Banks, ATS or Hypermax
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
looks like some of the jobsite we go to but instead of mud we got the sand then the rainy season comes along and we have rivers of flowing sand way to much fun and i agree no payments and not afraid to workem thats what makes the money if a truck can't pull its on weight or work then it aint worth having it some say scrathes i call them war wounds or beauty marks
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
From: Near the ocean
My 93 7.3 NA was fine here in Florida but when I took it to Wyoming and tried to pull my 27FT trailer up to 9600 Ft in the mountains it couldn't make it. I had my foot on the floor in low gear nand smoked up most of the state. When I returned to Florida, I installed a Banks Sidewinder which consists of a wastegated turbo,31/2 exhaust,new muffler, and tranny kit to bump up pressures. When I returned to Wyo and pulled the same mountain, what a difference. No problem. The secret is AIR. The more you get, the better you are. There isn't much at 9600 ft and pulling a 6% hill doesn't help either. The Banks kit I just mentioned was approx $2400. I went together real nice. The instructions were precise and the fit was great. I'm very happy. I have about 40K on it now and NO problems.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Before adjusting the fuel I recommend installing a pyrometer.
Exhaust gas temperature will tell you it is time to let off the throttle before your pistons run out the exhaust pipe.
What will it do to your mileage?
Depends on how much you enjoy the extra power and how much you use it.
More power = more fuel used
If you are blowing black smoke now, the turbo will turn the black smoke to power.
Black smoke is wasted fuel.
Exhaust gas temperature will tell you it is time to let off the throttle before your pistons run out the exhaust pipe.
What will it do to your mileage?
Depends on how much you enjoy the extra power and how much you use it.
More power = more fuel used
If you are blowing black smoke now, the turbo will turn the black smoke to power.
Black smoke is wasted fuel.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
From: Near the ocean
I have a pyrometer, boost gauge,and trans temp gauge installed already. The Banks instructions stated to turn IP screw 1/4 turn clockwise. If I am pulling a hill with my 5th wheel on, I can get pyrometer readings up to 1000 deg. and need to back off the pedal slightly. Normal pulling on the flats with my 5th wheel runs approx 600 deg. I do not pump black smoke at any time. Do you think I have increased the fuel flow enough? Banks adjustment is to satisfy EPA requirements only and does not satisfy power requirements that I need. Thanks for the help Dave
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Where is your thermocouple installed at?
Mine is in the exhaust manifold drivers side by cylinder #8.
I will let mine go to almost 1200 degrees before I back out of it.
But here in WVa the hills are not 60 miles long, so it is not going to be setting that high for hour or so.
If I were pulling the Rockies, I would not let it get that high and stay there for hours at a time.
A very light haze of black smoke is where you will see the max power at.
Air intake and exhaust modifications can increase the amount of air delivered to the engine which can increase the amount of fuel it can burn completely, which does increase the amount of power it can produce.
Mine is in the exhaust manifold drivers side by cylinder #8.
I will let mine go to almost 1200 degrees before I back out of it.
But here in WVa the hills are not 60 miles long, so it is not going to be setting that high for hour or so.
If I were pulling the Rockies, I would not let it get that high and stay there for hours at a time.
A very light haze of black smoke is where you will see the max power at.
Air intake and exhaust modifications can increase the amount of air delivered to the engine which can increase the amount of fuel it can burn completely, which does increase the amount of power it can produce.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I have a '94 F250 2x2 with 7.3 IDI with 91K miles. Last May I had a Banks Sidewinder installed to improve performance and fuel mileage. I just completed a 5K+ mile trip and my performance has not improved - nor has the fuel mileage. I would NOT recommend making the same mistake of buying a Banks. The only plus from the kit was the set of guages that monitor the trucks vital signs. My next option is to trade into a newer truck.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Poulsbo1, well that's strange, Tom D has great success with his system and only a year apart in age...some things wrong [duh],
-are you running enough boost
-have you turned up the pump
I have only once [read on this site] that a "new" turbo kit did perform up to expectations.
-are you running enough boost
-have you turned up the pump
I have only once [read on this site] that a "new" turbo kit did perform up to expectations.
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Banks
To answer two responses to my previous:
My exhaust temp reads 3 - 400 degrees, unless I am in a steady pull, at which time it reads 900+. The boost normally 4 - 5 with peaks during a steady pull of 9 - 10.
I get a strong indication from reading through the many messages regarding performance that I need to "tune" the turbo boost and injection pump. Being a novice, I am not sure exactly what that includes, but I am interested. For two reasons: 1) I want to believe that Banks puts out a good product; and 2) I REALLY don't want to get a different truck. I like the feel of my F-250.
So any help or "duh resolution" will be humbly accepted.
My exhaust temp reads 3 - 400 degrees, unless I am in a steady pull, at which time it reads 900+. The boost normally 4 - 5 with peaks during a steady pull of 9 - 10.
I get a strong indication from reading through the many messages regarding performance that I need to "tune" the turbo boost and injection pump. Being a novice, I am not sure exactly what that includes, but I am interested. For two reasons: 1) I want to believe that Banks puts out a good product; and 2) I REALLY don't want to get a different truck. I like the feel of my F-250.
So any help or "duh resolution" will be humbly accepted.
Originally Posted by bc6.9
Poulsbo1, well that's strange, Tom D has great success with his system and only a year apart in age...some things wrong [duh],
-are you running enough boost
-have you turned up the pump
I have only once [read on this site] that a "new" turbo kit did perform up to expectations.
-are you running enough boost
-have you turned up the pump
I have only once [read on this site] that a "new" turbo kit did perform up to expectations.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,438
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, WA
I wonder if the pump was turned up enough. I would turn it up a little more and see if you can get the temp up around 1100 max.
Really those numbers aren't far off, the truck should have a lot more power than it did before. Does it put out much dark smoke when you get on it?
Really those numbers aren't far off, the truck should have a lot more power than it did before. Does it put out much dark smoke when you get on it?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
From: Near the ocean
Prior to installing the Banks kit, I could NOT pull a hill AT ALL towing my 5th wheel (27') in the Rockies. I don't feel I have the power that Banks advertises.They state the following,"Power stroke from factory,HP180 @3200, Torque 439@1800. 7.3 IDI with Banks Sidewinder,HP 260@3000 Torque 503@1500." My friend's power stroke out-pulls me under same conditions. Poulsbo1 has same temps and boost as me. I feel we are not getting enough power. Dave Sponaugle, I have pyrometer in exhaust header just prior to entering turbo. I have built a ram air in grille for more intake. My exhaust is Banks 23/4-3 to muffler 3" beyond muffler. No smoke. Tailpipe is black inside tip
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Banks Performance
No dark smoke when accelerating. The Banks was installed by Eric's RV in Sequim. I plan to give Eric's a call tomorrow to see if they have any ideas.
I also had a Banks Transmission Control Module installed when the Sidewinder was installed. I experience better shifts with the E40 transmission.
I also had a Banks Transmission Control Module installed when the Sidewinder was installed. I experience better shifts with the E40 transmission.