a Jaguar either then maybe we have some products that could upgrade your existing car. Take a look at our shop here.

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Choosing the right hose clamp

Posted on June 25, 2018 by admin

Engine bays encompass a myriad of different hoses, each carrying a different fluid with different requirements. Hoses in ageing vehicles should be inspected and replaced if necessary. It is however also important to inspect and replace the clamps that attach these vital hoses to a car’s components. They are just as important as the hose itself, and failure can result in catastrophe. We have detailed the two types of hose clamps that we currently sell to make your selection easier.

Stainless Steel Worm Drive Hose Clamp

Worm drive hose clampThese worm drive clamps are the more traditional selection for securing hoses. They are perfect for clamping silicone hoses and rubber hoses thanks to the “slot free” smooth band. Our MIKALOR W3 stainless steel worm drive hose clamps are of high quality stainless steel and unlike some other brands, these clamps will not tear and cut into the hose as you tighten.

Buy Here

 

 

Stainless Steel T Bolt clamp 

t bolt hose clampT Bolt clamps are commonly used for high pressure applications where other clamps simply pop off. They are also strong enough for clamping Exhausts and are ideal for use for turbos and Intercoolers. Thanks to their stainless steel wide band, and totally smooth inner band a high torque seal is achieved without ruining the hose.

Buy Here

 

We also sell:

304 Grade Stainless Steel Cable / ZIP ties. These are ideal for fastening Exhaust wrap, wires, or areas under high temperatures. These are a great alternative as high temperatures would normally melt traditional plastic ties. Buy them here.

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No cheap carbon coated pipes here

Posted on June 25, 2018 by admin

carbon fibre pipesAs well as our silicone hoses an aluminium pipes we also have a range of top quality Japanese Toray real carbon fiber pipes available. Supplied either as 90 or 45 degree bends or straight sections which are 300mm in length. You can take a look at our range here.

There are many cheap carbon coated pipes available on the market which give the appearance of carbon but these are merely good for aesthetic purposes. Our pipes are made with quality real carbon meaning they give you all of the advantages of this superb material. Carbon fiber is super light, and very strong which makes it ideal for air intake systems and more. We have listed some of the great benefits of this material below:

  • Lightweight – carbon fiber is a low density material with a very high strength to weight ratio
  • High tensile strength – when it comes to tension carbon fibre is one of the strongest of all commercial reinforcing, it is very difficult to stretch or bend
  • Low thermal expansion – carbon fibre will expand or contract much less in hot or cold conditions than other materials such as steel and aluminum
  • Exceptional durability – carbon fibre has superior fatigue properties compared to metal, meaning components made of carbon fiber won’t wear out as quickly under stresses associated with constant use
  • Corrosion-resistance – when appropriate resins are used, carbon fibre is one of the most corrosion-resistant materials available

You can take a look at our range of carbon fibre pipes here. Or for more information watch our YouTube video below:

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Are Silicone Hoses fuel resistant?

Posted on June 25, 2018 by admin

fuel hoses

This is a question we know gets asked often. Can you use silicone hoses for fuel hoses? Well standard silicone hoses are porous and therefore not suitable for oil or fuel. There are flurosilicone liners, which are specially formulated to prevent oil from penetrating the wall but we would not recommend these for Fuel lines, or heavy use of Fuel Filling. Occasional fuel usage and vapour will be fine but there are better options when it comes to selecting fuel hoses:

Options for fuel hoses:

Two materials, which are better suited for fuel hose applications, are Nitrile Rubber and PTFE.

nitrile stainless steel fuel hoseNitrile rubber (NBR) is an oil-resistant synthetic rubber. Its main applications are in fuel hoses, gaskets, rollers, and other products in which oil resistance is required. Here at Viper we sell various products which utilise Nitrile Rubber. These are:

• SAE J30 R6 approved Nitrile Rubber fuel Hose – this fuel hose is fully compliant with SVA regulation and most types of fuel.

