1989 Banks Introduces DynaFact Onboard Dynamometer

Gale Banks introduced the world’s only onboard dynamometer – the Banks Dynafact. This remarkable system measured engine horsepower and other valuable dynamic facts while the vehicle was driven. The patented electronics showed the real-time horsepower produced in both digital and analog forms and was able to record peak values to measure improvements made through tuning and component changes. An exclusive analog gauge with air core movement designed by the Banks team became the most advanced and unique instrument made, allowing the driver to shift gears by horsepower peak rather than RPM eliminating guesswork as to where the power peak of a given vehicle was.

The Dynafact accurately measured horsepower two ways: Gross and Net. “Gross Horsepower” is the total horsepower at the rear wheels, while “Net Horsepower” is the gross horsepower minus the Drag horsepower. In addition, it measured both Aerodynamic and Frictional Drag horsepower. “Aerodynamic Drag” is the amount of horsepower needed for a vehicle moving through the air, while “Frictional Drag” is the amount of horsepower required to overcome the combination of mechanical losses through the tires, gears, and bearings. The impact of rolling resistance or gear losses were measurable with the Dynafact. The Dynafact also was able to measure acceleration and deceleration in G’s.

The Dynafact dynamometer consisted of three primary components that included an extremely sensitive accelerometer, a rather sophisticated micro-processor module with a digital display, and an analog gauge. Aside from being a valuable tool used by Gale Banks Engineering, the Dynafact was purchased by development engineers at Chrysler, competition teams, and automotive service centers.