I use the gates flex hoses. They are dirt cheap and tough as nails. They have stainless wire wound into them.

 

@Mntnceguy Pretty much go to the parts store and find one, you need to fit the thermostat then take the hoses and see what they can match up

@RoverMasterTech The BMW hose would not work on my 04, it was the right part number but was way off. And my adjusted stock hoses are fine, I did a hose refresh after my head gasket let go as the cooling system was over pressured but no issues there. I get you do not like it but it works and it works well for the cost. Actually getting a 2 part inline the allowed you to use any of the dozens angled second parts would be ideal but it simply does not exist. at least that I could find as a pair. There a number of LS applications that might work by combining them together,but I wanted something simple and easy to install and this met my criteria.

Seeing as you really seem to dislike this why don't you come up with a competing alternative, I know 3 people directly who have installed this kit with no issues or problems all of them owner's who happen to turn wrenches so it really can not be all that flawed.

 

If it helps anyone, I used a Gates #22073 hose from O'Reilly's for the lower radiator hose. Trimmed a small bit off it to fit, but otherwise it works perfect. Also gets rid of more bends, which if you know even a lil about hydrodynamics, bends are major flow restrictors. I have a 2004 4.6L D2 if that matters.

 

Anyone ever used this style of thermostat?

 

You had to trim that Gates hose? I just installed the same hose and I didn't do any trimming, but I have the Allisport radiator, so that might be a difference.

 

I used this hose for the top. Silicone with wire in it. Seems very tough. https://www.viperperformance.co.uk/s...cone-hose.html

I did not get the cuffed hose but wished I didn’t as the uncuffed one was hard to get installed because of the wire all the way through it.

 

Extinct,
My first post and I haven’t yet introduced myself proper, but I installed the kit last night on my 2000 D2 and ran in to issue. Could you please contact me when you have the chance. Contact info in order #412 or pm me please.

Seems like a quality kit and I look forward to running it after I sort it out.

Thanks,

Aggie Rover
(Bryan Mills)

 

Emailed ya, happy to help.

 

There are dozen's of us on the board who have installed the mod, so if you post a question, you'll have a wealth of information available to help solve your issue.

 

Xanthro, Thank you for the comment and offer. The installation went fine. The issue I had was with the T-stat housing itself. There was a slight casting defect that was undetectable until the system pressurized, causing a slight leak. I wanted to give Tim (Extinct) a chance to respond first and boy did he.

Tim took the time to send me an email at 2:00 am this morning, a second later in the morning and we talked on the phone for a good half hour. He listened to my issue and a new housing is on the way, no questions asked. He also went out of his way to offer Some general useful Disco advice, as I’m new to the community. He is a standup guy in my book!

I’ll post temp results when I’m up and running and at some point I’ll figure out how to update my profile with vehicle info.

Aggie Rover