Why I've chosen Banks

[Donley]

I've been a TDR member for two years. I'm new to cyberspace, however, only been online for six weeks. During this time frame I surfed, searched and e-mailed in an effort to educate myself regarding the most economical method of BOMBing. While reading the threads in TDR, I gained the distinct perception that Banks is an apparently unpopular upgrade option. Not enough bang for the buck was a commonly shared theme.
I discovered this to be fiction.
My interest was in the Banks Stinger Plus. This system reportedly produces top gains of 275 hp and increases torque to 650 lb. . Since I already had the gauges and air filter, the only items needed to complete the system were; 14cm wastegated turbo, cam plate and exhaust system. Two of the above items can be found in GP for $850. Add a popular cam plate and the total is $1150 plus some shipping.
Banks charged $1145 plus tax and $325 for the five hour installation at the Azusa plant. This complete coherent system is backed by a 5 year warranty. Both sales and service departments were very impressive. Joey in sales fielded my numerous phone calls with patience and excellent product knowledge. Steve the mechanic took time to effectively explain the "surgery". The wait went very quickly in their spacious waiting room. Complete with updated videos, magazines and fresh coffee. Overall a very positive experience.
What about performance??
It's basically a different truck. I'm a full-time RVer and accordingly do alot of towing. In the area I'm presently residing there exist a 5 mile 7% grade on the 101 called Conejo. Stock, I poked along in 2nd and 3rd at 40mph and now I'm in 4th doing 62mph. I believe that it could be done in 5th, however, I'm hesitant to chance it because of the 5th gear inherant weakness. EGT during the ascent was 1200 degrees pre-turbo. Top boost was 32 lb. (the stock boost was 15) I plan on keeping this truck for two more years. I think that on the open market the truck may have a more favorable resale value with a Banks system, mainly due to notoriety, than perhaps a system procurred from 5 different vendors and installed Shade Tree fashion. I apologize if I've insulted anyone... just my 2 cents.
It worked for me and hopefully this rant will facilitate in the understanding regarding the various choices and manners of BOMBing.





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95 2500 SLT 5spd 3:54 117K mi, Banks Stinger Plus,RamEBk, Gold clutch, Hel-springs, RS 9000, Amsoiled, Geno's Combo, Rhino, Smitbilt, Diaplate Rails & T-Box, RBW 5th Wheel hitch, 96 30' Alfa See Ya RV, (gcw 19200) Full-time RVer

 

[BCFAST]

Donley, Im glad you're happy with your Banks equipment. They do, in fact, make a high quality product... but I stand by my opinion that you pay too much, for too little. My 97 4x4 is running 275hp and 700lbs too... with a $300 plate, and a $300 4 inch exhaust. Again, glad you're happy.

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[SMorneau]

The only bad thing, other than cost, I have heard about is they had problems with internals in their mufflers rattling and would not deal with it. The same party that told me this had another truck with a TST plate and they said that was their preference.

There are a lot of ways to make power and even the fast guys seem to argue. If your happy it must be good.

 

[illflem]

Donley,good to see someone else sticking up for Banks. When folks post here about not enough bang for the buck,they seem to think a TST plate and turning the AFC wheel will equal a Banks kit,that's far from the truth,much more involved than that. The Banks exhaust system carries a lifetime warranty,if starts to rattle Banks will take care of it. They recently replaced a five year old pyro gauge on my 2500 that started reading 100° high,no questions.

I'm also very happy with my two Banks Stingers,I have all the power I'll ever need and I work my trucks hard. Would do it on another truck in a heartbeat.
Donley the only other mod you may want to consider is a Pyscotty air unit,it lowered the EGTs on my 3500 by 150°.




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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[Banshe]

Donley,
I hold same respect for Banks and have had excellent experience with their technical and sales customer support. Your performance improvement obviously has made you happy with their product. Agreeing with illflem, they provide excellent customer service through their warranty and technical service assistance. Of course, after a short while the bug's gonna bite again!!! #ad

 

[Big John]

Glad you are happy with the Banks system. I believe I discussed this with you prior to you doing the job. I too am under the impression that Banks is a great alternative to the road many of us take. Although I did not go that route because I prefer to do the work and I also can only upgrade as I get the money. My money mostly goes to Texas A&M University in rather large chunks!

I have talked to many truck owners that have used Banks, both Dodge and Ford, and have yet to hear a complaint. Banks do a great job and take great pride in their work. Very professional.

Big John

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'94 2500 Diesel Reg. Cab
Auto 3. 54 4X4 TST 230hp
"If you can't Dodge it, Ram it!
'96 2500 diesel clubcab 4x4 5speed

 

[C Schomer]

Maybe Banks finally got their I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER together. The morphed plate they sent me was a configuration of their own - didn't match any TST plates. It was verified by the inventors of the plates that it was a very screwed up profile - ABSOLUTELY didn't belong in the 215. And that was the second plate they sent me - the first one was almost useless! It was also clear that they were unclear on how to cure the problems. I'm with them wholeheartedly on the 14 housings and they provided a decent muffler and tailpipe. They admitted that what they sold me wasn't fully tested in the 215hp engines. With what they spend on advertising, you can bet you'll pay for it. I could have pieced mine together for 300 - $400 less and had a better job. I know because I've replaced everything but the housing and I know what it all costs and how much better it runs now. I wouldn't take an other chance on Banks knowing how they just want to get their products to market without thorough testing. They wasted a hell of a lot of my time! I've seen some hocus-pocus they played on their dyno figures too, but that's an other long story! Craig

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97 3/4Ton, 2WD, 5SP, #11 Plate, AFC kit, 14 Housing, AF942M Air filter, Gutted Cat, 4"From Turbo, Airlift, Shortened Frame, Custom Bed, HEY FORDBOY POWERSTROKE THIS!