Category: Time Machine

1998 Banks OttoMind: the first intelligent tuner

Banks OttoMind: Pioneering Performance Tuner Features (SEO Optimized Excerpt)

Gearheads and automotive enthusiasts, meet the Banks OttoMind, the revolutionary tuner that established the performance tuner industry standards. Debuting in 1998, the OttoMind offered features never before seen, like Torque Limiting Calibration (TLC) for maximized power without sacrificing drivetrain, and Active Boost Conditioning (ABC) for consistent peak performance. While others were over-fueling engines, Banks was achieving safe, reliable power gains – a legacy that continues today.

December 27, 2019

Gale's Memories of Bonneville are discussed.

1997: Memories of Bonneville

Legendary engine builder Gale Banks pushed vehicle performance limits at Bonneville Speed Week. His Studebaker topped 180 mph in 1964, proving the ultimate test bed for car engineering. This tradition of record-breaking continues at Banks Power today, translating into performance upgrades for your own car.

December 20, 2019

Banks Sidewinder Ford 6.9/7.3L Pickup Kit

Unlocking Power and Efficiency: How the Banks Sidewinder Turbocharger Transformed Ford’s Early Non-Turbo Diesels

In the early 1980s, Ford’s non-turbo diesel trucks offered decent fuel economy but lacked the power of gasoline engines. Banks Power saw an opportunity and introduced the Sidewinder, a bolt-on turbo system that transformed these trucks. The Sidewinder delivered significant power gains (up to 86 hp), improved fuel efficiency by 33%, and reduced exhaust temperatures. It also boosted performance at high altitudes and decreased transmission wear. The Sidewinder’s success led to a version for the 7.3L engine, proving that performance and efficiency can go hand-in-hand. Even today, the Sidewinder remains a viable option for owners of these classic Ford trucks.

December 3, 2019

1985: Trans Am Grim Sleeper

Unveiling the Banks Trans Am Monster: A Street-Legal 1,100 HP Beast

Gearheads, rejoice! Banks Power didn’t just build a fast car, they built a legend. This unsuspecting 1983 Pontiac Trans Am packs a twin-turbocharged, 1,100 horsepower punch, capable of exceeding 250 mph. But hold on, this isn’t just a straight-line monster. Banks meticulously crafted a wolf in sheep’s clothing, ensuring the car handles, brakes, and accelerates with the same ferocity it delivers power.

This street-legal beast dominated the South African National Speed Trials, clocking a record-breaking 240+ mph at 6,000 feet of altitude. And the best part? This Trans Am Monster still roams the streets, a testament to Banks’ unparalleled engineering expertise.

December 2, 2019

Time Machine: The 70’s

The “White Tortilla” was a 1967 Chevy panel truck that served as a testbed for Banks Power’s twin-turbocharged small-block engine. This powerful engine, capable of 500 horsepower, propelled the heavy truck to impressive performance figures. The “White Tortilla” played a crucial role in the development of Banks’ turbocharging technology.

November 25, 2019

1988 Boosted DeLorean

Back to the Future DeLorean: From Flop to Time Travel Legend

The iconic DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future was more than just a movie prop. Though initially a commercial disappointment due to its hefty price tag and underwhelming performance, the DeLorean’s unique design and pop culture association skyrocketed its fame. Doc Brown’s modifications, however, were purely fictional. In reality, DeLorean never reached 88 mph on flaming tires… but its gull-wing doors and stainless steel body are forever etched in automotive history.

November 7, 2019

Jim DeNooyer setting the top time in 1983.

1983 Lucky Las Vegas Regatta

Unleash the KING: Dominating Offshore Racing with Twin Turbocharged Power

The KING STING wasn’t your average race boat. Owner Reggie DeNooyer outfitted his champion vessel with a secret weapon – twin turbocharged V8 engines, meticulously fine-tuned by Banks Power. This powerhouse combination produced explosive acceleration and unmatched speed, leaving competitors in the dust. DeNooyer’s relentless pursuit of performance (increased engine displacement, nitrous boost) proved unstoppable, propelling the KING STING to back-to-back victories and earning its place as an offshore racing legend.

November 7, 2019

Corvette C8 Prelude

Discover the forgotten blueprint for American performance. Before the Corvette C8 redefined the sports car landscape, another mid-engine marvel captured imaginations. The AREX, a groundbreaking prototype, showcased the potential of American muscle in a revolutionary layout. Powered by a monstrous GM-built engine and boasting a lightweight design, this forgotten gem foreshadowed the future of performance driving. Learn how this lost chapter in automotive history influenced the industry titans and continues to inspire enthusiasts seeking the ultimate driving experience.

September 9, 2019

Time Machine: NHTSA

In 1978, Gale Banks and his team were contracted by the NHTSA to develop the Large Research Safety Vehicle (LRSV). This innovative vehicle featured a turbocharged Volvo B21 engine with electronic fuel injection and O2 sensing, demonstrating that performance and fuel efficiency could coexist. The LRSV project showcased Banks’ forward-thinking approach to automotive technology.

September 6, 2019

Time Machine: First Banks Marine Twin Turbo Engine

Gale Banks transitioned from superchargers to turbochargers in 1970 for his marine engine applications. Turbocharging offered superior performance, better fuel efficiency, and reduced engine wear compared to superchargers. This shift marked a significant milestone in Banks Power’s history and laid the foundation for future innovations in turbocharging technology.

September 6, 2019