banks question(again)

[RMalone]

I had a 6-gun on my 04. 5 it seemed to work fine. One issue I had was a defueling on levels 4-6 w/speedloader (I think speedloader only works on levels 5 and 6) the banks supplied EGT guage NEVER showed a temp that would cause defueling. So, I surmised the transmission slip function was causing the defueling, however when I went to a DTT transmission the defueling was still there (as I recall this happened at higher rpm and particularly in 3rd and OD).

The unit also threw 0336 codes on occasion, particularly when cold (under 30deg F. ), but so does my TST so I won't rag Banks over that issue.



Hardgoods which everone seems to find exemplary are another story in my book. I purchased the entire 6-gun bundle which included the cat back exhaust system. Here I am 16 months later and the rear weld on the muffler is cracked all the way around, still on the truck without too much problem, and the banks portion of the exhuast has FAR more visible rust than the stock portion just ahead of the cat. I don't think Banks makes any junk but I don't think they provide a good value for the customers money either. I found customer service to be lacking, a 20min wait to talk to a tech is NOT good customer service this happened on two occasions, for comparison the two times I have called TST for tech support, the average wait was 2min.



I also take great offense that Banks claimed their software didn't void the factory warranty because it was a tuner not a programmer, not very honest. TST makes it quite obvious that their product will likely void your factory warranty (says so right in the installation manual).



Banks stuff works but why bother???? Too many negatives and not enough positives.

 

[osiris]

does the PDA allow you to take awasy the defueling tho?

 

[TCDiesel]

does the PDA allow you to take awasy the defueling tho?

Yes it Does,Also the PDA Tuner is a whole new animal and is light-years ahead of the Six-Gun Tuners.

 

[osiris]

have you had a chance to dyno the PDA alone without the BDDL?

 

[texag593]

I have a 6-gun PDA setup and coudn't be happier. Picked up 1. 25 mpg running light and 1. 5 towing my 5-er. I can race light to light with the best of them. Just don't do it as much as I would have in my younger days.

 

[TCDiesel]

have you had a chance to dyno the PDA alone without the BDDL?

With My (SO 250 Program) Stock 210HP/425TQ Now PDA set at SL all fueling and Shifting set at High 388HP / 853TQ ,BDDL at extreme with PDA 558HP /1202TQ. I Don"t Post on Drugs. #2 Only.

 

[DShehi]

AFE filter and exhaust

I'm interested to know about the 4" exhaust, muffler and AFE system.

Did they make a difference? I have a 2003 3500 4x4 quad cab auto 305hp SRW. Thanks

I did not what to use any product that was permanately attached to the vehicle, that is why I did not buy the banks system. Just in case I had a warranty issue. I didn't want to get into a discussion with anyone about it! I know what they say about aftermarket stuff and that the dealer can do anything about. But I did not want the hassle. I have an 03'. The only thing I did was change to an AFE system, upgraded the exhaust to 4" and used an 36" magnaflow muffler. I bought an Edge EZ, which I like because I can take to off when I go to the dealer. I have had some dealers even comment about the AFE, so why hassle with add on stuff that will cause a problem! And if need be I can replace the AFE with the original air box... I kept it!

I talked to a guy with Ford Powerjoke, installed the 6 gun and he claims his EGT's jumped thru the roof! He disconnected it!

 

[Huskerman]

I did not what to use any product that was permanately attached to the vehicle, that is why I did not buy the banks system. Just in case I had a warranty issue. I didn't want to get into a discussion with anyone about it! I know what they say about aftermarket stuff and that the dealer can do anything about. But I did not want the hassle. I have an 03'. The only thing I did was change to an AFE system, upgraded the exhaust to 4" and used an 36" magnaflow muffler. I bought an Edge EZ, which I like because I can take to off when I go to the dealer. I have had some dealers even comment about the AFE, so why hassle with add on stuff that will cause a problem! And if need be I can replace the AFE with the original air box... I kept it!

