[bartamos]

Most of you say run metal lines from tranny to cooler. Not rubber because of reliability and better looking and such. Are you saying it's OK to run solid from tranny, which moves with engine torque, to the radiator area which is not moving with engine/tranny? Will the "flex" be OK? Thanks

[Blazin72]

Any factory installed lines I've seen are solid metal from the transmission to the cooler inlet and outlet in the radiator. If you think about it, that small diameter tubing should have enough flex over the ~3 feet from the tranny to the radiator to accomodate for any movement.

[powerrodsmike]

Typically there is a bend somewhere in the line to flex with the movement of the engine. If you land, (clamp), the hard line somewhere on the block, and then make a 90* bend over to the port on the radiator that will provide enough flex. 1' is all it needs, If the port is inline with the tube, and there is only a straight shot from the clamp to the port, then some kind of provision for flex should be put in. Either a short length of soft line, or a U shaped loop.

Don't forget that a motor moves fore and aft, and vibrates front to back as well as torques around.

I know that some feel a loop is unnecessary, look at some stock cars for examples, then do as you see fit. Typically a factory installation has the lines bent to accomodate some flex.

Later, mikey

[Crosley]

as pointed out the OEM manufacturers have used hard lines from the trans to the radiator area for decades with very few problems

[biggeazy-e]

I guess I'll add my 2 cents... I have hard line from the trans to the radiator (ext cooler), and about 8 inches of rubber transmission hose (that came with the cooler), but as everyone else mentioned, the bends and diameter of the line accomodate as much flex as one should have (well, as long as your motor mounts are in tact.....)

[bartamos]

Thanks everyone, I will put in necessary bends approximately in x, y and z axis to accomodate vibration/torque/etc.

[Fergusonic]

Depending upon application/fitment one ought to be able to use Brake Lines for the Tranny to Rad. ?

[bartamos]

Yes I always use the line sold at Checker Auto and others. Various sizes of tubes, lengths and fittings already on them. You can couple them if needed and just slide the fitting back and use rubber on the flare, which is a perfect lip for clamping. No need to make your own IMO.

[Irelands child]

Why not consider -3 or -4 stainless braided flex lines? While they are fairly costly, they do look nice and have LOTS of reserve pressure margin. An outfit called Gotta Show have them already made up though I did mine for a lot less.

Dave

[bartamos]

I gota watch my budget and may use braided but only for something "up top" not "down below" and hidden. I like bending/fabing lines anyway. Just wanted to make sure the gurus say it's ok without some rubber. Bartamos

[Deuce]

Car Quest Auto has the lines in 72 inch lengths ... most of the others I have tried do not ... I like to run it in 1 piece If I can ...