Bank Side Winder

[Robyn]

I am ready to order a Banks Kit for my 91 Burb.
I am hearing some not so exciting reports about their performance.
I am currious for some input from anyone who has one or has had contact with the stuff.
Good, bad or ugly

I have heard that the Banks kit makes good top end power but is a slug at the lower revs ?????????????????

Any and all comments please??????????????????????????????

Robyn

[Craig M]

I have talked to Banks reps at several diesel events. Asked them about an intercooler for the turboed 6.2. They say it would be a waste with their turbo. They say their low boost does not require an intercooler. Most current folks seem to prefer the lower compression engine (18:1 or so) with higher boost. Banks prefers to stays with the stock compression and low (5 to 7) boost. They have not changed their turbo design for the 6.2 since it was first introduced in the 80's. There is obviously not enough market for 6.2 add on turbo's for them to update their product.

[JohnC]

The Banks Turbo is not wastegated, hence it's not a good match for a stoplight racer.

[Robyn]

Well if I wanted a stoplight grandprix rig I would not be choosing a 91 Burb 4x4 at 6300 Lbs
(Sits Giggling)

I am basically looking at and interested in the quality of the product they sell and how well it works overall.
For the 91 I have limited options without a metric buttload of work.

I have decided with my otherwise busy schedule that this may be the quickest way for me to get the rig upgraded a little and fix a few maladies while its apart.

If I'm thinking well here, this should poop the thing up a little and maybe add a little MPG while were at it.

Fresh 700R4
Clean and freshen the 6.2
Steam the engine bay
Turbo and new exhaust = pretty good daily driver with good reliability.

?????????????????
Robyn

[dieseldummy]

The Banks kit is nice. It can't be beat for fit and finish. The turbo leaves alot to be desired though... No low RPM power and it's a lag pig. A good compromise seems to be finding a used banks kit and replacing the turbo with the TE06 out of their 6.9/7.3 kit.

[Robyn]

Hmmmmmm
maybe I need to call them folks up and see if they will sell me a kit minus the turbo and substitute the 6.9 turbo instead?????

Probably tell me to go pound sand me thinks but worth a phone call maybe.

Robyn

[Craig M]

Used Banks 6.2 setups are frequently available on ebay. Saw 2 last week. I am negotiating with a local owner of a 3/4 ton pickup (blown 6.2 motor with a Bank setup). Will let you know if I get the truck. Used kits go for around $800 to $1000. You could then sell the used turbo and get the larger one.

[JohnC]

Well if I wanted a stoplight grandprix rig I would not be choosing a 91 Burb 4x4 at 6300 Lbs
(Sits Giggling)


Yeah, I know, that was just my tongue-in-cheek response to your "I have heard that the Banks kit ... is a slug at the lower revs" :)

[john8662]

Hmmmmmm
maybe I need to call them folks up and see if they will sell me a kit minus the turbo and substitute the 6.9 turbo instead?????

Probably tell me to go pound sand me thinks but worth a phone call maybe.

Robyn


More details...

6.9 = NO!

ALL 6.9 kits were T04B 1.00 A/R 60-1 turbo's. Exact same as MOST 6.2 turbo's. FWI

The TE06H turbo that you want is off the Banks 7.3IDI kit, the wategated version, lemme explain.

There are actually two TE06H's used too! (to make matters more confusing).

TE06H-24V
TE06H-12V

The 24 is wastegated, this is the one you want, the other will probably be just as bad as the T04B turbo (larger exhaust housing) but has a larger compressor than the T04B.

I'd suggest making your own customized T04B. I had some good experience with an ATS kit that utilized a T04B equipped with a p-trim wheel as well, but T4 footprint (irrelevant for this example). It had a .84 housing, and spooled very well. ATS had two versions of their turbocharger due to application, the alternative was a .96. Now I've got the banks and it's got a 1.00 A/R and I have trouble spooling that in town to my satisfaction (smokey). The upper boost level for a stock banks is also 9psi with 6.2L fuel system.

Note, the .84 turbo I HAD would make 12psi on the SAME fuel system as the Banks is being used now, and it would actually increase pressure during passing on the highway (up to 9psi) without you slamming down the petal to force the trans to shift out of OD and rev, then it would make the 12. The Banks I've got will only make 5-6 without the engine reved up.

I'll bet you could just order an incomplete kit, just what you need.

OR, buy the whole kit, swap housings and modify your downpipe as mentioned in another thread of yours and be happy.

J

[Robyn]

Yes yes
I have a deal set up with Banks and they will sell me a kit with a few added goodies and the wastegated 6.9/7.3 huffer.
Sweet, we are on the same playing field.
Not a bad price either.

My shop can buy directly from Banks.

I am getting excited ;0)

[arveetek]

The Banks kit is nice. It can't be beat for fit and finish. The turbo leaves alot to be desired though... No low RPM power and it's a lag pig. A good compromise seems to be finding a used banks kit and replacing the turbo with the TE06 out of their 6.9/7.3 kit.

That's basically what I did. Actually, I purchased a new Banks manifold and crossover pipe directly from Banks, and sourced the other parts out individually to make a really custom package. The actual turbo I purchased used locally. I never did find out what it came off of....I suspect it's from an ATS turbo kit for a 6.9L/7.3L. It's non-wastegated and makes 10 to 12 psi really easy in the low rpm range and tops out at 18 psi at high rpm.

Casey

[More Power]

A local guy has a used Banks kit for sale. Let me know if anyone is interested, and I'll give you his number. :)

Jim

[john8662]

It's non-wastegated and makes 10 to 12 psi really easy in the low rpm range and tops out at 18 psi at high rpm.

Hey Casey, If you can see or have any really good detail images you can refer back onto, see if you can identify what A/R the turbine housing of your turbo reads.

IIRC, you're using a T4 flange turbo (hence the adapter), so you could have an ATS 6.2 turbo, but I'm curious which housing.

It'll say near the flange somewhere, well slightly above.