Author Archives: admin

What difference do silicone hoses make?

Posted on by

Why silicone instead of rubberOne of the biggest questions, when people consider upgrading a vehicles standard rubber hoses, is will it really make a difference. Considering what the benefits and drawbacks are for both options can make you better informed as to whether you should upgrade.

Below we have answered some of the most common questions regarding silicone superiority, effects on performance and applications that silicone may not be the best for.

Why are silicone hoses better than rubber?

There are a few reasons why silicone hoses are often considered superior to rubber. Below we have given just 5 examples of the benefits of silicone

1. Flexibility and resilience
Silicone hoses benefit from superior flexibility compared to rubber. They maintain this flexibility over their lifespan unlike rubber hoses. This reduces the risk that your hoses will split, harden, or become dry rotted.

2. Lifespan
Silicone hoses last practically forever and might possibly outlast your car. Because they have such a long lifespan, they can average out to a lower cost per mile compared to rubber hoses, even though their upfront cost is higher. Here at Viper Performance we are so confident in the longevity of silicone hoses that we offer a lifetime warranty for all our branded hoses if used for the correct application.

3. Operating Temperature Range
One of the main reasons people change to silicone is the operating temperature, it’s all about thermodynamics. The idea of a silicone hose is that you replace the standard hose so it doesn’t expand and get hot under pressure. Silicone hoses are capable of carrying fluids at much higher temperatures than rubber. If you’re building a racing vehicle or adding a turbocharger to your engine, silicone is the way to go.

4. Noise and vibration control
Silicone has a good ability to dampen sounds and vibrations, keeping a quiet and stable profile. Rubber has been known to be a source of noise due to the friction between the rubber and the mating surface.

5. Aesthetics
One of the most obvious advantages of upgrading hoses under the bonnet is how they look. The colours available in silicone hose ranges mean they are often a keen favourite with car enthusiasts who like show their engine bays. The vibrant blue and red hoses can really set off an engine. But if you’re not into colourful interiors silicone hoses are also available in black.

Do silicone hoses improve performance?

The reason people started manufacturing silicone hoses for the automotive industry in the first place was because silicone material offers such a valuable performance enhancement. So the simple answer is yes.

As we have mentioned above silicone has superior heat tolerance when compared to rubber, this is the major reason why silicone is the material of choice for performance-enhanced vehicles. If you add a nice turbocharger to your engine, you’ll get some great power, but if you neglect to upgrade your hoses at the same time, you will potentially drive all that extra heat into hoses that aren’t equipped to handle it.

Silicone is a very stable material that acts almost like new, even when it’s not. While rubber hoses are prone to cracking, getting stiff, or becoming dry rotted over time the resilience of silicone means that this is less likely. 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.

Are there any applications where silicone is not best?

Of course, there are applications where silicone is simply not the best material to use. Its molecular structure doesn’t play well with oil, fuel, and other oil-based products. Here at Viper Performance we do have the ability to add a specialist fluro lining to our silicone hoses. This makes the hoses ideal for contact with Oils / Oil mists and for the transfer of fuels. This highly specialised product has a working temperature from -50° to +170°C. Alternativeley we also stock braided fuel hoses.

Here at Viper Performance we love helping people get the silicone hose they need and achieving the performance they have always longed for. To take a look at our silicone hose ranges all available from stock please click here.

Ready to make the switch?

Start shopping our silicone hoses now CLICK HERESilicone Hoses for sale

The 6 New Motoring laws of 2018

Posted on by

There have probably been many changes to the highway code since you first learnt to drive. Many of them are small changes that won’t affect your every day commute or maintenance of your vehicle. This year however has brought about some significant new motoring laws, which could affect all of us. It is therefore imperative that you are aware of these new rules so you are not surprised when you get to your next MOT or when you drive next to a learner of the motorway.

We have summarised some of the major new motoring laws below:

new mot rules1. New MOT Rules

The MOT could become much harder to pass this year. The current advisories system will be no more, vehicles will now be rated out of three categories Minor, Major and Dangerous faults. Minor faults will work like the previous advisory system and therefore a minor fault will not result in a MOT fail. The new dangerous fault however will mean that a car cannot be driven away from the test centre until it has been fixed.

Other changes to MOT legislation regard testable items, these include:
• A check of diesel filters now forming part of the test, if a DPF has been removed or tampered with it will result in an instant fail.
• High definition headlamp bulbs have been outlawed
• Reversing lights will be tested for the first time
• Your car can also fail if brake fluid is visually deteriorated
• Classic cars over 40 years old will now be exempt from testing

2. Fines for misusing motorways

Highways England are getting tougher on motorists who misuse motorways. Inappropriate use of the hard shoulder is an offence under motorway traffic regulations and now motorists will be punished with a £100 fine and three penalty points on their license. Its also been made easier to catch people in the act as new Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras have been introduced on major motorways. If a driver uses the hard shoulder on a managed motorway when it isn’t open, or drives in a lane with a red ‘X’ above it, the cameras will automatically trigger a penalty.

