Banks "Bomb"

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Hello everyone.

I have been responding to several emails about the Power Wagon injectors I installed and in doing so I end up mentioning the Banks quick turbo and exhaust set-up I have.

When I purchased the system the propaganda on the website stated that with the stage III (powerpack), which includes the exhaust, K&N, quick turbo and intercooler, a gain of some 70 HP was recorded. The horsepower chart has a note that it was based on 1290F max EGT. Also the boost vs. time chart shows 21 psi @ 2000 rpm.

I don't see how anywhere near 1300F and 21 psi at 2000 rpm could be obtained without adding fuel, especially when the more free flowing intercooler and quick turbo ADD air over stock. I am only now getting that much boost at 2000 and my EGT is 750 max (so far) post turbo, which I reckon at 1200F pre turbo.

That being the case I would have to say that the information is "misleading".

Therefore, my advice to any seeking actual power increase is: Think twice (or more) before "Bombing with Banks" and NOT to think about getting injectors, but just get them!



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'93 W350 Club Cab, 5 sp. , 129K, Factory Options: LE, 4. 10, LS, 7600 lb. rear springs, tachometer, front stabilizer bar. Mods: Banks stinger plus, Linex bedliner, 25,000 lb gooseneck, 10,000 lb receiver, Tekonsha brake controller, PW injectors.

 

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This is a copy of the banks intercooler installation instructions from page 2 of the manual.

In order to fully benefit from your intercooler
installation, the fuel delivery of the diesel fuel
injection pump must be increased. The injection pump is
located on the left side of the engine, near the front.
Locate the fuel delivery adjustment screw on the pump. (see
illustration). The adjustment screw may have a cover over it.
Push on the back side of the cover to remove it. Loosen the
locknut around the adjustment screw, then turn the screw
clockwise 120 degrees to increase the fuel delivery. e-
tighten the locknut and replace the screw cover.
Not all fuel pumps can be increased 120 degrees of
adjustment. This will depend on the position of the collar
crimped on the screw.

 

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Thanks for the information OO.

Concerning Banks' instructions, I'm extremely skeptical that a very modest 120 degrees on the full load fuel screw will give anywhere near Banks' reported 224 hp for the powerpack.

I do belive they could have obtained the 224 hp with their powerpack AND with the pump turned way up with stock injectors but, as I and others learned very early after signing up for this site, that is real bad for the VE pump.

In my opinion, from a Horsepower/Dollar standpoint, an injector change (PW/JRE/BD) and pump timing adjustment is the best (I discounted the pump turn-up alone because of the wear stated above) and a turbine housing change to 16 cm2 is a very close second. The 14 cm2 (Banks) or 12 cm2 wastegated housings are not as good a value so they are third (unless you get one used or for a significant discount). After that exhaust is next (even if the neeto sound of good exhaust is factored in I still put it 4th) and the intercooler at $800 is dead last.

I think Banks has very high quality products but you can spend a LOT of money with them for not that much power.

 

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Mark93,
Good write up. I would only disagree about the intercooler coming in 4th only because I don't have one and it is a must with the higher flow injectors. I've looked around and Banks, unfortunately, is the only aftermarket source I've found for an intercooler for an early 1st gen truck.
Matt


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90 W250, 5-speed, 3. 54 gears, 16 cm2 housing, tach, pyro, and boost gauges, K&N air filter.

 

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Lt, I agree with that 100%. The early trucks without an intercooler definitely need one.

I will "eventually probably" get a Banks intercooler, unless someone makes one for less money, just so I can have the most air flow possible. The benefit of replacing a factory intercooler is definitely lower than putting an intercooler on a truck that does not have one.

 

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Would the 91. 5 through 93 intercooler fit the 90 and earlier Rams? Seems a wrecking yard might have one around for less than the Banks bucks.

 

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A little info here. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum2/HTML/000330.html

 

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Hey Mark93!

My experiences were very similar to yours when dealing with Banks! I purchased the Banks "Stinger Plus" kit back in November '99 before knowing anything about TDR. I had always believed in the Banks name growing up because they seemed to be on the forefront of landspeed records & performance. I felt these folks would know how to make a turbo perform whether it be petrol or diesel!

After my kit was correctly installed I couldn't get over 12 PSI of boost at 950 degrees EGT max. I even went so far as to pay Banks a visit on my month long trip to the Baja last Christmas. I realize they're in your backyard but from Nasville it's a voyage! They supposedly turned up the Max. fuel screw, collected $65. 00 from me at the discouted labor rate and sent me on my way with no performance difference. In Bank's defense I later found out that my injector pumps life was just about spent. It wasn't until JRE rebuilt & enhanced my pump internally and accurate timed it to the engine that I have realized any performance gains. This work in addition to the injectors allow the system to produce 28 PSI @1100 degrees. I have also just installed a 12cm2 last weekend and now see 30 PSI @ 1150.

I do however believe that I could achieve performance gains from Banks, I just not certain if it's as much power as advertised. I spent $1200. 00 on my kit (no intercooler req'd)and have since modified the Banks exhaust with a Walker muffler and replaced the expensive 14cm2 housing with a used 12cm2. At this point I don't have much of the Banks kit left on the truck! The Banks kit and some Quality money spent at JRE and I believe I might be at Banks advertised HP. I just didn't see anything in the literature about having to visit with Ted for some of his magic, coffee & lunch!

Keeno


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1992 W250 5spd. 3. 54 gears, LSD, JRE enhanced VE Injector Pump, BD High Output Injectors, Banks "Stinger Plus" consisting of a 14cm2 wastegated housing, 3 1/2" JRE modified exhaust/muffler, pyro/boost gages, K&N, Skyjacker 2 1/2" front suspension lift to clear 305/70R/16 Goodyear MT's, Mag-Hytec, Amsoil