Who Wins Bragging Rights on MPG? - Page 2

kzener40 · 08-04-2002, 11:05 PM

My MH is a '84. I had the Banks system put on it hoping it would climbs hills a little better, but really couldn't see a difference. This Jacobs system has my curiousity... Can someone fill me in on it. Does it improve uphill climbing? I know nothing about engines. How much is it? Is it worth the dollars?

Help on the Jocobs.

Thanks
Ken

PeterH-79MH · 08-05-2002, 06:28 AM

Jacobs is a computer controlled ignition system.
Let them present it to you:
http://www.jacobselectronics.com/products/spark.htm
This is the link to the RV energy pak:
http://www.jacobselectronics.com/pro...rgypaks/rv.htm

Larry Brown · 08-05-2002, 05:09 PM

Peter I average 8 mph in the northwest( pretty mountiness) sometime on the flats I get 10 and maybe .5 beter. So if I spent and 2000 on banks and another ? on jacobs how much of an incress did you get and how many miles will it take to make the differance up in cost.?I'm sure or couches are very simular .I also like making motors make more hp. and economical.that alone may be worth the extra doe.

PeterH-79MH · 08-05-2002, 08:15 PM

Larry,
I am with you on the "what's the bottomline"
Assuming an increase of appr 30%, from 7 mpg to 9 mpg revealed a $2500.- investment in banks and Jacobs to pay for itself after 17 years, driving 3000 miles/year at current gasoline prices.
With 10 000 miles/year it takes 5 years
With 10 000 miles/year @$3.-/gal it takes 2.5 years
All the years can be divided by 2 if you assume an increase from 7 to 11mpg. Curtis from Anchorage drove his 79 from Seattle to Anchorage and reported average 11 mpg with the banks system installed.
So, from the pure economical standpoint: bad investment.
Other factors are: increase engine life, avoid other costly repairs, do what you can conserving non-renewable resources.

Mr Jody Hudson · 08-05-2002, 08:37 PM

I just want to let you all know how much I appreciate all this knowledgable input! Keep it going please as you are making lots of excellent points.

Gas mileage means the world to me, because I drive so many miles per year in my work. However, the relatively small ammount of trailering miles I'll drive do not seem to require so much attention to mpg. Hmmmm... I should have thought of that in the first place!!!!!

1985air345 · 08-06-2002, 02:33 PM

My interest in Banks is two-fold.

1) My exhaust/mufflers are getting to the end of their life. The replacement $$ might be better spent reaching for Banks and the lifetime warrenty.

2) My engine runs hot and I'd like to get the exhaust out of there as fast as possible to lower the engine temps. My 345 seems to have enough power but the extra power would be a bonus.

3) Did I say two-fold? Gas mileage would be a bonus!

4) Did I say two-fold? It would also help IF I ever had to sell the Jellybean.

ALANSD · 08-07-2002, 12:13 PM

I would think a good set of headers would be a less expensive alternative to a Banks system, and then add the Jacobs and you are set for under 1000 bucks. The cost versus savings equations, just don't add up for me to go with the Banks at this point.
I hope to get some nice headers, wrap them for heat protection, do the wrapped wiring on the starter wires, and add the Jacobs to mine...all in this next winter. If my wife doesn't think I am completely bonkers , that is.

davidz71 · 08-07-2002, 12:33 PM

Alan,
I had the Jacobs Ultra Team computer and wires on my '92 Chevy Z71 and noticed an instant torque increase as well as faster starting especially in winter. I experimented with the CTS43 AC plugs but found that the Champion Truck plugs seemed to run better in my engine when gapped .055. When this truck was rolled by my then 17 yr. old, the unit came off and went on a '92 Camaro RS which helped in starting only (poor engine to begin with). The unit was then taken off and put on a '90 Chevy k1500 4X4 Sport with Z71 package and it seems to run better. Mileage differences were not tested on the Camaro or the '90 K1500. The '92 Z71 did not see a mileage increase but then I was getting 19.5-21 mpg on the highway w/o AC. That truck had a 5.7 engine, 5 sp. manual trans. and 3.42 rear end. Apparently the system was running at close to peak efficiency before I put the Jacobs unit on. I bought it used at 38,000 miles and it was rolled with 143,000 miles.

Larry Brown · 08-23-2002, 06:54 PM

Just wanted to say I got in touch with the banks people and seen if the system for my motorhome was still available . They said no. But they sent me a nice brochure on thare new products .But where do I find a used or new old stock system for my rig?

ALANSD · 08-23-2002, 07:44 PM

LARRY- seems like Camping World sells the Banks and has applications for P30 chassis mtorhomes. If you join their President's club for a a few bucks ( i forget how much) you then get 10% off the Banks price.
I still think though for 700-800 as it was stated somewhere in the forums, you can do a set of Hedman or some such exhausts, with
headers. I am saving the ducats to do that. Maybe I will build a still and sell moonshine to Northerners who pas thru here.
Or I may stick with what I have on my rig now, and just add the Jacobs.

So what is better the Jacobs RV or one of their other systems?

Larry Brown · 08-23-2002, 09:33 PM

Alansd, Im'looking for the real deal and not necessarily cost . I worked at an auto parts store.( Thrifty auto supply as a kid) and Hedman headers were the cheapest on the market at that time the small block chevy headers they made were ok.big block headers that they produce seemed to leak on most big block applications maybe the quality has gotten better . and who knows whats still available for the old big blocks.Blackdiamond use to make a high quality pipe for a few more bucks.But I have yet to meet a set of headers that you didn;t have to replace the collector gaskets at least twice a year If you drive the rig.

74Argosy24MH · 08-23-2002, 11:40 PM

Alan

I have a Jacobs that they pulled for QC check, the only thing it had was a valet switch. I think Newkid64 said in a post his had a torque or hill switch, it is probably an rv version, mine an automobile.

Larry

I have Hedman elite headers, they are a lot heavier than standard. Also have copper gaskets which seem to work better. Any good muffler shop should be able to bend a set of pipes as good as the Banks. Use large tube (mine are 3"), an H pipe, large low restriction mufflers (3" inlet and outlet Gibsons), and as few bends as possible (3 of about 30 degrees each side). Bet you will find they flow as good or better than Banks and cheaper.

John

ALANSD · 08-24-2002, 07:19 AM

thanks guys for the opinions on this one. You know the bottomless pit syndrome...I have that list of wants and needs that changes all the time. The exhaust is one of the wants, and since the stray tire on the highway bent one of my dual exhaust pipes, I have been considering doing it sooner.
But I also like the Jacobs, I think I might get a good bang for my buck with a set of their wires, and the ignition system.

Then its on to redo the striping, the carpet replacement, a new stereo, new a/c shroud, and whatever else I can come up with!

davidz71 · 08-24-2002, 12:34 PM

Guys,
Check the auto/truck speed sites for prices on Jacobs units. I also bought straight from the factory but they had a sale. I still could have bought cheaper through those other sites.