Tubes: More than just the Internets

[AceInHole]

I ended up ordering a cheapo Ebay intercooler kit, mostly since it's all bead rolled and fitted already, and I'm short on time. However, while working on my wiring, I found some 4" heat shrink from McMaster (shrink wrap and braided covers on my wires this time around). Has anyone toyed with the idea of heat shrinking their pipe couplers? I'm thinking of doing so over the worm clamps, for dust/ grime/ rust protection as well as extra clamping power.

Also, before I order it, has anyone found any cheap bead rollers other than the Harbor Frieght sheet metal kit?

[veilside180sx]

I've seen the mcmaster carr and a few others, but they look the same. Every real shop I've seen uses the Bead Form which you can buy from Trick Tools for $399.

[2Fass240us]

Nevar thought of heat-shrink tubing something like that, but it makes A LOT of sense.

You should just add wiggins clamps instead. :D

[AceInHole]

Yea. I was going through all the heat shrink wrap and was like "wow... 4 inch ID heat shrink?!?!?"

I guess I could give it a shot. It's like $20 for a 5-pack.

[Def]

I've seen the mcmaster carr and a few others, but they look the same. Every real shop I've seen uses the Bead Form which you can buy from Trick Tools for $399.

Yep, that's a good tool. I managed to get one purchased for the lab at work. We have the Bead Form II HD - and it can do smaller tubes than what they spec, and I don't see why it couldn't do bigger ones as well. It'll even do some titanium, but it is not happy about the process.

Wiggins clamps are cool too - I've got a few hundred sitting in my desk right now. :D

[Def]

Oh yea, as for the heat shrink - it might work, but I imagine it's not the most abrasion resistant stuff when pulled over a hard object like a tube.

Check out Zenaracing on ebay - it takes a while for the couplers to get to you from Hong Kong, but they're good quality and pretty cheap.

[2Fass240us]

Wiggins clamps are cool too - I've got a few hundred sitting in my desk right now. :D
Any in >=2"?

[AceInHole]

Are wiggins clamps flexible enough for turbo use? I'd assume you'd need a couple hump hoses at the engine side connections....

[2Fass240us]

Are wiggins clamps flexible enough for turbo use? I'd assume you'd need a couple hump hoses at the engine side connections....
Sorry, but is this because the engine/turbo would move relative to the chassis when it torques?

I'd think you could use two hump hoses (one after compressor, one before TB) to solve this problem. I would think you could install a torque damper instead though.

[Invisible_Saddle]

y not just get t-bolt clamps they have that 'cool' factor

[Def]

Any in >=2"?

Yep, I've got all the way up to 5" with plenty of ferrules to match. Even got a few made out of Titanium. ;)

[Def]

Are wiggins clamps flexible enough for turbo use? I'd assume you'd need a couple hump hoses at the engine side connections....

Yea, there is more axial flexibility in a wiggins clamp than on a silicone hose. In the ~2.5" size there is a little less than 0.25" of axial play. They go up to about a 7 degree misalignment as well. Never leak a drop, and you put them on and take them off with just 2 fingers.

Weigh less than a silicone hose as well...

[2Fass240us]

Yep, I've got all the way up to 5" with plenty of ferrules to match. Even got a few made out of Titanium. ;)
Hook a kneegah up.

[Def]

haha - that'd be a no, and most the ones that are sitting around can't be used with commercially available ferrules.