• Fuel Filler Hose – These hoses are made with a fuel resistant Nitrile Rubber lining and are perfect for using as a Fuel Filler Hose. These hoses are not Suitable for high octane fuels.

• Stainless Steel Braided Hoses – Superb Quality Stainless Steel Braided hose with tight double braiding and NBR offers a good bend radius, and high pressure use for Oil, fuel lines, Carburetor, water lines, vacuum.

PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene lined hoses can be used for a wide variety of chemicals, making it the ideal choice for very corrosive chemical applications and multiproduct applications. In some cases, PTFE has superior resistance to diffusion, for example to the diffusion of automotive fuels, in comparison with all other plastics and rubbers. We have top Quality Stainless Steel Braided hose available lined with PTFE. The pressure rating makes it suitable for use as Brake Lines, Clutch Lines, Oil and fuel.

You can find all of these products on our online shop. We have a dedicated fuel hoses section which is available here.

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Free downloadable car related Father’s Day cards

Posted on June 11, 2018 by admin

Father’s Day is special. It’s a day to say thank you to the male role models in our lives. Dad’s can fix everything, eat everything and have the best jokes around (not). So as Fathers day is nearing (17th June if you weren’t sure) we thought we would produce some free to download Father’s Day cards for our readers.

If you’re looking for a Father’s Day card for your car enthusiast Dad then why not download and print one for free! Great for the last minute card buyer!

In a tribute to the witty Dad jokes, that only they can get away, we’ve produced a set of five car parts based novelty cards. Take a look below and download your favourite. We’ve designed them to be as simple as possible so they should be easily printed at home and won’t use too much valuable ink!

Oh and don’t forget share these downloadable Father’s Day cards with all your friends everyone loves a freebie! Twitter @viperhoses or on Facebook here.

4 Free car based Father’s Day card options to choose from:

1. ‘Give Dad a brake’
Brake Disc Fathers Day CardOur First fathers day card focuses on giving Dad a break. Sticking with our car theme we have monopolised on a little pun with a visual of a brake disc.

Click here to download a printable PDF of the above card

2. Wheely good Father’s Day

Free Wheel - Tyre Fathers Day Card

Ok a little cheesy we know! But if your dad loves a good set of rims why not make his day with this wheely easy to download fathers day card.

Click here to download a printable PDF of the above card

3. Driving him round the bend 

Free Steering Wheel fathers day card

I think we are all guilty of driving our parents a little crazy at times. So if you’d like to say sorry for occasionally driving your Dad round the bend download this free fathers day card today.

Click here to download a printable PDF of the above card

4. Exhausted Daddy

Maybe he’s a new Daddy who is not getting much sleep, or just one who works too hard. If you want to treat your exhausted Dad with a great looking fathers day card download our free PDF.

Click here to download a printable PDF of the above card

5. Bigger Hose

Funny Free Fathers Day Card

If you like a slightly rude Fathers Day card then this one might be for you. This one reads ‘ Dad I overhead you praying for a bigger hose… You’re welcome’. This one might be for a slightly older audience but will definitely induce a laugh on Fathers Day. If you really want a laugh why not actually purchase a hose to accompany the card here.

Click here to download a printable PDF of the above card

 

If you like these cards let us know on Twitter @viperhoses or on Facebook here. We’d love pictures of your cards or your dads face when he receives it.

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8 ways to upgrade your car

Posted on June 7, 2018 by admin

If you are striving for better performance but can’t afford a car with better specs then you will be looking for upgrades. Upgrading a car can be a great way of achieving the speed, acceleration and efficiency you’re after for a fraction of the cost. Upgrades can range from small tweaks to big system changes. Below we have listed 8 ways to upgrade your car for better performance:

Upgraded Tyres1. Choose better tyres

One of the most obvious upgrades is to choose better quality tyres for your car. Power and performance are great, but if you don’t have the grip from quality tyres to translate that to the road it will be a waste.

