Hard Lines & Tubing

Is your intercooler pipe missing the right angle, or does the fuel line need to run rigid and neat along the body? Hard pipes and bends in aluminium, stainless steel and titanium are for you if you build your own piping and lines in your project.

Materials and types of tubing

The category covers two kinds of tubing. Thin AN tubing, e.g. DeatschWerks aluminium tubing in 6AN, 8AN and 10AN, is used for fixed fluid lines where a hose could otherwise chafe or get in the way. Larger pipes and bends are typically used for intercooler piping, intake and exhaust: Vibrant offers polished aluminium tubing in straight lengths and bends of 30, 60 and 90 degrees, Stainless Bros offers bends in SS304 stainless steel, and Ticon offers titanium tubing. You will also find tubing from Stainless Works and Wehrli. Aluminium is light and easy to work with, while stainless steel and titanium are typically chosen where heat is high. Titanium is lighter than steel but requires more care when welding.

How to choose tubing and bends

• Diameter: The outer diameter must match hoses, couplers and flanges. In the charge air system it affects both pressure drop and air volume, so bigger is not automatically better.
• Wall thickness: Thicker walls withstand more but weigh more. Thin walls, e.g. 1 mm titanium, require precise fitting and welding.
• Bend radius: A large radius typically gives smoother flow but takes up more space in the engine bay.
• Medium and temperature: Fuel, oil, charge air and exhaust gas place different demands on the material.

AN tubing requires fittings in the same AN size, which you will find among our hose ends and fittings, while silicone hoses are often used as joints between pipe sections in the charge air system. Where the engine moves relative to the body, a braided hose is typically better than a rigid pipe. Check joints and clamps for leaks after the first drives.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bend aluminium AN tubing myself?

It can typically be done with a tube bender of the right size, so the tube does not flatten or kink. Measure the routing with wire or a template first, and deburr and clean the tube thoroughly before fitting the fittings.

When should I choose stainless steel or titanium over aluminium?

Typically when the pipe is exposed to high heat, e.g. in the exhaust. Titanium saves weight compared with steel but requires welding with good shielding gas. The choice depends on temperature, weight targets and the tools you have available.

Do modified pipes need approval for inspection?

It depends on the product, the car and where the pipe is located, e.g. in the fuel or exhaust system. Modifications may require documentation or approval, so check the requirements for the specific part number and your car before installation.