Are there any advantages to installing steel hard lines for nitrous instead of having the braided soft ones? Or is it purely cosmetic? Did a search and didnt see anything.

 

Hard lines are typically cheaper to make, lighter, don't scratch other objects, and can be built on your own with the right tools. They are for connecting the solenoids to the nozzles only if both are mounted to the engine. Braided lines are for connecting pieces that are not all on a stable surface and need the flexibility to reach the motor. Since they are flexible, they are "universal" to mount.

 

Made properly, either will work fine. My impression is, when you use the proper tool and tighten them right, hard lines are much easier to make at home than braided. I guess that's a matter of how much practice you've had, because lots of people make and use their own braided with good results as well.



You asked for advantages but there is a significant disadvantage: The longer your hard lines get, the harder they are to install/remove. Unless you have joints in there somewhere, long pre-formed hard lines can be difficult to snake through tight spots. Once they're in, you can pretty much leave them forever, though.

 

^^^You can't make braided nitrous lines. They have to be professionally crimped.

 

I'm a professional line crimper you insensitive clod!



ETA: you got me there, I'd want for-sure-good lines for high pressure nitrous. I was thinking about gasoline.

 

Yea, 100psi versus 1500psi is a bit of a difference.