Mandrel Bender

The purpose of a "Mandrel Pipe Bender" is for the volume in a bend of the exhaust system to remain the original diameter of the pipe.
Traditional "Press Benders" lose about 25% of the volume in the bend causing a restriction and limits the volume of exhaust traveling through the system. Therefore, a 2 1/2 inch pipe is virutally reduced to 2 inches.

The "mandrel" portion of the "Mandrel Pipe Bender" is a probe that remains in the bend as the pipe passes by, maintaining the volume. This procedure keeps continuity in exhaust flow which results in more horsepower.

Ripley's Muffler & Brakes is one of the only shops in the country with the ability to custom Mandrel bend pipe. A lot of shops can provide Mandrel Kits and Mandrel pieces but they don't always fit just right. A custom system offers a continuous piece that is specifically made for your vehicle. When Mandrel pieces are used to build your system there may be joints that cause exhaust drag and negatively affect flow.

Custom mandrel bent systems are expensive for a couple reasons. Stainless steel pipe is required to do the neatest and cleanest job and Stainless steel is more expensive than the traditional aluminized.
The time it takes to build a system is dramatically more since every bend must be 100% correct as there is no room for error. The Mandrel Bender does NOT allow for re-bends as does the Traditional Press Bender.

Call or come by to discuss a system that best fits your needs.

Tommy Ripley
V.P./G.M.