Banks Wastegate Actuator

[kblranch]

Is anyone using the Banks Bighead wastegate actuator on their 2003 or 2004 turbo? What kind of boost numbers are you seeing?

 

[CBrabec]

IMHO, it isn't worth the money they want. I bought one a while back and I maybe saw a 1-2 psi increase. I bought mine off ebay, and it was a waste of money. Go buy a boost elbow that you can adjust, alot cheaper.

 

[kblranch]

I have been looking at the Turbosmart boost tee just wasn't too sure how well they worked. I currently see about 24. 5 # but would like to be able to set it for 34 to 36#.

 

[TCDiesel]

A good boost elbow will do the trick, Only advantage to the Banks Big head is it will out live the Turbo and will react quicker than the stock actuator. We recommend the elbow, and in the case were it fails upgrade to the Banks actuator. with proper adjustment the Big Head can build up to 40psi with the stocker and good fueling,WATCH OUT trying to build 40psi with the stock can cause High EGTs and a host of other problems.

 

[kblranch]

My only thought on the boost elbow that comes with the Edge is that it would potentially open the wastegate sooner than say a fixed wastegate actuator or adjustable boost tee like the Turbosmart?

 

[TJarecke]

My buddy has one on his 03. I don't think it is worth the money. I would agree with the rest of the replys and just go with the boost elbow. Simple and it works, if some thing would go wrong it is cheap to replace.

 

[MStaggs]

OK - dumb question here -

Whats a boost elbow?

 

[kblranch]

There is a small brass 90 degree elbow screwed into the turbo and then a rubber tube goes to the wastegate actuator. A boost elbow has a restriction in it which causes the wastegate to not open as quick. As a result you end up with higher boost.

 

[Cummins-threw]

I just installed a Banks BigHead on my truck (2003 H. O. ) It was on clearance so I bought it, it did not come with install instructions but
googled install for banks big head. What I found was a duramax and powerstroke directions but no Dodge. The directions for both trucks said to find where wastegate fit then shorten it 5 turns, so that is what I did. Any one know if this is correct?

 

[BHolm]

I have the wastegate hose disconnected and plugged on my truck. At lower altitudes, for me, like 5900ft, it will make 38psi, as I go up the mountian to over 10k ft it only makes 34-35. Even with the wastegate disabled it starts bleeding off boost over 2800 rpm, not sure why.

 

[TCDiesel]

I just installed a Banks BigHead on my truck (2003 H. O. ) It was on clearance so I bought it, it did not come with install instructions but

googled install for banks big head. What I found was a duramax and powerstroke directions but no Dodge. The directions for both trucks said to find where wastegate fit then shorten it 5 turns, so that is what I did. Any one know if this is correct?

5 turns from the Neutral Position, You will not be able to install it correctly WITHOUT charging it with a minimum 15 PSI.

 

[DZinger]

There is a small brass 90 degree elbow screwed into the turbo and then a rubber tube goes to the wastegate actuator. A boost elbow has a restriction in it which causes the wastegate to not open as quick. As a result you end up with higher boost.

OK - next dumb question. Where do you get one? Also, I have a '07 5. 9 - is it worth it or will it cause troubles?

 

[moonranch]

I have one on my '03. I adjusted it for about 28psi (at 7000ft). That ended up being a little less that the instructions said to adjust it to. When I talked to Banks they said it would be about 30-32psi.

 

[5POINT9]

If you are not set up for massive hp, why would you want to increase boost? I am running a smarty and have ran other 100+hp boxes in the past. I have never had an EGT issue with these setups and the extra boost is just not needed. The smoke cleans up shortly after WOT.

I am always baffled by people who want to make mega boost?! If EGTs and smoke are reasonable, why increase the cylinder pressue and turbo wear/overspin?

 

[scottmcd]

I have it on my set up right now, along with the Boost Elbow that came with my Edge. I am seeing 33-34 lbs @ WOT. HAve seen 36-37 with trailer loaded and WOT.



Scott

 

[CToney]

Boost is just restriction to flow. More boost doesn't necessarily mean more HP. Any boost over stock levels ends up with hotter air and not with an efficient increase in mass air flow. A few psi is probably not bad but a lot isn't good. Just my opinion on the subject.