I questioned this once before, so please bear with me. I have seen some using non-metallic braided lines that pass through the drivers area (cockpit) here in BMWCCA. But, this is prohibited in SCCA as all lines must be metal or braided steel that enter the drivers area. Is this then NOT true for sure in BMWCR rules?
I'm running these lines now and decided to go with the lightweight non-metallic stuff, but my SCCA friend pointed out the rules to me about this in the rulebook.

Thanks

NASA also specs metallic braided lines for anything but cool suit fluid. Just read through it 3 hours ago.

RB

Specifically what lines are you running?

I'd say use [lightweight] braided lines, you probably won't see much of a weight advantage, and if its a small additional cost that ensures you are eligible for every event you want to participate in, its well worth it. Plus, the braided line is more durable if you have to climb around in the cockpit for whatever reason :)

How much lighter is the line you use, about 40% lighter? I believe -12 is about 1/2lb per ft for the braided standard hose. So assuming it even cuts the weight in half, you are talking about 1/4lb saving per foot, even with 20ft, thats only 5lbs.

Unless there is another reason you are using it other than saving a couple #'s, sounds like it might be a good idea to use braided to satisfy all current rules.

I would just use steel braided hose in a race car. Plus I've seen some amateur race cars just pass the hose through a hole in a firewall - that's a major no-no. Always use bulkhead fittings properly fastened to the firewall with jam nuts.

The lightweight stuff isn't that much lighter, and it is definitely more susceptible to damage from abrasion or cutting the braids.

Actually the lighter hose is considerably lighter, hence the only reason I was going to use it. Remember, I'm building a very underpowered to weight ratio DM car, so wieght is huge.
I saw that the E46 Turbo Project Progress (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=689216) car was using this stuff and as I respected that build it confirmed that it might be OK to use. I figure that I could save around 10 lbs using it. Looks like steal is the right way to go though. Thanks for the replies!

Greg

I use Kevlar reinforced braided lightweight line for my oil lines and Power Steering pump lines that enter the cockpit. All are bulkheaded at the firewall.

The Kevlar Lines are far superior to stock lines for burst rating. While they appear vulnerable, I am assured they are very safe.

The BMW Rule book is available at www.bmwccaclubracing.com

The ad for Earls kevlar lines says they are 60% lighter than their braided stainless

But which braided lines...Its advertising claims, i'm sure they chose the heaviest hose available to compare to.

I've got both at work, yes, the nomex/kevlar lines are lighter, but it is not a huge difference, especially when you are looking at a -4 or -6 size. The lines just don't weigh a huge amount to begin with.

I'd put a fire sleeve around any lines in the cockpit too.

Just a follow up. I made two small fuel lines, about 5 foot each, same fittings. One was made from Earls lightweight hose and the other from Earls SS braided hose. The lightweight weighed 7.7 oz. The SS weighed 13.9 oz. With all the lines I am using, 2 -10s at aprox 5' each, and 2 -6 at 5' each we are probably talking about 2lbs savings if I had been able to use the light stuff. I think it's worth it myself.