Super low-buck compressor - $19 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crakarjax · 02-23-2010, 01:16 PM

Don't hate me. I am going to buy a compressor with capabilities equivalent to the 400c. It is on sale for $19.

Linky

I'll run the crap out of it before I install it for self-assurance. Comes with a 1-year warranty. No mention of whether it can be mounted on it's side... I guess I'll just run it laying on it's side.

Quick specs: Over 33% duty cycle @ 100PSI, pull less amps than the 400c as it comes with a 15amp fuse and 18AWG wire lead. May need to be modded to remove the guauge(or not) and accept DOT line.

Let the flaming begin!

tubbedII · 02-23-2010, 02:01 PM

If it takes "under" 3 1/2 minutes to inflate a car tire (typically 35-45 psi), how long is it going to take this thing to fill a 5 gallon tank to 175 psi?

71swb4x4 · 02-23-2010, 02:08 PM

You get what you pay for. I wouldn't treat this as anything more than a science experiment. The main question being, how long before the compressor goes south? Will it leave you stranded somewhere? Will it last five years and make the skeptical people eat their words?
Hard to say on any of that, but I am putting my money on you being disappointed. The price is part of the battle. Now you need to figure out how to mount it, and get the proper lines run to it. That's additional time and money, that may all be a waste when this thing burns up from being run too hard.

lyrikz · 02-23-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakarjax

Don't hate me. I am going to buy a compressor with capabilities equivalent to the 400c. It is on sale for $19.

Linky

I'll run the crap out of it before I install it for self-assurance. Comes with a 1-year warranty. No mention of whether it can be mounted on it's side... I guess I'll just run it laying on it's side.

Quick specs: Over 33% duty cycle @ 100PSI, pull less amps than the 400c as it comes with a 15amp fuse and 18AWG wire lead. May need to be modded to remove the guauge(or not) and accept DOT line.

Let the flaming begin!

Neat experiment. But i can tell you it wont work. Going to take forever to fill up a 150 psi in your tank, IF it can get it to that level. Keep us updated though, JUST in case...

crakarjax · 02-23-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubbedII

If it takes "under" 3 1/2 minutes to inflate a car tire (typically 35-45 psi), how long is it going to take this thing to fill a 5 gallon tank to 175 psi?

The viair 450c "Airs up a 35" tire from 15 to 30 psi in less than 3 minutes."

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

You get what you pay for. I wouldn't treat this as anything more than a science experiment. The main question being, how long before the compressor goes south? Will it leave you stranded somewhere?

It is a science experiment... I like this kind of stuff, that's why I became an engineer in the first place

. I will definately design my system to roll when aired out. No strandedness here.

*Shane* · 02-23-2010, 02:59 PM

Just curious as to what kind of engineering degree you hold? M.E.? E.E.? C.E.? P.E.? I.E.?

Chevydude56 · 02-23-2010, 04:18 PM

Having no experience with air suspension in car/light truck I was also wondering if one of these could be used. I would like to bag my 'burb low buck.
For $19 I would buy one and experiment with it .

keep us posted

dv8customs · 02-23-2010, 05:13 PM

It says it is a 100psi compressor and if that is all it will do then it isn't worth using. 100psi of air isn't going to last you very long in a 5 gallon tank. You will have to fill the tanks twice to lift all the way up. No way that thing is going to run a tank up to 175psi.

Good to see a fellow engineer though. I am an M.E.

crakarjax · 02-23-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dv8customs

It says it is a 100psi compressor and if that is all it will do then it isn't worth using.

EE. The viair 400c is "33% duty cycle @ 100 psi with a maximum working pressure of 150 psi". I did read the specs, you know! Like I said, it seems like an experiment worth trying. Worst case, I'm out $20. Best case, it works.

How long do viair compressors typically last before failure?

1sikchicksc10 · 02-23-2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakarjax

EE. The viair 400c is "33% duty cycle @ 100 psi with a maximum working pressure of 150 psi". I did read the specs, you know! Like I said, it seems like an experiment worth trying. Worst case, I'm out $20. Best case, it works.

How long do viair compressors typically last before failure?

I've had my vi-air's for 5+ years.. never ANY problems..

dv8customs · 02-23-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakarjax

EE. The viair 400c is "33% duty cycle @ 100 psi with a maximum working pressure of 150 psi". I did read the specs, you know!

