Our Elite Kit: Transform your Bel Air suspension for enhanced driving comfort and a striking stance. Discover why our Elite Kit stands out in our collection for exceptional performance, making it the ultimate upgrade for your classic ride.”
“Here’s a comprehensive list of every component included with the Elite Kit to ensure you have everything you need for EZ installation and optimal performance:”
- EZ AIRRIDE 2500# Air Springs: 8” usable stroke with a 600 psi burst rating. Features steel braided waistbands.
- Bolt-on powder-coated air spring brackets with all necessary hardware.
- 496ss Compressor: 200 psi / 100% duty cycle 2.19 CFM with a sound-stabilizer spring kit.
- Large Capacity 6.0 Gal Air Tank: Equipped with all necessary fittings.
- Electric Tank Drain Valve: Comes with lead/power wires and necessary fittings.
- 3/8” Aluminum Manifolds: Comes with all necessary brass DOT fittings, slow-flow mufflers for controlled drop speed, and plug-in wire harnesses to connect to controller device.
- Gauge Panel: Includes two dual-needle glass gauges with LED bulbs & power wires and DOT brass fittings – the panels come in a black coated finish, and include a built-in tank drain button with power leads.
- Front Shock Relocation Package: Shocks, upper frame towers and lower stainless steel studs.
- 7-Button Switch Box: Comes with a 16-foot extension and lock-out feature.
- 3/8” DOT Black Nylon Air Hose: 60 feet in length.
- 1/4” DOT Black Nylon Air Hose: 60 feet in length.
- DOT Brass Fittings: Includes PTC swivel bag fittings, all brass DOT tank fittings, and a 165on / 200off psi switch with power leads.
- EZ AIR Essentials: 20’ 8 gauge UL Certified OFC tinned copper power wire, 30/40 amp transparent relay with LED light indicator, Plug-in relay wire harness featuring 12” heavy-duty OFC tinned copper wire leads, EZ Airtite 360 Sealant and 8 gauge 3/8″ ID copper lugs with a complimentary “Hammer Down Crimper Tool” and a Tube Cutter.
- Spare Air Kit/Roadside Relief Kit:™ Featuring our exclusive 20′ air coil hose which includes a 6” dual-head tire inflator, quick connect coupler, tank fitting and a tire Schrader.
- “The most comprehensive kits on the market!”
“Here’s an introduction to the Elite kit! Discover more below about the additional features and installation information that make it the perfect choice for your Bel Air. The Elite Kit distinguishes itself with many key features that set it apart as the superior choice for enhancing your suspension with an AIRRIDE system.
The Elite Kit is a four-corner control system, often referred to as FBSS (front, back, side, side). While it may seem like a flashy addition intended for show, it’s essential to understand that this system goes beyond merely impressing onlookers at stoplights by bouncing side to side (stoplight shenanigans). It serves a more practical purpose: Precise four-corner control is vital for enhancing stability at each corner of your classic vehicle while minimizing body roll. Whether you’re accelerating up a freeway on-ramp at 60 mph, navigating painful potholes on a backcountry road, or accommodating extra passenger weight, having refined corner control is crucial for achieving optimal performance and combating the dreaded “Chevy Leans.”
The Elite Kit includes a sleek handheld switch box: For effortless manual suspension adjustments, complimented by our exclusive dual-needle air gauge panel for precise air pressure monitoring in the bags. Tailored for DIY enthusiasts, this kit eliminates the need for complicated components like self-leveling levelers, sensors, computers, complex wiring and calibration. We refer to this straightforward control feature as “Driver Seat Calibration,” which allows you to calibrate and adjust your AIRRIDE suspension based solely on your visual assessment with the touch of your thumb – much like monitoring your speed with a speedometer and controlling it with your gas pedal. The Elite gauge operates similarly: just press the rocker switch with your thumb to modify your vehicles height while observing the gauge needles to reach your desired pressure and ride height. Enjoy effortless adjustability with just the touch of a switch!
The Elite dual-gauge panel, paired with the sleek handheld switch box, provides complete control over your vehicle’s suspension. Whether you need instant adjustability to cautiously back out of your driveway without dragging your headers or to tackle those painful potholes on back roads, this system has you covered. Lay it low for the next car event or adjust it to your desired pressure for a more dynamic ride quality. You’ll feel like you’re driving a brand-new car!
AND IF YOU’RE CURIOUS ABOUT THE LIFT SPEED: You can count on our Elite kits to respond smoothly, getting you up in less time than it takes to say “one thousand one!” The lift speed is so buttery smooth that it won’t jolt you out of your seat, or rattle your fillings; in fact, if you had a cup of coffee in your lap with no lid, it wouldn’t stir a ripple.
