Banks' Stuff - not impressed

[Powder Extreme]

Well, I'm trying to install the Power pack kit, not having much luck. Banks didn't send the wiring harness to begin with, then UPS lost the **** package and so on. Just returned from a loaded 3,000 mile trip. I installed the High Ram intake and the turbo / big head assembly. I didn't see much difference at all. Turbo didn't seem to spool any quicker and actually built a lower overall boost number (I left my DD boost module installed) The only real benefit I saw was slightly lower EGT's. What gives? Does the computer (which is from the 1 stage lower kit, said they wouldn't give me the top model 'cuz of my 275 injectors) does it magically tie it all together where I will see the "massive HP and torque gains and the faster spool up times"?

Thus concludes chapter 1 in my book #ad


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2001 Quad Cab Dually, ETH, SLT Plus, 275 injectors, Banks Power Pack half way in.

 

[Arcticat]

It might not be to late to pull out the stuff you already put in and get your money back. Banks stuff is way overpriced for what it does. Get a PowerEdge and use all the money you have left for a good clutch to hold all the power. You'll still have money left over.

 

[K_Arts]

Ditto on what Articat says. Banks equipment is wayyy over priced.

Kev

 

[BLACKRAM]

Send it back and go DD

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1999 2500 4x4, auto, 3. 54, HD241, Quad cab SLT, Blk Sport Pkg, 285 Bridgestone AT, Amsoil.
1992 SC400
1978 Mooney 201 IFR

 

[Guest00]

The turbo actuator and 4" are to help control egt. the box is where the magic is as well as in the upgraded injectors

 

[Powder Extreme]

I haven't installed the computer yet, the high ram does look like a good unit although it is a bit pricey. The turbo is already on and has 3,500 miles on it, is there much chance of sending it back? Does anybody else make a 4" downpipe? The Banks unit looks pretty good and was about $150 (I'm gonna run straight 4" from there out in front of the rear tire) All I've been able to see from DD is different injectors and a boost module, I have both of those. Don't you need somekind of a computer to allow the pump to give more fuel?

I miss my 12v, sh*tload of power, and EASY to do. LOL

Thanks guys

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2001 Quad Cab Dually, ETH, SLT Plus, 275 injectors, Banks Power Pack half way in.

 

[PeterT]

Without the electronic enhancement, you will have exactly the type of result that you are describing: not much power improvement and lower EGT. The Banks product is designed to work as a system. If certain components are not installed, then you can’t expect it to work as advertised. I think you will be much happier with the OttoMind installed.

The PowerPack is completely compatible with the 275 injectors.

Peter Treydte
Director of Technical Communications
Banks Power

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

True , True the Comp Is the main key in the bank's Kit. I disconnected mine To Compare and bingo right back to basicly stock with a high ram and super spooling turbo,It stumbles If not stalls the Seccond boost reaches over 20 psi. re connect and Zing up to 38 Lbs o' boost and rip snorting loudness.

Just my 2 worth

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Y2K+1 3500 4X4 Quad Cab Powerpacked , Jakit's Front End Leveling Kit with 255/85R16 BFG M/T's Custom Rhino (as seen on website under tool man's truck feature) http://www.rhinoliningsnlc.com DeeZee Goodies.
Keeping the rubber side down 'n' shiny side up Will Bring a smile at the end of each day (hopefully)

 

[Jonz]

I have the full Powerpack system on my truck and I can tell you it kicks butt. I know there are cheaper ways to go but not always better. Give the banks kit a fair chance. I went from pulling a 7% grade at 45mph in 2nd floored to running in drive and looking for holes to keep passing. All this is done while keeping your EGT's at a very safe 1250. I also increased my mpg from 9mpg to 13mpg for the same tow. You will want to disable there TLC so you get firm and more positave shifts. Especially if you upgrade your transmission. And if you have the 275's installed you will be even happier.

All in MHO of course... . #ad


Troy

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2001, 2500 Black 4x4, Bank PowerPack, DTT T/Q and VB, K&N. Max Boost about 38lbs Pulling a 9000 Weekend Warrior full of dirt toys for the whole family.

 

[JKloppe]

Extreme-If you have not added more fuel or advanced timing you will not see a big increase in power. Doesn't that make sense? When you add the "computer" you should see the powergain.

Some people just dont like Banks stuff, it might be a money issue. I've heard that their quality is very good.

 

[Powder Extreme]

I talked to Banks today, to try and get the REST of my wiring harness, this is getting ridiculous. The tech I talked to said they as well recommend me going with the 2nd highest ottomind cuz of the injectors. But he did say if I don't have any EGT problems they would take it back and give me the highest output version. Should have installed tomorrow. I'll keep everyone posted. .

PS what kind of boost pressures and EGT's do you guys with this system see?

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2001 Quad Cab Dually, ETH, SLT Plus, 275 injectors, Banks Power Pack half way in.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

36-38 pounds Of boost and (empty 1200 EGT floored thru the gears) Semi steep grade with auto hauler the ottomind regulated 1250-1300 NOT A MARK OVER which was impressive!

