Just How Important?

[ShadowKnight006]

Ok, I have been searching around for an answer and just can't find one. How important are mandrel bends to intercooler piping? I find posts about people buying the pieces and welding, but nothing justifying why it is so important. I know it allows better and smoother flow, but just how much does it really hurt the performance? Just wondering because one day when my car is ready, I plan to turbo it and I know most of the local garages, one of whom can bend their own exhausts but due to the size of the shop I am almost positive it is not madrel bending as I live in the middle of nowhere. Just want everyones input, because if its that important I can just go buy the bends at SummitRacing(about 2-2.5hrs from me). Thanks.

[Craving4Boost]

i think u answered ur own question alrdy lol

[C-Kwik]

They are not critical, but how much it affects performance is dependent on the angle of the bends and how many bends. The greater degree of crush bends tend to end up with smaller cross-sectional areas. Turbo systems with mandrel bends will tend to have slight pressure drops already. Start decreasing the ability to flow, and you end up with a greater pressure drop. With a higher pressure drop, to reach the same manifold boost, you must increase boost at the turbo, which in turn creates more heat. The higher pressures will generally also cause more strain on the turbine which means more backpressure. The additional heat in the intake will mean the intercooler will be subject to more heat as well. To what extent depends on plenty of other factors.

[ShadowKnight006]

Thanks, that is exactly the kind of info I was hoping someone would share. I guess I will not want to go with crush bending. Thanks again.