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

[tmckenzie]

Ive never been much of a fan of Banks products, Ive been with many of you in thinking they were overpriced for the power. But I was talking with the owner of the local shop I visit who is a Banks installer and he has got me wondering about the Big Hoss chip that they sell. Banks CLAIMS 160 Hp and 317 lb/ft torque for a little over $700. We are both interested to see how it would work with my old style VA timing box. We were discussing bypassing the built in EGT shut off so that it wouldnt cut back at 1300*. He knows that Im not a big fan of Banks but this sounds like it might be a decent setup, and no Im not considering a banks kit, just the box. I know other comparible boxes that can be stacked with the VA have less HP ~120 but more torque ~360 lb/ft at a similar price but more adjustability (none on the big hoss). Anybody tried the big hoss stacked? Big Hoss and injectors? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I ran the Powerpack and found I needed more. Don't get me wrong I thought the P Pack is a wicked bite in the arse and a great package in terms of drivability , power delivery , and especially towing.



I played with it and added injectors and a VA and the Ottomind (the big hoss of yore) and it would defuel the truck so bad with injectors I lost power until I just simply pulled the pyro so exhaust temp could not be read. I fear that very safety temp defueler may also be evident in the hoss setup to maintain "Safe EGT" limits. which is good for the toss it in and forget it guy who wants just a little more umph. I could be waaay wrong too.



I pulled the pack out and went with DD3's and a Blue chip fmc , hx 40 , and stacked along my VA. Now your talkin! Being able to adjust the egt defuel feature is one of the bluechip's best features IMHO. I still haven't seen any info on the 'hoss setup so I may be wrong once again on the safety setup.

 

[tmckenzie]

Your right on the "safe egt" limiter Tim. Its the same way on the big hoss - it defuels at 1300* or 1350* and thats why we were discussing leaving the pyro that is on the box unhooked - just like you did. Im just wondering if this box will give the kick of a FMS or PM3 mated to injectors and VA. According to Banks, the big hoss will give 40 hp more than a PM3 or FMS, but 40 lb/ft less torque?????????? I was also told that the Big Hoss gradually adds fuel, instead of "dumping" the fuel in like an FMS or PM3, which Im not sure how well that would work??? Did unhooking the pyro make a big difference in your setup?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Yep It sure did only egt's went thru the roof as the baby turbo couldn't hang (1760*) AS a matter a fact here is a movie clip of my truck on the dyno with that setup and that provided a 270 RWHP reading (yuk) This is with the banks powerpack and DD1's and the pyro hooked up. I couldn't do a 3rd gear pull as the egt's would defuel the rig too fast so I played with it thru the gears.



Now with what I am running (Check Goodies list in sig) I can say I am on the verge of happy. The blue chip offers 130 H. P over stock and I am a fan of adjustability. The built in resettable max value recorder is one of the best features IMHO. The fact too that I can take my truck and make it somewhat smokeless arround town is a really big + for me in itself too.



I figured Banks would stick with the safe EGT limiter as that really isn't a bad gig at all. Heck with a cam and twins that thing should never hit the limiter

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Oh and the FMS adds fuel in relation to throttle position and Boost pressure criteria. The only time it dumps fuel is either on 63% and "More Perf" setting OR DRAG MODE!

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[tmckenzie]

Thanks for all the info Tim. I think youve about summed it up for me. PS- I like the warning display!!!

 

[jhutton]

Aren't there some irreversible molecular changes in cylinder and valve materials above 1400F?? Even with limited time @ these temps isn't longevity being compromised?? I've been interested on how to generate 450+ RWP, good driveability, and a nice cool engine. Most of you seem to know a great deal more about this than I do so I'm open to learning. I have wondered if stepping up from DDII's to DDIII's and going to an HX50 would be an enjoyable set up. And, I considered going out to Piers for the cam they sell and maybe even porting the heads (if that's not outrageously expensive).



I'd be a very attentive listener to any input on these considerations of mine. Maybe someone knows a shop closer than Canada capable of performing this type of work exceptionally well--closer than Canada means a sensible drive from southern West Virginia if at all possible.



Current configuration is :

'01 HO with Banks Power Pack, Big Hoss 5, Power elbow, Star Clutch, DDII's, pusher pump, Edge EZ, aftermarket K&N, and Gear Vender OD/UD unit.



Thanks to any and all willing to chime in.



John

 

[ThrottleJockey]

jhutton



Twins



You set 'em up right, you get ice cold boost.



Brian