WHILE MANY OF US CRUISE OUR CLASSICS WITH YOUR FAVORITE CO-PILOT OR THE LITTLE ONES: Who will undoubtedly want to take charge of the switch box because it’s just fun!—the enjoyment can fade quickly if they hold down the drop button for too long. This can cause the front end to drop abruptly, resulting in the chassis thudding against the pavement. But there’s no need to worry—your pipes and oil pan are well protected! Our Elite manifolds feature EZ-flow brass slow-down exhaust mufflers, allowing you to effortlessly adjust the drop speed with a simple twist, just like turning down the volume on your stereo. Dial in your drop speed with ease, and enjoy smooth, controlled adjustments!
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Introducing our exclusive EZ AIRRIDE™ airbags & brackets, specially designed for all 1958-1964 X Frame Cars, Wagons & El Caminos. Our 2500 series airbags offer more stroke than traditional 2500 series airbags, compressing down to 2.8 inches and extending to 10.5 inches, providing useable stroke of nearly 8 inches. This increased stroke results in lower pressure within the bags, ultimately delivering a more dynamic ride quality. Whether you’re planning an LS swap, have a 454 big block engine, or want to fit 20″ rims on your ride, our airbags can handle it all. Each 2500 series airbag has a max load rating of 2,096 lbs. @ 100 psi. Whether you’re laying it on the lawn at a car show, preventing your pipes or oil pan from scraping along the driveway, or scrubbing the tires on turns due to extra passenger weight, the Elite Kit ensures optimal clearance and performance.
EASE OF INSTALLATION OF THE BAGS & BRACKETS: Simplify your air ride installation with our 1958-1964 X Frame brackets – the easiest setup you’ll find. Our airbag brackets feature powder-coated finishes to enhance durability and provide added protection. All necessary airbag/bracket hardware, including nuts, bolts, washers and the required 7/16″ all-thread is included. No need to break out the heavy-duty tools-just grab your socket set and drill and you’ll be good to go.
STARTING WITH THE REAR: Simply attach the lower bag bracket to your trailing arm and secure it to the factory e-brake hole. The upper bag bracket is just as straightforward; just attach it to the frame and secure the outer stem of the bag bracket to the factory bump stop using the supplied bolts – no drilling necessary. We’ve also simplified the process of running the air line by incorporating precision-cut mouse holes into the upper bag brackets. This design enables you to easily route the air line through the bag bracket itself, eliminating the need to drill additional holes in the frame for air line passage.
FRONT BRACKETS: The front lower plate effortlessly bolts onto the factory lower control arm. By utilizing the two bump stop holes after removing the bump stop, you could complete the installation without any drilling. If you opt to bolt the outer two holes on the plate to the lower arm, then drilling becomes necessary. The upper bag bracket mounts into the upper frame pocket and bolts into the existing shock mount hole. So, in theory, if you had chrome-plated lower arms and preferred not to drill the outer plate holes at all, there would be no drilling needed, whatsoever, for the bags & brackets. If you’re using front aftermarket tubular control arms, just give us a heads up and we’ll provide custom drop-in style brackets to fit seamlessly at no extra charge.
AFTERMARKET TUBULAR CONTROL ARMS: If your vehicle has aftermarket lower arms, or you’re planning to use aftermarket tubular lower arms, some light fabrication will be necessary to secure the lower shock stud to the arm. This process would involve drilling a hole through the aftermarket tubular arm and inserting a DOM tube of the correct size to support the lower stud, which will then need to be welded in place. Alternatively, you may explore fabricating tabs on the underside of the tubular arms to secure the stud. If you haven’t already purchased those fancy tubular arms, we recommend refurbishing your original arms by painting them and possibly equipping them with new ball joints. This approach simplifies the process of having to grind off the new powder coat and welding onto those new lower tubular arms, potentially saving you a few hundred dollars. However, if your primary goal is to showcase your vehicle’s new front lower tubular arms at a car show, they will certainly look impressive to the onlookers who admire them while lying underneath your vehicle.
THE UPPER SHOCK TOWERS: These are designed to be affixed to the upper frame via welding. While our brackets come with placement holes that in theory, could be bolted, we advise filling these holes with welds for a much stronger bond and then smoothing them out for that professional finish. Suppose you do not have access to a welder. In this case, it is feasible to use the holes to bolt the bracket. However, if you choose this installation method, we recommend fully securing the shock towers with bolts running from the frontside to the backside of the frame. Just keep in mind that if you decide to bolt them on, there will be more holes in your iconic Impala’s frame than in a chunk of Swiss cheese.
