Pre-a 356 Coupe... making it up as i go along!

[AccidentalGenius]

Lol... it's good to be different!!!

I am using a bolt on kit from LimeBug, with 1 compressor (think I might add another before final install) and a digital controller.

I have never had one before so i don't know what it will be like to drive?!

[smallspeed]

The ride on air is amazing, its all about the dampers really - the nice thing (from a handling perspective) is the car is basically corner weighted every time you raise or lower it

Re: Compressors, depends what you want to do - it's a bit like an air compressor in the garage..

Compressor fills tank, air in the tank does the work. When the pressure drops below a threshold, compressor tops it up again

If you're going to be "dancing" then two big compressors and two tanks will do nicely! And you'll want 100% duty and large output compressors (forget the numbers but maybe viair 480? Or even a belt driven engine powdered compressor)

If you're raising and lowering only then one is fine and a decent size tank - 4 or 5gal tank (so the compressor isn't going off all the time), plus id go for a decent compressor to start with like a viair 430 or whatever their decent size 100% duty one is.. You won't over stress it but the cost difference is largely irrelevant anyway.
If you're struggling with space for a 5gal tank then 2x smaller ones can be linked together.. Also my advice would be fit a schrader valve so if you get stuck you can always use an airline in a garage to top it up

How fast the system moves will be down to line and valve sizes - 1/2" will be FAST, twin 1/2" lines and a 180-200psi system will get the front wheels of a Mercedes w123 about a foot off the ground
3/8" is what most will prob be running (and id guess will be the size of ports in bags, and valves lime bug sell). Avoid 1/4" lines and paddle valves (manual valves) - its frustratingly slow and you'll end up ripping it all out and going bigger anyway

Hope that helps - if you want to discuss anything air related just shout! Im a bit out of the loop with the ready made kits and things as I was doing all this stuff 10-15yr ago when we had to make everything ourselves! But the principals are all the same

[AccidentalGenius]

Thank you that is really helpful.

I am using a Viair compressor but I can't remember which one and i can't check as the car is not with me at the moment. I was thinking about adding another as it takes a little while to fill up the tank and while it is doing so it is pretty noisy. My thought was that I would rather it be a bit louder but take half the time.

One of the things that is on my mind is what I do if the compressor fails and I get a leak (or just while it is low) and I have to drag it all the way home with its belly on the floor. A second compressor makes me feel safer but I don't know if in reality I should worry about that.

[AccidentalGenius]

Here you can see the chassis and air ride kit temporarily installed. I really want the tank and compressor(s) up front under the bonnet, not in the car. Partly due to the look and party due to the noise of the compressor.

[smallspeed]

Looks good! Im really happy to see some chassis shots - looks like a great set-up

[AccidentalGenius]

This weekend i am spraying my engine tin wear. I have got it all in undercoat already and i am going to spray it 'Cast Iron' from spray cans meant for spraying BBQs... I imagine that would be able to withstand the heat from the engine but i actually have no idea if i am being honest.

I have also got some PU Lacquer as a top coat. it says it is extra thick lacquer you can use on alloy wheels so again, this is a bit of a guess but I'm going to go for it.

My plan is to spray the cast iron paint on Saturday, then give it 24 hours before applying the top coat on Sunday... i will stick some pictures on here when i have done it... if anyone can see a problem with this plan please shout up!

Anyone else working on their car this weekend?

[AccidentalGenius]

It’s almost 2 years since I last posted on here, I don’t know where the time has gone!!!

The car is still progressing, just very slowly.

I will figure out how to get some pictures on here shortly but for today I had an engine question that I thought someone may be able to help with.

I am building a 1776 and I was advised to buy a pair of standard 85.5 AA Performance heads and then have them machined to 90.5 and at the same time have the heads flowed etc.

I have the heads (as mentioned above) but have just been thinking about buying a pair of Panchitos instead - for the ease and guarantee of performnace.

Question is, if you were in my position would you have the work done on the AA heads or just buy a pair of Panchitos?

My existing heads will not go to waste as I am also building a standard 1600 engine for another project.

All help welcomed.

Thank you