Apparently you did not read the specs for the Harbor Freight unit. The user manual clearly states in the table at the beginning and in section 5 of the operating instructions that the maximum operating pressure of the compressor is 100psi.

*Shane* · 02-23-2010, 05:58 PM

How does one perform a true comparison of a $20 harbor freight compressor to a $185 Viair 400C.

dv8customs · 02-23-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

How does one perform a true comparison of a $20 harbor freight compressor to a $185 Viair 400C.

You can't. The HB unit is intended to ocassionaly air up a basketball or a flat tire. It will not hold up to the stresses of maintaining an air ride system as that is not what it is designed to do.

1sikchicksc10 · 02-23-2010, 06:22 PM

100%

royo · 02-23-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakarjax

Don't hate me. I am going to buy a compressor with capabilities equivalent to the 400c. It is on sale for $19.

Linky

I'll run the crap out of it before I install it for self-assurance. Comes with a 1-year warranty. No mention of whether it can be mounted on it's side... I guess I'll just run it laying on it's side.

Quick specs: Over 33% duty cycle @ 100PSI, pull less amps than the 400c as it comes with a 15amp fuse and 18AWG wire lead. May need to be modded to remove the guauge(or not) and accept DOT line.

Let the flaming begin!

Good luck with it. I hope it works for you. let me know thx

crakarjax · 02-23-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dv8customs

Apparently you did not read the specs for the Harbor Freight unit. The user manual clearly states in the table at the beginning and in section 5 of the operating instructions that the maximum operating pressure of the compressor is 100psi.

I did read it, and I know that. Fact of the matter is, the way I read it the viair operates at 100PSI, which happens to be the max pressure of the HF compressor, which also operates at said pressure.

I think you are confusing PSI with CFM anyway.

tubbedII · 02-23-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakarjax

Worst case, I'm out $20. Best case, it works.

I like the idea, and who can beat $20 for a comp. You say you're gonna test it before really using it, what's the plans?

AVS_JASON · 02-23-2010, 07:11 PM

Bunch of haters.....

I have that same compressor on a 20 gallon tank. Fills it to 200 psi in under a minute.

dv8customs · 02-23-2010, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakarjax

I did read it, and I know that. Fact of the matter is, the way I read it the viair operates at 100PSI, which happens to be the max pressure of the HF compressor, which also operates at said pressure.

I think you are confusing PSI with CFM anyway.

No confusion here. The Viair unit, according to you, has a max operating psi of 150. That means you can fill your tank to 150psi. The HF unit has a max operating pressure of 100psi, that means you can only fill your tank to 100psi.

crakarjax · 02-23-2010, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubbedII

I like the idea, and who can beat $20 for a comp. You say you're gonna test it before really using it, what's the plans?

I'm going to lay it on its side and let it fill my 60gal tank to 100PSI. In fact, I might use it exclusively to fill my air tank for a while, as long as I'm just using the ratchet. If it can fill my 60gal to 100PSI in under 12 minutes(max run time, continuous) I'll be impressed.

I am going to make note of the PSI at 12 minutes and from there determine the max tank size that it will fill to 100PSI in 12 minutes.

I have an IR thermometer, so I will let it run for the recommended max of 12 minutes and see how hot it gets. Then I'll run it some more to see at what rate the heat accumulates.

One concern of mine is that it may be overly loud. How loud in sones is the viair 400c?

AVS_JASON · 02-23-2010, 07:33 PM

That thing only has 0.88 CFM

dv8customs · 02-23-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVS_JASON

That thing only has 0.88 CFM

And it doesn't say at what pressure it is flowing that .88CFM. I would bet that it is .88CFM at zero head pressure because that will be the max amount. For comparison the Viair is running .85CFm at 140psi

Quote:

Originally Posted by crakarjax

I'm going to lay it on its side and let it fill my 60gal tank to 100PSI.

It will never make it

cajundragger · 02-23-2010, 07:39 PM

^^so if the 60 gallon tank was at perfect vacuum and the compressor pumped it up to atmospheric pressure, it'd take 9 minutes. lol. dont think your going to meet your 12 minute goal.

1sikchicksc10 · 02-23-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVS_JASON

Bunch of haters.....

