Tubing & Bends

Tubing is the backbone of every custom exhaust, intercooler and intake build, and this collection pulls together the Vibrant Performance mandrel bends and straight tubing in stainless steel, aluminum and other materials so you can find the right piece by size and angle in one place. Bends come in 45, 90 and 180 degree, J and U shapes, with straight lengths to tie it all together.

Mandrel bends keep the flow

A mandrel bend holds the full inside diameter of the tube through the radius, which matters on any system where flow counts. Exhaust gas, turbo charge air and coolant all move better through a smooth, full-size bend than a pinched one.

Picking a material

Stainless steel is the choice for exhaust and turbo hot side piping. It lasts, it looks good, and it handles heat. Aluminum is for intercooler piping, intakes and coolant lines, where low weight and fast heat rejection help. Pick the material first, then the size, then the angle.

Sizing and measuring

All tubing here is sized by outside diameter. Measure the route with a piece of hose or welding wire bent to shape, note each angle, and add a little extra length to trim. A centerline radius is listed on each bend so you can check clearance around frame rails and accessories before you cut.

Building the system

Tack everything in place before final welding, check fit with the engine and exhaust hangers installed, and leave room for flex joints where the engine moves. Flanges, V-bands, couplers and weld bungs are in the neighboring collections so you can finish the job without hunting for parts.

Common questions

What is the difference between a J bend and a U bend? A U bend turns 180 degrees with equal legs, and a J bend turns 180 degrees with one leg longer than the other, which is handy for over-axle and around-frame routing.

Can I cut a bend to make a smaller angle? Yes. Cutting a 90 degree bend in half gives two 45 degree bends, which is a common way to get the angle you need.

Do I need to deburr tubing after cutting? Always. Deburring the inside and outside edge gives a better fit-up and a cleaner weld.