electric air compressor to gas?

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Anyone ever done this? Have an older Crqaftsman compressor, but not enough electric to run it, so thinking of adding a gas motor and use a PILOT UNLOADER VALVE 150 TO 175 PSI to stop adding air.Little nervous tho,I hate big booms when Im standing next to them!
Reply:Other than the cheapest pumps, there is no difference between the pump on an electric powered unit and an engine driven unit. Key things are: speed, a proper capacity safety valve, and the correct setup of the unloader.The unloader for engine drive applications is different than in most electric drive, as in most electric drive, the motor controller cycles the motor, and the unloader is used to reduce startup load (though some electric applications do run continuous). In some small machines, the unloader doesn't hold the inlet valves, but only drains a section of line between the pump outlet valve and a check at the reservoir (common on units up to 1 or two horsepower, especially les expensive ones) Higher power/better pumps, where an air piston holds the inlet valves open are suitable for the service you want. If you have questions, any local diesel shop should be able to help you out, as this is how the air pumps for the brakes on most trucks work. If you can provide  more detail (model of the pump, etc... the craftsman branded machines came from many manufacturers over the years, and some use a true unloader, some only drain a line section), might be able to give you more advice.