Aluminum Tubing, Bends and Accessories

Aluminum is the material of choice for intercooler piping, intake tubes and custom coolant lines, and this collection stocks the Vibrant Performance aluminum bends, straight tubing and accessories you need to build those systems. It covers 45, 90 and 180 degree mandrel bends, straight lengths, hardline adapters and beaded tube ends from 1 inch to 6 inches.

Why aluminum for charge piping

Aluminum is light, sheds heat quickly and is easy to cut and weld, which makes it ideal for the cold side of a turbo or supercharger system. A well routed aluminum charge pipe keeps intake temperatures down and responds faster than a long run of hose.

Mandrel bends and straight tube

Mandrel bends keep the full inside diameter through the turn, so airflow does not choke at each corner. Bends come in common angles and sizes, and straight lengths fill in between. With a few bends and a length of straight tube you can route a charge pipe around almost anything in an engine bay.

Hardline adapters and accessories

Aluminum hardline adapters connect rigid aluminum tube to AN fittings for fuel, oil and coolant lines, which gives a clean, professional look on a race car or show build. Beaded ends and weld-on fittings round out the job so silicone couplers stay put under boost.

Welding and finishing

Clean aluminum thoroughly with a stainless brush and acetone before welding, and use the right filler, usually 4043, for these alloys. The tubing can be left bare, brushed, polished or powder coated to suit the build.

Common questions

Is aluminum tubing sized by inside or outside diameter? By outside diameter. Match a silicone coupler's inside diameter to the tube's outside diameter.

Can I use aluminum on the hot side of a turbo? No. Aluminum is for the cold side and for coolant. Use stainless steel for exhaust and turbine piping.

Do I need to bead the tube ends? On any boosted joint, a bead is strongly recommended. It keeps the coupler and clamp from sliding off when boost pressure pushes on the joint.