Hey guys im new to train horns,other than the cheap chrome china horns I have installed on a couple buddies trucks.I am currently putting together a setup for my own 2500 chevy.I was originally going with K5’s then I got to listening to video clips on youtube and I really like the p3’s.Ive been told K’s require much more air than P’s.Will I be making a mistake going with a P3? I am doing a 5gal tank,2 Viair 440’s,all 1/2" line and valve,200psi regulated to 150psi at horn.I can always sale the p3 and upgrade in the future right…
I prefer the sound of the K5 myself, but every body has there own taste. I have a 7 gallon tank, and it is almost not big enough. Keep in mind I’m also running a modified horn with 5/8" ID line… 5 gallons does really well with a k3 though. If your running 2 Viair 440’s, then you could easily install a second tank too.
If I were you, I would go with what ever horn sounds the best to you, period. If you don’t, you will regret it and it may cost more money to get what you really want.
Thanks for the advice.After seeing all the nice K5 restorations and installs,I think Im going to go with a K5LA.I will stick to the 8.5 gallon tank and If I empty that too quick ill add another 3-5 gallon tank.Im still researching and learning,I didnt know there was such a following for train horns.
I personally love the sound of a nice P3. We had a Southern Pacific line running through the town I grew up in so most of the trains that I heard when I was young had P3 Nathans. It is all about personal taste and what sounds good to you. If you are going to spend the money to set up your horns then get what you like and don’t worry about anyone else. You are the one who will hear them every time.
Nice rides man, and welcome to the forum. Figured I’d mention if you are planning on getting your tank from HB that the price of the 8.5 gal is the same as a 12 gal. That’s why I decided to go ahead with the 12. One thing to consider of course is the 12 takes up more room and you’d need to figure out where you’d want to mount it. 8.5 will however do just fine.
I don’t see a 440 compressor on Viair’s site. either it’s the 400C, 444 or 450… or am I missing something?
Thanks guys.Im planning on putting the horns where my spare was,and as you know that takes up most of that room.I plan on putting the 8.5 gal tank which is 32"x10" on the inside frame rail on the drivers side,I have just enough room,not enough for a 12gal unfortunatly.I want to keep everything under the truck,because I use the bed from time to time,and dont have a cover on it.I have not checked Hornblasters prices for tanks, but I used to always get my air supply stuff from Newmatics,they have large variety and good prices.And sorry for the typo,I have 2 444c’s.
K5 in the mail yet?? 
Haha no,but I actually found a nice restored set of Canadian tuned K5’s im trying to get the guy right on the price,if we agree on a decent price they will be mine! Does anybody have any opinions on the “canadian tuned” vs. US horns? I know the Canadian horns have bells 1,2,3,4,5 and U.S. have bells 1,2,3a,4a,5 so im assuming only difference would be the sound? Why do they say the canadian K5’s are the most haunting horns?
^ Canadian horns sound great too. They just play a D# minor sixth instead of a B major sixth. Just a different sound is all. But ya, it has been labeled as a very haunting sounding horn. I would get it if the price was right. A k5la will have a higher pitch to it, but the cord sounds neat with a Canadian horn.
What would you consider a fair price? I have seen K5LA prices from $500 all the way up to $1100…I will be buying used of course,so I was wondering what Is a deal and what is too much? Thanks!
I would say if you could get your hands on one in good shape for $500, you better grab it.