alternative source for vacuum lines?

[elgyqc]

I am about to redo the vacuum lines on my 2.7 engine.The last time I did this I bought lines from Porsche but am wondering if there is an alternative. Porsche's lines are OK but pricey for what they are. What else is out there?

[Starter986]

NAPA. Auto Zone. O'Reilly.

[elgyqc]

I would like to buy locally, Auto Zone and O'Reilly are US only and I find the NAPA site a PITA.
The Porsche spec is 4mm OD and 1mm ID, the OD is important because all the connections are made with the OD, i.e. the tube is a male connector. I have found some vacuum tubing on Amazon that is 4mm OD and a decent temperature range but it is 2mm ID, is the ID important?
https://www.amazon.ca/Mssoomm-Silicone-32-81ft-Flexible-Transfer/dp/B08GKN8GGR/ref=sr_1_34?crid=MW7J2J0S9MQD&keywords=1mm%2BID%2B4mm%2BOD%2Bvacuum%2Btube&qid=1689528397&sprefix=1mm%2Bid%2B4mm%2Bod%2Bvacuum%2Btube%2Caps% 2C120&sr=8-34&th=1

[Dllrd23]

found it at Auto Haus AZ for about $1 per foot. seems fairly reasonable.

[elgyqc]

Still wondering if 2mm ID would be OK in place of 1mm ID.
I checked at Auto Zone when I was near one last week and they don't carry 4mm OD, Auto Haus AZ has the right size but is not worth it with shipping. So at the moment Porsche seems to be the best source.
I was hoping to find a source where it would be cheaper to buy in bulk because I have 3 engines that should be done soon.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

Still wondering if 2mm ID would be OK in place of 1mm ID.
...

I don't think the 2mm ID will be a problem. I have a roll of 3mm ID high temp silicone vacuum tubing that I have used to repair many cars. I have placed it with connectors or cut pieces of the old tubing. It has worked well for years with no issues.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I don't think the 2mm ID will be a problem. I have a roll of 3mm ID high temp silicone vacuum tubing that I have used to repair many cars. I have placed it with connectors or cut pieces of the old tubing. It has worked well for years with no issues.

Thanks, I think I'll go with the 2mm ID in that case.

[Gelbster]

This has been covered in previous battles with the SAi system. I used silicone hose made in USA and brass fittings throughout. Sure they are not OEM but silicone and brass will outlast plastic for sure.
Try to route the hose and position fittings where they are more visible/accessible and allow enough slack to make future work easier.Use robust ,reuseable clips to keep the hose off hot items and away from moving parts.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

This has been covered in previous battles with the SAi system. I used silicone hose made in USA and brass fittings throughout. Sure they are not OEM but silicone and brass will outlast plastic for sure.
Try to route the hose and position fittings where they are more visible/accessible and allow enough slack to make future work easier.Use robust ,reuseable clips to keep the hose off hot items and away from moving parts.

Good ideas, including to reroute the lines to make future maintenance easier.
I ended up buying this:

MECCANIXITY Silicone Tubing Hose 2mm ID 4mm OD 8ft Red High Temperature for Water Hose Air Tube
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09L7MW9PK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

When I received it I found it a bit soft so would like to test it before replacing all the lines. I will try to find a place where I can test this silicone line and where I can easily replace it if it collapses.