Equally if you want your car to perform in all weathers then you will need to ensure you are selecting the correct tyres for the conditions at hand. All weather tyres are a compromise on performance parameters and will likely not meet all users needs or expectations. Selecting a set of summer and winter tyres is the best solution for getting good traction and ensuring you have the ability to put the power to the ground. ‘Which’ have a great article on which tyres to buy here

Upgraded brake system2. Upgrade your Brakes

Arguably one of the most important performance factors is the ability to stop effectively. The better quality your brakes, the longer you can wait to engage them. In corners this means maintaining a higher rate of speed longer than your competitors. Whether it be simply purchasing better brake pads or upgrading the entire system investment in your braking will always be worth your time and money.

3. Install a cold air intake

It’s a fact the better your car breathes, the better it runs. Installing a cold-air intake not only frees up the airflow to your engine, it also feeds it cooler, more condensed air. By replacing your original intake pipe with one that was designed to maximize power, you will simultaneously increase horsepower, and fuel efficiency.

4. Swap out rubber hoses for Silicone Hoses

Upgraded silicone hoses

Another upgrade would be to swap out the standard rubber hoses in your car for better quality silicone versions. Compared to rubber, silicone has superior heat tolerance. The reason this is important is if, for example, you add a nice turbocharger to your engine and don’t upgrade your hoses at the same time you will potentially drive all that extra heat into hoses that aren’t equipped to handle it.

Another reason to upgrade your hoses is that rubber hoses are prone to cracking, getting stiff, or becoming dry rotted over time. Silicone is a very stable material that acts almost like new, even when it’s not. Anyone who has had a hose leak will know what a headache this is to diagnose and correct so upgrading to silicone will definitely impact your performance for the better. You can buy silicone hoses direct from us here

If you’re interested in the specific benefits of silicone hoses then read our blog on what difference silicone hoses make here

5. Exhaust System Modification

Often people think of upgrades to exhaust systems as a purely noise inducing tasks. But as well as giving you a nicer exhaust note when accelerating you can also see improvements in power. Installing a brand new stainless steel exhaust to an older car will result in a big difference as exhaust cats can get clogged up over time meaning performance slowly decreases.

If you choose to install a performance exhaust you could see an increase in power output as the performance exhaust will usually be wider in diameter. This allows more air gases to escape, which in turn increases power output.

6. Upgrade your Spark Plugs

Standard spark plugs often have troubles firing, which can decrease the speed and reliability of a car therefore upgrading your spark plugs will enhance your car’s performance. With newer high performance spark plugs, misfires are far less frequent. This reduces the emissions from the car whilst in turn increasing fuel efficiency.

7. Add a Turbo charger

A turbo charger allows a car to burn more fuel each second. That’s why a turbocharged car can produce more power. Turbos are more efficient than superchargers and can provide a significant increase in horsepower. Not only that but turbo chargers are to improve fuel economy by as much as 20-40%.

8. Add an Exhaust Wrap

We recently wrote a blog on ‘why you should have an exhaust wrap’ which detailed its fantastic heat protection properities. By adding an exhaust wrap to your heat you will see a reduction in temperatures around resulting in more horsepower. This increase in horsepower is down to increased engine efficiency as the exhaust wrap keeps heat in the header instead of it dissipating around the engine. You can buy exhaust wraps from us here

If you’ve upgraded your car recently we’d love to hear how you did it and what performance enhancements you have achieved as a consequence. Get in touch on our Twitter page @viperhoses. We have lots of products available in our online shop. Visit our shop

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Is it safe to be in a car during a thunderstorm?

Posted on May 27, 2018 by admin

Cars in ThunderstormThe Met Office currently has an amber weather warning spanning across the Midlands and Wales. Thunderstorms accompanied by torrential rain, frequent lightning and some hail have been reported. Although thunderstorms are not prolific in the UK, as with all weather systems, it is a hot topic when they do occur. Some discuss Thunderstorms with exhilaration but many people also feel anxious or fearful of the dangers involved. The big question then is where are you safest whilst a thunderstorm is in progress?