CLOSING REMARKS ON FRONT SHOCK INSTALLATION: The advice provided is relevant for the majority of our vintage vehicles during the process of relocating the front shock for air suspension installation. There may be some disparities among early classic vehicles, particularly between rear-steer and front-steer models during shock installation. Most well-known models, such as early X-frame Impala’s, Chevelle’s, Monte Carlos, Caprice Classics, and similar vehicles, are typically categorized as front-steer models. This means that the steering components are usually positioned in front of the wheels, near the core support, leaving more clearance for a shock to be mounted outside of the airbag onto the backside of the control arm facing the firewall. On the other hand, other early classics, such as 1958-1970 Cadillacs and similar models, are considered rear-steer vehicles, meaning that most of the steering components are located behind the wheels. This arrangement leaves little room for mounting a shock. As a result, many professional builders opt to mount the shock up front, facing the bumper—similar to the approach taken by Cadillac engineers when they introduced factory air suspension on several early models between late 1957 and 1960. Given the diverse designs of vehicles made over half a century ago and different manufacturing practices across the country, potential obstacles—such as brake lines, sway bars, or oversized wheels—may arise. Therefore, we want to reiterate that consulting with a professional builder or a certified shop is advisable when planning to relocate your front shocks.
REAR SHOCKS: Let’s talk about rear shocks—done! We don’t include them for this reason: our rear bags and brackets are designed to work with your original factory gas shocks. Many companies will try to sell you high-end name-brand shocks, claiming they are essential for air ride systems. In reality, the airbag’s quality and longer stroke support the vehicle’s weight. The purpose of the shock is to act as a dampener for the airbag, helping to smooth out the ride during sudden encounters with large potholes or unexpected railroad tracks at 45 MPH. That’s why a basic stock shock will work just fine—if it’s too stiff or heavy-duty, it will interfere with the air spring’s ability to absorb impacts effectively. This means the airbag won’t perform at its best in cushioning the ride. If your rear shocks resemble relics from Montgomery Ward or were added during high school auto shop class, like those hijacker air shocks from the ’70s, it might be time for an upgrade. Visit your favorite auto parts store for an inexpensive stock gas shock that fits your vehicle. Remember, investing in higher-end heavy-duty shocks may lessen the dynamic lift and ride quality of your air ride system. The more robust the shock, the more it can take away from the ideal ride quality. So take the $200-$300 we saved you and put it back into your pocket!
THE AIR TANK : Our exclusive tanks have a capacity of approximately 6 gallons. They measure just over 35″– in length, 7.25″- in diameter, and stand about 8.50″- tall. The front features two 1/2″ bungs for connecting to the manifolds, while each end of the tank has 3/8″ bungs for adapting to one or more compressors. Additionally, there are two 1/4″ bungs on the rear of the tank for the PSI switch and a quick connect for roadside air/train horn. Lastly, a 1/4″ bung on the bottom of the tank for easy drainage.
THE AIR COMPRESSOR: Introducing our premium 485c-SL compressor, featuring a maximum working pressure of 200 psi. This compressor offers a true 100% duty cycle at 200 psi, delivering 2.24 CFM. This work horse is the ideal choice for any onboard air ride system. Every 485c-SL pump includes a special set of “Sound Limiting Springs” to reduce noise and vibrations, ensuring a much more quiet operation. Each compressor is accompanied by a sleek 3/8″ NPT stainless steel braided leader hose featuring a built-in check valve for effortless connection to the air tank.
OUR 496 SS COMPRESSOR IS OIL-LESS: And features a built-in thermal overload protector incorporated to safeguard the compressor from overheating even in the most challenging operating conditions. With it being oil-less you can mount it in any direction or position. The only position we do not recommend is an upside-down mount, since heat tends to travel upward, and does not dissipate well in the motor housing.
INCLUDED WITH THE COMPRESSOR: An EZ AIRRIDE™ comprehensive wire care package, designed to provide everything you need for a successful installation and to ensure your compressor operates smoothly for years to come. This package includes a premium 20′ roll of our exclusive EZ AIRRIDE UL Certified 8-gauge OFC Tinned Copper wire, allowing you to connect the compressor in your trunk to the battery located up front. Also included is an integrated 40-amp inline Maxi-Fuse with a protective fuse holder, a 30/40-amp transparent relay w/LED accompanied by a color-coded plug-in relay harness for easy setup, and 8 gauge copper lugs. With these high-quality components, you can trust that your air ride compressor will deliver reliable and efficient performance for years ahead.
KEY FEATURES OF THE COMPRESSOR:
- Chrome body
- Built-in thermal overload protector
- Maximum pressure: 200 psi
- Duty cycle: 100% @ 100 psi, 2.19 CFM
- CFM: 2.19
- Maximum amp draw: 26 per compressor
- Fill rate (5 gallons): 0-200 psi 9 min. 45 sec. (± 15 sec.) ; Refill time: 165-200 psi = 2 minute 15 seconds
- Sound Stabilization built inside /Sound-Stabilizer Spring kit on the outside
- 3/8″ leader hose with built-in check valve
- 12v Magnetic Motor
- Metal Filter Housing
