Hi Guys

Are silicon hoses better then the regular rubber hoses?
If so where can i buy a kit for my 2001 XKR?

Thanks

 

NO.....

 

When silicone fails, it is more apt to fail catastrophically rather than slowly leak like rubber.

That being said, Paragon (Tony, aka XKRacer on the forum) makes a nice set, which is really more of a cosmetic upgrade: Paragon Design UK - Jaguar XK8 & XKR Engine Detailing, Upgrades

 

What are you hoping to gain?

 

thanks guys
mostly im looking to gain more durability and reliability

 

Just as poly bushings are not more durable or reliable than rubber, silicone is not more durable or reliable.

Don't believe all the marketing hype.

 

if you are keeping the car LONG TERM I think they are worth it. I have owned a few Police cars in the past, Caprice models that had them on the car. We know they get road hard and put up wet. The hoses were like new at 150k miles on them, no hardness at the clamps where old normal hoses would start to crack and leak.

 

You're talking about the braid reinforced silicone for truck and bus usage
from Gates and Goodyear? Seems to be good stuff. Available at NAPA.

At least on police package vehicles, I would guess it's as easy as finding
the original part number and going to the dealer.

 

The Caprice cars of the mid 90's had green silicon hoses.

 

I think they are money spent unnecessarily. I believe that the best work is to insert sheaths thermal insulation on the pipes.
this will avoid that the heat of the engine to warm the pipe (and consequently the water flowing inside) holding the temperature constant in the intercooler, and also the original tube will last longer.