Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 98.5 Banks Big Hoss

[BLassiter]

I currently have a 98. 5 CTD with Banks Monster Exhaust/Power Elbow along with the AEM BruteForce Intake system. I have been quoted around $1,000 for a Banks Big Hoss chip installed. First I have been told that I will get 160hp/317torque from this. After reviewing on bankspowered, the only chip i see is the one that claims 70 hp/180torque. Am I missing something here or is there a different chip than the one advertised? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JTHosler]

I purchased the Big Hoss (level 5)a few years ago, and was told 150hp, My truck dyno'd 255/510 with the box. When I got it they did not advertise the different levels on the website. My opinion is the comp box runs circles around the Big Hoss box I had. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Ross]

Run very far from Banks... .



I have replaced at least 4 Banks systems (all over $2000. 00) with TST, Edge, and PDR products for about 1/3 the cost, and all the customers were happier with the "cheap" stuff. They felt "ripped off" by Banks after they had experienced both. Banks is mostly hype and marketing. Their products do increase power and torque, but not nearly to the extent that others provide. You can get twice the bang for the buck with other tuners.



A TST Powermax and Some good stage II injectors will put you way up there (+ 180 hp), and cost about the same... .

 

[BLassiter]

Well IMO I want something that has the torque converter clutch protection as well as temp. I know the edge comp shows really good ratings for HP/Torque however I dont have any gauges yet (although I intend to do, just want a chip first, perhaps the wrong route to take but im anxious like everyone) Is the TST powermax 2 have precautions or the edge comp or could I easily screw something up if I didn't watch what I was doing. I just like the sounds of a safeguard. Any further comments would be appreciated.

 

[TJarecke]

So how about the edge juice with attitude. Kill 2 birds with one stone (chip and gauges).

 

[Graphic man]

Anything but banks, Edge TST etc. etc.

 

[Cummins724]

I had the big hoss for a month & barely noticed any power increase. I changed it out for a comp & it was the best thing I ever did. Banks don't even compare.

 

[BLassiter]

apparently there are 2 kinds of big hoss, the one i continuosly see advertised is the 70 hp and 180 ft/lb torque while the one im being told that will be installed is 160 hp/317 torque. This is the same thing u think u put in Cummins 724?

 

[Allnew2Me]

When I bought my truck it had a banks Big Hoss on it. I had the truck dynoed and it wasn't working at all so I removed it and sent it back to Banks. They sent me a brand new one, no questions asked. Pretty good service I thought. I sold it in classified and bought an Edge Comp and love it. I figured that no matter how good it is when it works, it ain't worth much when it don't! Great customer service is nice but not needing any in the first place is even better.

 

[BLassiter]

So the next question is what is the best route to go if I bought a comp box, turn it up to the level before I really start to feel things like the trans slipping and back it off a little. What would be a good aid in knowing exactly how far to push it. This seems to be the biggest concern of mine, to not mess anything up.

 

[Cummins724]

apparently there are 2 kinds of big hoss, the one i continuosly see advertised is the 70 hp and 180 ft/lb torque while the one im being told that will be installed is 160 hp/317 torque. This is the same thing u think u put in Cummins 724?

Yes, I had the Black box. Not the red one & it was rated at 160 & 317lb. it was Ok don't get me wrong, but I lost a race to a friend with a comp & the big hoss went swimming. It wasn't even close to the performance of the comp. The price of the big hoss $1000. The price of the comp $499 on ebay. 1/2 price double performance. Trust me.

 

[BLassiter]

would I experience any problems running a comp with just a banks monster exhaust and power elbow and aem brute force in take at say level 5 or leve 4 probably be the safest and still noticeably more power than the banks?

 

[Cummins724]

would I experience any problems running a comp with just a banks monster exhaust and power elbow and aem brute force in take at say level 5 or leve 4 probably be the safest and still noticeably more power than the banks?

I never had any problems till I got injectors, then a little slip of the clutch on level 5x5. With your setup, it would work well. The comp will spank the banks on level 3.

 

[DirtyDodge]

Don't do it... my big hoss is sitting in the garage. Wish I could have my money back. What an over rated piece of crapolla.

 

[NoSeeUm]

Does the Hoss tap the pump wire?



Jim

 

[CPavlic]

Well if your talking about the older modle that has 5 diff adjustable it does tap the pump wire but if its the new 70 horse it doesent.

 

[johncameron]

I have been quoted around $1,000 for a Banks Big Hoss chip installed.

Does that include EGT ans Boost guages installed?



I have one and I like it. I have never tried anything else.



John

 

[BLassiter]

No gauges installed what so ever, just the preventative monitors that the banks controls, the color of the box I am not sure of as I am just quoted on 160hp/317 torque. Still waiting some comments on people telling me if I will be okay without any problems running a edge comp to its fullest potential.

 

[BLassiter]

I also forgot to ask if the Smarty box would be a potential option as well and if I would experience problems trying to run it via levels 8 or 9 and its performance would be better than a edge comp or drag per say? Thanks again for all the responses Im glad to have joined

 

[TCDiesel]

Edge has Only the Dodge Comp ,EZ that Has Been some what successful. . Had one customer with over 300,000 on the PowerPack in commercial service. . If you are a HP junkie Banks is not the company for you. . As far as cost is concerned Prices quote earlier are Retail, If you shop for a Authorize Banks Distributor the cost are considerably less.