Banks Systems

[Bill_L]

Its just me the new guy again asking more questions.



I was wondering about the Banks Systems. Are they any good? Are they worth the money or even close?



I kind of like the idea of a package that is made to work together and that I can drive into a dealer and not have problems with.



Thanks.



Bill

San Jose, Ca.

 

[Stefan Kondolay]

You might have some problems rolling into a dealer with the kit still on. I feel that you can do the job a little cheaper but they do have a good quality product. Personally I really like the high ram, for the looks.

 

[Bill_L]

Stefan,



Thanks for the info.

My understanding is that most dealers are Banks friendly or more so than with any other products.



I am a little worried about the auto trans holding up.

But that is easy enough to fix with the right amount of money.



Bill

 

[rubberneck]

DO NOT KID YOURSELF. If you have a cool dealer, they may not care what you have on your truck. However there have been several reports of dealers who seem to be "looking for reasons" to void your warranty. Yes banks kits will void your warranty, you are exceeding the design limits of the truck regardless of what Banks says. I have seen a powerpacked truck smoke the clutch on a 6 speed, and you are smart to be concerned about the stock trans. Stefan and his dad are the guys to talk to concerning that issue.



As far as banks products, the products i have seen and or used have been very nice looking and of good quality. You can get a lot more power for the same amount of money through various vendors here on the TDR IMHO. Mass horsepower may not be what you are looking for, to each his own. Just do some searches here on the TDR, there is tons of information. Do your homework and i think you will be happy no matter what you do. However if saving your waranty is a large concern, leave it stock.

Without a doubt, do not install the ottomind if you are worried about warranty, the nick in the pump wire is a dead give away, and alot of the dodge techs are trained to look for it.

 

[24V-DSL]

Proceed slowly.......

If you've considered Banks, then you must be able and willing to spend some $$. Therefore, educate yourself before making the $$ leap. Take some time and do a search on Banks. Be prepared for a lot of reading.



rubberneck's response is worthy of reading a couple of times.



It will help other's respond to your questions if you'll create your signature with truck info.

 

[Bill_L]

24V-DSL,



Thanks for the advice. I have been reading about all kinds of upgrades.

I may also talk to a couple local dealers about the Banks stuff and warranty to see what they say.



I will do a little more searching on the Banks upgrades. I think I got some info in my sig now so I hope it helps people to help me.

 

[JR2]

Bill -

I have no experience with Banks stuff myself and only know what I have read. I did a search for you on banks stuff and here is the link to the search. If you go through and read some of these I think you will form your own opnion.



As for Banks claims about warranty, it is pure crapola. Any mod you make to your engine will void your warranty. If you have a DC dealer in your area that is BOMB friendly then good for you, but when and if your truck breaks you had better hope you are close to that dealer or you will be :-{} .



Good luck and Happy BOMBing

 

[Bill_L]

Thanks for the link and the info.

It looks like the biggest issue that most people have is the cost.



I am still unsided.

The EZ Edge good for quick install and removale before service but I am sure that the dealer will notice the increased boost if you do the elbow or the mod for a hardline.



Any exhaust system and gauges should not cause any warranty issues.



I know I wouldnt mind saving some money since the Banks is about $3k installed.



I guess I will have to talk more with the guys from http://www.performancediesel.net/ at the next TRD RamRunners meeting.

 

[P Madrid]

I'm not sure what the Dodge warranty is on the Eng because the Eng has no warranty through Cummins but any Eng under Cummins warranty with any un-authorize modifications to change its performance voids the warranty.

 

[Ramboy]

Don't believe Banks advertising about power gains. With a PowerPack, you will get no more gain than an EZ.

 

[tobaccogrower]

Bill-l:

i have an ottomind out of a 99 with guages. banks makes an adapter so the map connector fits on the 2002. PM me and we can talk. i'd like to get rid of it. also, if ya do any pump mods, make sure to get the Blue Chip pump cover so you don't have a visible nick on your wire..... james

 

[HVAC]

Ram Runners Meeting

Bill L.



The Ram Runners meeting would be a perfect spot to compare modifications. The Banks stuff is not common on our later model trucks. BTW, we have had two trucks lose their warranty due to installing Banks packages

 

[JR2]

Bill - Stick with HVAC and everthing will be fine, he can take care of you.



JR

 

[Bill_L]

HVAC,



Thanks for the info. I was at the last meeting. I went there to talk to Nowel but he didnt make it to the meeting. I talked with Blair a little bit but not enought to figure out what I want.



I will be at the next meeting for sure.



Bill

 

[rubberneck]

Originally posted by Bill_L

HVAC,



Thanks for the info. I was at the last meeting. I went there to talk to Nowel but he didnt make it to the meeting

Nowel = HVAC



During the day he goes by Nowel, But at night, he slips in to a phone booth puts on his cape and becomes HVAC, the 24 valve super hero. Defender of all things that puff black smoke and sniff propane.



seriously, talk to him, he has tried everything out there and can give you a good evaluation of what is to be had for your truck.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

Bill,

I got a chance to go to HVAC's place and look at his truck. . that thing is nuts!!! WAY COOL!!!!



Nowel knows his stuff. now way I'd buy a banks, not enough bang for the buck. put an ez-edge on and you'll be stoked. I put a PE Comp on mine (6spd) and WOW!!!



Once you get past that warranty stigma then he'll set you to sniffin propane, swappin turbos, injectors, beefin' the transmission and so on. . its endless



seriously, get an EZ-edge and thats all and you'll love it. Put on a boost and pyro guage just for good measure. If you do anything else you'll need them anyway.

 

[MCummings]

One thing I ask you not to do,, Don't spend $3K on Banks.

Your warrenty is down the drain, and if you have a dealer that will warranty you,, they are lieing to somebody somewhere down the line of the warrnety claims departments.



Gauges and exhaust will not void your warrenty. I had a lift pump and injection pump replaced under warrenty with Gauges and exhaust mods only. (Although they were very nosy about them,, fact is,, I didn't have any power mods)





What I recommend you do is go all out and get a full auto transmission treatment by DTT,, that alone will bring out a completely different truck, then do Gauges, and a PE COMP.



That may bring you a little over the $3K of banks,, but with Banks you won't get the transmission re-done.

DTT warrents their trannies better than Dodge would. and with a few other inexpensive mods you could have a near bullet proof truck. (Lift pump, turbo timer(for cool down), extra gauges)



Do a quick search about DTT. Those two comapnies don't even belong in the same sentance,, LOL



My two Cents,, with a $. 02 refund.



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[bigbrassmonkey]

i have their muffler, (only) It sounds awesome



and the High Ram, adds 8lbs boost



but would not buy their kits, you can do better, even if you don't shop around

 

[MCummings]

Originally posted by bigbrassmonkey





and the High Ram, adds 8lbs boost

When I read that all I can think of is that the high ram must be more than a restriction rather than flowing more air easier.



Fuel or a less restricve aire filters can add more boost,, but I personally have an opinion that if You were to change the intake manifold and Boost went UP, that that means you added a restriction instead of freeing up power.



Comments??



I feel lower EGT would be reasonable,, or better topend,, but have a harder time with the "Adds 8#'s boost"



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

I have to side w/Merrick on this one. . somethings fishy.