whats the benefits?

 

of stainless steel brake lines?

 

yes. im looking at the goodridge brake lines for $115

 

They're actually teflon plus a stainless steel braiding and usually another cover over that. Like any aftermarket part, there are pros and cons.

Pros

• Generally improved pedal feel
• If routed properly and not twisted, should be more durable if coated

Cons

• Misrouting a line could mean that it rubs and ruptures
• Grit can work its way underneath the braiding, which would then cause a rupture. This is not as much of a concern when there is an additional coating over the stainless braiding

I've had failures of both. Once because a stainless line was misrouted by someone helping me out during a race. The line slowly abraded against the wheel. Fortunately, it was a somewhat gradual failure. Another time, one of my stock Evo 8 front brake lines completely pulled out of the hose end, leaving a rubber hose spewing fluid at 100+ mph on track. That was the end of that car.

For me, I've got to have stainless lines with a clear coating, and proper mounting points before I go on track. Street car? Don't bother changing them unless the stockers are old and cracking.