AN Fittings, Stainless Braided Lines, where to buy them, how to assemble them, etc.

[TROLL]

edit: turned into a good informative discussion so I moved this to the engine performance section so others can hopefully take something from it as well.

I'm getting ready to start building/installing my fuel system... parts should be on the way this coming week and it'll be time to start installing it. I've read that its a good idea to use a Hose Cutter for Braided Stainless to get clean easy cuts, and that I'll want to use Aluminum AN Wrenches if I don't want to mar up my nice new fittings. If I can save the $100+ on this stuff by borrowing from someone who already has these tools, it would be very much appreciated.
Also if you've installed a fuel system with AN fittings and braided stainless hose before and want to lend a hand, that would also be awesome since I know there's a learning curve with assembling the hose and fittings.
So... let me know if you can be of assistance. Gracias...
Bryan

[Vince@R/TTuning]

Those Hose cutters suck, just an FYI. All those ones that come with the kits are cheap crap.

[Nors]

To add to vince's post.. I used a chop saw and it worked nicely. I had issues with mine, but it turned out I was threading them the wrong way, and once that was sorted they all went on super easy.

[TROLL]

what is a chop saw?
i've read that its bad to saw through the hose because you'll get all that rubber dust in the lines, and then in your fuel system. one method is to use a dremel just on the outer steel braided line, then cut the inner rubber line. but the easiest method is with cutters made for this stuff.

[ho1ywars]

i dont know about other kits, but i know the cutters that come in the summit kit are great. i used them on my car, my pops car, and a friends and the hoses always come out with clean cut ends.

[TROLL]

...and where are they now?

[ho1ywars]

my pop actually spun a bearing in his street rod a few weeks ago, and were dropping in the new motor tomarrow. Along with the new motor im changing over the heater lines to AN and running an oil and trans cooler. if you still them it in a few weeks, i can let you know when im done with them.

[underpressure02]

Don't use those cutters they suck. Get some electrical tap and wrap it around a few times then put it in the chop saw and cut it. There will be rubber in there just blow it out or spray some carb cleaner in there and blow it out. The an wrenchs are only going to help you install the fittings onto the bung. You need a bigger wrench then the an wrenchs to tighten the fitting together after installing the hose. Just get use a vise and some towels to try and not scratch them. I would not get ss line and get the black line, so much nicer and easier to work with.

Or you can do this

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1939708

or this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDSozy6MZto

[TROLL]

Thanks for the info... what black line are you talking about using? And while I'm at it, are all fittings created equal or is there one I should get over another? And any recommended places to order?

[Silverfc88]

I use electrical tape also. Wrap it around tight a few times, stick the hose in the vise halfway on the electrical tape. Then I make my cut with a hack saw against the flat edge. I use a small wire cutter to clean it up a little. Spray it out with some carb cleaner. The rest depends on the fittings. I usually use a vise or two crescents to get the two halfs together. I try not to get any scratches on the fittings, but for me its hard not to get some very small ones.

[underpressure02]

Originally Posted by TROLL

Thanks for the info... what black line are you talking about using? And while I'm at it, are all fittings created equal or is there one I should get over another? And any recommended places to order?

The black line is the same as the ss line except you don't get pricked and bleed when trying to install the ends, plus you can use a sharp utility knife to cut it. I have always had good luck with summit brand fittings. My entire fuel system and catch can setup lines and fittings are from summit.

This year I got one bad fitting from them that leaked and I sent it back and they replaced it for free and paid for shipping.


Here is an example http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Their pic is crappy but if you have a catalog you can see it much better. The line is more expensive then the summit ss line but it is so much easier to work with and I think makes the engine bay so much cleaner and nicer looking. I don't think summit is making the black line yet you have to get it from earl's but summit sells it. For the fittings if I remember correctly all you do is add a b to the end of the part number for the black fittings

[peteyturbo]

Dont need a hose cutter, just some tape and a decent hacksaw.. **** your pretty ass fittings, worrying about "nicking" one is stupid..you will not inflict irreprible damage with a regular wrench..Why make a supra a beauty queen? No offense but this ets on my nerves lol

[TROLL]

I think my philosophy is that I want to keep things as nice looking as possible, as long as it doesn't compromise performance or enjoyment of driving the car in any way. So... I want to buy quality parts that perform with the best of them, but if I can manage to keep it looking clean at the same time then more power to me. Oh, and you also might like to know that I'm planning to get all black fittings, just so they match

Thanks for the info here... I'm definitely learning some good stuff before I take the plunge. I already have the rail, injectors, and fpr so whats still on the list is a second pump, filter, hose and fittings. I've got a pretty detailed list based on someone else who built a setup from scratch which I'm working off of (to avoid spending ~$2000 for a ready made kit from one of the big companies).

[WKderF]

troll - I made a bunch of AN lines wen i was in my NOS / CO2 phase. next time we talk or next time I stop by the batcave I can school you in on my experiences.

[peteyturbo]

I understand but you have to admit, when you are worrying about scratching an earls fitting..Just use an adjustable with some elec. tape or something jeez.. I build Hydraulic lines at work al the time and some use aluminum fittings, they are not anodized but they sure dont get chewed up like you might thik.

Originally Posted by TROLL

I think my philosophy is that I want to keep things as nice looking as possible, as long as it doesn't compromise performance or enjoyment of driving the car in any way. So... I want to buy quality parts that perform with the best of them, but if I can manage to keep it looking clean at the same time then more power to me. Oh, and you also might like to know that I'm planning to get all black fittings, just so they match

Thanks for the info here... I'm definitely learning some good stuff before I take the plunge. I already have the rail, injectors, and fpr so whats still on the list is a second pump, filter, hose and fittings. I've got a pretty detailed list based on someone else who built a setup from scratch which I'm working off of (to avoid spending ~$2000 for a ready made kit from one of the big companies).

[underpressure02]

Troll also check out racingjunk.com. Alot of times when the v-8 guys are selling their projects they let things go a lot cheaper then the import guys. I got my weldon 2015a pump along with line and fittings on there for a few hundred dollars. It was a steal. Simply because the guy needed money and was blowing out all his stuff for cheap.

[cburwell]

Places to buy:
anplumbing.com
K&G Speed Associates in Bromall - They have a good amount in stock and can get anything else the next day during the week.

I have used a dremel to cut the hose with limited success. It woks if you are in a bind, but other then that a chop saw is best.

As far as wrenches, are the adjustable ones any good? I assume they are like any other wrench where a fixed wrench would be preferred.

[wgknestrick]

Ebay is a decent source for the AN fittings

[11secdsm]

One of the biggest AN suppliers is actually in our area and sells to the public. Their prices are by far the cheapest and products work great.

http://shop.a1racing.com/index.asp?P...TS&Category=37

As for cutting line...I used to wrap the line in electical tape and use a cut off wheel. I've since found a MUCH easier way to get a clean cut. Use electrical tape and then use a sharp chisel and hefty hammer. Put the line on an aluminum block and hit it HARD with the chisel/hammer. 2 whacks and the line will cut clean.

[igo4bmx]

to prevent damage to the fittings use wood in between the vice and the fittings to prevent marring when you insert the hose.
when assembling the two pieces of the fitting wrap the fittings with masking tape.