I have read several suggestins for turbos and performance parts but have not heard anything about banks-good or bad? Im new to the diesel thing, kinda like a new tequilla drinker who thinks cuervo is good. ouck! So what is the deal with banks? just curious. JR

 

The bolt on parts aren't bad, just pricy because your paying for the name. You can buy bolt on parts that do the same performance at a cheaper price.

Now the Banks tuning and monitor capabilities is a different story. The tuning is generic, "one size fits all" and don't allow for proper transmission tuning. The monitor capability is lacking for the 6.0.

With the 6.0, the SCT tuner with custom tunes is really the best option.

For monitoring your engine vitals, you have some good options depending on your taste and wallet. The DashBoss for iOS devices, Edge Insight CS/CTS, or ScangaugeII with analog EGT and Fuel psi is what I recommend. Any of these monitors will provide the temps/psi/volts readings needed for the 6.0.

 

What he said. Banks is typically overpriced and underpowered. They're there for the guys who don't know any better.

About the only thing I would ever consider running from them is their intercooler, it's a nice unit and seems to be about on par price wise as the other guys.

They make some ridiculously fast race cars and dragsters, but never sell any of that cool stuff they make to the public... so what good is it? It's cool to look at I guess...

Another great example of a company that has a better marketing team than anything.

 

I've got the complete banks six-gun package on my '04 6.0, including six-gun tuner, intercooler, monster exhaust, pyro, boost gauges etc. and I am very happy with it. I only run it on #2 position of six possible, as I ocassionally tow, and it makes a huge difference in the power and response. Pulling mountain grades to and through Flagstaff, Az., I can pull my trailer 90 miles an hour if I want to, and it doesn't downshift and the fan clutch never kicks in. When I had an issue with the original tuner which they replaced and did not have the system working, that same trip was with regular downshifting and fan clutch engagement. I can't say they're the best, but their stuff does work !

 

What do yal think about the banks dual monster exhaust. Considering it but can't find the price online. Any other dual options

 

MBRP for dual exhaust. I don't run much banks stuff since i dont like spending extra for the same thing everybody else has for a lot cheaper. The only reason their CAC setup is on my truck was i needed a new cold side pipe like right now and the site i got it from had like $75 off so it wasn't a bad price.

 

Couldn't comment on duals, since when i got mine, actually in '04 I don't think they had it available. Mine is single, from the turbo back and retains the stock cat. It is 4 inch diameter which should be more than enough, has a Banks stainless steel muffler and chrome tip. I have had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever, not even the smallest leak, and it fit perfectly when I installed it. And yeh, nowadays it seems like you have to call them for a price on anything.

 

Banks does make a quality exhaust, I can't knock it. I wouldn't buy one myself, but they are nice. Like Lilpooh said, their bolt on parts are nice, just more money than everyone else.

 

I use their monster exhaust mufflers because they are the only one's that don't drone My understanding is that they use thicker stainless which vibrates less. I have never measured the thickness but, can tell you that three other brands have been cut off and replaced with banks monsters. HUGE difference on the Excursion

 

What other brands have you used? I've thought about adding a muffler to my setup, especially for towing reasons. What I really need to come up with is a muffler that can slide down IN my stacks and be removable when needed. I've heard of guys using drilling augers, but I need something less cobby.