Learner driver on motorway3. Learner drivers allowed on motorways

From 4th June 2018 Learner drivers will be able to take motorway driving lessons with an approved driving instructor.

Learner drivers will need to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor and be driving a car fitted with dual controls. For many years drivers have had the option to take pass plus tests once they have passed their main driving test but government research found that very few drivers were taking these motorway lessons. Motorway driving will not however form part of your driving test.

It is important to note that the change only applies to learner drivers of cars. Learner motorcyclists won’t be allowed on motorways. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/learner-drivers-will-be-allowed-on-motorways-from-2018

driving test changes4. Changes to the driving test

Although motorway driving has not made it onto the test criteria there have been some changes to the driving test in 2018.

In addition to the independent driving element of the current test, where the examiner gives no instructions for 10 minutes, the new test will include a section where drivers are expected to follow instructions from a sat nav. This is aimed at proving that they can follow the directions safely.

There have also been changes to the manoeuvres asked of drivers.
Two key manoeuvres have been axed, with drivers now only tested on three – a parallel park on the side of the road, parking in a bay and a pulling up on the right hand side of the road.

Changes have also been made to the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the test. The ‘show me’ questions will be asked during the test. The driver will be asked to demonstrate a function of the car, for example how the windscreen wipers work, or how to demist the windscreen.

Tax on diesel cars5. Tax hike for diesel drivers

Newly registered diesel cars will now be hit with a tax hike of up to £500. These changes will apply to new cars bought after April that do not meet the latest emission standards. For these cars, the Vehicle Exercise Duty will go up one band, adding between £20-£500 to year one rates depending on how dirty the car is.

New car seat rules6. Changes to children’s car seats

Rules around child car seat safety have changed significantly. The biggest change refers to backless booster seat models. New models of backless booster seats will only be suitable for children taller than 125cm or weighing more than 22kg.

You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight. The car seat required is slightly different depending on which way you decide to choose. Children must use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

The best way to ensure you meet the guidelines is to check out the government guidelines here. If you use the height based system all children below 15 months old must now travel in a backwards-facing car seat.

How Do I Cut a Silicone Hose?

Posted on by

Cutting silicone hosesThere are situations where you may want to cut a silicone hose to make it smaller. It is essential that you do this in the right way to give a good finish and you do not compromise the efficiency of the hose.

There are right and wrong ways to cut silicone hoses, the correct way will depend on the hose size that you are working with. There are many questions we often get asked which we have answered below:

How do I cut small diameter unreinforced hoses or tubing?

For unreinforced silicone tubing up to around 8mm you can simply cut the tube with wire cutters, pliers or scissors.

How do I cut small diameter reinforced silicone hoses?

Small diameter reinforced silicone hoses can be cut with a parcel knife or Stanley blade. You should always ensure you use a brand new blade and please watch your fingers. This method with work on up to 25mm diameter hoses. When cutting do not roll the hose as you risk cutting you fingers

Can I use a hacksaw to cut silicone hoses?

Never use a hacksaw for any diameter hose this will create frayed material and debris inside hoses.

Can I use a vice to hold my hose whilst cutting?

If you have a vice this will make securing small hoses easier and therefore can be used for small projects. We do not advise using a vice for larger hoses as the hose will deform and move, the result will be a ruined hose.

How do I cut large diameter silicone hoses?

We will take you through the step by step process of successfully cutting large diameter silicone hoses with good results.
You will need: T bolt hose clamp to suit the size of hose, A spanner for the clamp and a Stanley knife with a brand new blade.
1. Mark the hose to cut with a permanent marker
2. Line up the clamp, tighten and secure.
3. Keep your fingers away. Now slowly use the edge of the clamp as a cutting guide. Cut along until you reach the bridge of the clamp.
4. When you reach the bridge of the clamp, you will loose that line. Rotate and readjust the clamp to get that straight line
5. Cut some more until the entire diameter is cut
6. Remove the clamp and admire your job.

Please note that our silicone hoses are perfectly cut in the factory and therefore it is impossible to get these same results at home. The tips above will give you a good result but this may take some practice. For more help please watch our how to video on youtube:

Our 180 degree aluminium pipe bends

Posted on by

Our aluminium pipes are polished and roll beaded and of the finest grade 6063 alloy for easy welding. Our 180 degree hose joiner have roll beaded ends for best hose retention. Hose Joiners are ideal for joining hoses for Intercoolers, Radiators, Air induction, Superchargers, intercooler systems or for making any D.I.Y system. Our mandrel bends have the tightest bend radius on the market.

Some features of our aluminium Hose Joiners:

– Mandrel bent,
– Mirror polished
– Roll beaded ends for best hose retention,
– Seamless tubing,
– Wall thickness 1.6 to 2.0mm,
– Tightest bend radius on market
– Clean finish ready to use,

For more information on our aluminium pipe bends, please visit our website. 