Simply put, the safest place to be in a thunderstorm is indoors. If lightning does happen to directly strike a house or a building, it will tend to follow the available paths to ground, including the wiring, plumbing, antennas and/or steel framework. But if no structural shelter is available, hard-topped cars can offer sufficient lightning protection.

What happens when lightning strikes a car?

Many people believe that it is the rubber tyres on cars that keep you safe in the event of a lightning strike, this however is a bit of a myth. In actual fact a car (excluding soft tops) acts like a faraday cage with the lightning flowing around the car. The majority of the current flows from the car’s metal cage into the ground below. This is why cars are often referred to as being a safe place to be in a thunderstorm, if you cannot get indoors.

But if your car does get hit by lightning in a thunderstorm, you probably would see damage to the vehicle as a result. Most lightning incidents to cars result in external damage, as well as internal damage to electronic systems, but in most cases no injury to the people inside.

So in summary, if you are stuck outdoors in a thunderstorm then your car is a pretty safe place to go and take shelter. Just remember, try to avoid touching anything metal within the car and try not to use electrical components within the car such as radios or charging points for phones. But above all enjoy the beauty of a thunderstorm, they really don’t happen that often in the UK.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide safety advice. We take no responsibility for any outcomes of people who read and follow any of the above information.
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Should I use an exhaust wrap?

Posted on May 23, 2018 by admin

Bronze titanium exhaust wrap An exhaust wrap is a fantastic heat protection product. In addition to making your header look great exhaust wraps also give you performance enhancements. You will see a reduction in temperatures around the exhaust resulting in more horsepower.

This increase in horsepower is down to increased engine efficiency. The exhaust wrap keeps heat in the header instead of it dissipating around the engine.

Exhaust wraps impact on performance

When heat is contained in the exhaust it improves the flow of exhaust gasses throughout the entire system. The faster exhaust gasses move, the more power you’ll receive. In a dyno test by Hot Rod Magazine they found exhaust wraps significantly reduced engine temperatures.

Viper Exhaust wrapsHow to install an exhaust wrap

Installing exhaust wraps on your motorcycle exhaust or car manifold is simple. Grab one of our exhaust wraps which come in different roll sizes. To fasten your exhaust wrap, you may also require stainless steel cable ties. Each order comes with 5 stainless steel cable ties for free! We also have packs of 20 or 100 cable ties available to buy.

Viper Exhaust Wraps

Different wrap roll sizes are available to suit your application. We offer 2 grades of exhaust wrap here at Viper Performance:

1 – Fiber Glass exhaust wraps for 550°C – For Manifold available in Natural or Black.

2 – Titanium exhaust wraps 700°C – For Manifold available in a very attractive Bronze colour.

For more information or to purchase your exhaust wrap please click here.

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How our products can work together

Posted on May 21, 2018 by admin

aluminium pipes and silicone hosesOur online shop allows for single purchases of silicone hoses and aluminium pipes but our products are showcased at there best when combined. By joining our aluminium pipes and silicone hoses you can achieve any shape.

We have an extensive range of silicone hose elbows to acquire the correct angles and have straight length hoses up to 4 meters. Our aluminium range consists of a range of elbow hose joiners, straight connectors and reducing pieces.

This flexibility means that you can create bespoke Intercoolers, Radiators, Air induction, Superchargers, intercooler systems. You can do this from stock pieces via our online shop, or if you are a fabricator or distributor then we can discuss bespoke options. We also stock hose clamps to make securing the sections together seamless. Click here to view our clamps.

Silicone and Aluminium Parts for fabricators

Silicone Hoses and Aluminium Pipes

We know from experience that our parts offer fabricators the opportunity to create great pieces of kit to re sell. An exceptionally high quality, and reliable product (lifetime warranty on hoses) means that our trade customers are never disappointed.

