BANKS TURBO KIT

[Petrella]

Hello guys, i recently finished restoring my 1988 1/2 ton chevy 6.2 diesel. i was looking into this kit for my truck and wanted to know if the power increase in these kits are worth the money. after installing this kit, will the turbo 6.2 out pull a stock 6.5 turbo? If it does i will purchase this kit for my truck. also wanted to know what kind of money i will be looking at for this kit. thanks
Anthony

1994 GMC K1500 4x4 Sierra 6.5, Extended Cab Long Box
285/75R/16 BFG A/T KO's
American Racing Chrome Nitro Wheels
K&N Air Filter
Alpine Security,Stereo and Navigation System
Boost,EGT,Oil Temp,Tranny Temp Gauges
Boost Control
Euro Style Tail lights
Fuel Cooler
Banks Stinger System

1988 chevy 1/2ton 6.2 diesel fully restored. 60,000 original miles, bone stock. 2wd

[britannic]

I have no idea if the Bank's Sidewinder could outperform the 6.5 LTD's 190HP, but Bank's claimed 207hp, when the kit was offered as a factory option in the late 80's.

Before I fitted the kit, it was all my truck could do to climb the local canyon at 25-35mph pumping black smoke. Now, I have to back off the loud pedal, because the truck will keep accelerating until it hits the governor in top gear.

[Craig M]

The Banks Turbo kit can still be bought from Banks for a bit over $2000 if I recall, They sell on the used marked for from $750 to $1200

[CleviteKid]

Originally posted by britannic:
Now, I have to back off the loud pedal, because the truck will keep accelerating until it hits the governor in top gear.

Of course with the 4.56 gears and no overdrive, that is about 35 mph, but Britannic has fun getting there !!!

Dr. Lee

[TimA]

I got the loud pedal problem to since i have glass backs on my 6.2. You could also call it the smoke pedal

[Petrella]

before i purchase this kit, i wanted to know if it really brings the 6.2 to life!

[britannic]

More air means more fuel can be injected and thus more power! Adding the turbo will be the best power upgrade you can make, providing your engine is in good shape when you install. The difference is night and day!

[Petrella]

my 6.2 is a 1988 model year, wih only 60,000 original miles. it runs mint and sounds good. If this kit does what everyone says, i wont hesitate to purchase it.

thanx

[calvin01]

I have a banks brochure on road tests that compare the 6.2 banks with a 6.5 factory turbo and a 5.9 cummins turbo. Here's what it read:
At the test track, each truck was first clocked 0-60 mph and in the quarter mile with and empty bed. Then we hitched up a 6350 pound trailer and ran 0-50mph, as well as a 30-60mph passing simulation.

Test: Cummins turbo 6.5 turbo 6.2 banks
Hp 160@1750 190@3400 207@3600
Torque 400 380 396
0-60mph 12.6 11.7 10.4
0-50 loaded 20sec 18.5 18.1
30-60loaded 18.6 20.1 18
quarter mile 18.8 18 17.5

The 6.2 turned out star of the show in all test runs(had me surprised).

[whatnot]

Your other option is to use a turbo from a 6.5L truck. I assume that it is the newer body style. If so, everything should just bolt on.

[Petrella]

i was thinking of buying the whole turbo system off a 92 or 93 truck. these years are mechanical so thats why i cant go with the 94 and up because its electronic. does the intake off the 6.5 bolt right on to a 6.2?

[CleviteKid]

Yes, the 6.5L intake manifold will bolt right onto your 6.2L heads. If you are doing any towing at all, the turbo is the correct thing to add to your diesel. And if you are running at any meaningful altitude, perhaps over 3000 feet above sea level, like Britannic does on occassion, the turbo is the way to maintain performance in thinner air.

Only if you live in a flat, sea level environment and never tow anything, can you have superb tire-spinning non-turbo performance like I enjoy.


Dr. Lee

[Petrella]

thats awesome!! i think i will do that instead of the banks. (save me more money and probably be just as strong as a banks kit)

[Eric Deslauriers]

Keep me in the loop with what you find. So far, I've found lots of posts with people starting conversions, but none finished.

I can't find anything on google about doing it either.

If someone has the "installing a 6.5 turbo on your 6.2 guide" let me know, I want it! [img]smile.gif[/img]

TIA!

[blazer1155]

I have installed (2) trucks with 6.5 turbo set-ups now and they worked great. I used them off of 94 trucks and had no problem except trying to use the oil hole taps on the side of the block.(real Pain in the a##)(6.5 engines use theirs off the front-top of the timing cover) I instead tapped into the oil-cooler lines using Hydraulic fittings and made a 56" x 1/4" line for a Oil Line to feed the turbo. I installed the "turbo-master" arms and I run about 9-11lbs of boost on heavy pulls(could go more but being a 21:1 Engine I don't feel safe)

Both trucks pull alot better but it sure heats the engine up quick when pulling hills. I still need to get a better cooling clutch & Fan for them.

I pull a 36' Camper and it pulls the camper (still a little under powered for my taste) but If I can keep it cool , it should do the job.

[Jgreemo]

I have a new 6.5 and added the Banks kit. I installed the turbo myself after breaking in the engine for 3000 miles. It definately made a huge difference in performance, going from n.a. to turbo. Also, running up into the mountains, the turbo really shines. With a full load in the Sub, I managed 70 mph over 8500 feet. Never could have done that without the pump. Honestly, it drives like a big block gas engine now.

The install took me three days with some help. I didn't rush it and generally it all went together as advertised. One problem is the oil pickup, which required a trip to Home Depot to correct. Wrong threads on the pickup adapter, but easy to fix.

Good luck.

[n0n0_1963]

I install a banks on my 84 Jimmy, it really make the difference, just remember that bying the turbo is not all, a lot of little things can add up, like a pyrometer, who are mandatory to avoid "melting" everything, a boost gage is nice to and tach a must. Since I install the turbo I have have to change the rear seal, and fix fews oil leaks, this could be a pain in the neck, but with a little time this really worth the money. I use to climb the hill on the 405 in LA, CA at 40 mph max and now if I push it I could go past the legal limit( 65) goo luck and lets us know.