Are Silicone Hoses Worth Upgrading on Your Ford ST or RS?
Silicone Hose Upgrades Explained
When planning performance upgrades, it’s easy to focus on the exciting modifications.
Intercoolers.
Turbochargers.
ECU remaps.
Exhaust systems.
But one of the simplest upgrades you can make is often overlooked…
Silicone hoses.
While they may not add horsepower on their own, silicone hoses improve reliability, withstand higher temperatures and pressures, and provide the confidence that your engine can cope with increased performance.
If you’re building a Fiesta ST, Focus ST or Focus RS, they’re one of those supporting modifications that simply make sense.
What Are Silicone Hoses?
Silicone hoses replace the factory rubber hoses used throughout your engine bay.
Depending on the vehicle, they can include:
- Intercooler boost hoses
- Turbo outlet hoses
- Turbo inlet hoses
- Coolant hoses
- Heater hoses
- Vacuum hoses
- Breather hoses
Most are manufactured using multiple layers of reinforced silicone with an internal fabric weave, making them considerably stronger than standard rubber alternatives.
Why Upgrade?
Factory rubber hoses are designed to do the job at standard power levels.
Over time they become:
- Brittle
- Soft
- Cracked
- Swollen
- Prone to splitting
As boost pressure and temperatures increase, the likelihood of failure also rises.
Silicone hoses are designed to withstand these conditions with ease.
Benefits of Silicone Hoses
Improved Reliability
The biggest advantage.
Silicone resists heat, oil vapour and age far better than rubber.
That means fewer failures and greater peace of mind.
Better Heat Resistance
Turbocharged engines generate significant under-bonnet temperatures.
Silicone maintains its strength at temperatures that would quickly age standard rubber hoses.
Higher Pressure Capability
Remapped engines often run considerably more boost pressure than standard.
Quality silicone hoses are reinforced to resist expansion under load.
This helps maintain boost pressure and reduces the chance of hose failure.
Improved Engine Bay Appearance
Let’s be honest…
They also look fantastic.
Available in colours such as:
- Black
- Blue
- Red
- Yellow
- Orange
Silicone hoses instantly tidy up an ageing engine bay.
Black hoses are particularly popular if you’re aiming for a clean OEM+ appearance.
Do Silicone Hoses Increase Power?
Not directly.
A silicone hose won’t magically add horsepower.
However, replacing old, soft or collapsing rubber hoses helps maintain consistent airflow and boost pressure.
Think of them as a reliability upgrade rather than a performance upgrade.
Which Hoses Should You Upgrade First?
If you’re working to a budget, prioritise the hoses that experience the highest temperatures and pressures.
1. Intercooler Boost Hoses
The most common upgrade.
Ideal for remapped cars.
2. Turbo Outlet Hose
Often exposed to extremely high temperatures.
A worthwhile upgrade on tuned engines.
3. Turbo Inlet Hose
Improves durability and supports increased airflow.
Often upgraded alongside induction kits.
4. Coolant Hoses
A smart preventative maintenance upgrade, particularly on older vehicles.
5. Vacuum & Breather Hoses
Small, inexpensive upgrades that help eliminate age-related issues such as vacuum leaks.
Common Signs Your Rubber Hoses Need Replacing
Look out for:
- Cracks
- Oil contamination
- Soft or spongy sections
- Bulging under pressure
- Splits around hose clips
- Coolant staining
- Boost leaks
- Whistling noises under acceleration
Any of these symptoms suggest it’s time for replacement.
Are Silicone Hoses Worth It?
Absolutely—particularly if your Ford is modified.
They’re one of those upgrades that you rarely notice once fitted…
Until a standard hose fails.
For relatively little money, you’re improving reliability while preparing the car for future performance modifications.
🔧 Retro Fast Fords Workshop Tip
Never reuse old worm-drive hose clips on new silicone hoses if they’re corroded or damaged.
Invest in quality stainless-steel clamps or OEM-style constant-tension clips to ensure an even seal without damaging the silicone.
A £2 hose clip can be the difference between a reliable setup and a boost leak.
Installation Tips
Before fitting new hoses:
- Clean all pipework thoroughly.
- Remove any oil residue.
- Inspect aluminium pipes for damage.
- Replace worn hose clips.
- Ensure hoses are fully seated before tightening.
After installation:
- Check coolant levels if applicable.
- Pressure test the boost system.
- Reinspect clips after the first few heat cycles.
Common Myths
“Silicone hoses add lots of horsepower.”
No.
They improve reliability, not peak power.
“Standard rubber hoses are fine forever.”
Rubber naturally deteriorates with age, heat and oil contamination.
Older vehicles benefit greatly from preventative replacement.
“Any silicone hose will do.”
Quality matters.
Poorly manufactured hoses may delaminate, collapse or fit incorrectly.
Always choose hoses designed specifically for your vehicle.
Who Should Upgrade?
Silicone hoses are ideal if your Ford has:
- An ECU remap
- A larger intercooler
- An upgraded turbo
- An induction kit
- Higher boost pressure
- High mileage
- Ageing factory hoses
Even standard cars benefit from improved reliability.
Final Thoughts
Silicone hoses won’t give you headline-grabbing power gains, but they are one of the smartest supporting modifications available.
They’re stronger, more durable, better looking and far more resistant to the harsh conditions found inside a modern engine bay.
Whether you’re maintaining a cherished ST150 or building a high-powered Focus RS, silicone hoses help ensure the rest of your performance upgrades work reliably for years to come.
Sometimes the best modifications aren’t the ones that make the biggest noise—they’re the ones that quietly keep everything else performing at its best.
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- The Ultimate Guide to Intercoolers
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