Banks Monster Exhaust Resonation

[RKrueger]

I recently installed a Banks 4" Monster Exhaust on
my 99 3500 QC. We were told by Banks that the increase
in noise was only slightly more than the stock exhaust, but
it was a different pitch.
After installation, I was surprised at the low noise level at idle, but that
would soon change :{
While it seems about 25% louder inside than normal, the real problem
appears when pushing 16 - 18 psi on the Turbo at about 3/4 throttle, as when climbing a hill or entering a freeway.
At this point, a -very- loud, deafening roar fills the cab. IMO, this is caused from resonation of the exhaust at high turbo pressure. From what research I've been able to find, this resonation, due to pressure waves reacting on the length of pipe, can actually decrease performance if not controlled.
Banks Tech people state they have received numerous similar complaints and are working on a solution. I believe the solution is to add a properly designed and tested resonator.
I'd like to know if others are having this problem and if someone has already found a solution.

 

[Tom W]

If you do some searching on "resonance" and "sound proofing" you will find this problem has been around for several years. Some have had varying degrees of success in reducing it. You can sound proof the cab, put in resonators, mufflers, etc.



I have the Banks exhaust. I tried Banks' resonator, which they sent to me at no cost, clamps on the down pipe, and finally two Walker mufflers.

I put extra padding under all the carpet and rear of the cab. This reduced the resonance to a minimum but it is was not completely gone.



I recently went to a PE Comp and this seems to reduce the resonance when in level 1 or 2. In level 5 I am too busy to worry about noise.

Good luck, Tom



PS I see this is your first post, welcome aboard.

 

[RKrueger]

Well, I have sent a letter regarding this problem to Gale Banks, but my position on this is that if Banks does not correct the excessive resonation, then I will pay to have an OEM exhaust reinstalled on the truck and return this to Banks for a refund. Obviously, this is not my first choice, as I had visions that this would be a lifetime purchase. As you have already done, I have the same option of spending more money to find a solution, but with the amount of money that this system cost to begin with, I feel it's Banks' responsibility to correct the situation.
For now, I will trust the words of their Tech Support person who maintains that Banks is currently working on a solution based on the number of similar complaints.
If everything else remained the same, i. e, resonator and muffer, simply going to 4" from 3" would be an exponential increase in the flow rate.
I am investigating one other option. I read that the new 2003 comes with a 4" system, and I'm having my Dodge mechanic checking to see if it's compatible with my 99.
My wife and I spend long hours in the truck with the windows up, and this incessant noise is just not tolerable or comfortable for long periods of time

 

[Bob Wagner]

TDR Member Rrook just tackled this same problem with another Banks system.



The fix was 2 magnaflow stainless steel mufflers.



It was very quiet and NO DRONE whatsoever after the surgery



Contact Rip for the details www.sourceautomotive.biz



Maybe Rip could help Banks&reg too.



The member who had Rips fix done is <b>VERY</b> _______.



Really talk to Rip and enjoy the ride

 

[RKrueger]

Thanks for the info about Rip.
He did send me the information, and I was a little surprised. I was under the impression that a Magna-Flow was added ahead of the Banks unit, but the Banks muffler was removed entirely and two Magna-Flow's were installed in their place. I wondered why the fellow did not simply return the Banks system for a full refund and buy the Magna-Flow equipped with the two mufflers.
I'm still pursuing this with Banks. If I have a resolution, I'll repost to tell others.
For now, in all good faith, I could not advise the puchase of this system to anyone else.