What's the deal with compressor #'s? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevydog66 · 07-25-2007, 10:47 PM

What should I look for as for as air compressor numbers? The viair 400 puts out 2.5 cfm while the 480 only puts out 1.5cfm. What do I need to know? I'm new to this air ride thing. Also where should I install the filter/oiler? And do I need to install a check valve and where? What amp relay should I use? Thanks!!

st1x10 · 07-25-2007, 11:16 PM

CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute The higher the number the faster it will fill your tanks. I do believe the 480 is up to 200 psi though. (not sure on the 400)

The Viair compressor have a built in check valve in the leader hose so that is covered.

The relay should be a 40 amp I believe that is all you should need.

Check out Viair.com and they have a whole run down off all their different compressor and fill rates etc.

cajundragger · 07-26-2007, 08:14 AM

the number is basically proportional to how big they are. The 400 does pump more air than the 480, but the 480 is 100% duty cylce at 200 psi.

67Fleet · 07-26-2007, 09:57 AM

I would install a water trap between the comp and the tank. This will prevent moisture/condensate from building up in the tank and getting in to your valves. Also, the stainless pigtail that comes with the comps has a built-in check valve to prevent backpressure coming back into the compressor.

itsmike2k · 07-26-2007, 10:44 AM

What exactly does the Duty Cycle mean? At 100% does that meant it runs more then a 50% duty cycle or????

chevydog66 · 07-26-2007, 03:10 PM

Ya, should I get a compressor with a greater duty cycle? Does that make it more efficient?

cajundragger · 07-26-2007, 09:22 PM

duty cycle is what percent of time it can run. 100% means it can run all the time, 50% means it can run half the time. What is a time? I thought it was out of an hour but it may be 10 minutes? I forgot.

Usually the higher duty cycle the less efficent as the 480 pumps less air than the 400, but the 480 also pumps a higher pressure. This probably just means the 480 has a smaller bore than the 400 which explains that it pumps higher psi and less cfm.

72 Cheyenne402 · 07-31-2007, 10:03 AM

"FIRESTONE COMPRESSOR AND 150PSI" Will this work for a rear airbag setup on a 72 C10?

07-25-2007, 10:47 PM	#1
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	What's the deal with compressor #'s? What should I look for as for as air compressor numbers? The viair 400 puts out 2.5 cfm while the 480 only puts out 1.5cfm. What do I need to know? I'm new to this air ride thing. Also where should I install the filter/oiler? And do I need to install a check valve and where? What amp relay should I use? Thanks!! __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up Last edited by chevydog66; 07-25-2007 at 10:49 PM.

07-25-2007, 11:16 PM	#2
st1x10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 588	Re: What's the deal with compressor #'s? CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute The higher the number the faster it will fill your tanks. I do believe the 480 is up to 200 psi though. (not sure on the 400) The Viair compressor have a built in check valve in the leader hose so that is covered. The relay should be a 40 amp I believe that is all you should need. Check out Viair.com and they have a whole run down off all their different compressor and fill rates etc. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 "Under Construction" 2002 Chevy S10 V6

07-26-2007, 08:14 AM	#3
cajundragger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,008	Re: What's the deal with compressor #'s? the number is basically proportional to how big they are. The 400 does pump more air than the 480, but the 480 is 100% duty cylce at 200 psi.

07-26-2007, 09:57 AM	#4
67Fleet Outlandish Trends - FL Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,396	Re: What's the deal with compressor #'s? I would install a water trap between the comp and the tank. This will prevent moisture/condensate from building up in the tank and getting in to your valves. Also, the stainless pigtail that comes with the comps has a built-in check valve to prevent backpressure coming back into the compressor. __________________ -Bret 67 short-fleet sold!

07-26-2007, 10:44 AM	#5
itsmike2k Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vegas Posts: 228	Re: What's the deal with compressor #'s? What exactly does the Duty Cycle mean? At 100% does that meant it runs more then a 50% duty cycle or???? __________________ Mike 1972 LT1/4l60e Short Bed ART Front and Rear Strong Arms http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...50#post2151750

07-26-2007, 03:10 PM	#6
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	Re: What's the deal with compressor #'s? Ya, should I get a compressor with a greater duty cycle? Does that make it more efficient? __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up

07-26-2007, 09:22 PM	#7
cajundragger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,008	Re: What's the deal with compressor #'s? duty cycle is what percent of time it can run. 100% means it can run all the time, 50% means it can run half the time. What is a time? I thought it was out of an hour but it may be 10 minutes? I forgot. Usually the higher duty cycle the less efficent as the 480 pumps less air than the 400, but the 480 also pumps a higher pressure. This probably just means the 480 has a smaller bore than the 400 which explains that it pumps higher psi and less cfm.

07-31-2007, 10:03 AM	#8
72 Cheyenne402 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 581	Re: What's the deal with compressor #'s? "FIRESTONE COMPRESSOR AND 150PSI" Will this work for a rear airbag setup on a 72 C10? __________________ 1972 Cheyenne 402 LWB 2005 Silverado X-Cab 5.3L 2004 John Deere L120 20HP B&S



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