Has anyone ever tried a Banks Power Systems 4" Monster exhaust system?
dodge_em
07-30-2002, 01:51 PM
Banks makes a good product. I haven't ever really heard anything bad about them. People that have purchased Banks products seem to like them. My own 2¢ is that I think they are a bit pricey, but their components do all work together very nicely for the do-it-yourselfer. I have a 4" mandrel bent turbo back exhaust on mine. It is a Jardine system sold by Pinnacle Performance. I like it a lot. Sounds tough, and keeps the EGT's quite a bit cooler. RAM MAN, can vouch for the sound, right RM?
Let me know if you have any other questions. You won't really go wrong with any of Banks products. If you are miserly like me, you can probably find comparable products for less, but not necessarily any better.
--dodge_em
subzero
08-07-2002, 11:31 PM
Banks makes awesome stuff!..I have used several of there systems in the past and have been very satisfied...They are well worth the money!:D
dodge_em
08-13-2002, 11:49 AM
subzero,
Welcome to the board, and glad to have your comments in the diesel forum. I am not trying to be ignorant in any way. Just a little curious. But as far as being "well worth the money", can you elaborate a little? So far, I have bought a K&N filter from Autozone, modified the airbox a little on my own with a hole saw, had a JVD torque enhancer installed (which also included wastegate modification and MAP sensor mod). I have installed a Jardine 4" turbo back mandrel bent exhaust as well. All told, I have spent around $1300 on performance mods. I haven't gotten it on a dyno yet, but plan to run it up to Jackson, MI soon to do that. What does Banks have in that price range? Can it generate the hp and torque numbers that I think I have now. My driveability and fuel economy are unchanged really, with normal driving, so there is no trade-off there. For what it is worth, I am estimating horsepower in the 300 range at the wheels, and torque in the 600-650 lb-ft range also at the wheels. Like I said in my previous message, the quality of the Banks products is superb. The compatibility of each of their components with other components the offer is great. Their ease of installation isn't too bad either. But for the price, and a little shopping, I don't know if they are "well worth the money". I could be wrong, but I tend to do a lot of shopping before I buy a modification, and I like the bang for the buck theory.
"Real trucks Rattle!!!"
subzero
08-13-2002, 03:47 PM
when I said "well worth the $" I meant that I have used several of their kits in the past.On my 97 Cummins I had the complete powerpack system they offered.and I had a cat back system on my F-150.Quality was awesome and fit was almost too easy,as I installed everything myself except the turbo upgrade on the Cummins.Yes they are a bit higher than the competition,but their Name ,quality and reliability carry a lot of weight!..Sure you can probably get a bit better deal elsewhere on some items,but they are pretty much the "Masters" of the Diesel performance arena,and it was money well spent..In your case however,I would stick to what you have already done,and just add on from there..Maybe Banks has some additional parts that can work in conjunction with what you already have?
dodge_em
08-13-2002, 05:07 PM
Subzero,
Thanks for not taking what I said the wrong way. I was just trying to get you to explain what you liked about the Banks system so that others considering could get a good perspective of what it does. My next improvements are going to be to replace my ailing torque converter, upgrade the valve body in the trans, and to install new injectors. I may upgrade the fuel line to a ½" line as well as put in a more reliable lift/transfer pump. Of course, as far as bang for the buck goes, you can't beat the power of propane. (may find a future home on my truck as well).
Thanks for the great response. I like the Banks systems, and if they have something that fits into my future upgrade plans as far as performance and value goes, I will definitely consider them.
--dodge_em
dodge_em
08-13-2002, 05:09 PM
As an added note, Subzero was referring to mods he made on his '97, which was a 12 valve diesel. On a 24 valve like mine, which is computer controlled, there are different types of upgrades available. Exhaust and intake upgrades are pretty similar, but do some research to see what will work best for your baby!!!