You will find the largest range of shapes, sizes, and diameters available immediately in stock. From enquiry to finished delivered product, you will receive the level of service you expect from a professional company, with all of our attention focused on quality and customer satisfaction. Confidentiality and integrity is always assured. We are also able to put your branding onto our silicone hoses, which is something other manufactures are not willing to do.

 

If you are after one off parts to work together head over to our online shop and view our stock of silicone hoses and aluminium pipes.

If you are a fabricator or distributor interested in working with us here at Viper Performance we would love to hear from you please give us a call on 01952 670 702.

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How to prepare your car for the summer

Posted on May 21, 2018 by admin

Most people understand that preparing your car for the winter months is essential for safety, but do you prepare for summer too? Heat and dust can take a toll on your vehicle and impact its ability to perform. As well as the regular checks, which you should do periodically, there are season specific things that you can you do to ensure your car is ready and prepped for the sunshine.

Check your cooling system

One of the biggest dangers whilst driving in the summer is of course overheating. Ensure that your cooling system is properly topped up with the right mix of coolant and water, and ensure that your vehicle’s water is properly filled. Another element to check is air intakes, be sure to check that they are free from debris and dirt, blockages may contribute to overheating problems.

Change Oil on older cars

If you have a relatively new car then it should be fine to run on the same kind of oil all year round. Older cars however may benefit from an oil change in the summer. Heavier oils will help compensate for internal engine wear and offer better protection for your engine in higher temperatures.

Change Air Filters

Large amounts of pollen can clog up your ventilation systems, as well as upsetting hay fever suffering passengers. Air filters are very easy to replace and you can even purchase washable or reusable filters. Be sure to check the cabin filter too, stopping the internal air from becoming stuffy.

Regularly turn on Air Conditioning

Lack of use can mean that air conditioning does not operate at its maximum output when you need it most. This is why it is important to regularly turn on your AC at all times of year. If you haven’t turned on your air con for a long time then make it today.

Summer Tyres

Summer can be as tough on your tyres as the winter months. Sunlight and heat can work in tandem to break down the rubber. You can choose all season tyres of course but they do tend to be a compromise. The ideal situation is to use wider wheels and summer tyres in the sunshine months and keep your hardwearing winter tyres stored for when they are needed most.

It’s best to be proactive and ensure your car is safe to run to avoid any unwanted breakdowns or damage to parts. When you’re happy with the cars condition why not check out our recent blog showing some of the best UK driving roads and really test out your wheels.

Disclaimer: This blog is for guidance only. If you feel there are any issues with your vehicle in preparation for summer please seek the expert advice of a garage.

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Some of the UK’s Best Driving Roads

Posted on May 16, 2018 by admin

Best UK driving roadsSo finally it looks like we are about to descend into summer. What better way to celebrate than to jump in the car and enjoy the beauty of the UK and some of its fine roads. To help you along the way we’ve scoured the internet to find some of the best driving roads for your enjoyment. So get your driving playlist ready, and lets hit play:

Hardknott Pass

Image courtesy of dangerousroads.org

1. Hardknott Pass, the Lake District
As I can testify this is not a road for the faint-hearted. This one is for confident drivers, many drivers will agree that the contours of a map fail to capture the reality of the roads. Described by Alfred Wainwright as “a heart-stopping series of sharp and narrow hairpin bends.” This is has to be one of the UK’s most thrilling (or terrifying) roads to drive. Click here for route

Snake Pass

Image courtesy of drivingforpleasure.co.uk

2. The Snake Pass, Peak District
Snake pass is the name of the A57 road where it crosses the Peak District, between Manchester and Sheffield. The name usually refers to the section between Glossop and Ladybower reservoir. The Snake Pass was listed as one of the best driving roads by Auto Trader magazine in 2009. Its apt name matches the winding nature of this route. Drivers will enjoy superb scenery, particularly at the start of the descent into Glossop. Click here for a route