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Y2K+1 3500 4X4 Quad Cab Powerpacked , Jakit's Front End Leveling Kit with 255/85R16 BFG M/T's Custom Rhino (as seen on website under tool man's truck feature) http://www.rhinoliningsnlc.com DeeZee Goodies.
Keeping the rubber side down 'n' shiny side up Will Bring a smile at the end of each day (hopefully)

 

[Jonz]

Same here. The Ottomind will keep the EGT's right at 1250 on the newer box and 1300 on the earlier. Keep me posted if you would on EGT's and performance with the full system and 275's. I am wanting to add injectors as well.

Note: If you have a 2001 with a Powerpak there are a few fixes. Fixed the 85mph limit on some trucks and there was an occasional stumble under light throttle they improved. Few other minor things as well.

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2001, 2500 Black 4x4, Bank PowerPack, DTT T/Q and VB, K&N. Max Boost about 38lbs Pulling a 9000 Weekend Warrior full of dirt toys for the whole family.

 

[Scooby]

Tool Man,

I sent you an email... . did you install the system yourself? Or have Banks do it?

 

[Powder Extreme]

I've finally got the kit installed, power isn't too bad, not as much as I hoped for. My old 12v would run circles around it. I'm still waiting for the wiring harness to hook up the banks guage, but my old pyro with the probe directly after the turbo never went over 875 pulling 13,000 up a 6% grade. The truck started off great, was actually able to gain speed in 6th, shortly after I felt it cut the power back and it started to lose speed. I saw 36-38 lbs of boost at about 1800 rpm before the computer backed it out. Is that the "torque limiting control" taking effect or is something else going on? Drove it about 450 miles today, mileage does seem better.

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2001 Quad Cab Dually, ETH, SLT Plus, 275 injectors, Banks Power Pack half way in.

 

[Powder Extreme]

Jonz, I saw in your message I would want to disable their TLC, I do! How do you do it?

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2001 Quad Cab Dually, ETH, SLT Plus, 275 injectors, Banks Power Pack half way in.

 

[bdaniel]

Originally posted by Jonz:
Note: If you have a 2001 with a Powerpak there are a few fixes. Fixed the 85mph limit on some trucks and there was an occasional stumble under light throttle they improved. Few other minor things as well.

Can you say anything else about the stumble under light throttle problem. I have the Banks Git kit on a 2000 with auto trans and I like the kit, but I sometimes notice a stumble/hiccup/not sure how to describe it, during light throttle. I haven't been able to diagnose the problem yet.

Thanks,
Bobby


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2000, Driftwood, 2500, automatic, 3. 54, 2WD, LWB, SLT, Quad Cab, most of the options, Grover air horns, no muffler, Banks Git Kit, ISSPRO guages, tow 5500lb 28'x8' Aerolite TT and two small boys.

 

[Ray Davis]

I have the stinger plus for a 99 3500 4x4 max boost 32# It sometime stumbles, not very often. but it will make you a little nevous when your out in now where and cel phone won't work. never let me down. I like it. it dyno 250hp with a bad lift pump. pull's gross weigh 36000# 70 mph in 5th cruse set. flat ground.

 

[Waterpete]

Send it back, if you can, and then call Piers at BD. He'll give you the straight scoop.

 

[Big Don]

I just installed a Banks Power Pack TLC on my 99 3500 (4x4 cab and chassis, 5 speed, 4. 10 gears). I did have a VA box and 275's. I left the 275's installed and put everything else on the truck. I love the 14 cm housing. The 12 is too small for these trucks. Mine seem sto pull strong (almost violently) to redline. Bost is just over 40 psi empty and EGT's have reached 1300, no more while "trying it out". I am very pleased. I will be towing with it on Friday. I like it alot better than the PE EZ or the VA. I sell alot of these products, so I've tried most of them. I am still leary of the " hotter" boxes, but that is just me being conservative. I have a Banks stage III on my 89 and loved it from day one. I know alot of people don't like Banks, but they are top notch. You must remember, Banks does not claim "more power than anyone", they do claim good "safe" power increases. I install their kits for alot of people who want power increases without having to keep one eye glued on the Pyro. If you want to drag race, go with all the "hot" aftermarket stuff, but I don't trade trucks (we bought the 89 new) and I like ot run hard and still keep EGT's under control.

later
Don



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Ol' Blue "First of the first gens: 1989 D 250 Ice blue met. 5 spd 3. 54, 155,000, Banks stage III powerpack, 3. 5" straight exhaust, pump adjustments, "'Ol Blue Special" injectors.
1999 3500 4x4 Chassis cab Emerald green ISB 5 spd 4. 10 K&N Filter straight exhaust 9 ft flatbed WARN fenderflares,Let, 275hp injectors installed, boost and pyro gages, VA plug'n power and Practical Solutions boost module. Jacobs E brake. Getting ready to install Banks Power Pack TLC!!
May buy another one in 2009!!
Check us out at:
http://donstractorrepair. homestead.com