Aeroquip, Goodridge, Parker, and Earls are probably the best known sources for hard to find performance plumbing parts. Hydraulic Supply Company is a great source of Aeroquip parts for auto applications. I personally feel that Goodridge is the handiest for motorcycle construction, but all of these companies are top notch.
One of the best fuel line quick disconnects is the Jiffy Tite, 2000 Series Quick Disconnect. A nice flyer on the Jiffy is HERE. They cost about $60, but are of the highest quality. Staubli also makes very nice disconnects, but these are for much higher levels of racing (ie. Formula 1, WRC)
Most common racing grade fittings use the AN Dash system. AN stands for Air Force - Navy Aeronautical
Standard. AN fittings are essentially eqivilent to SAE (JIC) 37° flare fittings (ISO 228-1). The difference between the two relate to minuit details. Get AN if you can, otherwise use the SAE parts.
AN Dash Size |
-2 |
-3 |
-4 |
-5 |
-6 |
-8 |
-10 |
-12 |
Through Hole Size (Theoretical) |
0.062" |
0.125" |
0.172" |
0.234" |
0.297" |
0.391" |
0.484" |
0.609" |
Tube OD (Theoretical) |
1/8" (2/16") |
3/16" (3/16") |
1/4" (4/16") |
5/16" (5/16") |
3/8" (6/16") |
1/2" (8/16") |
5/8" (10/16") |
3/4" (12/16") |
Thread |
5/16" x 24 |
3/8" x 24 |
7/16" x 20 |
1/2" x 20 |
9/16" x 18 |
3/4" x 16 |
7/8" x 14 |
1-1/16" x 12 |
Typical Use |
Bicycle Brake |
Brake |
Brake |
Fuel / Oil |
Fuel / Oil |
Oil |
Oil / Coolant |
Remember when working with fluid flow, 1 GPM = 3.785 LPM. 50 PSI = 345 kPa = 3.45 bar. A handy chart is HERE.
Other plumbing systems exist both here and abroad. A very detailed reference is HERE & HERE.
Hardware:
Interesting hardware solutions can be found at www.racebolts.com.
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