Air management system questions.

[jmedero]

I am shopping for an air management system for my 68 burb. It has been about 9 years since I have bagged anything so here we go. The last system I used was ART ride pro kit. Now there are many diff companies selling kits and many diff prices. Now I know the saying you get what you pay for, nut I am looking for information to make an informed purchase.
ART speaks for itself. Other systems like accuair are very slick but just as expensive as ART. Airbagit.com has an "air engine" for half the price. Has any one checked into this thing? What's the deal? I called them but of course they say it's the bomb. What do you guys think? Any info or comment would be great.
Thanks

[N2TRUX]

What I think is there are several well known companies out there that offer quality management systems. You mentioned two of the better ones.

My personal experience with Airbagit.com is they are not a quality company to deal with. Do a search on AIM, Chassis Tech, Airbagit.com and the many other aliases that they hide behind.

Then ask yourself why do they attempt to disguise who they really are?

[PBFAB.COM]

Accuair is going to be releasing a more affordable system that has the same quality as their current products... just a few less features. Something to look out for here in the near future. I think it will sell like crazy.

[jmedero]

Nate that sounds great! Any idea when? I did that search and it comes up with a whole bunch of stuff. Many people not happy with them so I guess that answers that for me. I know a bunch of guys have SMC valves and piece a system together. This way does not seem too expensive but when you start adding in all the fittings and wireing and airline it almost seems like yhe same price as one of the "kits" I mentioned before.

[ShowSS12]

The cars I bag I alway put together an air management system consisting of 5 gal tank, 2 Viair 380 Compressors, EAI 7 switch box, 8 SMC valves,air gauges, and all associated nickel plated PTC fittings. Piecing it all together will say a bunch of many compared to ART and accuair sell you a tank and Viair compressor separately anyways..

[texastrendz]

i built my own controller for mine, it was simple, the only thing is i am only running four valves, i know they say you need eight, i feel you do not, just my style and opinion. i ran all the wires to a weather tight box made by hoffman and used weather tight connectors on it all with terminal strips inside the box. my valves came with din connectors to make it easy.

[jmedero]

Ok so why do they say it's better to run 8 valves? Is it speed? Better for the system? What's the truth here? The last set up I had was two big reds from ART. You also bring up another question, brass or nickel fittings? Is this just a preferrance.

[texastrendz]

they run eight valves so the air will not transfer from bag to bag when in a corner or going up an incline. i am sure it handles better when you run this setup. to me it is a lot of plumbing and wiring for that. i have ridden in a lot of bagged trucks with only four valves, seems fine to me. if you run eight valves you have to set each pressure at each corner. with four valves you have a front and a rear, thats it. just my opinion, all the big guys run manifolds like you said before. all depends on the budget and time. time and money. always seems to me you have one or the other. lol

[osaltyone]

I ran 8 individual valves and picked up an ART ride pro controller from someone. I really like the ART digital controller.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

....i am sure it handles better when you run this setup. to me it is a lot of plumbing and wiring for that. i have ridden in a lot of bagged trucks with only four valves, seems fine to me.....lol

I have to respectfully disagree with you on this issue. There are ways to run a system with 4, 6, or 8 valves. If you are going to cut costs by running fewer valves, isolate the front at minimum. If not you will have air transfer between bags when you corner. My experience has been that makes for a poor handling vehicle, and I do not recommend it.


[IMG]http://www.*****************/files/how_to/wire-diagrams/6valve.gif[/IMG]

[texastrendz]

that is why i said it is my opinion, one of the biggest air ride shops in texas only installs four valves on there trucks. i have a one ton dually that has been on air ride for over five years with four valves. it handles great. i do not see the need for more than four. like i said, this is the way i do it, and it works for me.

[ShowSS12]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

that is why i said it is my opinion, one of the biggest air ride shops in texas only installs four valves on there trucks. i have a one ton dually that has been on air ride for over five years with four valves. it handles great. i do not see the need for more than four. like i said, this is the way i do it, and it works for me.

Biggest air ride shop are you talking about ekstensive?
I have never done less than 8 valves on an air ride set-up but I might try it on my 87 C-10 just to see how it really handles

[jmedero]

Good discussion guys. Thanks.
If I have to run 6 IMO I might as well run 8. I have seen some with the 4 valves but I have seen more with 8.
When one of the manifolds are used is this the equivalent to 8 valves Being used?

[kev2809]

yes, but they come in 3 different kind of manifolds. some come 2 valves together, some come 4 together, and some come all 8 together. you'll know by the price lol