Hi,
I’ve been lurking these forums since commencement of an engine driven compressor system build, last fall, for my 2004 GMC Sierra 1500. It’s about 80% complete, and I figured it was probably time to register, here, since I’m almost ready to throw an air horn into the mix.
Obviously an EDC system is overkill for just an air horn. I’m building it because I’m in the midst of acquiring a tract of acreage, and I want an easy means to run air tools out in the middle of a field or woods – without lugging around (and having to protect from theft and the elements) a gas compressor or a generator and electric compressor.
Progress has been slow and steady, with the bulk of the time spent on the engineering and/or frabrication of brackets for various parts of the system – specifically an under-bed carrier for twin 2.5gal air tanks, the coalescing filter bracket, the compressor bracket, and the front air manifold bracket. (I’m still working on the last two of these.) I’ve meticulously avoided giving up cab space, bed space, and my spare tire for this installation, so this has been a challenging project specifically due to the space constraints.
The space limitation is sad, actually, because I am very partial to the sound of Nathan P3’s, but I just don’t have anywhere to put them or their K3 cousins. Right now I’m leaning toward Shocker XL’s mounted on the frame rail where I still have unused space, since I worry that my oversized, aftermarket transmission cooler and my hidden winch carrier will prevent installation behind the grille in downward-facing fashion. (I’ll have to get them in my hands and do some test fitting to know for sure.)
I’ve heavily photodocumented various parts of the installation, so pics will follow once my project is complete and working. Probably a few more months, to go, as it’s all weekend project work, as time permits.
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like a pretty advanced install if you’re starting with an EDC. What are you installing… a York or something else? The Shockers are great… but you’ll easily have enough grunt to run an Airchime. Check into mounting the chimes separately instead of using the stock manifold and you might find you got the room to do so. Looking forward to some pics.
DBO,
The compressor is, indeed, a York 210L. The air tanks are 200psi 2.5gal Viair’s, and the plumbing is 1/2" OD copper to provide some additional capacity. (There are three places where braided stainless steel hose is used for flexibility, instead.) I plan to run the system between 140psi and 175psi, with 200psi relief valves at the front and rear air manifolds, as I prefer an overengineered system for a bit of safety overhead.
This project has been long enough and complex enough that I don’t know if I’m up for fabricating separate mounts for the air chimes … but it’s a thought.
Sounds like you’re loading that truck up with goodies.
Like DBO said you might fit a P3 on seperate mounting brackets.
Looking forward to some pics - welcome.
Edit: You can buy a P3 bracket kit with everything including the manifold & fittings.
RTP area (I also grew up in Durham). I’ve got 1 month left on my apartment lease in Morrisville and am actively trying to get acreage in the area outside of Roxboro. Sadly I’ll probably have to do another lease unless I can find someone with a mother-in-law suite that is willing to rent on a short term basis. Regardles, I’m getting out of the city as soon as I can.
It sounds like you have a killer system in the works! The K series we have are on a low mount versus the P3’s manifold being higher. It sounds like you would need your spare tire being in the fields but if not, a lot of people mount the K3’s in their spare tire chamber.
The shockers are by far the best for space limited.
Welcome. The York210 is definitely not overkill, even for just air horns, especially when you’re in the middle of nowhere and want run air tools. Keep an eye on the oil level as they discharge about 1 ounce every hour of run time.
Well, the Shockers are installed … as is the plumbing for the entire air system. I used an external compressor to load it to 150 PSI and do some test blasts, today. This will be a useful addition as well as a fun toy.
Now I need the darn engineer and machinist to finish my compressor bracket so I ca actually have a mobile air supply!
