Vibrant 45 Degree Vertical Plane Oval 304SS Pie Cuts Nominal Tube 3.50in

Precision Oval Bends for Custom 3.5in Exhaust and Intake Fabrication

The Vibrant 13586 is a set of 45-degree vertical plane oval pie cuts machined from 304 stainless steel for nominal 3.5-inch tube. Each set includes three 15-degree pie cut sections that combine to form a precise 45-degree elbow, giving fabricators the ability to create tight-radius oval bends that are impossible to achieve with conventional mandrel bending. The Vibrant 13586 oval pie cuts are a go-to solution for custom turbo exhaust systems, downpipe fabrication, and oval-tube intake builds where both airflow efficiency and aesthetics matter.

Key Features

• Three 15-degree pie cut sections combine to form a precise 45-degree oval elbow
• Vertical plane orientation routes the bend upward or downward relative to the tube axis
• 304 stainless steel construction provides excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature durability
• Nominal 3.5-inch tube size fits standard 3.5in oval exhaust and intake tube
• Tight-radius design allows bends in confined spaces where mandrel bending equipment cannot reach
• CARB approved for use in emissions-compliant applications
• Compatible with TIG and MIG welding for leak-free custom assembly
• Vibrant five-year limited warranty

Specifications

What’s Included

• 3x 304SS oval pie cut sections (15 degrees each, assembles into a 45-degree elbow)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a pie cut do and why would I use it over a mandrel bend?

Pie cuts allow you to create precise custom angle bends by cutting and re-welding sections of tube. Unlike mandrel bending, which requires expensive equipment and has minimum radius limitations, pie cuts give you exact control over the bend angle and can be used to achieve very tight radii in confined spaces. They are a staple of custom fabrication shops building one-off exhaust and intake systems.

Does the Vibrant 13586 work with round or oval tube?

The 13586 is specifically designed for oval tube with a nominal outside diameter equivalent of 3.5 inches. It will not mate properly with round 3.5-inch tube. Vibrant offers separate round pie cut sets if you are working with round tubing.

How many pie cuts are included in part number 13586?

Three pie cut sections are included. Each section is cut at 15 degrees, and when all three are welded together in sequence they form a 45-degree elbow. You can also use individual cuts to achieve intermediate angles like 15 or 30 degrees.

What is the difference between vertical plane and horizontal plane oval pie cuts?

Vertical plane pie cuts bend the tube upward or downward (in the vertical plane), while horizontal plane pie cuts bend the tube left or right (in the horizontal plane). The 13586 is a vertical plane cut. Choosing the correct plane ensures your finished bend routes the tube in the intended direction within your chassis or engine bay.

Can I weld these with a MIG welder or do they require TIG?

Both TIG and MIG welding are suitable for the Vibrant 13586. TIG welding is recommended for cleaner, stronger welds with less distortion, especially for exhaust applications exposed to high heat cycling. MIG welding is acceptable for less critical intake and lower-temperature applications.

Is the Vibrant 13586 safe for use on emissions-tested vehicles?

Yes. The 13586 is CARB approved, meaning it meets California Air Resources Board requirements. It is compliant for use in emissions-tested street applications in California and all 49 other states.

What tube wall thickness is compatible with the Vibrant 13586 pie cuts?

The 13586 is compatible with standard fabrication tube wall thicknesses typical for 3.5-inch oval exhaust and intake work, generally ranging from 14 to 18 gauge (approximately 0.063 to 0.120 inch). Always test-fit your specific tube before welding to confirm concentricity and wall alignment.

Can I use only one or two of the three pie cuts to achieve a shallower bend angle?

Yes. Because each cut is 15 degrees, you can use one cut alone for a 15-degree bend or two cuts for a 30-degree bend. The cuts do not have to all be used at once, making the set versatile for multiple fabrication scenarios.

Installation Notes

1. Cut your existing oval tube squarely at the point where the bend will begin.
2. Test-fit all three pie cut sections together and confirm the desired 45-degree angle before welding.
3. Tack weld all three sections together first, then verify tube alignment and routing in the vehicle before completing the full welds.
4. Full TIG or MIG weld each joint with appropriate stainless filler rod, ensuring full penetration on the seam.
5. Grind or blend welds as needed to match adjacent tubing aesthetics.
6. Weld the completed elbow into your tube system, check for leaks, and confirm clearances before final installation.