Samco silicone coolant hoses, possible group buy.

[tigerdog]

Has anyone seen the Samco green colour? Is it bright/grass green or is it a good match for BRG? (No, I don't want yellow hoses on my BRG, thanks. Trying to keep things a bit low-key under the bonnet for California smog inspectors...)

Answering my own question, I spoke with James at Amber Performance today. Samco normally supply a bright lime green, however they will also supply BRG on special order. Nothing like bespoke coolant hoses! Smaug will, therefore, be receiving a set of shiny BRG hoses and stainless clamps in about 3 weeks. I'm also happy to report, the LEC discount is still available.

Also, for those who don't have time or patience to look through nineteen freaking pages of posts, here is Amber's contact info again:

UK: 0845 260 0015
International: +44 1582 664 735
james@amber-performance.co.uk

Watch the Smaug thread for pictures and installation fun!

[Dico]

I'm pretty sure you will have done, but you did order the Federal set didn't you?
http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6981

I'm sure you have

[tigerdog]

I'm pretty sure you will have done, but you did order the Federal set didn't you?

Yes indeed. James commented this is the only set of BRG-coloured Fed hoses he's sold. One more bit of unique kit under Smaug's bonnet.

[tigerdog]

The Fed hose set needs the same 16-19mm coupler as the S2s, so remember to order it when you order your hoses. (Guess who didn't ) Alternately, call your local NAPA and ask for part number "BK 6601532". It's steel 5/8" to 3/4" (not alloy 16mm to 19mm) but does the trick and should be available anywhere in N America for about $10.

[tigerdog]

...The aux coolant pump may fit in a different location. This may not be the case with all US cars, but the "big" hose in my install seems to want to locate the pump in a different position. See second and third pictures. I'm not sure if the US and UK locations of the pump is the same, but you can see the mounting bracket in my car (not being used) above the pump. I have not mounted the pump in the pictures, but merely set it in position to get mounting ideas...I'll let you know and post pics.

Dave, do you happen to have pics of how you solved the problem of the "big" hose to water pump? If yes, can you post them either here or under the Samco Fed topic in upgrades, please?

[JETRO]

COUNT ME IN FOR A SET OF BLUES IF THIS THREAD IS STILL ALIVE!

[tigerdog]

COUNT ME IN FOR A SET OF BLUES IF THIS THREAD IS STILL ALIVE!

Samco hoses for the Elan are now generally available. James at Amber Performance is the primary contact and Amber typically keep blue in stock. Contact info is here.

[rip]

COUNT ME IN FOR A SET OF BLUES IF THIS THREAD IS STILL ALIVE!

Samco hoses for the Elan are now generally available. James at Amber Performance is the primary contact and Amber typically keep blue in stock. Contact info is here.

Group buy is still alive:- mention LEC to James and he'll give you a decent price. I recommend going for the stainless jubilee clips too. Amber are just off the A5, the other side of Dunstable from you. They stay open 'til 11pm on a Monday night (rather than Saturday) so you can collect in person.

[theelanman]

I ordered my clips today.....
gonna fit them when I get back from LMC....

£33 for the clips by the way

[Nobby]

Has anyone seen the Samco green colour? Is it bright/grass green or is it a good match for BRG? (No, I don't want yellow hoses on my BRG, thanks. Trying to keep things a bit low-key under the bonnet for California smog inspectors...)

Answering my own question, I spoke with James at Amber Performance today. Samco normally supply a bright lime green, however they will also supply BRG on special order. Nothing like bespoke coolant hoses! Smaug will, therefore, be receiving a set of shiny BRG hoses and stainless clamps in about 3 weeks. I'm also happy to report, the LEC discount is still available.

Also, for those who don't have time or patience to look through nineteen freaking pages of posts, here is Amber's contact info again:

UK: 0845 260 0015
International: +44 1582 664 735
james@amber-performance.co.uk

Watch the Smaug thread for pictures and installation fun!

