Starting with a one-piece billet housing that is CNC-machined from a steel forging, the Ba
Getting Power to the Ground
The Ford 6.0L engine can be built to deliver outstanding power and torque, and it can do so reliably as long as you address all the major problems first. However, even with all the problems addressed, you will never get the power to the ground without a better torque converter. The factory TorqShift automatic transmission that comes behind all 6.0L pickups includes a torque converter that is rated for 740 lb-ft of torque. Anything above that and you will end up with torque converter slippage. When slippage occurs, the transmission fluid becomes overheated, which reduces fluid life drastically. Ultimately, enough slippage will result in a transmission failure. To protect your transmission, we recommend installing an upgraded torque converter. The Banks converter we installed has a much better design and offers an outstanding 1,100 lb-ft of torque capacity.
The Banks IQ
We're not always big proponents of high-tech whizbang gadgetry, but in the case of the new Banks IQ, let's just say we're now active members of the geek committee. This little 3x5-inch computer packs a serious punch, giving you in-vehicle access to virtually any Windows CE-based software available today. In addition, it does things like play music or open up Microsoft Office files for viewing. It doubles as a code scanner, and it can even function as a touch-screen GPS unit. There really isn't much that this device can't do. All extras aside, this unit serves as the primary interface to the Banks Six Gun power-adder. Once installed, the IQ provides you with all the truck's vitals via one of the three pre-programmed gauge screens. This allows you to keep an eye on engine oil temperature, coolant temperature, EGTs, and boost pressure on one easy-to-read screen. The IQ also comes with a new user function that we tested and absolutely love. Banks calls it the SpeedBrake. It works by manipulating the torque converter's lock-up clutch in conjunction with deliberate transmission downshifts. It works similarly to the newer transmissions found in late-model pickup trucks. But Banks took this technology a step further by controlling the variable-geometry turbo vanes. When actuated, the SpeedBrake system delivers seatbelts-required stopping power without even touching the brake pedal. It will literally take an unloaded pickup truck from highway speeds down to 15 mph in under 20 seconds flat on the highest setting. Because the system is totally independent of the actual braking system, it provide those of us who tow a whole new tool for negotiating those steep downhill grades. This is particularly handy when towing a heavy trailer. We did not understand why the factory systems found in newer pickup trucks could not match the performance of the SpeedBrake system, so we asked Banks about it. He told us he holds the patent that allows such a system to control all three systems simultaneously and that nobody else could do it his way without licensing his patent. Did we mention how smart this guy is?
Letting the Heat Out
We covered the intake side of things; now it's time to delve into the exhaust. Keeping with the idea that a diesel engine is simply a large air pump, it is easy to understand why additional intake volume requires a less restrictive exit route. Without such an escape, excessive backpressure can result. Today, exhaust systems are considered emissions control devices by the federal government. This means that any sort of upgrade or revision should have a California Air Resources Board E.O. number to ensure 50-state emissions legality. Banks goes to great lengths to adhere to this policy.
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Banks recommends using genuine Ford Mercon SP transmission fluid in the Ford TorqShift aut
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The Banks IQ works in conjunction with the Banks Six Gun to provide a user-friendly interf
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We mounted the Banks IQ to the windshield using the supplied suction cup mounting system.
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The first step in the exhaust department is installing the EGT probe. Banks suggests drill
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Here you can see the difference between the factory exhaust system and the Banks Monster E
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After the installation of the Big Hoss Bundle was complete, the Banks team took to the cha