I have that same compressor on a 20 gallon tank. Fills it to 200 psi in under a minute.

I cannot stop laughing.

*Shane* · 02-23-2010, 08:23 PM

You should just go throw a twenty in the toilet and grab the flush handle.

The results are going to be eerily similiar, methinks.

02-23-2010, 01:16 PM	#1
crakarjax Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kirkland, WA Posts: 1,302	Super low-buck compressor - $19 Don't hate me. I am going to buy a compressor with capabilities equivalent to the 400c. It is on sale for $19. Linky I'll run the crap out of it before I install it for self-assurance. Comes with a 1-year warranty. No mention of whether it can be mounted on it's side... I guess I'll just run it laying on it's side. Quick specs: Over 33% duty cycle @ 100PSI, pull less amps than the 400c as it comes with a 15amp fuse and 18AWG wire lead. May need to be modded to remove the guauge(or not) and accept DOT line. Let the flaming begin! __________________ 1968 LWB C20 / AC / Wood Bed

02-23-2010, 02:01 PM	#2
tubbedII needs more $$$ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,936	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 If it takes "under" 3 1/2 minutes to inflate a car tire (typically 35-45 psi), how long is it going to take this thing to fill a 5 gallon tank to 175 psi? __________________ 1970 2wd Blazer

02-23-2010, 02:08 PM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 You get what you pay for. I wouldn't treat this as anything more than a science experiment. The main question being, how long before the compressor goes south? Will it leave you stranded somewhere? Will it last five years and make the skeptical people eat their words? Hard to say on any of that, but I am putting my money on you being disappointed. The price is part of the battle. Now you need to figure out how to mount it, and get the proper lines run to it. That's additional time and money, that may all be a waste when this thing burns up from being run too hard. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

02-23-2010, 02:59 PM	#6
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 Just curious as to what kind of engineering degree you hold? M.E.? E.E.? C.E.? P.E.? I.E.?

02-23-2010, 04:18 PM	#7
Chevydude56 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 110	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 Having no experience with air suspension in car/light truck I was also wondering if one of these could be used. I would like to bag my 'burb low buck. For $19 I would buy one and experiment with it . keep us posted __________________ 1967 Suburban 292 3spd 1964 Chevy II wagon 1971 Monte Carlo 402BB 1964 Cadillac series 62 2dr 1964 Bonneville 2dr/ht 1967 GTO 1978 Chevy Van 30 1989 R30 Crew Dually Bonus Cab

02-23-2010, 05:13 PM	#8
dv8customs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,047	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 It says it is a 100psi compressor and if that is all it will do then it isn't worth using. 100psi of air isn't going to last you very long in a 5 gallon tank. You will have to fill the tanks twice to lift all the way up. No way that thing is going to run a tank up to 175psi. Good to see a fellow engineer though. I am an M.E.

02-23-2010, 05:58 PM	#12
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 How does one perform a true comparison of a $20 harbor freight compressor to a $185 Viair 400C.

02-23-2010, 06:22 PM	#14
1sikchicksc10 Chicks build stuff too! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Antelope, CA Posts: 140	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 100% __________________ Christina Petitioning Nor*Cal NO REGRETS www.myspace.com/baggedc10 Projects: 1979 GMC High Sierra C10- Bodydropped on 24's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=387546 1965 Cadillac CoupeDeVille- Bagged on 22's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=387548

02-23-2010, 07:11 PM	#18
AVS_JASON AIRBAGPARTS.COM Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: CEN CAL Posts: 520	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 Bunch of haters..... I have that same compressor on a 20 gallon tank. Fills it to 200 psi in under a minute.

02-23-2010, 07:33 PM	#21
AVS_JASON AIRBAGPARTS.COM Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: CEN CAL Posts: 520	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 That thing only has 0.88 CFM

02-23-2010, 07:39 PM	#23
cajundragger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,008	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 ^^so if the 60 gallon tank was at perfect vacuum and the compressor pumped it up to atmospheric pressure, it'd take 9 minutes. lol. dont think your going to meet your 12 minute goal.

02-23-2010, 08:23 PM	#25
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Super low-buck compressor - $19 You should just go throw a twenty in the toilet and grab the flush handle. The results are going to be eerily similiar, methinks.

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