i would like to purchase a pipe bender and would like to know what a good entry level and fairly priced one is. It would be nice to do 3" but 2" is all i would really need...

 

Pipe bender or TUBING bender? HUGE DIFFERENCE HERE! Pipe benders you can buy supep cheap at Harbor Frieght for less than $100, that are great for any project where PIPE is the base material.
If you are looking at buying a TUBING bender, be prepared to spend upwards of $800 or so. http://pro-tools.com/105.htm
There is one of the most basic mechanical benders out there....or one that is worth purchasing anyways. Notice the price tag...and that doesnt include the dies. Each size tubing requires different dies, and for stuff thats 3 inches O.D.....a die will probably set you back a few hundred bucks.
Just my .02. Good LUCK!
Kyle

 

Most people that make headers for a living find it more cost-effective to buy the bends... so the number of bends you will need will definitely not make it worth the big money to buy a good bender.

For manifold building, mandrel bending is a MUST, as a rotary draw bender will bend an oval shape and not stay round.