Told ya, ... they are the rip off Kings, ... u know all they are selling is high priced old TST plates, a housing u don't need that doesn;t add enough boost, stainless cat back pipe, that is too much when the aluminized is lifetime warrenty, and so on. Banks sells to people who are too lazy to find out what they need. AND they make money on it. More power to them!!!, but it ain't for me, or most people in "the Know".
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Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Calif. Performance Mods.
- Thread starter Israelson
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There is a place in this world for a difference of opinion with out being beat into feeling inferior because of someone elses opinion. Dodge has sold just under 1,000,000 CTD's. There are 14,704 TDR members. That means that the TDR represents less than 1. 5% of CTD owners. Whether you buy Banks, TST, BD, Edge, VanAaken, or someone elses stuff. All most all do what they say they will do. Some cost more than others. Some work better than others. Banks' stuff is good, it is well engineered--he has much more costs in his R&D, he has to cover his costs. He also sells more than the others combined. He also makes it real easy by selling complete packages of upgrades.
The rest of the Manufacturers also make good stuff. We know this beacuse we have tried them. But most of us are buying boxes for one vender, exhaust from another, turbos from a third, etc. In the end is the package we put together better or worse than one that is designed by one outfit?
This forum is here to help people make their decisions, NOT berate them for a difference of opinion.
Thanx for letting me rant. Tom
The rest of the Manufacturers also make good stuff. We know this beacuse we have tried them. But most of us are buying boxes for one vender, exhaust from another, turbos from a third, etc. In the end is the package we put together better or worse than one that is designed by one outfit?
This forum is here to help people make their decisions, NOT berate them for a difference of opinion.
Thanx for letting me rant. Tom
Reb- Opinions are like... ... well you know - and everyone has them. My problem is when people who have never owned a product go about bashing a vendor because of their opinion.
Erik- That sounds like an installed price..... Banks' labor is a tad steep IMHO, but as I said having owned the PowerPak, I can tell you that it is a well engineered system. If you go the Banks' route, you will save yourself a lot o f money installing yourself or getting someone to help. I don't know where in Socal you are, I suggest sending a PM to Bob4x4- he can help you out with what you want to do, including installation.
Kev
Erik- That sounds like an installed price..... Banks' labor is a tad steep IMHO, but as I said having owned the PowerPak, I can tell you that it is a well engineered system. If you go the Banks' route, you will save yourself a lot o f money installing yourself or getting someone to help. I don't know where in Socal you are, I suggest sending a PM to Bob4x4- he can help you out with what you want to do, including installation.
Kev
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California Mods
Some very interesting dialog on the Calif. Mods. I have no mods illegal in Calif. on my truck, but wanted to put a pacbrake (or equivalent) on for safety's sake. When I queried Cummins on the adviseabilty of installing an exhaust brake, they advised against such action due to the EGR reqirements in California, so I have not installed one. In perusing the posts, however, I note that a lot of California trucks have installed an exhaust brake. I wonder how many of these have either BOMBED or at least eliminated the EGR, and how many have ignored Cummins advisory and proceeded to install the brake without eliminating the EGR. Any thoughts on this subject?
Some very interesting dialog on the Calif. Mods. I have no mods illegal in Calif. on my truck, but wanted to put a pacbrake (or equivalent) on for safety's sake. When I queried Cummins on the adviseabilty of installing an exhaust brake, they advised against such action due to the EGR reqirements in California, so I have not installed one. In perusing the posts, however, I note that a lot of California trucks have installed an exhaust brake. I wonder how many of these have either BOMBED or at least eliminated the EGR, and how many have ignored Cummins advisory and proceeded to install the brake without eliminating the EGR. Any thoughts on this subject?
Re: California Mods
I have a pac brake on my 98 egr truck.
Originally posted by gchas
Some very interesting dialog on the Calif. Mods. I have no mods illegal in Calif. on my truck, but wanted to put a pacbrake (or equivalent) on for safety's sake. When I queried Cummins on the adviseabilty of installing an exhaust brake, they advised against such action due to the EGR reqirements in California, so I have not installed one. In perusing the posts, however, I note that a lot of California trucks have installed an exhaust brake. I wonder how many of these have either BOMBED or at least eliminated the EGR, and how many have ignored Cummins advisory and proceeded to install the brake without eliminating the EGR. Any thoughts on this subject?
I have a pac brake on my 98 egr truck.
Kev, . . true i haven't owned any banks stuff, but i have pulled their junk out and replaced it with quality TST and Piers stuff. They over charge and take advantage of people who do not know what they are doing. And thats fine, . . but this site is all about educating people and being educated. Like I said before, anybody in the Know and can add will not go out and spend the kind of money they want for their kits.
