Would You Buy Banks Kit Again?

[kmpro]

you guys that have the Banks Powerpack on your motorhome, I need your input. I have just bought a 1984 310 with a 454 engine and I am considering buying an installing the Banks Powerpack as part of my refurbishing of the 1984.
Have you had problems with the Banks? Is it really worth the 2 grand plus you invest in your coach? Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi you're my only hope.
Mike

[TomW]

Darth Vader here:

If you have not already, be sure to ask the folks at This Old RV your question. There are more motorhome owners over there.

Good luck,
Anakin

[kmpro]

Thanks for the advice TomW. Our first RV was a 1963 AS 26' International Overlander that we owned twice. Originally we got it in 1969 and later owned it again in 1981 when I went thru it and updated it and refurbed it to 1981 specs. We towed it a gizillion miles and our family really enjoyed it.
Mike

[TomW]

Originally Posted by kmpro

Thanks for the advice TomW...

The dark side does balance the Force...

Tom

[gloran]

I had the Banks installed seven years ago and have been satisfied with it, my engine seems a bit more powerful. I don't think the mileage improved that much maybe one to two mpg. In my case justification of the cost was in part, that my exhaust manifolds were warped. A common problem with 454 engines in motorhomes because of engine heat build up requiring the manifolds to be removed and milled , the labor for this was not cheap ,plus I was told it could happen again, so I opted for the headers which would less likely have future problems.

[bkahler]

Mike,

I don't know what the Banks kit costs but of the components that we have installed for the Banks system probably only the exhaust headers, pipe and muffler are anything remotely unique.

The air intake could easily be built from off the shelf parts. The headers themselves are probably easy to come by from Summit or other race outlets. The length of the pipes and the muffler could also be easily duplicated. I would be happy to take pictures and provide dimensions for the pipes if you would like.

Whether the bang for the buck is there to justify the cost of the Banks system I don't know. On our Argosy motorhome where I'm doing the install of the new engine I will just buy parts from Summit, etc and build the system myself.

It seems you probably end up spending a lot of money to buy the two placards for the sides of the motorhome .

Brad
just my $0.02

[kmpro]

Brad I was thinking the Banks would be the best way to get all the components that I need for getting better breathing and performance for my 454. U may be right I might come out with less investment buying the pieces from the various mfgrs. I'll have to price it out and see which is best.
Mike