Community Forums

Red Dawg · 01-09-2015, 02:36 PM

I'm always looking for ways to improve the performance/power of my 8.1L and maybe get a little more fuel efficiency in the process. Are the Banks systems worth the money? Do you get enough bang for the buck to justify the cost? I don't have the money at this point to have a system installed, but if I did at some point, should I?

Is there anything in the DIY category that someone on a low budget with mechanical skills could do?

WReeder · 01-09-2015, 02:42 PM

You would have to drive a 100k + miles to break even with the cost of gas these day

Alleyman · 01-09-2015, 02:57 PM

I have had the full Power Pack system for over 3years. A good torque boost where you need it in mid range. Don't expect more mpg. You either go for power or some other devices devices for mileage. Power usually costs $. Just like racing!. I'm not sorry I spent the $. Everything in recreation is a convenience.

Ray,IN · 01-09-2015, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WReeder

You would have to drive a 100k + miles to break even with the cost of gas these day

If fuel cost savings were $3 per tank, vs cost of Banks unit at $3,000 +.

jdoran1973 · 01-09-2015, 07:06 PM

From what I have seen based o. Other threads and my own research, which just amounts to my own opinion: seems that most folks who spend the $$$ on a Banks system are happy with it, but one of the main purchasing factors seems to be for more power I. Mountainous or hilly terrain. If that is the bulk of your driving it may become worth it. If not, I'd save the money you could spend on it for any future issues that may pop up and stay stock. Just my .02

Diane98 · 01-09-2015, 10:43 PM

We had a 35 ft 2004 Winnebago Adventurer 8.1L and had a Banks system installed. My husband looked into costs vs benefits, and decided it was worth it. The power was definetly a plus. First time we took it over the Grapevine in CA w/Banks and was able to keep our speed at 60-65 mph passing all the slow trucks, motorhomes, etc. Sure beat dropping down our speed to 35-45 mph before the banks. True we did not see additional mpg but felt the power was there when we needed it.

ardbark · 01-09-2015, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Dawg

I'm always looking for ways to improve the performance/power of my 8.1L and maybe get a little more fuel efficiency in the process. Are the Banks systems worth the money? Do you get enough bang for the buck to justify the cost? I don't have the money at this point to have a system installed, but if I did at some point, should I?

Is there anything in the DIY category that someone on a low budget with mechanical skills could do?

I installed a full Banks Power Pack last year on my Cummins 230 12v. The change in performance was night and day, like putting a new engine in. Fuel mileage didn't change much, less than 1 mpg increase. I also put a performance spring kit in which gives me more rpm range before I starve for fuel. Combined with the Power Pack I can now run with ISBs.

The risk of more power is always more heat. Physics. Gale Banks seemed to have figured out how to increase power without killing the EGTs. If your looking to wake your 8.1 up the system works. If your looking to increase mileage adding more fuel will not help your cause.

Mr_D · 01-09-2015, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diane98

We had a 35 ft 2004 Winnebago Adventurer 8.1L and had a Banks system installed. My husband looked into costs vs benefits, and decided it was worth it. The power was definetly a plus. First time we took it over the Grapevine in CA w/Banks and was able to keep our speed at 60-65 mph passing all the slow trucks, motorhomes, etc. Sure beat dropping down our speed to 35-45 mph before the banks. True we did not see additional mpg but felt the power was there when we needed it.

Same with our ISC 350, no fuel mileage improvement but the torque increase was well worth it!
Stock ISC 350/1050
With Banks 435/1200 and that's probably low according to what magazines say about Banks advertising figures.

EasyPace · 01-10-2015, 03:17 PM

I have a 2005 Pace Arrow with the 8.1, and I was thinking of the Banks Power Pack as well, but after much reading and consideration, I think that I will be going with Brazel's Ultra Power ECM upgrade with new Plugs and wires. This should provide similar power boosts and mileage increases for considerably less money....about one third of the cost. Search for Ultra Power, and be prepared to read for a good while.

Tetonchief · 01-10-2015, 07:35 PM

I was lucky to buy my coach with the Banks system installed by the previous owner--have the complete exhaust, cold air intake, and the computer reprogram. I'm sure the milage is not a big difference (10% of 8 mpg isn't that much to notice) but the power is noticeable from other like coaches I drove without it. Looking forward to it when I head back to WY in the spring.

djbmsu · 01-10-2015, 07:44 PM

Your biggest inprovement will come from the Exhaust. Many local exhaust facilities can create you a much better system for half the cost of the Banks

Tetonchief · 01-10-2015, 07:55 PM

There is a very good Youtube about the DOD giving Banks a contract to outfit the Humvee--the horse power and performance gains and they show a stock (now up-armored) vs. one with the Banks system installed. It is worth is to watch the 10 minute video. It also speaks to how long and how respected Banks has been in the performance business. There is always going to be "haters" out there no matter the subject.

Ray,IN · 01-10-2015, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tetonchief

There is a very good Youtube about the DOD giving Banks a contract to outfit the Humvee--the horse power and performance gains and they show a stock (now up-armored) vs. one with the Banks system installed. It is worth is to watch the 10 minute video. It also speaks to how long and how respected Banks has been in the performance business. There is always going to be "haters" out there no matter the subject.

Chief, he asked if it was worth it, not if it was any good. Financially it is not a good investment.

ISM500 · 01-10-2015, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Chief, he asked if it was worth it, not if it was any good. Financially it is not a good investment.

I don't have a dog in this fight but after reviewing the post by tetonchief, my understanding is that he was talking about the you tube video being good.

The OP used the word "worth" which is very subjective. It is akin to asking if the weather was "warm".

Finally the idea of ANYTHING relating to RVing being "financially" an "investment" is laughable at best.