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Continuous development of new applications for dry sump oiling systems for racing cars and new racing fuel chemistry. The demand for new hoses and hose ends that can handle these fluids is also growing. The technology that provides these advantages relies on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or "Teflon" hose lining technology.

This Teflon lining design is not affected by all racing fluids that will eventually decompose rubber and synthetic rubber hoses, and is also very suitable for dry sump engine pipes and other high vacuum applications.

PTFE piping is no longer a peculiar, but a new normal, which intensifies the challenge of improving some of the shortcomings provided by the "first generation" PTFE hose.

We discussed its relatively new Race-Rite and Race-Rite PRO series of PTFE hoses and hose ends with Brint McLellan of Fragola Performance Systems. One of the most notable features that are vital to racers is the new consistency of hose inner diameter.

Fragola 6000 series PTFE hoses have performed well in recent years. Its solid lining and braided sheath are durable, but are limited in bending ability. The new Race-Rite hose also has a smooth PTFE liner, but uses a coiled core design with a wound helix. This new design can achieve a smaller bending radius and a higher flow rate.

Improvement of inner diameter

McLellan explained: "If we look at the older 6000 series PTFE hoses, the inner diameter of -10 AN hoses and joints is only 1/2 inch. The standard for -10 AN systems should all be 5/8 inches. Use the new Race -Rite production line, you can get the correctly specified inner diameter that racers are used to, as well as standardized braided steel and nylon braided hoses."

One of the biggest differences is that the new Race-Rite hose size meets the requirements. So, for example, the -6 Race-Rite hose has a truly standardized AN measurement of 3/8 inch inner diameter, which is different from the old PTFE hose design with a smaller inner diameter. – Blind McClellan, Fragonard

Although it is a well-made and popular product to this day, when comparing Fragola Series 6000 with Race-Rite hoses, one improvement we see is an improvement in the bending radius. When we tested our Project Rover Chevrolet Camaro bracket car for E-85 fuel usage in a previous Dragzine article, we were limited to a bending radius of 4 1/2 to 5 inches because we used -10 AN soft Pipes and fittings for Camaro's recirculation fuel system.

"For the 6000 series hose, the smooth inner lining is thicker and restricts some sharp bends," McClellan cites. "A key update for Race-Rite hoses is still the smooth but thinner PTFE liner, which is wrapped by a coiled core. Race-Rite PRO hoses are wound with stainless steel wire between the layers. These hoses are designed to Prevent kinks; you can really tighten your bend radius slightly."

Another benefit associated with the new Race-Rite and Race-Rite PRO hose design is the ability to withstand 28 inches of vacuum. In extreme cases, the dry oil pan and fuel system pipes may cause the pipes to collapse. In this case, they may be closed at the inlet side of the high-capacity fuel pump and the fuel pump.

Crimp and reusable hose ends

Race-Rite hoses can use two types of hose ends. Many racers have mastered the complexity of installing the "olive" design; the end of the reusable hose is inserted into a PTFE lined hose. Nevertheless, the popularity of crimped hose ends is also becoming more and more popular.

You can find a local Fragola Performance Systems distributor who has equipped their store with hydraulic crimping systems. Regardless, McClellan commented that many racers followed the measurement instructions in their catalog and ordered custom factory crimped hoses without problems.

To many people's surprise, the crimped and reusable hose end options are very similar in price. With this, enthusiasts are becoming more and more satisfied with the process of carefully measuring and ordering very durable crimp ends. Fragola sees an increase in orders for crimped AN fittings for PTFE hoses.

"Many people will remove their old plumbing systems from their cars and send them to us," McClellan explained. "Then we just copy every hose in the Race-Rite series... it's that simple."

Compared with reusable joints, crimp joints also have the advantage of being more compact. "In many applications, this may not be a big problem," McLellan said, "but it is the benefactor of some narrow spots in the dry sump oil system and fuel pipeline."

McLellan said that many racers reported that they had reduced the overall weight by 40 to 60 pounds when reinstalling the pipes for the entire car.

"A system consisting of an oil intake and return system, some tubing, and possibly some nitrous acid or turbine inner coils can see these savings," he said. "After adding a dry sump oiling system, you will see even more weight reduction."

Another listed characteristic of the two hoses is temperature durability. As McLellan said, it specifies a working range of -65 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which may be a bit too much for many applications in the automotive market.

"But when it comes to drag racing automatic transmissions related to external cooling systems and external drain valves, it's useful," McClellan said. "Many people have already started using these applications."

With the advent of ethanol-based fuels in racing cars, Teflon-lined pipes have gained popularity. More and more teams are upgrading PTFE lined hoses for various performance fuels.

McLellan explained that, depending on the use of various gases, methanol, oxygenated fuels, and some exotic diesel fuels, standard synthetic rubber hoses can be used for up to seven years to two to three seasons. Combined with expensive fuel pumps and fragile electronic fuel injectors, racers can switch to PTFE without being surprised.

The reusable hose end fittings for PTFE lined hoses are designed with an "olive" assembly design. With these accessories, the assembly process is more complicated, but it can be mastered like any standard hose and AN accessories.

"VP Racing Fuels M1 was recently cited for really quickly destroying fuel lines," McClellan revealed. "We have solved many racing problems related to fuel line failures by using a PTFE-lined fuel system."

Another feature in the new generation PTFE hose specification table is the black aramid braided outer skin. McLellan explained: "Aramid is defined as "a lightweight but very strong heat-resistant synthetic aramid. This outer braid on Race-Rite hose can be used as a fireproof braid. "

Long list of motorsports

This latest generation of pipes can transport any fluid perfectly, while also having better bending characteristics and the advantages of a heat-resistant braid.

The combination of early and new PTFE hoses may be the ticket to newly installed cars. The durable braided steel sheath in the 6000 series hose may be restricted when bent, but it works well in the fuel pipeline under the car, such as in our project Camaro. The new Race-Rite hose provides the superior bending capabilities shown here, and comes with an "aramid" or heat-resistant braided coating.

The increased inner diameter of the hose now conforms to the correct-AN joint specification, which also benefits the critical flow rate and at the same time can significantly reduce the weight compared to the entire piping system.

There is no doubt that PTFE lined hoses and related hose ends will continue to be a viable application. The chemical composition of racing fuel will continue to change; more extreme pressures and temperatures will require this next-generation pipeline to keep fluid flowing without breaking the hose.

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