Duramax L5P Power Pack – Banks Full Upgrade Review

00:00 [Music] And holy smokes this thing’s got some get-up-and-go! Woo buddy, oh yeah—maximum boost! Hello everybody, good day to you. Welcome back, it’s a new week, I’m feeling much better.

00:28 Last week on this 2020 Chevrolet Silverado L5P 6.6L Duramax, I left off with the installation of a Banks Ram-Air Intake with a ginormous intake air filter. I also got a Banks cold-side boost pipe installed—it runs from the intercooler behind the radiator, up and under, and into the intake manifold.

00:46 On the bench I have the hot-side pipe, a two-piece setup that runs from the turbo compressor outlet down to the intercooler. Altogether, what we’re accomplishing is less restrictive intake to the compressor and less restrictive boost pipes to and from the intercooler.

01:14 That means easier air in, easier air out, and more efficient turbo response.

01:26 Today we’re picking back up—disassembling the inner fender well to access the boost pipe connection. We’ll also replace the factory 2-inch pipe with a 3-inch Banks pipe.

01:51 After that, I’ve got other upgrades: a Banks rear differential cover with ram-air scoops, a Banks exhaust system, and several electronics: tuner, iDash, AirMouse, and a PedalMonster.

02:29 Shameless plug: the first 25 people to order Banks products with promo code raiseauto get 15% off. That’s in the description below.

03:30 Back to work: fender well out, we can now reach the boost pipe connection. Loosen the clamp, disconnect at the intercooler, then disconnect at the turbo outlet. Pry the boot free, wiggle it loose, and victory—old pipe is out.

06:39 Quick note: some folks in the last video called this snake oil. It’s not. It’s physics. Larger, less restrictive pipes = faster turbo spool, lower EGTs, better towing performance, and more sound.

08:21 Installed the new coupler on the turbo outlet and another on the intercooler. Time to feed in the larger Banks hot-side pipe—carefully, to avoid scratching.

13:39 First piece slipped into the intercooler coupler. Next, joiner collar and 90° bend piece to connect up to the turbo. Align clamps, tighten, torque to spec.

17:58 Finish tightening the lower clamps at the intercooler and check fit. Everything is snug and solid.

19:36 Reinstall the ECM—bolt it back in place, reconnect all three harness plugs with locking tabs.

22:53 Time to fire it up. Engine starts. No check lights. Sounds great. Revs clean. Wife helps rev it to 2,000–3,000 RPM to check for boost leaks. Pipes flex as expected, no leaks. Turbo sounds amazing.

25:45 Intake side installation complete. Fender liner to be reinstalled. Other Banks upgrades (diff cover, exhaust, electronics) will come in later videos.

26:22 Bonus segment: a 2018 Silverado with catastrophic engine failure.

27:54 Start it up—it’s loud, knocking badly. Something’s broken internally.

28:27 Quick oil check: full level, no visible metal on dipstick. But restart confirms rod knock. Engine hopping around—spun bearing, internal failure.

29:37 Diagnosis: catastrophic internal failure. Dead engine. Needs replacement or rebuild.

30:21 Closing thoughts: thank you for watching, let me know in the comments—what should we do with this dead motor? Replace, rebuild, or scrap? And don’t forget—first 25 people with promo code raiseauto get 15% off at BanksPower.com.