Pipe Work

[GTiR_Mic]

Right got a bit of a question for you all.

As i have decised to get a bit of pipework made up to help the car to get back on the road. 3" Downpipe, Intercooler Pipe Work.

I have the option of going down to AAS to get it all done that is my main option but was speaking to a mate who has an SR20DET Micra and mention that the pipework made from bends and weling will work just as well manual bent pipework.

I just want a bit of an opinion.

Mic

 

[geetee]

Mandrel bent pipework will always have a slightly smoother finish internally than welded - so less turbulence. The other benefit you get is that you can bend to whatever degree you like so get a slightly smoother run... i.e. no straight lengths welded at angles to each other to get around the fact that you can only get pre-formed angles in certain degrees.

But tbh unless your welder is cack handed and/or your pipe run is poorly designed I can't see it making a huge amount of difference performance wise.

Mandrel pipework looks nice though 8)

It's a cost vs looks vs perfomance equation. i.e. if money no object get the stuff mandrel bent to suit your perfectly designed pipe run

Cheers
Graham 8)

 

[stokie1]

machined bends always best

if welded use long radius bends, not elbows

should be butt up welded so no major penetration

to avoid restriction

 

[GTiR_Mic]

If i was it done by bends, the guy who does all the pipe work is a really good welder.

Here is what someone told and offered to do for me on another fourm.

"alright mate we do alot of pipe work for alot of the big companies for exhausts and intercoolers. the way we do it tho is with pre formed bends thus way not causing and flow restrictions due to the actual bending machine still actually reducing the size at each bend eg from 3" at the bend would reduce to 2 1/2" but the way to do it is to then get the (tig) welds polished out if u wish it to look neater hope this helps. "

Mic

 

[GTiR_Mic]

Has anyone delt with Meercar at all, just been told they are good at manual bending.

Mic

 

[kirko]

we have a mandrel bender and also use weld elbows
yes the mandrel bender is neater with no joins but it would take some really special programming never mind trial and error to make a pipe run fit to your car, i guarantee you would end up having some joins :?
which is ok as long as the pipe is gas purged before its welded which ensures the welds dont make a mess on the inside 8)