Banks Equipment

[kwerges]

Back in 2005, (long before I found this forum), I had the Banks "Stinger Plus" kit (performance turbo, 100hp chip, power elbow and 4" exhaust, transcommand, etc) installed on my 2003 7.3L PSD. After reading about all of the different turbos, turbo wheels, power elbows, etc, I realize I'm not sure what Banks actually did to my truck, specifically the turbo. They gave me my stock turbo back, and installed (I believe) a wicked wheel in whatever "performance" turbo they installed. Can anyone tell me what Banks was installing in PSD's back then? I now have approximately 130,000 miles on the Banks kit with no problems. However, I also don't know what performance I'm missing because of the Banks kit, or where to start improving what I have. Thanks...

[timmyboy76]

Banks Power | 99-03 Ford - 7.3L Power Stroke>>Stinger®-Plus System

Purdy much achieve the same thing, by installing a 6637 filter, 285 dollar MBRP / Diamond Eye exhaust, unplug the redline to wastegate to acheive the "bighead" wastegate, and a 1.0 wastegated exhaust housing for turbo.

I would removethe "chip" and get a custom tune bud....PHP, Beans, TS, DP..

[Joel]

You could always strap it to a dyno and see what its got.
If you're in the neighborhood of 300 hp then you're doing alright.
If you have closer to 240 horse power then there is more left on the table.

[bigred3297]

Originally Posted by kwerges

Back in 2005, (long before I found this forum), I had the Banks "Stinger Plus" kit (performance turbo, 100hp chip, power elbow and 4" exhaust, transcommand, etc) installed on my 2003 7.3L PSD. After reading about all of the different turbos, turbo wheels, power elbows, etc, I realize I'm not sure what Banks actually did to my truck, specifically the turbo. They gave me my stock turbo back, and installed (I believe) a wicked wheel in whatever "performance" turbo they installed. Can anyone tell me what Banks was installing in PSD's back then? I now have approximately 130,000 miles on the Banks kit with no problems. However, I also don't know what performance I'm missing because of the Banks kit, or where to start improving what I have. Thanks...

Remove the banks chip and get a better one on there. Did your kit come with gauges because you need some. Just replacing the chip with a quality chip will make a huge difference. Your other Banks mods are fine

[DanRobinson]

My 01 has parts of a Stinger Plus system I believe. It has the 4" exhaust with monster muffler. And also has the OttoMind chip. But thats it... Im gonna leave the exhaust and leaning toward a Tony Wildman chip.

[Macon]

I'm all about custom tunes. I think they're great, and you won't go wrong with Tony's. However, I would suggest gauges for your next spending spree. Some people do just fine with canned tunes because of their driving habits. If you find that you're not running excessive EGT's, your tranny is staying in a comfort zone, and all else is well, I don't see a reason to drop the money.

Now, if you're just wanting better performance, I still suggest gauges first. After that, go for the custom tunes, and you'll be very happy.

[DanRobinson]

Heres some pics of the chip that was in it when I bought the truck in November.




My truck had that chip and the banks exhaust with a K&N intake. I put gauges in it about late December. And recently ditched the K&N for a big Donaldson filter.

[bigred3297]

Originally Posted by DanRobinson

Heres some pics of the chip that was in it when I bought the truck in November.




My truck had that chip and the banks exhaust with a K&N intake. I put gauges in it about late December. And recently ditched the K&N for a big Donaldson filter.

Sounds great... Now get that TW chip and enjoy!

[kwerges]

I did have gauges installed, and I am undoubtedly dumping the Banks chip and looking at a few custom tunes as recommended on this site. I also dumped the K&N that Banks installed in favor of an AIS filter. I figure the exhaust is fine, and would like to install a WW2 as I'm still getting some turbo surge. Question; with the Banks transcommand installed, do I need to bypass it when installing the new tunes? Also looking at a valve body for the trans. Finally, does anyone know of a dyno that can be used/rented in Southern California to document the baseline performance and any improvements?