Mandrel Bends vs Traditional Exhaust Bends: Which Is Better?
When you’re looking to upgrade to a high-performance stainless steel exhaust, the terminology can get a bit technical. One term you’ll see frequently is mandrel bending. While it might sound like industry jargon, it has a significant impact on the quality, performance, and acoustic profile of your exhaust system.
In this post, we'll answer the most common questions about mandrel bending to help you better understand why it is the preferred choice.
What Is Mandrel Bending?
Tube bending is the process of shaping metal pipes to fit around your vehicle's axles, frame members, and suspension components. Traditional bending often results in a 'crush' effect that not only looks untidy but can cause structural weaknesses in the pipe.
Mandrel bending is different.
During the mandrel-bending process, a mandrel tool is inserted into the tube while it is being bent. A mandrel tool is typically made of hardened steel with flexible segmented discs (similar to beads on a necklace). The discs provide internal support, ensuring the pipe maintains its structural integrity without wrinkling, kinking, or collapsing at the bend point.
What Is A Mandrel-Bent Exhaust?
A mandrel-bent exhaust is a system in which the pipes are shaped using the mandrel-bending method. This prevents the pipe from collapsing or wrinkling during bending and ensures it maintains a consistent diameter from end to end.
How Are Mandrel Bends Different From Traditional Bends?
Traditional bends (often called crush bends) compress the pipe at the curve, creating a pinched area that restricts airflow. Mandrel bends use internal support to keep the pipe walls smooth and the internal diameter constant, resulting in a much higher-quality construction.
Do Mandrel Bends In An Exhaust Make A Difference?
Do mandrel bends change the sound or make it quieter? Yes. By eliminating internal wrinkles and kinks, mandrel bends reduce turbulent hissing and raspy noises, resulting in a deeper, more refined exhaust note.
Does mandrel bending increase or decrease horsepower? It can increase horsepower because of the fact that they maintain a constant tube diameter, reducing backpressure, and allowing the engine to breathe better and generate more power.
Do mandrel bends improve exhaust flow? Absolutely. Mandrel bends offer the least resistance possible for exiting gases, ensuring maximum flow efficiency compared to traditional bending methods.
Where Should I Buy A Mandrel-Bent Exhaust System?
The best place to buy a quality mandrel-bent exhaust system is from a reputable company with decades of experience and a solid warranty. Thermal R&D Performance has decades of development expertise, and every exhaust we make comes with mandrel bends, True Helmholtz Technology, and a lifetime warranty.
How Much Does A Mandrel-Bent Exhaust System Cost?
We sell a variety of exhaust systems, all mandrel-bent, and many for niche models that might be hard to find from other performance exhaust manufacturers. The costs are influenced by the vehicle make and model, as well as whether you want a catback, frontpipe-back, or mid-pipe system. Check out the links below to find the current pricing for some of our most popular exhaust systems:
Can I Install A Mandrel-Bent Thermal R&D Exhaust Myself?
Installing a complete Thermal R&D exhaust system may seem daunting, but even an inexperienced DIYer can tackle the install in their garage.
That’s because most of our exhaust systems are designed to be installed with no cutting or drilling required. The bolt-on design means you only need a few basic tools and access to a car lift or jack stands.
Thermal R&D: The Superior Choice
Not all custom exhausts are created equal. Many shops advertise performance tuning but use traditional crush-bending machines that actually rob your engine of power. At Thermal R&D, we believe that if you’re paying for a premium system, you shouldn't settle for restricted flow. That’s why all of our exhaust systems are made using mandrel bending and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Give your vehicle the looks and performance it deserves and choose a Thermal R&D exhaust, built in the USA from premium stainless steel and mandrel-bent. Our exhaust systems are engineered with True Helmholtz Technology for drone-free sound. Contact us today if you have any questions, and enhance your ride today!