Banks Power exhaust system

Regarding the Banks system. I would strongly suggest if anyone is getting one installed to have them wrap the exhaust BEFORE they install it. The floor boards in most of the E450 is hot enough as it is, but after you install the Banks it gets hotter. I re-insulated the dog house and under the carpets and will pick it up tomorrow after having a mechanic friend wrap all the exhaust (he could reach) back to the Cat Converter. Almost impossible to get to all the exhaust manifold pieces once installed.

Good News, yea that 5 Star tuning does wonders to how it shifts, plus with the Banks system installed as well you can even pull a heavier load when ever needed, just make sure your hitch can handle it.

Just came back from a 5000 mile trip and it worked great. NO problem going up super steep hills. Usually dropped one gear and then did great.

2006 Forest River Lexington 283 GTS 29' towing a Toyota Camry.

Just drove from Phx to Yellowstone with the banks power system and the 5 star tuner and couldn't be happier. Not once did it search for gears going up hills.
Banks says their system is designed to run on 87 octane and that's what we use anyway.
No problem doing 55 mph up 6% grades and getting anywhere from 5- 8.5 mph depending on how many hills . All while driving a 29' class C and towing a Toyota Camry.

We've used 87 octane with our Banks from the day it was installed. Never an issue. We're running a 2004 with the big block Chevy engine that Chevy doesn't make anymore.

DryCreek wrote:


Well, I have just sent a lengthy query to Banks Engineering requesting their help in determining if I have the Banks tune loaded. I do believe that the tune was loaded, but the PO just never received the tuner, or if he did he may have displaced it not knowing what it is for.
I may be interested in trying out the 5Star Tune. I wonder how it compares to what I am currently running? Has anyone ever tried both tunes - and if so, what is your preference?

I have not tried both but 5 Star is more adapt for a motorhome where as Banks tuner is set for any HD truck/motorhome, just do a search about 5 Star tuner and you will see how everyone says its the best money spent for HP and trans shifting improvements.

Banks exhaust system is great and their tuners seem to be more on the race mode side..

Also 5 Star tuner works with 87 octane where as Banks might require 93 octane.

timmac wrote:

DryCreek wrote:
Is there any way to tell if the Banks tune was uploaded into your ECM?

.

The 5 Star tuner will tell you if it has a different program than stock, stock program will read HD Ford Super Duty on the 5 Star tuner, the 5 Star is the best tuner for motorhomes, Banks exhaust/headers/air intake is a great system but their tuner is sort of a race mode type, 5 Star is better for motorhomes, especially the Ford chassis.

Just my opinion.

Well, I have just sent a lengthy query to Banks Engineering requesting their help in determining if I have the Banks tune loaded. I do believe that the tune was loaded, but the PO just never received the tuner, or if he did he may have displaced it not knowing what it is for.
I may be interested in trying out the 5Star Tune. I wonder how it compares to what I am currently running? Has anyone ever tried both tunes - and if so, what is your preference?

ostbob wrote:
Should receive the 5 star today and they said it has an 87 octane choice when setting it up.

Won't be able to give an update on how it works until we get to a place that has internet in a few days. There will be some good hills between here and where were heading so a great test of the system.

If you got the 5 speed transmission it will improve a lot and with that Banks system your motorhome will get right up a large hill like a diesel in 3rd gear while towing a toad at 45 plus mph..

Should receive the 5 star today and they said it has an 87 octane choice when setting it up.

Won't be able to give an update on how it works until we get to a place that has internet in a few days. There will be some good hills between here and where were heading so a great test of the system.

"ostbob".....I think you'll be very pleased with the power and shifting of the 5 Star tune.