Lower Rad Hose Support Spring?

[garage_engineer]

Is anyone still using support springs in their lower radiator hoses? I'm installing the cooling system on my '87 Camaro at the moment and was wondering if I should take the time to put one in while I can.

The engine is a SBC and I will be using the car for both road racing, autocross and street driving. The Dayco hose I bought from NAPA does not have a spring, and I have been having a tough time finding one online.

Thanks!
Matt

[572Camaro]

I had the exact same issue with my BBC.
I had the exact same question
I ended up NOT using a spring and have zero issues

Let's hope somebody with more experience can help.

[garage_engineer]

Thanks for the reply. Have you been running your BBC on the track? I'm thinking sustained high RPM (and the resulting high suction from the water pump) may warrant the spring but not sure if today's NAPA hoses are OK to stand up to that.

[Vegas69]

I think it's a good idea. I shouldn't be that hard to find a stainless spring and cut it to length.

[572Camaro]

Garage Engineer,
I do not race my car on the track.
I only autocross this car at Good-Guys events.
Please check out my car on Lateral-G which is the current feature five posts down and titled “Jim and Geralyns 68”
If you choose to use a spring, buy one in stainless steel.
Here’s my two cents:

1. Purpose of internal spring is to prevent suction hose collapse.
2. You are using Dayco, which is good quality, you are fine.
3. The only reason I did not use one is because of SOER 95-1 which defines the term “foreign material exclusion” in the nuclear world.., and I chose to not use a spring due to it creating debris and having my spring “creep” towards the pump suction.

BOTTOM LINE:
I would use one but buy stainless and make damn sure it will not creep into the suction of your water pump.

Please keep us posted!