I talked to a guy with Ford Powerjoke, installed the 6 gun and he claims his EGT's jumped thru the roof! He disconnected it!

Gee, I wonder why dealers give folks hassels about their warranty. I don't suppose it would have ANYTHING to do with people hiding their mods. Nah, that couldn't be it.



Huskerman

 

[PeterT]

CBurnside,

First of all, I should point out that the interface of the Six-Gun on a HPCR engine is very different than on an older 24-valve with the VP44 pump. There is no invasive wiring to be concerned about. Second, I don’t understand why people keep imagining that Banks products are overpriced. When you make an apples-to-apples comparison (comparing similar products/features) we have found that we are usually comparably priced and some time less expensive.



The PowerPDA will allow you to adjust certain tuning parameters, including the defueling during shifts, torque converter lockup and in individual gears. You can also adjust the EGT limit value (adjustable from 1100 to 1700).



Peter Treydte

Banks Power

 

[TCluff]

Do a search. I'm sure you'll find tons to read.



I love their hard parts. I have their exhaust and Technicooler setup. Nice.



I wouldn't run their electronics if you put a gun to my head.

I AGREE

 

[ACerf]

Gee, I wonder why dealers give folks hassels about their warranty. I don't suppose it would have ANYTHING to do with people hiding their mods. Nah, that couldn't be it.



Huskerman

Rightfully the dealers should not be giving us owners hassels about aftermarket stuff! That is why there is a law that makes it the dealer responsiblity to prove that the aftermarket part caused the problem. But that can cause time and money for both the dealer and the owner. In that case I think that is why most people hide the fact that they have add-ons!

But the six gun to me did not prove itself to be worth the money or the chance of having a warranty issue!

 

[ACerf]

I'm interested to know about the 4" exhaust, muffler and AFE system.

Did they make a difference? I have a 2003 3500 4x4 quad cab auto 305hp SRW. Thanks

I feel that the AFE and the 4" exhaust did help some, not greatly, but I added it mostly because of the Edge EZ tow. I fiqure that more air in and exhaust out is a good thing and it helps to keep the EGT's down!

 

[DShehi]

AFE filter and "Cold air intake"

I have just installed the AFE filter, replacement of stock filter, and the Cold Air Intake from www.psmbuick.com I probably will not get a chance to test for about a couple of months. We have a trip planned pulling my 33" Keystone Mountaineer travel trailer back to northeastern Kansas and returning back to Arizona via the hill country of Texas.



Before you changed out your muffler did you have a noise, low roar, when your auto shifted back down into drive on a pull? All is quiet after the shift. I'm thinking it's a resonance in the exhaust/muffler.

I feel that the AFE and the 4" exhaust did help some, not greatly, but I added it mostly because of the Edge EZ tow. I fiqure that more air in and exhaust out is a good thing and it helps to keep the EGT's down!

 

[ACerf]

I have just installed the AFE filter, replacement of stock filter, and the Cold Air Intake from www.psmbuick.com I probably will not get a chance to test for about a couple of months. We have a trip planned pulling my 33" Keystone Mountaineer travel trailer back to northeastern Kansas and returning back to Arizona via the hill country of Texas.



Before you changed out your muffler did you have a noise, low roar, when your auto shifted back down into drive on a pull? All is quiet after the shift. I'm thinking it's a resonance in the exhaust/muffler.

Actually I don't remember what the truck sounded like before I installed the MagnaFlow! I know that you can hear the exhaust now. Sometimes it can be a bit annoying, especially when we are climbing a grade with our trailer in tow.

But personnally I like the sound. I got hooked on getting a better sound after attending TDR rallies.

Thinking of TDR rallies. I have contacted TDR about doing a rally here in the Phoenix area in early 07'. (We winter here) If this were to come about, would you be interested in coming and do you have friends that you think might be interested as well?

 

[mroodzant]

My exhaust note gets annoying loud at 2000 when pulling a hill or a load. the magna flow sounds great the rest of the time.