*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: Those that dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music.
I am considering the addition of a performance package to my 1997 F-350 Powerstroke. The good folks at Banks Power claim that their "Power Pak" coupled with an upgrade to their torque converter can safely add 120hp to my rig, while slightly improving mileage, and not adversely affecting longevity! Does anyone have any experience with the performance packages from Banks Power?
i have the six gunner with pda on my 06 duramax, running 60k miles strong with the programmer with no problems at all. The power is ridiculous! I had an 03 7.3 and put the edge on it and it destroyed my torque converter.
The reason that I won't put a chip into my Excursion is because the weak link in these trucks is the tranny. No need for extra torque loading it up; at least with 113K miles on mine. Seems that the only PSD engines that can get hurt by chips are the 6Liter versions.
__________________ Rick
Alabama's Gulf Coast
Chaparral 240 Signature (Sold)
SAVE your money. A lot of the banks stuff is a lot of money for not a lot. As far as I am concerned not a better upgrade out there then the dp tuner. Its custom to the truck and has a tranny tune. Remember though, before anything, you need gauges.
SAVE your money. A lot of the banks stuff is a lot of money for not a lot. As far as I am concerned not a better upgrade out there then the dp tuner. Its custom to the truck and has a tranny tune. Remember though, before anything, you need gauges.
Thats the best advice you are going to get-gauges exhaust temp, trans temp, and boost pressure then go for exhaust. if you want to make more power its got to be able to flow. your stock trans can't take much increase so changing the torque converter is another good idea. The 4r100 trans was never designed to be used for diesel torque and those who don't believe find out quickly when they juice the engine. Adding an intercooler will free up hp's along with changing the craptastic compressor wheel that is in the stock turbo. Make sure the exhaust has a down pipe because the stocker is a rectangle like shaped one that is very restrictive. Banks stuff if very good but you pay for it. There are plenty of programmers to choose from but the company i like the best for powerstrokes is hypermax. all they do is powerstrokes. www.gohypermax.com
Ok, so gauges, torque converter, upgraded exhaust in that order. I've already re-programmed the engine with a Superchip programmer, but I have to use the minimum setting because I am towing over 12,000lbs. Does the DP or Hypermax offer a performance package for higher towing weights? Thanks for the assistance!
i have no first hand knowledge but you should check out www.drperformance.com
it's similar many chips in that it makes more power but does so with out over fueling.
Maybe a stupid question but... if adding a performance chip makes such a dramatic difference if done properly, then why don't the OEM truck manufacturers offer them --- either as standard or optional equipment? It would seem to me that they'd get measurable product differentiation, or incremental profit as an option, or both. So why isn't there a Ford/GM/Dodge OEM chip?
Maybe a stupid question but... if adding a performance chip makes such a dramatic difference if done properly, then why don't the OEM truck manufacturers offer them --- either as standard or optional equipment? It would seem to me that they'd get measurable product differentiation, or incremental profit as an option, or both. So why isn't there a Ford/GM/Dodge OEM chip?
I agree with you. My Ex's can pull any trailerable boat out of the ramp at nothing more than a high idle RPM. Highway is just that and gets 10-12 MPG depending on the size of boat.
I've thought about a chip or tuner and just can't figure out what the advantage would be for me? In my defense, I never try to burn the tires off the back end and have no clue about WOT.
Just my two cents........
__________________ Rick
Alabama's Gulf Coast
Chaparral 240 Signature (Sold)
7.3L Diesel Performance-Banks Power Pak 
