Stainless Steel Brake Lines for 1st Gen Qs

[DAEDALUS]

I went down to the local Earl's distributor today . They had off-the-shelf stainless steel brake lines available for about $19 each. These are simple lines, with the correct-sized fittings on each end, that are very near the same length of the stock lines on the car.If you look at your lines, though, you'll see that each line has 3 intermediary fittings along the length that allow it to be secured to the frame to reduce the loads on the line. The rep said this is not a concern with the SS lines, since the outer sleeving can easily support the weight of the entire part without sagging or stressing of the inner rubber/teflon sleeving. BUT, the lines can be custom made for about $30/line to match the factory lines if desired.Here's where it gets interesting. I then asked him about group buys, and he said that if I can move enough sets I can get full brake sets for about $50/set for off-the-shelf, or $75/set for custom.

Check out the Earl's site--apparently these lines have passed all DOT lab tests. Site does NOT say lines are DOT-approved. Also, the site implies these will work on models '90-'95. http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/P....html

Give me a head count if you guys are REALLY interested. OH, and they have a product VERY similar to speed-bleeders for about $10/pair...I can pick up a bunch of those too for anyone who wants them. I've had them for about a year, and they're still dry and clean with no signs of leaking.http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/P....html

You guys let me know. My brake seals arrive tomorrow. I should have them all back together this weekend with the new lines, and I will update you on how they install and perform.

[DougQ45]

I'll take a set of the $50 lines. Doug

[DAEDALUS]

I'll post some pics this weekend after the install. I need to make a point that Earl's site does NOT say the lines are DOT-approved, just that they have passed all the DOT lab tests. That's good enough for me, but it's important to consider and I wanted to be perfectly clear and correct my 1st post.

[AZhitman]

I think i might be down for some too.

What advantage to the SS braideds?

[DAEDALUS]

An old car (like mine) should have its lines replaced anyway, and I'm sure these don't cost more than OEM. I figure if my seals are failing, the lines can't be too far behind. The biggest difference with SS lines is that the steel overbraid prevents the tube from expanding under pressure, so you'll find the brake pedal firmer during braking.They're probably safer from incidental damage from impact or cuts.My only concern is with how the fittings are attached to the line, since I think this is where most of the aftermarket lines will fail, if at all. This is something you have to consider. I may never understand why the Q wasn't designed with a redundant system, buy maybe its just not possible with the ABS system. I did buy a pair today. The mesh used is fine and even, with only a couple insignificant visible flaws in the weave. No kinks or loose ends. It looks at least as good as the stuff relied on to keep satellites in orbit for 10 years or more.How about some opinions from you guys with steel lines on your cars? Let us know if you think it's worth it. I'll post my observations this weekend.

[PalmerWMD]

I have stell braided barke lines as well.

Havn't been able to discern any difference to the regular set-up, though.But I am sure there is one.Like Daedalus said it speeds up the brake reaction time, plus probably a bit safer as well.

Fred...

[Sopdadope]

I'm in only if these lines will work with the Skyline rotor and caliper upgrade? Can someone chime in and lemme know, 911/q45? if they do, count me in. Thanks.

[911/Q45]

The stainless lines I used were standard Q45 configuration, so you should be good to go Sopdadope!

[DenverQ]

Im so in!

[reggiegsd]

Put me down for a set of the Custom.

[maxnix]

I recommend all their tech articles for your edification.

A lot of what Dennis says is echoed here.

For SS brake lines, please read:

http://www.stoptech.com/docs/ssbrakelines1.pdf

[Sopdadope]

I'm in

[DAEDALUS]

Sorry for taking so long, guys. I couldn't post for over a week. (Thanks, Fred, for figuring it out.) Then my parents were in town for a couple of days, keeping me busy. I put the lines in on the front and I've had a week to get used to them. The pedal is firmer, though it took me 2 tries to bleed all the air out of the lines. Funny thing about firmer brakes is I find myself starting to brake later, because subconsiously I feel like the brakes themselves are stronger than they were. Of course this isn't true, so I'm trying to relearn so my girlfriend stops getting carsick. (How ironic that she gets carsick now that I have new suspension and brakes!)Anyway, I'll be heading down to Earl's as soon as I can get away from work for a couple hours, and I'll post again.I created a site for installation instructions:

http://home.socal.rr.com/robverna/brklines.htm

[sultan]

i'd be interested in ss lines, too. might change to 300zx brakes at the same time.

[Trung1130]

What happen to this group buy? And how does Earl's compare to the R1's on Ebay and the Stillen ones?

[DAEDALUS]

I didn't get enough responses to go for it. And I can't compare brands' performances, but for liability reasons I have to recommend getting something street-legal.

[jamesmost]

95 q had ss lines for a few years now bought them from stillen

[oxs1]

Is this group buy still in?

[DAEDALUS]

Sorry Ox. I'm actually considering removing them in favor of street-legal ones. Too much liability otherwise.

[rsiwicki]

I am taking my car up to Orlando this Thursday/Friday to Jason (Heavy Duty) to give a little love to my Q. I am going to put on the following brakes providing he can do the work at his shop on Friday....something about hitting the brakes hard at 120+mph a couple of times dd not do my rotors any justice :-)

PowerStop Slotted RotorsAxiss Semi-Metal PadsSS Lines

All above recommended by Q45tech. I need a few TLC adjustments that would take me forever to do in my condo garage and I think Jason's place can do it cheaper/better than paying some local crazy Miami guy that thinks he knows everything. I am also going up to Orlando as this weekend is the Corvette Swap meet and there should be 2 convert 68-72 vettes there for sale for me to look at.....that is my next car....a 68-72 convert very nicely ($30K) restored vette and I plan on keeping the Q if I do get one of these cars...otherwise if I buy a newer car then the Q is gone :-( I will post how I like the powerstop setup....here are some links with ordering info...

btw....SS lines by Russell are $101 at this site

http://www.prostreetonline.com...rakes/

http://www.importrp.com/pbr.html