Just found this on the CarboTech Website, thought it was pretty interesting and decided to share. Do you recommend stainless steel brake lines? What are the advantages and disadvantages? The primary purpose of stainless steel braided brake lines is to improve the brake pedal feel, i.e. to make the brake pedal firmer. Stainless steel brake lines are typically constructed of a PTFE (teflon) core - through which the brake fluid travels, which is covered with a nylon or kevlar braided sheath, over which stainless steel fibers are braided on the exterior. Some stainless steel brake lines also have a silicone cover applied over the stainless steel braiding, to prevent dust and debris from working into the space between the PTFE core and the stainless steel braiding, which can wear down the PTFE core, and thus result in brake line failure. For a street driven vehicle, we recommend NOT installing stainless steel brake lines, as they require more "maintenance" than OEM rubber brake lines. By maintenance, we mean regular inspection for leaks or wear. The stainless steel braiding provides protection against road debris which could otherwise cut or rupture an OEM rubber brake line, but unless you are willing to inspect your brake lines every 3 months or so, installing stainless steel brake lines would present more of a liability than any realistic performance benefit. For a track driven vehicle which has its brake system inspected regularly, and where the driver wants the most consistent and firm brake pedal feel possible, then stainless steel brake lines can be installed with excellent results. Carbotech Engineering sells Goodridge DOT-approved stainless steel brake lines for a wide variety of applications. Custom lines are also available if you can provide dimensions for the brake line fittings and the hose itself.
Thats pretty interesting. My buddy has had SS brake lines for over a year with no problems. I have also heard there is really no advantage to them unless your stock lines are worn out. I dont really know tho.
Well if you rotate your own tires, you can certainly take a look at the ss lines while the wheels are off. That's what I do and I've had my Goodridge's on for more than a year. They still look good, made a big difference in pedal feel. You really need to make sure that nothing's rubbing them (I think this happens mostly from wheel/tire rub when the cars sitting with the suspension loaded)
They are a must with coilover setup. The stock rubber ones will rip apart on you with the coilover setups, due to it rubbing. I think they flow better, cloggs less, and it's safe against rubbing.
I put stainless lines in my car as part of my upgrade (pads, good fluid and lines), and they worked great on the track. I had no fading at all. I heard that stock lines can get mushy after a while on the track. -- Brian