So today I got around to installing my Hybrid Racing Silicone Hoses. I love the style of the hose, I love the color, but I'm not a fan of the clearance of the upper radiator hose since it is based off of the OEM hose design. Luckily I am working with Hybrid Racing and hopefully they will be able to work with me to create a hose that will best fit in my opinion for the RSX. The guys at hybrid racing are great to work with!

As of right now the hose design is going to touch the CAI coupler just like the OEM hose. This is a problem for me for two reasons:
a) Hose is still rubbing against the CAI
b) It doesn't keep a clean look that I like in the bay.

Here is my instal and review.

Here is a photo of the new hoses




So when I compare the upper hoses one on top of the other, I knew immediately it is going to touch the intake coupler because it is based off of the OEM hose not my replacement Gates hose. You can see the Gates hose immediately bends out to the side and makes half of a square shape to go around the intake coupler and create more room. Where the HR hose goes straight and curves last minute. If the curve was sooner I think this would still avoid the issue



Anyways, first start with removing the radiator cap to help with coolant drain flow


Now place a funnel on an old bottle or whatever you want to use. I keep empty spares for this reason. And open the petcock to let the coolant drain


Now once the coolant is drained remove the radiator clamps. Its easier to do the front with the bumper off but you can do it with the bumper on




Now twist the hose to break it free and remove. Before re installing the hose I decided to clean up the clamps... they were ucky... so I put them in a vice and used a wire brush on a drill. So from this


to this


The bottom was super rusted...


Now instal the new hose




and do the same for the bottom hose





I don't even have my manifold on but with just putting the coupler on the intake tube the radiator hose is in the way and touches




This is an older picture but you can clearly see how well the Gates hose clears the intake coupler. If you look at the coupler you can see where the OEM hose was rubbing.



My opinion is I don't like the clearance of the hose but I love the hose itself. If they redesign it to the other hose style it will be perfect.

 

nice write up!

I see what you mean about the hose touching the CAI... it would be a concern for me too!

 

Another huge waste of time and money.

And I hope you're kidding about this part:
For how much you know about cars, you sure act like a ricer. If you actually drove your car once in a while, you'd know that silicone won't transfer radiant heat unlike rubber hoses.

 

true thats the point of the silicone hose but I still don't want it rubbing against my intake coupler when it doesn't need to. I have a deal with Hybrid Racing... so these hoses aren't costing me a dime to test and review.

And since I live in crappy WI it's winter and I have nothing but time to install parts like these. I wish I could drive my car more trust me.

 

Nice.

lol I'm just jealous that I have to put the EP through salt/snow. She's a beast in winter mode though

 

Haha... I hibernate in the winter lol

I have to say the hoses do look nice! Even if you don't gain much in terms of performance...

 

If I win a lotto someday, I'll be doing what Spaz is doing. Now, I just need to go buy some lotto, Bwhahahaha...

 

we should play together Kev lol

 

Looks good man. We will take care of ya!

 

lol I wish I could win the lottery then I'd make my car to my wanting....

Thank you sir!

 

I like the support you are getting Spaz!