Hi, guys I'm thinking of fitting a Banks Powerpack System and Exhaust Brake onto my truck, the parts will be new from Banks. Is there anything I should know or do to my truck before, during or after the install. The engine at the moment is stock 54k miles with an uprated exhaust which will be utilised and a high flow air filter.
Along with the install I will also fit extra guages for EGT, Trans Temp and Fuel Pressure.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kurt

 

There is nothing wrong with the Banks products, but seeing that you already have some of the components of a build up installed, I would suggest that you consider completing the package with products such as TST or Edge.

Vendors such as www.wildcatdiesel.com has very knowledgable staff that may be able to offer you a comparable or better product at less cost. They are also very good at helping you build to your hp goals and driving style instead of a pre-packaged kit.

Give them, and other vendors on this site, a call before you buy and then choose whatever system you prefer.

 

Stick w/ BANKS, I know for a fact they make better products for the 3rd gens. I've had all three on my truck, plus others I wont mention. Their #'s are not quite as high as TST's, but there is much more info given (diagnostics) w/ Banks. Not to mention who has deeper pockets, and been in the business longer to provide you w/ help if something goes wrong. Just my 2cents from my experience w/ these exact products.

 

The truck he is asking about is a second gen.

 

I would pass on the Banks too. You already have the exhaust, so the rest of your pieces aren't that much $$ to buy.
Banks gauges are also the most old-looking, outdated gauges on the market, you could do better going elsewhere.

 

In October 2002 I purchased and installed the Banks Powerpack system including the Power Elbow assembly. Having a complete system that was engineered to work together had value to me. My experience with Banks was that the complete kit arrived when they said it would, it contained clear concise instructions, required no additional parts or fabrication and went together fairly smoothly. When the installation was complete there was a noticeable increase in power. Wanting just a little more I installed rv 275s. That also made a noticeable increase in power. The above setup was able to take my lift pump pressure (measured at the VP44) to -0-. So I installed larger banjo bolts and fittings and a pusher pump. Over all I was happy with the setup. However - what I did not like: Gauges integrated with the Ottominder, not being able to select different levels with the Ottominder (including off), upon pressure checking the intake side of the engine a small leak was detected in the High Ram inlet (either the casting or washers that won’t seal). Most of the Banks equipment came off in November 03.

If I had it to do over again I would get the Banks 4” exhaust and the Power Elbow assembly, the Isspro gauges and EDM 1.5 or 2s and the TST PM3. At this point you are into it with less $’s than the Banks set up and are ready to look at a new turbo (and clutch).

If after reading the above you still want a Banks Ottominder, High Ram & K&N filters (have 2) pm me.

George

 

Hi Kurt!

Do you have an auto or a manual tranny? The reason is that an exhaust brake and a stock automatic tranny won't work together too well.
Personally I don't have bad experiences with banks, but I like it better to have the gauges not influenced by the box. (Whereas it's a nice idea to have the box defuel at a certain EGT, I'd then like to have a second , independend EGT to verify that the box sees it right)
I like my Rod's pod for the gauges, the Isspro gauges are like- OK it's a gauge (not a piece of designwork). The box I use is an Edge Pulse (not available anymore AFAIK) and DonM's Mach 3 EDMs. Wildcat high flow fuel system. DPP 4" exhaust.
It's not too much power, ideal for cruising around and the occasional driving a little quicker
Naturally after doing something to the engine you will have to do something for the powertrain and the brakes.

AlpineRAM

 

In my opinion the Banks products are to expensive and don't produce the numbers they say they will. If I were you I would go with a TST or Edge product you get more power at less cost. As far as being in the business longer the guys at TST have 40 years combined as engineers for Cummins that says they know how these things work.

 

8 years ago i contacted banks about my 1st gen truck. they sent literature. listed their 4/4 0 to 60 12 point something secs. this was with their major kit. at that time i was running 9.6 0 to 60 by just turning a few screws. egt was under control. i did buy their aftercooler. you be the judge. read sig now.

 

I've installed quite a few Banks kits and will swear by them. For customers who already had certain parts of the system installed from elsewhere, i.e. gauges exhaust, etc Banks has no problem supplying the kits without them, retail price subtracted.

 

Thanks Guys, there is quite a lot to think about, the biggest one being who ships to the UK and how much does it cost. The UK arent big on Diesel's they dont understand their potential (just bus's aren't they or for wagons). Diesel aftermarket stuff is near enough impossible to buy in the UK so whoever I go to must ship to the UK. The exhaust was custom fabricated by a friend as will other bits and pieces.

Thanks for the reply's, there all great, well the ones I understand anyway! still abit new to this diesel truck scene. Just want the truck to be the baddest, meanest thing on six wheels, that will frighten old people and children and will drag small furry animals into the turbo, you know!

Thanks Kurt