Llanberis Pss

Image courtesy of drivingforpleasure.co.uk

3. The Llanberis Pass, Wales
If its stunning scenery that you’re pining for then get behind the wheel and head to Wales. Llanberis Pass is the road, which takes you from the village of Capel Curig to Caernarfon. Mountains and crystal clear lakes will be your backdrop on this incredible drive. You and your passengers will find yourself escorted by the lake for over a mile until you meet miles of gentle gradients and easy corners. This isn’t a road for the speed demon but rather those looking to take a calmer pace and fully appreciate the beauty that nature has carved for your enjoyment. Click here for a route

Loch Lomond4. Glasgow to Fort William
Running approximately 140 miles this is a run for those who love a long stint in the car. The A82 is the principal route from Lowland Scotland to the western Scottish Highlands. Passing along the shores of Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and in the shadow of Ben Nevis this is a picturesque drive. Click here for a route

St Ives5. St Ives to St Just
If you’re looking to enjoy some of the South West’s finest then take a look at the B3306 from St Ives to St Just. You can expect to enjoy 13 miles of sweeping bends, short straights and tight turns and the views aren’t too shabby either. This one does require full concentration from the beginning and a keen eye for walkers, bikers and livestock. But get it right and it will make you feel alive like few other roads in the UK. Click here for a route

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What is Platinum Cured Silicone?

Posted on April 25, 2018 by admin

In a platinum-based silicone cure system two different chemical groups react in the presence of platinum. Unlike the traditional Peroxide cured materials Platinum Cured Silicone does not use peroxides as part of the catalysing process. These can sometimes leave trace elements after post cure causing contamination.

As a result Platinum Curing is becoming a more popular choice in many industries including medical, food, drink or dairy applications.

Benefits of platinum cured silicone

There are a range of benefits when choosing platinum cured silicone over alternatives:

  • High tear strength
  • excellent translucency so more visibility through the material
  • non yellowing
  • no peroxide by-products
  • highly hydrophobic
  • extended life in Peristaltic pumps

Platinum cured silicone applications

Due to its advantages as listed above there are many industries now seeking platinum cured silicone products. These include:

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications; platinum-cured silicone tubing is an excellent choice for fluid transfer. Its high temperature resistance and fewer potential leachables make it a perfect fit for medical use. Silicone maintains the purity of sensitive fluids due to its excellent biocompatibility and chemical inertness . This type of tubing has smooth surfaces and lower protein binding levels which is another selling point for this particular application.

Food and Drink applications; platinum-cured silicone tubing has revolutionised the transfer of liquids in drinks machines. Traditional peroxide-cured silicone tubing can impair the taste of liquids due to tainting, platinium cured tubing does not have this down side. It’s high tensile strength also means that it’s an ideal fit for food industries.

Dairy applications; Platinum cured silicone is ideal for use in the dairy industry due to its high mechanical wear and excellent tear strength. In comparison to conventional black rubber tubing often used for milking, platinum cured tubes do not harden and corrode with use. Instead, this extremely durable product is made using highly polished dies to create an extra smooth inner bore to improve flow rate and hygeine levels.

Viper Performance products

Here at Viper we supply only the highest quality platinum grade silicone available on the market, with a very high level of purity. Sold here in 5 Meter continuous lengths. Click here to read a blog all about our FDA Platinum Silicone Tubing and find out how to buy yours.

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Our FDA Platinum Silicone Tube

Posted on April 25, 2018 by admin

We recently wrote a blog about the benefits of platinum cured silicone, it is clear to see why many industries are now seeking this material. We are always looking to meet the needs of the market and therefore we now have FDA Platinum Silicone Tube available in a number of sizes.

Here at Viper we use the highest quality Platinum grade silicone available on the market, with a very high level of purity.

As we stated in our recent blog the advantages of platinum curing are:

– Non yellowing
– No peroxide by-products
– High tear strength
– High gloss finish
– Excellent quality
– Highly hydrophobic
– Extended life in Peristaltic pumps

We sell the tubing in 5 Meter continuous lengths, by purchasing multiples, they will be continuous up to 25 meters.

Click here to buy this product online

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