Banks Power

Banks Power is a producer of aftermarket engine-power systems for pickup trucks, SUVs, and motorhomes. Since an engine can be thought of as an air pump, or lungs, of a vehicle, Banks' product line primarily deals with getting more oxygen into (and out of) an engine to increase efficiency, thereby creating more power. The company currently occupies four acres on the Banks campus in Azusa, California. A recent 7-acre acquisition in adjacent Irwindale will be developed to include expanded motorhome testing and installation facilities, and an overnight camping park for Banks customers.

Gale Banks bio
A futurist, inventor and entrepreneur, Gale Banks is known worldwide for his company's innovations in turbocharging and diesel technology. Virtually unpublished is Gale's dedication to powertrain efficiency and emissions reduction encompassing the majority of his five-decade career. Stimulated by the 1974 fuel crisis, Banks designed fuel-efficient, engineered power systems. These Banks Power Packs have been on sale for every one of the last 33 years, primarily for the major fuel economy offenders: pickups and RVs. An early advocate of small, turbocharged engines, Banks became the power system technology vendor for the NHTSA Large Research Safety Vehicle prototype in 1975. The project was presented to Congress as passing 1985 emissions and 27.5 mpg fuel economy goals 10 years ahead of time. Later, Volvo funded a Banks turbo prototype program on their 242 auto. As a result, and based on the Lambda Sonde system developed by Robert Bosch GmbH and Volvo, Banks built the first-ever electronic fuel-injected, turbocharged, Lambda-sensing, ECU-managed engine. In 1981 Banks built a twin-turbo prototype vehicle — the father of the Buick Grand National, a fuel-pinching super-car. Other GM projects included a low-drag aerodynamics demonstration of the third-generation Pontiac Firebird, resulting in a top speed of 283 mph and a world record in 1987, and a V-6 pickup project for GMC, posting a 210-mph world record for pickup trucks in 1991. As a result of Banks' participation in a 1975 JPL/Cal Tech study, Gale has had a consuming interest in the inherent efficiency of diesel. That led to Banks starting the diesel performance and efficiency aftermarket, beginning with a turbocharger system for the GM 6.2-liter in 1981. Stunning gains in power, fuel efficiency and emissions resulted. Banks provided the system to GMC as original equipment in 1988-90. Today, the core of "Banks Power" products is diesel, and Banks is directly involved in marketing his concept of high-speed, lightweight diesel for future light-duty vehicle apps. A study of all compression ignition fuel types extant is underway at Banks, utilizing a lab-standard high-speed V-8 engine. The study will include power, fuel efficiency and emissions comparison. At 222 mph, Banks' diesel "Dakota Sidewinder" shattered the record for the world's fastest pickup, yet gets 24.5 mpg on the highway. Recently, General Motors Powertrain named Gale Banks Engineering the exclusive worldwide distributor of the Duramax V8 engine. Banks plans on developing highway, off-highway, marine and military versions.

Product line
Banks Power produces power and braking components for pickup trucks, SUVs, motorhomes, and boats for many makes of vehicles including Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Toyota and Nissan. The company has trademarked several product names, including, Banks Billet Torque Converter, Banks Brake, Big Hoss Bundle, Big Hoss Diesel Tuner, Big Hoss Module, BigHead Wastegate Actuator, Dynaflow muffler, Git-Kit, High-Boost Compressor Wheel, High-Ram Intake Manifold, Manifold Extrator, Monster Exhaust, Monster Muffler, Monster Turbine Outlet Pipe, Power Elbow, Power Pack System, PowerPDA, Quick-Turbo Assembly, Ram-Air Filter, Ram-Air Intake System, Sidewinder Turbo System, Six-Gun Bundle, Six-Gun Diesel Tuner, SmartLock Trans Brake, Stinger System, Stinger-Plus System, Techni-Cooler System, TorqueTube Exhaust Manifolds,TransCommand Transmission Management, TwinRam Intake Manifold, Twin-Turbo systems and engines, Sidewinder All-Terrain Vehicles.

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