it still has to be good enough to get through the race and few substandard parts do that.
I must have been really bad at making sure I don't sound like I don't respect or appreciate ARB lockers apparently.
I KNOW ARB is a superior product. I've never questioned their strength. Yes, there's a reason every ultra 4 team has a ARB sticker...but again I will say....none of us will ever run that class. None of us will tear down our rigs the way they will either.
The longevity I EXPECT is to install it and forget it (for the most part). Just like when you buy a honda/Toyota DD and EXPECT to get in it every morning and start reliably for 200k+ and drive off with just regular routine maintenance.
I realize with that statement I need detroits, but I want selectable lockers. So there's 3 options. Ideally I wanted OX lockers because of limited mechanical involvement, but the (good) shops here would not install them because of dissatisfied customers of the past. So 2 options.
I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in HVAC/plumbing/electrical commercial construction. I've only been doing it for 25 years but in the beginning I spent 40% or better of my time on designs replacing pneumatic controls to electric actuators. In those 25 yrs we have NEVER designed another pneumatic system, only removed them and replaced. Nor have i had to go back and replace the electric actuators in systems weve previously designed. Whereas I designed AC systems for schools/colleges/jails and then 20 yrs later replaced chillers/boilers/units in those same facilities. That's the typical life span for those pieces of equipment.
However, Pneumatics are just horribly inefficient. The least breach in the system over works the compressor, and chasing tiny air leaks is a nightmare. Yes, I know you control the operation duration of the compressor with a switch, but we wheel for 10 hrs at a time usually. And while 1 race may last for many hours....I'm talking about 10 hrs 1-3 times a month for several years. That's quite a few operational hours unlike racing where you're sponsored and can chuck the compressor for the new model every year
Electric actuators either work or they dont. When they don't you can trace power easier than air. And my concern isn't after a race. My concern is in a few years when the air lines become brittle (again, my personal experience has shown me ALL piping that is flexible is subject to hardening and becoming brittle) and I'm chasing leaks while facing either a compressor rebuild or replacement. Compressors are another area I have quite a bit of experience with being in HVAC that I've had enough experience with to know I don't want to have to rely on. If the compressor fails I've lost both lockers. If an actuator I've lost one locker.
Again..this is my experience and my preference YMMV