What comes in our Vacuum Tubing Kits?

Posted on by

Our vacuum tubing is now available in Extra Value convenient kit packs. These packs include 3,4,5 and 8mm ID tubing perfect for a variety of applications. We include cable ties and nylon tube connectors in the packs

Applications:
• Vacuum lines
• Brake servo
• Breathers
• Boost controllers
• Dump valves
• Windscreen wipers

Buy yours here

Why we produce 4 meter hoses

Posted on by

As well as our silicone elbows and 1-2 meter long hoses we also offer a 4 meter long straight lengths. Offering 4 meter lengths eradicates the need to buy four separate lengths and join and clamp them together. Any join creates a potential area for leaks and therefore one single piece will provide you with a quality leak free connection.

These continuous 4 meter lengths are available in selected sizes from 8mm up to 32mm diameter (please visit the website to check sizes available).

They are ideal for water, breathers, air connections without making a join. The length also makes them ideal for non automotive applications.

Available from 3 to 5 ply with a reinforced construction these straight hoses offer excellent build quality with an inner liner. Thanks to our quality material, and fabrics, our small diameter lengths are very flexible and achieve a very good bend radius.

To find out more and buy your 4 meter hose click here.

SuperFlexi Silicone Hoses

Posted on by

superflexi hoses

When carrying out work on your vehicle, it can sometimes be difficult to achieve the desired result when you’re restricted to rigid angled hoses. This is why we offer super flexible silicone hoses. These are particularly useful for coolant and bottom radiator connections, which can be tricky to access.

These hoses can bend to almost any shape, giving you ultimate flexibility. In addition to their flexibility, these hoses can also withstand higher pressures thanks to the steel wire spiral that is embedded into the reinforcement piles.

Available in blue, red an black, these hoses can give a striking appearance. We recommend using T Bolt clamps with our hoses, which you can also purchase from ourselves.

For more information on our SuperFlexi silicone hoses, please visit our website.

 

Flexible Cuffed Coolant Hoses

Posted on by

cuffed hoses

In some applications, a pre-moulded elbow hoses cannot give the necessary angles needed for a tidy and efficient engine bay. This is why Viper Performance offers flexible cuffed coolant hoses, which give an excellent bend radius, thanks to the wire helix embedded into the wall of the hose. These work fantastically to connect your coolant or water hoses.

The hoses are specifically designed with a 50mm non-wired section at either end of the hose so that they are easy to connect and clamp. The hoses do not remember their shape, so they may need to be supported in some situations.

For more information on our flexible cuffed hoses, please click here. Alternatively, please give us a call and we will be happy to talk through your requirements with you to make the best recommendation.

Turbo Loader Hump Hose

Posted on by

bellow hose

The last thing you want to happen to your engine bay is for a hose to crack. However, this can happen if the correct hose is not specified. For areas of heavy vibration or where engine movement may be severe, you need a heavy duty hose that can handle the extra pressure.

We offer a turbo loader hump hose which has two convolutions, specifically designed to not stress or split under heavy engine vibration. The twin humps work a mini bellow. This gives the hose vibration absorption once fitted.

We particularly recommend these hose for areas such as connecting charge coolers/intercoolers where vibration and movement can be particularly high. They are specially manufactured with NOMEX, making them extremely resistant to high temperatures.

For more information about our turbo loader hump hose, please visit our website.

The difference between PTFE and Nitrile Rubber Hoses

Posted on by

nitrile vs ptfe

 

When upgrading your engine bay or fuel system, it can be difficult to know exactly what type of hose you need. With so many hoses on the market, you may run into problems selecting the correct material hose for your desired application. This piece is designed to help you understand the difference between PTFE and Nitrile rubber hoses, so that you can choose the correct one for you.

As with everything, PTFE and Nitrile rubber hoses both have their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them is important, as it could make a big difference to your fuel system.

Nitrile rubber braided hoses offer great resistance to oil and fuel. The flexible rubber means that nitrile rubber hoses offer an excellent bend radius. This means that you can create the desired system without the need for extra fittings and angles. The hoses can be bent and fixed as needed, resulting in a sleek and tidy fuel system.

However, nitrile rubber hoses should never be run inside the cabin as fuel fumes can permeate through the wall of the hose. They should only be run in areas such as underneath the car, or under the hood.

For hoses that need to be run inside the cabin, PTFE hoses are ideal, as fuel fumes will not permeate the hose walls. However, as PTFE hoses have a significantly reduced bend radius, more angle and end fittings may be required, which increases the chance of a leak occurring in the system. While PTFE hoses are generally cheaper, the savings are often spent on the extra fittings that are required. An additional benefit however is that PTFE hoses are lightweight, so if weight is a concern, PTFE hoses might be the ideal solution for your fuel line.

For more information about our PTFE or nitrile hoses, you can visit our main website. Alternatively, you can get in touch and we would be happy to talk through your requirements with you.