Community Forums

Sky_Boss · 05-09-2012, 08:15 AM

I have been able to find threads on UP and BP but not able to find one that talks about them in comparison. Both advertise similar performance gains so it would seem redundant to install both. I'm not totally familiar with the total costs but from what I can google it looks like parts for the "full blown" systems for a W24 Workhorse chassis run around:

UP - $2,000 to $2,300 (ECM, Cold air intake, plug wires, 2 mufflers, 8 plugs)
BP - $2,500 to $2,800 (Total Kit with Ram Air, headers, tailpipe and Ottomind)

From a total cost perspective, assuming similar performance, the UP is cheaper both in parts and labor to install. The BP seems to address a larger set of parameters from cold air intake to tailpipe.

Both systems could be "staged" installed allowing for budgeting incremental upgrades. The UP seems, again, a bit easier in that area.

I open the floor for discussion.

burfurd · 05-09-2012, 08:38 AM

Personally, I have never been a fan of Banks or any of the after-market power increasing schemes. I am sure they work as advertised BUT if I need the additional power, I probably should have purchased a rig with larger engine / tranny.

I would think the engine builders know more than an aftermarket supplier of modifications. Just my 2 cents.

Burfurd

demoon · 05-09-2012, 09:15 AM

Save your money. First of all, I suspect your estimates are a bit low. I had full Banks with trans-command installed and it ran my just shy of 5k. Never would do it again.

LVJ58 · 05-09-2012, 10:36 AM

In 2006 I had the Banks system installed on our 2000 v10 powered coach while in La Feria, TX. I bought the complete system for $1,000 from a guy selling RV parts & accessories at a flea market in the area. I had it installed by the Texas Trader RV Service Department at a cost of $719.

If I had to pay the full bore cost from Banks, probably wouldn't do it. After the installation I did notice a slight improvement in power, but nothing earthshaking.

Last year I ordered a Tune upgrade from 5 Star Tuning that comes with a device that connects to the OBDII port and upgrades the PCM strategy.

After the upgrade I noticed a bit more power, with slightly quicker throttle response along with reduced frequency of transmission downshifts on moderate grades and the ability to maintain speeds between 5 to 7mph greater climbing 6-7% grades.

I guess you could say for the results gained, for me it was worth the cost involved.

Bottom line it's pretty much a personal call as to whether one wants to take the chance and spend the $$$ and if one decides to do so, be willing to live with the results good or bad.

Best regards and safe travels..

wa8yxm · 05-09-2012, 10:50 AM

Banks is a time proven product that most engine makers acknowledge does no harm. In fact Workhorse at one time made an "SS" model chassis (2006 I"m sad to say, my rig is a 2005) Basically they had their supplier knock off the Banks air and exhaust systems and touched up the tuning a bit to compensate.

UP.. Is also a very good product, IT has been around long enough to claim "Proven" and it's way cheaper.. Frankly if I ever upgrade that is the path I will take.

To be honest. I am looking for fuel savings more than performance improvement (I am very happy with my stock 8.1L performance wise) Given the maker's claims.. IF I upgrade to UP, I may, eventually, recover the cost of the upgrade.

Won't happen with Banks though.. Won't ever happen.. Even though Banks claims a greater improvement.

hooverbill · 05-09-2012, 01:20 PM

" Ultra Power vs Banks Power vs Both" is the subject... I would add one more option, "None," and I'd choose the last option.

Mr_D · 05-09-2012, 01:34 PM

I've had two RV's that I put a Banks kit on, one a 460 Ford and now a Cummins ISC. In both cases it was worth it to me. To others, maybe not.
On the 460 it made up for the "lost" power of towing a towed on a dolly.
On the ISC it made a huge difference in driveability. One hill I used to hit at 60 in 6th and top at 50 in 4th with wide open throttle I now hit at 60 in 6th, top at 60 in 6th and on cruise control with throttle left.
Didn't buy the Banks kits for economy.
The one thing about the Banks KIT is just that, everything is tuned to work together. On the ISC it also added a boost gauge and EGT, plus it monitors the EGT and scales back fuel feed if the EGT's get too high.

golden · 05-09-2012, 01:38 PM

Interesting that no one who actually HAS UP has responded yet, so I will. Firstly, I've never had a Banks System but would've had the price not been so high. Secondly, as a result, I opted for the UP and have been very happy with it. My gas mileage has improved about .5 mpg but I never bought a motorhome with the thought of getting good mpg anyway so who cares. What I did want - and got - was the additional power that UP provides. The very first time I stepped on the accelerator after UP was installed was mind boggling. I'm not saying that I got whiplash but there was a VERY noticeable increase in power. The MH drops from 5th to 4th much less frequently than it did prior to UP and I use cruise a lot more than I even dreamed of doing before. I've had UP for about two years and consider it to be an excellent investment for a gasser. I highly recommend UP.

Sky_Boss · 05-09-2012, 01:42 PM

I certainly understand that there are some reasons to do nothing and that hasn't been ruled out at all. I plan a lot of things well in advance so I can explore all options. That being said, I am looking at these for a gas coach. I'm wondering if the diesel folks have a different perspective.

golden · 05-09-2012, 01:57 PM

To my knowlege, UP is for gassers only. If you had a diesel you probably wouldn't need any extra power.

justimagination · 05-09-2012, 01:58 PM

........As you can see, it's all about what you want. My self, having a low mileage A, it does just fine for us. I tow a 4k pound toad and never have got in a situation where I needed anymore power. As others have said, the Mfg.engineer's put a lot time and effort in desigining an engine, whether gas or diesel, so I choose to leave mine alone. JMHO, good luck and travel safe.
david

WeatherTodd · 05-09-2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by athuddriver

I certainly understand that there are some reasons to do nothing and that hasn't been ruled out at all. I plan a lot of things well in advance so I can explore all options. That being said, I am looking at these for a gas coach. I'm wondering if the diesel folks have a different perspective.

My low mile WH22 chassis has been at the dealer for cracked manifolds. As is typical with any cast part... its heavy and cheap. Good for mass production, not good for individuals concerned with the best performance.

Headers and cold air are simple things that cost less than 2 tires and will pay huge dividends for every mile. The UP is the same way. You can do either or just one. The headers/exhaust are definitely worth the cost of admission. Mine is much nicer to drive up hills and lug around town. UP is the next upgrade for me after I finish the trans and rear fluid changes.

Sky_Boss · 05-09-2012, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden

To my knowlege, UP is for gassers only. If you had a diesel you probably wouldn't need any extra power.

I think you are correct...Banks has both diesel and gas performance products.

MntDriver · 05-09-2012, 08:11 PM

I had originally bought the UP, but decided that I never received the "butt dyno" that some talked about, and sent it back for a refund. You really don't even know for sure they ever "tuned" your ECM, as you remove it, send it in, and they send it back to you. You just trusted they did something with your ECM, but never knew for sure. I say save your $800 for gas! PM me if you have any other questions about the UP.

The best way for a power increase for these 8.1 gas engines, is more air in, and more exhaust out. I put on Stainless Steel Magnaflows, and that seemed to give me some type of minor power increase. Next step will be headers, and the Banks kit is on my radar screen.