By your admittance of never owning a Banks product, You have only proved my point Reb. I guess I'm not "in the know" and probably stupid in your eyes. I guess I am unaware of the "know" club. Silly me. Just two very different opinions. I guess that's what makes this website so great and confuses the hell out of anyone trying to make an informed decision
. Kev
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Alright Kev, ... first, i don't think u are stupid. I don't want to fight over this, but here are my reasons, . . please take them for what its worth. Banks vs. Piers, TST products. I did a cost analysis for illflem. I figured it costed several hundred dollars more to own a banks kit. Banks plates were built buy TST. They are old plates, and they believe in a one size fits all. I think the specifc curves should be in specific pumps as well as in specific applications. Exhaust, . . why buy a cat back stainless exhaust when cat always plugs up and aluminized kits out there last a long time and have a lifetime warrenty. They are charging bookoo bucks for stock K&N filters and for the price u can buy a super flowing AFE mega cannon or Scotty II. They sell 14 cm ex. housings when in most case the stock 12 housing works fine. They also say the their turbo spools up faster, . . obviously a 14 is not going to spool up as fast as a 12 on a stock HX 35. So all i can figure out is that u are paying big bucks for the stickers, lol. Please don't take this as a fight. Just trying to let people know the differences. If u have questions i'll be happy to try to explain more. Reb
Reb- Maybe I read into your response a little too deep, I'm Not trying to fight with you either, but for many Banks makes a great, well engineered system that works well together. When I priced the system for my 96, I found it not very much if at all more expensive than shopping at half a dozen different vendors and piecing the system together. And for many, a few hundred dollars is certainly not a deal breaker. I could get it from one vendor, who (while I owned it anyway) stood behind the product and handled any concerns I had. (You just have to know who to talk to, admittedly). Banks has taken undue hard knocks on this forum from people who don't know nor have ever owned any of their products. That is the point I was trying to make. 
And for what its worth:
No harm, no foul, no :-{}. After all, we're all on the same ship, just staying in different cabins
.
I will say that, I haven't added any Banks products to my 01', not for any other reason than I thought that Edge products were simply better. I'm also far more informed now than I was 5 years ago. But, for the right person, the Banks may be the answer worth looking in to.
Kev
And for what its worth:
That's not true- I know for sure that they offer at least 2 different fuel plates.
No harm, no foul, no :-{}. After all, we're all on the same ship, just staying in different cabins
. I will say that, I haven't added any Banks products to my 01', not for any other reason than I thought that Edge products were simply better. I'm also far more informed now than I was 5 years ago. But, for the right person, the Banks may be the answer worth looking in to.
Kev
I proudly do not own any Banks products. I do not have to be blind to know you cannot see if you are.
I did not join TDR to be patronized. I prefer you guys and gals to tell me your experiences, good and bad. The bad is especially valuable to me, so I won't repeat them, or at least I will know what to look for.
I think the Banks products (kits) are great for those with limited knowledge or interest. My experience does not require me to own Banks kits to know they are very expensive and limited.
I have greatly benefited from input from most of you, and appreciate your input. If you question the value of something, please say so. The venders can fend for themselves. I hope that TDR is supportive of membership questioning products and sharing opinions of the same.
If a vender does not like their reputation, they can change it.
Wayne
I did not join TDR to be patronized. I prefer you guys and gals to tell me your experiences, good and bad. The bad is especially valuable to me, so I won't repeat them, or at least I will know what to look for.
I think the Banks products (kits) are great for those with limited knowledge or interest. My experience does not require me to own Banks kits to know they are very expensive and limited.
I have greatly benefited from input from most of you, and appreciate your input. If you question the value of something, please say so. The venders can fend for themselves. I hope that TDR is supportive of membership questioning products and sharing opinions of the same.
If a vender does not like their reputation, they can change it.
Wayne
I purchased my 96 one year ago Feb. since Sept. of that year I have assembled the parts to dyno this morning at 382 Hp. This is from following the advise of others on this site and talking with Piers and Al at PDR and also Mark at TST. It is your decision mine was to assemble my own kit at half the price of Banks and a lot more Hp. at the same time.
1dslram
Bruce
1dslram
Bruce
Thank You ALL...I am a new diesel owner I assummed there were emmissions tests becaus
You need to go back to the dealer and request that they give you back the money you paid for the emissions test, pronto. I bought mine from Hunter Dodge in Lancaster, CA and they had charged me for it as well. When I brought it to their attention, they promptly refunded me. Appearantly, there is the smog fee built into the spreadsheet they use when writing up thier "deals". It's your money, you are entitled to it.
Happy motoring,
Scott
You need to go back to the dealer and request that they give you back the money you paid for the emissions test, pronto. I bought mine from Hunter Dodge in Lancaster, CA and they had charged me for it as well. When I brought it to their attention, they promptly refunded me. Appearantly, there is the smog fee built into the spreadsheet they use when writing up thier "deals". It's your money, you are entitled to it.