Hi, Like you I am also interested in a more subtle approach. I like the pictures of the end result. These have helpped me make a decision to go for BRG also.

many thanks, Nobby

[lotos]

I've just emailed Amber about the deal - hopefully they're still doing it, I think this is a good idea for my "sitting for a decade" Elan...

[tigerdog]

I've just emailed Amber about the deal - hopefully they're still doing it, I think this is a good idea for my "sitting for a decade" Elan...

I agree, changing hoses is a good idea; I'd also change the heater valve as these are prone to invisible internal corrosion and failure even on well-maintained cars. James set me up (with the discount) just a few months ago. Be advised, if it's a special order it may take 8 weeks or so to arrive at your door.

[GeoffSmith]

I'd also change the heater valve as these are prone to invisible internal corrosion and failure even on well-maintained cars.

Top tip! Mine is sat beside me minus the inlet pipe. They're off old Volvos e.g. 740 by the way (not Jags) and there are all plastic replacements available.

[tigerdog]

They're off old Volvos e.g. 740 by the way (not Jags) and there are all plastic replacements available.

Thus the truth is spoken Here's one web reference for just such an all-plastic replacement. I used a generic heater valve, NAPA part number BK 6601230, that works great, costs about $11. Only fiddly bit was the vacuum fitting, which is too large to accept the standard hose - I made an adapter.

[Doc Fizzix]

Here's one web reference for just such an all-plastic replacement.

Nice find! I will order

[lotos]

So all-plastic is a good thing in this case, huh? Usually that means "crap" in engine parts, no?

[Doc Fizzix]

So all-plastic is a good thing in this case, huh? Usually that means "crap" in engine parts, no?

If we are talking about the hose connections you will find that the original ones all rust and fall apart easily. The heater valve is very susceptible to rusting. I have replaced all of mine with plastic for several reasons, one and most important to me has to do with preventing electrolysis in the water system, when you start putting different metals in the water system (aluminum radiator, steal block, brass sensors, aluminum head, and so on) electrical currents can develop and the fluid will build up ions that "eat" away at the brass fittings and the motor itself, the evidence of this process is always a white powder that is a product of the electrolysis that builds up around hose connections and fittings. You might want to read the following: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8314

Of course the single most important thing you can do to protect your motor and the cooling system is to change the fluid. I hope you have changed the coolant after you got home, I remember Bob telling me it was only done one time in 17 years

[lotos]

FYI - yes they are still doing the hose deal for LEC members
Now I've got to start making some aesthetic decisions on the color choices and that sort of thing. I may just go with all-black and keep it clean and simple... but I bought a bright yellow sports car, so going with a bit of flair under the hood wouldn't be over-reaching IMO. I've seen some pics of some engine compartments all bedazzled with color-coordinated splendor. Yellow, BRG, etc.... (tigerdog's comes to mind, which I really like) Some thinking to do....

[tigerdog]

FYI - yes they are still doing the hose deal for LEC members
Now I've got to start making some aesthetic decisions on the color choices and that sort of thing. I may just go with all-black and keep it clean and simple... but I bought a bright yellow sports car, so going with a bit of flair under the hood wouldn't be over-reaching IMO. I've seen some pics of some engine compartments all bedazzled with color-coordinated splendor. Yellow, BRG, etc.... (tigerdog's comes to mind, which I really like) Some thinking to do....

I've decided I like the BRG, though black would have kept a more stealth/sinister look. What I don't like is having "Samco Sport" stamped at either end of every hose. Makes the underhood look too busy, IMO. If you order a dark colour, you might ask Samco to omit the stamp or stamp only one or two large hoses. If you order yellow, the white logo probably won't show. In any case, it's fun to make decisions like this!

[nitroman]

If you order a dark colour, you might ask Samco to omit the stamp or stamp only one or two large hoses.

Has anyone done that?