1978 Turbochargers Book

Gale Banks Engineering has decades of experience being contracted by outside companies and organizations to work on some strange and interesting projects. Aside from developing systems and electronics, Banks has never been afraid of working with new and emerging technology. Instead, often embracing it and learning how to better use new developments in automotive technology for better performance, economy and durability. In 1978 GBE was contracted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) to develop what became known as the Large Research Safety Vehicle (or L.R.S.V. for short) program. The finished vehicle used a Banks powertrain which consisted of both available and future technologies at the time: a Lancia-Beta front-wheel drive system, low-mass wheels with low-restriction tires, and was fitted with a Banks developed turbochrged VolvoB21 engine (the world’s first electronically injected O2 sensing turbocharged engine) that Gale Banks Engineering had developed for Volvo of Sweden just a year prior. When completed the vehicle met all 1985 fuel and emissions standards and had plenty of power, proving that being green doesn’t mean having to sacrifice performance.

In 1978, Gale co-authored what became the go-to handbook for turbocharging enthusiasts. First, let’s go back to 1971. Known turbo-expert, teacher, and author, Hugh Machlnnes authored the book How to Select and Install Turbochargers. The comprehensive book was full of information and examples of the practical application of turbocharging. As Hugh put it, “If the average backyard hot rodder can use this manual and end up with a turbocharged machine which will consistently beat his buddy’s car or boat with a naturally aspirated engine, then I feel it’s been a success.”

After more than a decade of building high-performance supercharged engines, Gale switches to turbocharging in 1970 for the first “Gale Banks” branded turbocharged marine engine. The change came about when testing revealed that turbocharging actually provided a more usable range and was superior in making more power with better fuel efficiency by using wasted exhaust gas over that of a mechanically driven blower.

The change to turbos from superchargers also proved to be less punishing to the engine mechanically, causing less wear, meaning an extended engine life and far fewer rebuilds between races. Race teams found that the engines would run under extreme conditions for an entire season before needing service. Naturally, through their mutual love of all things turbocharged and the relentless pursuit of power, Gale and Hugh became fast friends.

In 1978 Hugh enlisted Gale’s help for an update of his book. Simply titled “Turbochargers” it was a best seller and would become the handbook for forced induction enthusiasts everywhere. Banks’ twin-turbo engines are featured on the cover of the various iterations of the book to this day.