Happy motoring,
Scott
Calif intake manifold SUCK"S
I took off my '96 Calif. intake manifold and looked at the restricted area ( the underneath of the cast part and inside) it was reduced to 1. 25" in diameter. This was done to create a venturi effect for the EGR crossover tube. What's up with that? a crossover tube on a TD. Can you say "reverse technology". Anyway I FABBED up a 2. 5" D . 25 thick tube to replace the trick factory setup and increased my air flow on the intake side 3. 5X. It spools up right away, dropped the exaust temps (lessened backpressure at the high side of the turbo) 100-150 degrees @ 30 psi boost and has given me 2+MPG's. My setup is 2500 ext. 4X4, 285's, auto, Banks Stinger, 4" RipRook Exaust, transmission done, Remote transmission cooler, 58K total miles. I've been getting 16- MPG at best never a drop more. 10K 5thW 13mpg's.
With the new Set-up I got 18. 7 last tank with my leg in it 1/4 the time. Not bad! Count your blessing's 49 state Guy's
Could make more intakes if someone in CA is interested.
Email me for a pict of intake if your really interested!
jon burnes
-- email address removed --
I took off my '96 Calif. intake manifold and looked at the restricted area ( the underneath of the cast part and inside) it was reduced to 1. 25" in diameter. This was done to create a venturi effect for the EGR crossover tube. What's up with that? a crossover tube on a TD. Can you say "reverse technology". Anyway I FABBED up a 2. 5" D . 25 thick tube to replace the trick factory setup and increased my air flow on the intake side 3. 5X. It spools up right away, dropped the exaust temps (lessened backpressure at the high side of the turbo) 100-150 degrees @ 30 psi boost and has given me 2+MPG's. My setup is 2500 ext. 4X4, 285's, auto, Banks Stinger, 4" RipRook Exaust, transmission done, Remote transmission cooler, 58K total miles. I've been getting 16- MPG at best never a drop more. 10K 5thW 13mpg's.
With the new Set-up I got 18. 7 last tank with my leg in it 1/4 the time. Not bad! Count your blessing's 49 state Guy's
Could make more intakes if someone in CA is interested.
Email me for a pict of intake if your really interested!
jon burnes
-- email address removed --
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Intake manifold
I've fab up an intake manifold which has improved my mileage 2+ mpg and caused very quick spoolup. I have a 96 CA truck with an EGR. I took it off and replaced it with this setup. The stock intake reduced it to approx. 1. 25" (you can't tell until you take off the casting and look under and in it. I increased it to a constant 2. 5" from intercooler riser to head. I know Banks has a twin ram set-up but it is cost prohib. $600+. The intake change created a 3. 5X increase in air flow. There is a very noticeable difference.
I have the Bank's Stinger Plus system and have learned alot from all these guy's on TDR. Pier's would be a great place to start/finish. I did Bank's before I was with TDR. I'm not disappointed with Banks I just did what I did. The CA EGR is such a waste. You just can't cost effectively produce a EGR for a CTD. Over all it's "reverse technology" at it's best.
E-mail me at -- email address removed -- and I'll send you picts!
I've fab up an intake manifold which has improved my mileage 2+ mpg and caused very quick spoolup. I have a 96 CA truck with an EGR. I took it off and replaced it with this setup. The stock intake reduced it to approx. 1. 25" (you can't tell until you take off the casting and look under and in it. I increased it to a constant 2. 5" from intercooler riser to head. I know Banks has a twin ram set-up but it is cost prohib. $600+. The intake change created a 3. 5X increase in air flow. There is a very noticeable difference.
I have the Bank's Stinger Plus system and have learned alot from all these guy's on TDR. Pier's would be a great place to start/finish. I did Bank's before I was with TDR. I'm not disappointed with Banks I just did what I did. The CA EGR is such a waste. You just can't cost effectively produce a EGR for a CTD. Over all it's "reverse technology" at it's best.
E-mail me at -- email address removed -- and I'll send you picts!
Last edited by a moderator:
I removed the EGR cross tube, plugged the EGR port at the exh manifold and replaced the intake with a non-EGR set up. I plugged the vacuum line to the EGR valve and left the solenoid valve plug so it would not give me a CK engine light. I average 15 MPG but I'm always on it, on the freeway it sees 85 MPH all the time. I have a custom cut plate by Piers, Al calls it a #6 but I think it is more aggressive than a #6. I set the turbo to give me about 32-35 psi and so far I have only seen 1100* F EGTs. Transmission is not holding, beginning to slip, I'll wait for the new transmission before I Dyno. I still need to install the 3K GSK and a PDR HX40/16cm with a 4" exhaust. As you can see there are different ways to increase HP, Do your home work and remember HP is addictive, once you try a little you will always want more.
EGR removal
I plan on removing the EGR on my 97' and installing a 49 state intake and block off for exhaust. How do I avoid the check engine light?
Thanks,
Nathan
I plan on removing the EGR on my 97' and installing a 49 state intake and block off for exhaust. How do I avoid the check engine light?
Thanks,
Nathan
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
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