Air Suspension - 3Gal or 5Gal? Compressor Size?

Just planning out my build, need some input since I'm new to Air.
 
Any particular reason why I'd run a 3Gal over a 5Gal? (Besides the obvious one holds more...)
- Why would you need the extra 2 gallons capacity? Convenience?
 
Also,
Compressor size: 380c, 400c, 450c? Single van suspension, primarily used for show use and occasional up/down to clear obstacles. Which is better for this application? (Noise, Size, Price etc)?
 
Also, 
Lines size: 1/4", 1/2" 3/8"? For simple up/down on occasion, which is desired? Why one over the other?
 
Thanks for your time and input. I will note that I will be using the Dakota Digital air ride controller setup to control the bags.

3 gallons is not going to give you much "play" capacity. If you''re a ride height, drive,  park, dump, repeat cat then 3 gal [I]may[/I] be enough. i'd go at least 5, dual 3s are good for hiding sometimes vs.  a single 5.
 
the new viair 444 is my choice for cost/performance compromise. same price as the 380 basically but improved performance. dual is a must for bags imo, that way you're not stuck if one burns out.
 
i'd say 1/4, cause i prefer slow, either that or 3/8 with slow down. 1/2 is overkill.

You'd typically use the larger lines for say...trucks?
 
The 1/4" line goes to the bags, from the solenoids? (Same from tank to solenoid? or larger)?
 
I'm limited on space (no trunk), so I need to be a little creative on fitting 1 large or 2 small tanks in the back. Can tanks withstand being mounted underneath the car? (Prone to rust/dents etc)

i like the 380c

I have a similar setup for my xB.  I run one 5 gallon tank, run by a single 380c.  I cant go up and down 20 times at stop lights, but I can cycle through up/down a few times at minimum with air left in the tank.  I run 1/4 line all around with manual valves, so it isnt blazing fast, but goes up and down at a good speed for me.   It is what Id recommend.

[QUOTE=berlinas2k2;364326]You'd typically use the larger lines for say...trucks?
 
The 1/4" line goes to the bags, from the solenoids? (Same from tank to solenoid? or larger)?
 
I'm limited on space (no trunk), so I need to be a little creative on fitting 1 large or 2 small tanks in the back. Can tanks withstand being mounted underneath the car? (Prone to rust/dents etc)[/QUOTE]
 
yeah... last time i saw anyone use 1/2 was in the trucks days going for speed.
 
run the same size line throughout the install (possible exception: gauges).
 
tanks can be mounted outside as long as they are secured well and some thought is put into location. same with most,  if not all, valves. 2k11 is all about aluminum tanks, no rust.

[QUOTE=ScottyTuned;364387]I have a similar setup for my xB. I run one 5 gallon tank, run by a single 380c. I cant go up and down 20 times at stop lights, but I can cycle through up/down a few times at minimum with air left in the tank. I run 1/4 line all around with manual valves, so it isnt blazing fast, but goes up and down at a good speed for me. It is what Id recommend.[/QUOTE]
 
You have any detailed pics of your setup? :biggthumpup:

Ummm not really.  This is best I have:
[img]http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7743/dscn1585.jpg[/img]

This was the first round of doing it (and my first air build).  I dont have pics of it more finished.  This spring will see some changes, likely with moving the subs, doing hardline, and changing the look.   Im going to try to better integrate it into my Garson interior (and the rest of the stuff I have to buy).    I have 1/4 line all around, including to gauges, bags, and paddle valves.   Ive been really pleased with it so far, aside from some small leaks here and there.

I did 2 480 compressors with a 5 gal tank. fills the tank from 0 in about 6 minutes. i use 200psi switch.
gives me a 3-4 times of full up/down plays before its too weak to lift the car anymore. this is with the key off
i'd say 5gal is minimum if u like to lift for dips and bumps

i use 3/8 valves with 1/4 lines and its a good speed. not too fast lifting/dumping but is a controlled lift/dump

Any good places to get a tank made? or pre-made?

no one really buys custom tanks, for the price it makes a lot more sense to buy a manufactured tank.

[IMG]http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz305/Gee702/c178f25f.jpg[/IMG]


I'm using 1 5gal tank and 1 AZ compressor and it takes hella long to fill. After I get back from my vacation I'll get another compressor and hope it fills faster. So far nothing fancy and not done yet

where is the spare tire in these?

what spare tire?  =X

I run tankless.... two 380 direct to valves then to bags... I can fill my front bags in 10 seconds... good thing about it is that I can command as much psi as I want anytime.. Like before when I had a tank, I couldnt get it up when tank pressure was low n had to cycle up n down couple times for the pump to kick back on in order to get the right pressure to raise again..  Only down fall is it takes a lil too long to fill when u need to sometimes for like speedbumps..... Kool thing too is you dont have to listen to pumps filling up a 5 gallon tank for couple minutes.
saves lots of room..

[QUOTE=Blitz;364472]where is the spare tire in these?[/QUOTE]


I still got a full 17in spare tire lol

If money isnt an issue, go with a custom tank. We've got a guy that has one being made to fill the entire spare tire well and fit all his "stuff". The final install will be the best Ive seen in a trunk. 
 
Theres no one Magical formula for air lines. We dont all like the same things. your "slow" may not be the "slow"  im thinkin of  ;) 
 
What Ive done in my personal cars is to build the suspension like the stereo or engine mods....overkill and excercise self control :biggthumpup:

Can you post up more information about the custom tank maker DriftGirl?
Berlinas - you never mentioned air management. I ran 3/8" lines because my Dakota Digital can control the air speed. What are your plans for this?

Dakota Digital 2001 setup with just the pressure sensors for now.

It has an 'air speed' feature to slow down fast air systems. I'd recommend 3/8" line.
Also, don't forget leader lines if you air line attaches at the bottom of the strut. That was a $200 bill I didn't count on.

^ indeed, and sucked.

3gal is going to be waaaay to small man. Even if you are a get in, ride, dump kinda guy. You still don't wanna start the car and wait for the compressors to kick. 5 gallon minimum for any car IMO.

I'm also with schnitz. 3/8 line is ideal. 1/4 is too slow 1/2 is too fast but 3/8 with DD control is perfect.

Dual viar 480s would be my choice.

You guys have any close up pics of your plumbing?

[QUOTE=berlinas2k2;364433]Any good places to get a tank made? or pre-made?[/QUOTE]

You could order the company to make that suits you

If I use the 3/8" Line, what fittings do I need on my tank? I see some have 3, 4, 5, 8 ports varying from 1/2", 1/4" and so on.
 
I was looking at the UAS chrome tank, has (2) 1/2" ports and 1 1/4" for drain? Is that enough?

Make sure that  the air tank is DOT approved.  I use a 5 gallon firestone air tank on mine, US made.

[url]http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=328989[/url]

[url]http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=403646[/url]

Damn that sucks if you were hella close to that one.  buy the DOT approve tank.

I have the tank in the second link. Got it from airassisted.com
I spent about 6 hours polishing it to almost chrome finish.

[QUOTE=normandie;364747]Make sure that the air tank is DOT approved. I use a 5 gallon firestone air tank on mine, US made.
 
[URL]http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=328989[/URL]
 
[URL]http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=403646[/URL][/QUOTE]
 
I bet that tank exploding shocked the piss out of that guy!

i'll be out at pz this weekend if you want to come out and look at my airride setup and plumbing on both my mazda6 and the mazda cx-7 i help put together.

Im not in H Town unfortunately....in Dallas!