Community Forums

gyoungbmw · 09-09-2012, 08:50 PM

Sorry folks. I am sure this is a topic that has appeared before my time. After two diesel pushers and the costs and problems getting service while on the road, a year ago I trade "up" to a new Itasca on an F-53 chassis. Now, after a year of use and almost 20k miles I am very happy with my choice. But I would even be happier if I could get some more torque on the hills pulling my towed. Does the Banks exhaust and induction system help in this area??

BTW, dealing with a service issue while on the road with a small town Ford dealer is so much easier than dealing with a Freightliner service center-----and a lot less expensive too. A Ford dealer is much more likely to want to give you good service while that Freightliner guy deals mostly with over the road truckers to whom an RV'er is a nuisance.

vsheetz · 09-10-2012, 01:57 AM

Have you checked out the 5Star tuner? A search here find much info.

Abnmarine · 09-10-2012, 02:26 AM

I didn't install banks but instead a Gibson exhaust that included headers, larger diameter tubing and a performance muffler. I also installed the Banks cold air induction. I noticed an improvement on my 1999 chassis. I would also highly recommend the 5 star tune.

LVJ58 · 09-10-2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyoungbmw

Sorry folks. I am sure this is a topic that has appeared before my time. After two diesel pushers and the costs and problems getting service while on the road, a year ago I trade "up" to a new Itasca on an F-53 chassis. Now, after a year of use and almost 20k miles I am very happy with my choice. But I would even be happier if I could get some more torque on the hills pulling my towed. Does the Banks exhaust and induction system help in this area??

BTW, dealing with a service issue while on the road with a small town Ford dealer is so much easier than dealing with a Freightliner service center-----and a lot less expensive too. A Ford dealer is much more likely to want to give you good service while that Freightliner guy deals mostly with over the road truckers to whom an RV'er is a nuisance.

If your coach is powered by the later model 3 valve 362hp v10 I would suspect adding the Banks system would result in only a marginal increase in power/torque.

However any improvement to the exhaust system would definitely be beneficial. As Abnmarine suggested, you can achieve the same results of a Banks system at a lower cost by installing either Gibson, Jardine or Thorley Headers using a 3.5" exhaust & tail pipe along with a low restriction muffler, i.e., Flosmaster, Dynomax or Magnaflow.

Additionally you might want to consider reprogramming the strategy in your PCM offered by Brazel's RV Performance:

https://www.brazelsrv.com/

Or 5-Star Tuning: Got a V10 Ford F250/350/450/550?

In 2005 I had the complete Banks system installed on our 310hp v10. In my opinion the power increase seemed marginal at best but there was a slight increase.

Normally I wouldn't have spent the big $$$ for the system, but I ran across a killer deal on the system in TX I just couldn't pas up, $1,700 installed.

In 2011 I added the 5-Star Tune to the PCM which seemed to help a bit more in the power arena to where I can maintain a somewhat higher speed climbing mountain grades.

If I had the 3 valve 362HP V10 I believe I would start with either Brazel's or 5-Star tune first and see what happens, then go from there.

Best of luck & Safe Travels

BCooke · 09-10-2012, 11:46 AM

I won't tell you.....
...on to what my help you...
The V-10 has been around long enough that most of the easy/cheap (read no engine work) HP has been gotten out of it. A tune may (dealer dependant) void any warranty that may exist but would also let you squeeze that little bit of power that is left. Getting the exhaust away faster also can help some.
I reversed your move with my pickups (F350) for the reason you are asking.
Good luck.

demoon · 09-10-2012, 03:18 PM

Had full banks on my 01 V-10. Not worth the dollars. Do not plan any making any changes to my 06 version.

SRT · 09-14-2012, 04:33 PM

Banks exhaust/intake on our '99 F53 chassis. Sure made a difference with the early V10.

450Donn · 09-14-2012, 05:04 PM

I think the only thing that will be helped is Gale Banks pocket book.
You really have to think of a gas motor as a giant air pump. What goes in must come out. More out will do nothing unless you get more in. But to do that will also require more fuel. So to get more HP/Torque will also require more fuel. what would help you the most is to chop about three feet off the top of your MH and lower the roof line a whole bunch. Reducing wind drag and weight would be the biggest improvement you could make reasonable.

clyon51 · 09-14-2012, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRT

Banks exhaust/intake on our '99 F53 chassis. Sure made a difference with the early V10.

What was the "difference" and what was the cost?

demoon · 09-14-2012, 05:56 PM

Full system on my 01 was just shy of 5k.

clyon51 · 09-14-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demoon

Full system on my 01 was just shy of 5k.

No doubt why you won't do on your present coach! I did install a 5 Star Tune on my '99. I did figure no increase in mpg, but for $400, it was worth it for a small increase in performance and the VERY annoying downshifting on slight grades. I am of the opiniom the increase on performance (more fuel useage) was counteracted by the decreased rpm from the excessive down shifting.

cb1000rider · 09-14-2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

What was the "difference" and what was the cost?

I think the cost was $2-$3k (depending if you get the trans kit too).
Good tuners post dyno results. I believe it's around a 10% true gain (30+hp).

Again, the modern V10s are better, they may not gain as much.
The banks stuff is high quality... but you're also paying for the name.

demoon · 09-14-2012, 08:01 PM

The system with transcommand is just over $2500 and the install was about $2400. That was buying directly from Banks and using their installer in my area. If you can go directly to Banks, I believe their install is less.

clyon51 · 09-14-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb1000rider

I think the cost was $2-$3k (depending if you get the trans kit too).
Good tuners post dyno results. I believe it's around a 10% true gain (30+hp).

Again, the modern V10s are better, they may not gain as much.
The banks stuff is high quality... but you're also paying for the name.

I guess I was more interested in the $$$ outlay vs the actual $$$ saving for the outlay to make it worth it. I firmly believe there is not an enhancement out there for a gas RV that will ever pay for itself.

I know newer RVers have mpg shock and like any other business, there are going to be people out there that are going to take advantage of peoples inexperience. Snake oil of the 1800's is still alive and well.

That's not to say certain people are happy with certain gains regardless of costs. As I said eariler, my $400 5 Star tune yielded no $$ savings,.but I enjoy the difference.