46 replies to this topic

[Bart]

Hey guys, im sure there are heaps of places to buy mandrel bends but which place would you recomend? I just dont want to be paying too much/ripped off and i have no way of comparing prices.
Where have you guys gone to get them and how much for 48mm OD SS mandrel bends, grade is some what undecided, 304, 316, 321?? 321 is apparently the best grade to get but availability can be the issue there.

found this on ebay, it looks a little pricey, $35+$10 postage, $45
http://cgi.ebay.com....8QQcmdZViewItem

Im in Sydney.

Edited by Bart, 23 September 2006 - 09:30 PM.

[Bart]

Someone here is building a turbo RB30 LC/LJ, i cant remember if he used steam pipe or SS, perhaps steam pipe would be the shot??

[Bart]

I left out one minor detail, the manifold is for turbo application

[Com_VC]

I would go with steam pipe, stainless may end up cracking with the heat.

[Bart]

I would go with steam pipe, stainless may end up cracking with the heat.

Yes iv heard that which is why i specified grade 316 or 321 as these grades are less likely to crack.
I was thinking Liverpool Exhaust but dont know, any others I should go to??

[Bart]

A mate of mine just bought some from windsor exhaust near the raaf base at richmond, quality looked pretty good dont know what the prices were like though, hope this helps

Yes might give em a buzz

[Bart]

I think its called.UNEEQ bending in dandenong. The best and cheapest and they have stock on hand at all times..

sounds great only im in Sydney

[Bart]

I have just started to make new pipes for my engine Im going to be using 321ss.

Where did ya get the pipes?

[Bart]

do you have reese plumbing supplies in nsw if so try them they hold a lot of stainless steel products.

yep we do, thats another possible source.

[Bart]

Iv been poking around the internet on SStubing, some are seemless and others are welded, should i go seemless?
I imagine seemless would be the go especially turbo application

[Bart]

Just looking in the Yellow Pages and there are so many bloody stainless steel fabricators suppliers etc i dont know where to start there. Oh well, ill start with windsor exhaust .
I just remembered a few doors up from where i work theres a open wheel car builder might give em a go. And across from where i work they repair and prep the Brute utes.
If i get info from them ill post it up here.

[Bart]

I want to make turbo manifolds for a Nissan V8, the thickness i have found in 321 SS is 1.6mm.
I have found a place called Goair, theyre an aircraft maitenence shop and sell 321 stainless tube and make mandrel bends, i have to show them a sample of what i want.
Ill get some prices when I get a chance.
jap-xu1, do you have another idea? As you have done some really nice fabrication work

[LS1LX]

304 is marine grade, 316 is surgical grade and the other 321 I have never come across with cars as its very pricey.

Stay away from 409, its better then mild steel but it goes to brown too quick.
Id just use 304 in a thicker wall bend.

My local marine steel store sells 316 bends for around $40 each in 2 1/2", I buy them online in polished 304 for $15 each, adds up when you need 30 or so to do the whole car.

[Bart]

304 is marine grade, 316 is surgical grade and the other 321 I have never come across with cars as its very pricey.

Stay away from 409, its better then mild steel but it goes to brown too quick.
Id just use 304 in a thicker wall bend.

My local marine steel store sells 316 bends for around $40 each in 2 1/2", I buy them online in polished 304 for $15 each, adds up when you need 30 or so to do the whole car.

Ill check out Goair and see what they charge on 321.
I assume 30 pieces would be needed for a V8?

[LS1LX]

304 is marine grade, 316 is surgical grade and the other 321 I have never come across with cars as its very pricey.

Stay away from 409, its better then mild steel but it goes to brown too quick.
Id just use 304 in a thicker wall bend.

My local marine steel store sells 316 bends for around $40 each in 2 1/2", I buy them online in polished 304 for $15 each, adds up when you need 30 or so to do the whole car.

Ill check out Goair and see what they charge on 321.
I assume 30 pieces would be needed for a V8?

I used about 15 for the exhaust and about another 15 or so on the extractors.
V8 of course

[Bart]

I was warned against 304 and 316 as they crack. (heat/cold cycles) I was told and read to use 321 if using SS or just use steam pipe, SS looks so much better and retains heat better apparently.

[Bart]

Where abouts are you jap-xu1? Im in Sydney.
What is the price per bend for 321 48mm ID 1.6mm wall. 2" approx? is 1.6mm sufficiant?
Price of steam pipe?
If youre in Syd perhaps i can buy the stuff off you, otherwise ill have to go to Goair (aircraft company) I wouldnt attempt to weld it although i have thought i would tack it together.
Iv seen your work in previous photos and they are out standing manifolds no doubt.
Anyhow first thing is prices of materials if you dont mind

Edited by Bart, 05 October 2006 - 01:21 AM.