First off, hello to all- this is my first post here as I just bought my new truck, which is a 2005 Ram 3500 4x4 CC/SB auto trans. I am looking for a starting point and some brand recommendations for performance upgrades on this truck. I already plan to add a Kore suspension lift with some 35's but I want to do some minor power work first. I was really interested in the Bank's products but I have heard some issues with them lately. Any info on this? I want to know what I can safely do so as not to require more work. I plan on doing a TC and shift kit later, but right now I want to keep it mainly to airflow and exhaust. If you can direct me to the best brands out there for what I need, I would appreciate it. I come from the gas world (my previous truck was a 97 ram 1500 4x4 w/ a 5.9L V8- it had about $10k worth of work I did, but that was in the gas world). This engine is the 325 horse/600 torque if that helps. I appreciate the help in advance.

-Out

 

I have the Banks Big Hoss bundle w/ PDA and no problems here. Now you can go with something with more power but I like it because it is safe. I think they have the idea right when they recommend that you have to do the air upgrades and not just a power box. You have to let the air in and at the same time let the air out to be safe. Now if you want just pure power you can do something else. A route I wish I had taken would be to pick and choose from several manufact. such as intercooler from one and power box from somebody else. I think you can get more power from another box. Also it is kinda pricey for the entire kit from Banks. If you want some pics of the install I will pm if you want.

 

Sure, if you can send those I would appreciate it. I am looking for exactly what you said- recommendations for a number of different parts from different companies so I can compare price and benefits to the banks kit. The problem I am hearing about the banks kit is their warranty is kinda stingy- they may say 5 years, but you have to send them the part, they look at it and diagnose it then decide- all this can take up to a month from what I am told. Any truth to this?

 

I've heard that as well but no experience for myself. I will send you some later on today. You can search the forums about Banks and see what everybody is saying.

 

If you want to stay on the safe side the Edge Juice W/Attitude is good. It has transmission and engine safeties built in. You can also stack it with a pressure box and upgrade to the "HOT" version and put down some pretty impressive hp #'s. One guy here has come close to the 700hp mark with it. It's pretty mild when you need it and wild when you want it. Some may say the TST to start out with, but it's a serious box that can burn up you tranny in a heartbeat. The Smarty is also a good one if you want a programmer and it has a lot of cool other features. It just depends on the route you plan on taking in order to find the proper starting point.

 

I'm not quite sure which route I want to take as far as the programmer/power box. What is recommended? I like the ability to change tire size, etc. with a programmer, but how does that compare to the banks six gun box?

 

The PDA from Banks does all the recal for tires also . Just put 22.5's on yesterday and headed out the door now to recalibrate. The PDA is one of the reason's I bought the Banks system just for things like this. Also you can upload all the new software updates with it.

 

Will the banks six gun box blow my stock tranny, or can I control the power with it easily?

 

I don't know much about the banks system, but I would recommend the AFe air intake system for an intial mod. I have seen gains of 20 - 30 hp on the dyno with this and a gutted torque tube. If possible I would also delete the muffler for increased flow on the other end.

 

I haven't felt any hp gains with mine. I've just felt better spool up off idle. I guess the gains are at certain rpm levels, but not peak. Any power increase with a programmer or box can be bad on a tranny. It's really up to you whether or not it's going to last.

 

That's right, most of the hp and torque gain are at lower rpm levels but there still is an overall increase in hp and torque at the peak. This increase might not be noticeable under normal driving conditions. But for me, the difference was night and day from the stock intake at any rpm.

 

Adding any fueling mods are hard on a tranny but the PDA does incorporate good safety such as defueling between shifts and a slippage detector. I have been satisfied although I am going to be buying a Gorend trans. in the future just to be on the safe side.

 

banks sucks get a smarty and gauges.