Banks Race Shop Archives

1987 Banks’ Bonneville Trans Am displayed at GM Assembly Plant

Record-Breaking Pontiac Trans Am GTA Boosts Employee Morale

The Banks Trans Am GTA, a Pontiac Trans Am modified for record-breaking speeds, became a symbol of employee pride at GM’s Camaro and Firebird assembly plant in Van Nuys, California. After achieving new land speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Trans Am was brought back to the factory for display. This visit served as a morale booster, allowing employees to see firsthand the potential of the cars they were building. The display also highlighted the contributions of some Van Nuys workers who directly participated in modifying the Trans Am, supplying parts and ensuring its street-legal look.

July 15, 2020

What’s going on in my engine, and how do I know?

Learn about the iDash’s capabilities and our powerful suite of sensors. Not only can the iDash display and log data from any sensor you plug into it, but it can also combine those readings to give you calculated values no other gauge can.

March 30, 2020

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

Monster-Ram Customization Awards

In 2017, Gale Banks presented the world with a solution to a problem in the most elegant way possible. In the Great Intake Elbow Shootout, Gale examined all

January 18, 2019

60th Anniversary - Banks Power - Original shop

60 Years and going strong!

Calling all gearheads and performance enthusiasts! Banks Power, a leading innovator in turbocharger and performance parts for gas and diesel vehicles, is celebrating 60 years of groundbreaking history. Founded in 1958, Banks Power has been at the forefront of pushing automotive limits, offering drivers the chance to unleash the true potential of their cars and trucks.

August 16, 2018

Al Unser Jr. Visits Banks Power

Unleash Hidden Power: Upgrade Your Ride Like an IndyCar Champion

Want to transform your truck from ordinary to extraordinary? Take a cue from the legendary Unser racing family! Derringer Performance, trusted by IndyCar champions for over 30 years, can unleash the hidden potential in your vehicle. From towing dominance to leaving the competition in the dust, Derringer offers custom tuning solutions to elevate your truck’s performance. Upgrade your ride like a champion – contact Derringer Performance today!

May 6, 2018