hardware vs. software

[THorton]

Hi all

I'm new to the site, I have a 2005 3500 with the auto transmission. I have a lot of experience building forced injection gas motors, none in diesel. I'm wondering about the advisability of using the computer over-write boxes vs. a kit (Banks) to improve power. I use the truck to pull a heavy trailer long distance, and I'm concerned about 1) transmission life and 2) engine manangement if I do add a kit. In cars, if you add parts without fuel mapping and control you get no power increases and often, a broken motor. How about cooling? more power means more heat, can that be managed? Is there an existing post that covers this already?

Thanks

 

[Jetpilot]

I would recommend staying away from Banks, their stuff is overpriced (somebody has to pay for all their advertising). As you mentioned the transmission is the weakest link, normally you can add something like an Edge EZ and be OK but all bets are off if you go with a fueling box. Although you could go with a good aftermarket transmission and never have to worry about it again



Don't expect much from an aftermarket exhaust system, you already have a 4" system so spend your $$ elsewhere..... The airbox is really restrictive on your truck and upgrading it to an AFE stage 2 setup is nice.

There are lots of turbo options to control egts, but be sure and match it to your needs and performance mods.



Doug

 

[DieselRam30]

I would recommend spending your money somewhere else besides Banks as well. You will get more bang for your buck if you don't go with Banks. The electronic fueling boxes take care of the fuel mapping, timing, etc. to provide the power upgrades. That is, you shouldn't have to extensively tune the truck as you would a gasser electronic injection system.



More power does mean more heat, but that is taken care of with proper airflow into and out of the engine i. e. intake and exhaust upgrades and the proper turbo. In diesels, more air means cooler Egads.



As far as the transmission, it is definitely the weak link. If you're towing heavy, I would highly recommend a torque converter and valve body upgrades, if not a built transmission. If you do go that route, you will be amazed at the difference from stock. If you want any more power than an Edge EZ, transmission upgrades are a definite must.



If you're looking for increased responsiveness and a dramatic change in daily driveability (for the better), try a CATCHER. Do a search; there is tons of information.

 

[Diesel Freak]

The nice thing about adding performance to a diesel engine is that A/F ratios are not constant. The engine loves to run lean. A/F ratios over 18:1 are the norm... some of us go lower than that, but when we do, three lanes of traffic become invisible!!!



Your cooling system is very good, but it still can be overtaxed. Trying to use over 375 RWHP contunuously if EGT is in check will get things hot.....



The newer engines run higher stock EGT than we are used to, but when you start BOMBing, use the 1200F limit..... your pistons will thank you!!! If you have a BOMBed engine and you are running hard for an extended time, EGT close to or over 1250 can cause engine damage. #5 or #6 will be the first to go.



I try to keep EGT under 1150F when loaded.

 

[RAndrae]

stay away from Banks over rated and over priced.

 

[Hohn]

Hi all

I'm new to the site, I have a 2005 3500 with the auto transmission. I have a lot of experience building forced injection gas motors, none in diesel. I'm wondering about the advisability of using the computer over-write boxes vs. a kit (Banks) to improve power. I use the truck to pull a heavy trailer long distance, and I'm concerned about 1) transmission life and 2) engine manangement if I do add a kit. In cars, if you add parts without fuel mapping and control you get no power increases and often, a broken motor. How about cooling? more power means more heat, can that be managed? Is there an existing post that covers this already?

Thanks

Welcome to TDR! Hope you come to love this place like we do.



You have experience with forced induction motors, which is great. But diesels are a little different critters, and have their own quirks.



Obviously, you understand that you MUST install some kind of gauge package to monitor EGT, boost, and Trans temp (and fuel pressure is a good idea, too, but not necessary on your truck like it is on mine).



Fill in a signature in your "user CP" part with your trucks year, model, and configuration-- this will help a lot with discussion and recommendations.





Banks is generally pretty decent quality, but you pay too much for it. Their customer service is hit-and-miss, as I've heard both horror stories and glowing raves, so who knows what to think? Their exhaust (though 409 SS) is known to corrode, sometimes quickly. Some of their products have been proven (on a dyno) to offer NOTHING in terms of hp or airflow enhancement, specifically, the Banks High ram intake.



transmission life is a function of heat managment in the long term and tq load in the short term. Control both and it will last. There are a host of reputable CTD transmission specialists that can make sure it will hold up: DTT, Suncoast, Goerend, ATS, etc.





The cooling system on these things has a pretty decent amount of reserve capacity, but it will run very hot with a souped-up engine and high loads (towing heavy). Keep the radiator clean and it should be fine.



Welcome!

 

[pwerwagn]

Banks is generally pretty decent quality, but you pay too much for it. Their customer service is hit-and-miss, as I've heard both horror stories and glowing raves, so who knows what to think?

I've heard numerous horror stories about Banks, but kinda decided to write them off. all companies have problems from time to time. BUT, one of my good friends has a 04. 5, wanted some power, so he called banks, they told him the warranty was not gonna be voided by the 6-gun/speed loader, so he bought it. with 43,000 miles on the motor, it started knocking like crazy about a week ago. the dodge dealer voided the warranty, 4,5 and 6 were melted, and banks wont talk to him any more.

just another case now on the record.

sorry to be off topic a little,

--Jeff