Banks Monster Exhuast

[HOCummins04]

Banks Monster Exhuast, TAG-III, CBH, ??? Want MPG increase

I am almost ready to pull the trigger on a couple upgrades to the truck. Want to solicit feedback from the gang. Want to maintain warranty from DC (local dealership has proven, at least at times, unable to resolve problems on 2001. 5 and factory rep at the time was an arrogant wisenheimer). Have had no significant issues with this truck so far, but the 2001. 5 did not starting having problems until about the miles I have on this one. I am trying to improve air flow through the engine, improve fuel economy, while preserving warranty.



Banks is recommending Monster Exhaust, High-ram intake and their drop-in air filter.



1. For anyone with Monster Exhaust on 2004. 5 or newer, it is a cat-back replacement. How does the sound change? I don't tow on a regular basis, but specifically when you pull with it, how is in-cab sound?



In a couple years, when truck is paid for, I will likely succumb to the need for more power. For now, can not afford to, but have lusted at the Big Hoss Bundle. I am far more concerned about longevity than going 10 or 20 percent faster. Would rather have better fuel mileage.



2. Anyone with their air filter - how is it? Can not find any details on their website about their air filter. How is cleaning/maintenance on it?



3. I am also considering the CoolBlueHose and Turbo Air Guide. One post I read reported 2-3 MPG increase with CBH, TAG, and PSM Buick airbox mod.



My truck is 4WD, and I do occasionally go offroad. Wondered if the pipe intake location on the PSM might be a concern while off-road? From what I can tell, it is under the truck in front of tire. The DIY approach in The Register has the pipe behind the front bumper. Seems like this would protect it from things being directly sucked into the airbox. Any thoughts?



Thanks in advance.

I tried to search for info on the exhaust, did not find anything. If there is already a thread discussing this, let me know.

 

[JVolpe]

I had a Banks Cat Back Monster exhaust installed on my 04. 5 month or so after I bought it. I was happy with the fit, quality and sound. The sound was not much louder than stock except under full load, then it was fairly loud. My kit cost $475 installed. There were cheaper options for sure, but I was satisfied with the Banks Exhaust. That was over 2 and a half years ago, the only parts left are the Banks Monster muffler, tail pipe and tip. There is no rust or deterioration on mine. I am still happy with the sound. I have no drone on the highway. I don't tow heavy so that might change things as far as drone, but I am still ok with the Banks Monster Exhaust kit I had installed.

 

[Mark Craig]

HOCummins04,



Here's a suggestion, you already have 4 inch pipes why replace them with 4. 0 pipes? The restriction is the muffler and the cat. MBRP and AFE make direct replacement mufflers designed just for the 2004. 5+ Dodges at a much lower cost than replaceing everything south of the cat, they both also offer cat test pipes at very reasonable prices too. Ask the members here abotu them they have bougth a ton of them from us. Take the savings and get an AFE Stage II intake in Pro Guard 7 and now you have a free flowing in and out air delivery system just waiting for a programmer/module or injectors for a fraction of the cost of what you asked about!! Until you hit 450 HP the high ram won't do anything for you either unless you plan to use it as a nitrous or water meth jet installation location anyway!!



Mark @ DPPI

 

[drury]

I have a friend who has the Banks bundle on his truck (everything but the PDA and the intercooler). His exhaust sounds fine until he steps on the gas. Then it fills the cab with this unbelievably loud drone. If you just want to change out to a performance muffler, and you are concerned about noise I recommend you look into the Silent Might at www.rokktech.com for a whopping $149. 95.

 

[JVolpe]

Last I heard, Texas was not in the rust belt.

I live about 50 miles from Galveston bay and spend a lot of time on the beach and costal areas. Trust me that is in a rust belt. Salt water spray and little wind blown sandbasting will do nasty things to metals.

 

[DCarner]

I have their exhaust on my truck and love it, great sound but not much louder than stock. Although when you do get on it, it does get loud in the cab but just for a sec, but cruising it is quiter than stock inside the cab. I guess I just counterdicted my self... ... .

 

[rwerner]

I have had the Banks Monster exhaust dual setup on my 06 since it was about 1 week old and it will not rust out as it is stainless and as far as the sound goes it sounds like stock till you get on it and then it gets a bit louder but not that bad at all.

I have the Banks 6pack with the PDA and the exhaust and it helped the power a lot I had to go with a different air intake as Banks does not fit my 06 yet.

I am happy with this setup.

 

[ACoffel]

I have the turbo back Banks monster exhaust on my 04. 5 and I am quite satisfied with

the sound quality.

 

[AHolt]

I have a Banks exhaust . I live in upstate N. Y. we use a lot of road salt in winter

my system show rust. Buy any of the 304 exhaust systems and you wont have this problem.

Banks are 409. They will rust.

 

[DPKetchum]

I have a full four inch early system on my truck. Only in a certain rpm band with a heavy trailer on a hill does it get a interior drone. No big issue to me or the wife. I'm in Georgia but system has been on since 03(1500 miles) and no signs of rust what so ever. I 'think" its warrantied a life time from Banks. Fit was excellant.

 

[WCabral]

i know that you tow a fifyh wheel,does the banks exhaust get loud when towing

 

[DPKetchum]

Depends on the size of the hill going up and the weight. It does have a rpm area that is kinda loud. Think the muffer design is differant now then the one on my truck.

 

[Mark Craig]

rwerner,



You are correct it will not rust out, but any and all 409 stainless systems will brown/gray out and get rust spots on them over time. If you want a NO rust system you need to get a 304 stainless system. 304 will last longer than you and I will!



Mark @ DPPI

 

[JCleary]

I like the Banks intercooler, but the exhaust is only ok. It can drone, and be really loud once you get to higher horsepower levels with the stock charger. MBRP exhaust sound much better, plus the exhaust exit is in a better place.



Do some searching before you commit to a Big Hoss Bundle. IMO it's a waste of money. Piece together a couple other components and make much more power for less money, and still have a margin of safety.

 

[JRMora]

I am also considering the CoolBlueHose and Turbo Air Guide. One post I read reported 2-3 MPG increase with CBH, TAG, and PSM Buick airbox mod.



My truck is 4WD, and I do occasionally go offroad. Wondered if the pipe intake location on the PSM might be a concern while off-road? From what I can tell, it is under the truck in front of tire. The DIY approach in The Register has the pipe behind the front bumper. Seems like this would protect it from things being directly sucked into the airbox. Any thoughts?

I've had a PSM box on for the last 20,000 miles or so. I've never had a problem sucking up leaves or junk. I don't off road with this rig (way too big), but since there are two openeings to the air box, you don't have to worry about vacuuming up stuff into it.



I saw about a 200° cooler EGT when towing my 14,000# fifth wheel with this box. And yes, I run stock (Fleetguard) filters.



Juan

 

[RMalone]

I have had the Banks monster set-up on mine (my dumb behind bought cat-back) for about 2yrs. I originally got it in Nov. and by spring the road salt made it look like it was made of rust (it is only on the surface but it's very unattractive). Only the pipes rusted as I believe the muffler is 304 stainless. Within the first year the welds on the ends of the muffler cracked they dont seem to have gotten worse but they are cracked none the less (too lazy to pull it off and send it to Banks, I don't want another one anyway). I get quite a bit of drone at about 1900-2000 rpm, and I am not too fond of the exhaust tone, too raspy for me and no rumble. Most guys seem to like the Banks exhausts but I will eventually ditch mine.