Upgrade cooling system hoses..Worth it or not? What about bars leak?

[9646gt]

Just as it says...do you feel it is worth it to upgrade to better silicone type hoses on the cooling system? Have you done it? If so what did you think of the upgrade? What did you buy and where? How much were they? I am replacing radiator tmrw and was considering doing this. Also they guy at the parts store said to use just a little barsleak for aluminum and said he had the chance to tour both GM and Ford plants and that they use it the fiorst time on the cars new..What are your opinions?

 

[tomustang]

never trust the guys behind the counter at a parts store. they're just trying to sell you something, remember that. If your hoses are cracked then replace'em. put that money tward the headswap

 

[Spreadman]

Barsleak will do more harm than good on a perfectly good cooling system. I used it in my ride when I was having a small coolant leak at the head gasket. Delayed the inevitable. Plus made it worse once I flushed it all out.

 

[Josh-'96 GT]

I wouldn't put that Bar's stuff in my cooling system. My understanding is that it inhibits heat transfer...not a good thing.

 

[sgarlic]

My opinion on hoses, is if you're going to spend money getting "aftermarket" or "upgraded" hoses, you might as well go for the braided hoses.. this way you don't have to worry about one of them bursting or developing a small hole. My wife's Jeep has the stock hoses (168k later) and still have no problems or wear showing.