Intercooler piping

[Wakkolio]

I am going to make my own intercooler piping. I can choose from aluminum mandrel bent or SS tight radius mandrel bent. What is the difference between the regular mandrel and the tight radius? Which one would be better?

[king_johnthegreat]

Tight radius mandrel bends will complete a bend the same degree as any swept bend, but in less space. Tight mandrel bends suite the constraints of tight engine bays, and complex routing configurations better than swept mandrel bends. The draw back is a more turbulent air stream, with less velocity. The tighter bends create more drag, and slow the air down, in addition to causing some erratic flow patterns inside the pipe. Intercooler piping is most efficient at its straightest, and least winding. SS pipe could be used without the need for tight radius (All the same as Al. pipe, and mild steel). Just my 2 cents, but I would use the swept radius mandrel bends in either material over the tight radius. Best of luck to you.John

[S14Zilvia]

Where are you finding these different bends? Specific site I can check out? I will also be making my own intercooler setup, or maybe taking it to a muffler shop.