I'm having a braided SS line made for the clutch hydraulics. I did a auto-5speed swap. What size is the stock line? Should I go a little bigger for more volume? The guy at the hydraulics shop recommended 3/16 but that seems awfully small. I'm not big on fluid dynamics but I would think that too small or too big will greatly effect pedal feel / clutch disengagement.

Thanks,
JoeCooley

------------------
1987 SE / Fastback - 3500T / 4T60e / OBD1 / broken
Projects: 5-speed swap / retune

I wouldn't go all braided line for the entire length. I don't see a gain and I would worry about it introducing additional flex resulting in spongy pedal/less travel. Changing the size of the line itself shouldn't change anything except to perhaps give less resistance from the line itself in fluid movement from perhaps a fast pedal movement. The stock size seems to work well with no problems. Not sure why you would change it. The real problems seem to occur with the pedal/bracket/cylinders.

The clutch lines run the same path as the AT cooler lines - they can be used as a pattern for the under car length. They also use the same attachment points.

[This message has been edited by phonedawgz (edited 05-29-2010).]

Thanks for the suggestions. You've failed to answer my question though. What i.d. Is the stock line? I'm pretty set on using the braided ss line. I don't want to use steel brake line. For one I can't find the correct adapters to go from m12X1.0 - inverted flare. Second, it rusts. Third bending and routing it is a PITA.

Buying the one piece line from the Fiero store or using a used line is not an option for me.

thanks,
JoeCooley

Full-length braided stainless will probably do you fine, at least for a while. I wouldn't do it simply because its less rugged. As for the diameter of the stock line, I think I have one here I can measure for you. I'll post back later if I find one. I say: definitely go close to stock size, just to not cause future problems. Most of the hydraulic advantage is rooted in the ratio of master to slave diameter. I'm also not a master at this. I'm dealing with clutch hydraulic issues at the moment, and, as you say, hydraulics can be a real pita!
Not to pry, but I'm curious as to why the Fiero Store's stainless line is not an option for you. I would think that, as expensive it is, it would be less than a full-length braided line: just my $0.02.
Last item, either for you or anyone else that may find this, if you get TFS's stainless line, make sure you have the 2nd design MS. They say the line requires "minor modifications" to fit the 1st design. It's Not True. It may be so if you're especially skilled w/ bending lines, but it's hard to get it in right. Mine ended up having some tension in the line- not fun.

All the best, 87 special, and good luck
-Michael

The braided line should be plenty rugged for this use. I wiill wrap a small rubber sheath around it where it might run on something. TFS's line is too expensive for my tastes. I can have this braided line built locally for a fraction of the price. $160 is unjustifiable to me for a simple line.

So does anyone know the I.d. of the stock hydraulic line?

The stock clutch line is metric (6mm) I just replaced mine with standard 1/4 brake line and reused the fitting at the master and slave. 1/4" is a bit bigger (.35) but worked out well.