Banks Technicooler.....Got it today.....

[jwilliams3]

Well after researching my options BD, Banks, Cool Twist etc.



I found myself more and more pushed towards the Banks Technicooler Intercooler kit. I didn't want to have to send back my aluminum core. To me that was like giving away another $500.



I also searched around on prices and it seems like the $1000-1100 area was what I was going to end up paying.

Well I did but the lower end of the spectrum.



Today the MEGA-box arrived (along with my BFG KO 315's) and I have to admit I was excited.



Right away I noticed UPS had given one of their special kind of handling presents. A nice gash through the one side of the box that had been tapped back over.

So of course I investigated and found out that it was on the "open" side of the box not the side that had the precious intercooler (close one!).



On for the taking!



Next I spotted the "High Ram" intake that is included with the kit!

I removed it from its bubble wrap and noticed that it has a larger 3. 5" mouth that is an increase over the 'standard' High Ram.

I set that aside and next went for the sealed medium size box that resided in the middle of the large box.

I sliced it open mindful not to cut too deep and cause havoc.

Upon opening this unit up I found that it included 4 silicon intercooler hoses, 6 new Spring loaded charge air clamps, 2 non spring loaded clamps.

Also there were 2 new intercooler pipes that appear to be much larger than stock, they look to be in the 3. 5" area also.



Smokin!



Next I noticed that Banks had included directions that are really great even photos to walk you along step by step.

Also, a warranty card (2 years) and 2 banks decals.



Next I removed the large divider made from cardboard and removed a nice Black Banks intercooler.

It is visibly much larger than stock and has aluminum ends with a larger inlet and outlet.

Really nice! It also has the little Banks logo embossed into it.

It looks to be a direct bolt on with all the OEM mounting points attached to it.

I also noticed that Banks included a small mounting bracket and nuts to go with it.



Overall I am very happy with the purchase and actually think it is a great value for those looking to compliment that aftermarket turbo!



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When it warms up I'll have to install it.







PS If you break it down you get: 1. Hose and clamp kit $250+ 2. Banks High Ram $300 3. Charge air pipes $150

That makes the intercooler only about $350 :-laf :-laf



After I sell my 'standard' High Ram that knocks the price even down further!

 

[CHolman]

congrat's, you'll have to post some pic's...

 

[MCates]

Yes, pic's are a must! You'll also have to post performance increase gains once installed.

 

[AK RAM]

I thought it was a nice kit as well for everything you get. I only found one thing I didn't like and one thing that potentially could be a problem for some. The thing I didn't like was Banks going skimpy on the aluminum casting used for the high ram. They only give you one accessory boss to drill and tap, which is not enough for most bombers, and by going skimpy on the aluminum casting they made it too thin to drill and tap anywhere else but right at the base. Of course, there are too many other things that close to the head and you really don't have room for accessories to stick out. They could have designed that a little better I think. That high ram is huge though isn't it? I had never seen one in person and when I first saw it I thought man that thing is a lot bigger than I expected. It looks great polished!



The problem I had may not be a problem for most. The intercooler is much, much thicker than OEM and pushes everything out a good inch. I have grill inserts that are held on by bolts that go through the grill with a wing nut on the back. Well the first time I closed my hood after install, those bolts went right through my winter front as now it was over an inch closer to the grill. Scared me at first. Just knew I punched right through the a/c condenser. No damage other than holes in the winter front though. The bolts holding on my grill inserts were excessively long so under normal circumstances it wouldn't be a problem. Got after the bolts with a Dremel and shortened them up a good inch and all was well. Anyone running a really thick custom condenser guard might want to close the hood slowly the first time to ensure you have clearance.



Other than that I think you get your money's worth.

 

[SKnopp]

Put mine on two months ago and increased boost response some and gained 3 to 5 lb boost on stock turbo. EGTs fell about 50* to 100* I like mine bolted in easy other than when i closed the hood I broke my custom grill light up kit.

 

[SKnopp]

another tihng if you have a pac brake air pump you will have to move it some where else because of the high ram intake. the intake is wider than stock so the mounting plate won't fit anymore. i just moved the pump to the bed and took the control valve off and mounted it to the dip stick mount . good luck

 

[SSheldon]

What do you want for the standard high ram intake? I have been thinking about getting one.

 

[Matt400]

The problem I had may not be a problem for most. The intercooler is much, much thicker than OEM and pushes everything out a good inch.

An inch doesn't sound like much but on my truck you can barely fit a finger between the bumper and a/c condenser. The bumper is adjustable and will slide out some but then the transition of the bumper and fender don't line up well especially with flares.



I am just happy to hear other than that it all fit well. I would like to see a pic of the 3. 5" intake, sounds impressive looking. Is this the one in your gallery?

I don't see the Banks logo on it?

 

[AK RAM]

Is this the one in your gallery? I don't see the Banks logo on it?

Yeah. Can't have a Banks logo under the hood. The crowd I race with would make fun of me. :-laf

 

[Matt400]

Thats cool... it actually looks much nicer than the logo one.

 

[Diesel Power]

thats a pretty good write-up,thanks for the info!! :-laf

 

[TexasCat.]

cool twist

I could not decide between the Banks or Cool Twist. Could not find much on the cool twist but thought I would give it a try. It should be here tomorrow, and should go on this weekend. I will check back and see and post comparable results.

 

[JGrosso]

What is the part number of the kit, and where did you get it?

I want to replace my stock plastic one before I blow it up again.

 

[jwilliams3]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Bank...33742QQitemZ8038979441QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[driverno8]

I've been running the Banks Techni-Cooler on my truck for about 6-7 months now. All I can is wow. The first weekend I had it on I towed my boat out to the river (Havasu, AZ). Done the drive a million times; same freeway, same boat, same fuel load, same weather, same TST setting, etc. Infact had done the drive the weekend prior with the stock intercooler. I immediatly saw a 100* drop in temps while cruising. What got me the most was climbing. Not lying when I say it cooled me down almost 200*. I'm sure it was because of more boost while climbing, but 200*. Sorry but that's impressive. I have seen close to 300* while cruising empty but I think that was because of the fog I was in. Either way 100*-200* is pretty cool. I still don't really notice a differnce driving around town. But it's cruising were I see it. Especially towing at freeway speeds. I tow with my TST on 4/2 and my EZ on2. See sig for everything else.

 

[JGrosso]

Thanks for the info,

Ordered it today.



Quick Question? How much boost can the stock turbo take?

The Edge Juice/attitude has the boost limit set at 36 psi, and the boost alarm went off today showing 38 psi.

 

[jwilliams3]

Up to 40psi you should be ok.

 

[JDerbedrossian]

Up to 40psi you should be ok.

jwilliams im having problems with my banks high ram, I have major air leaks through the studs on top even though you have a rubber insulated washer and a stainless washer. Me and bob4x4 tried everything to stop the leaks but no go. After you install make sure you check for leaks.



Jake.

 

[jwilliams3]

I havent checked for leaks but I havent had a loss in boost either.

 

[Spooled-up]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

Isn't it true that if you start making over 60hp or so over stock with a fueling box that the boost the turbo produces is more heated air than normal and indicates higher pressures because of this? I think I read this a couple of TDR issues back.