W123 AC hoses and condenser

[Demothen]

So, I just reassembled my AC system after flushing, replacing the compressor, drier, txv. I tried to pull a vacuum but think I have a slow leak (yes, i know, nitrogen pressure test, etc - I don't have the gear for that, and havent found anyone that does. Lets skip the arguement please)

I noticed during reassembly that the short line that goes from under the turbo to the condenser had a bulge in the outer casing. I messed with that trying to feel if I had a vacuum leak there and the outer casing fell apart. Obviously I need to replace that line, but also the fitting where it connects to the condensor was pretty rusty internally so I was thinking about just upgrade to a parallel flow condensor and replacing all of the large diameter lines in the system. Some of them had a tiny bit of UV dye leaking through them. I had hoped they would last a few years without leaking a noticable amount but that seems unlikely after seeing the condition of the one under the turbo.

A few questions: Will I get good cooling with a new R4 and the parallel flow condensor? It looks like there is a kit for extreme temperatures with a 16x24 condensor, I would normally say it doesn't get extremely hot here, but this year seems to be disproving that.

Are the stock fluid hoses blue? (Condensor to drier, drier to txv). These seem to be much newer than the rest of the system, and in good shape so I was hoping to reuse them.

Would I be better off returning the compressor I have and buying the Sanden kit? It doesnt actually appear that the r4 compressor manifold is available anywhere. Since I have doubts about the condition of the larger diameter lines, I am wondering if its worthwhile to just go to the sanden. What is the real performance benefit to it?

OR: should I buy an AC hose crimper and rebuild all of my lines and use a parallel flow condenser? Anyone know of an affordable one for barrier hoses?

Sigh