Banks Pacemaker Top Fuel Dragster

Gale Banks and Ron Hodgson developed the first twin-turbocharged nitromethane dragster to compete in the elite Top Fuel category of the NHRA.

Gale Banks and Ron Hodgson developed the first twin-turbocharged nitromethane dragster to compete in the elite Top Fuel category of the NHRA. The dragster featured a Gale Banks flat crankshaft 500 ci engine with Keith Black Top Fuel cylinder heads. Banks also designed the unique injector manifold. The Pacemaker dragster incorporated a package of data acquisition parameters that was far ahead of its time. According to NHRA, the 4,500 hp dragster – capable of 300 mph runs– was too much of an insurance liability at the time. As a result, NHRA rules were re-written, banning turbocharging in the Top Fuel and Top Alcohol ranks through this day.

Project Photo Gallery

Banks Pacemaker Top Fuel Dragster
PlayPause
Exit full screenEnter Full screen
previous arrow
next arrow
 
Banks Pacemaker Top Fuel Dragster
Quiet Revolution
Engine closeup
Banks Pacemaker Top Fuel Dragster
Hairdryers from Hell
Hot Stuff
HiTech Hits Drag Engine - Pacemaker
Banks Pacemaker Top Fuel Dragster
Dragster Hodgson
Banks Pacemaker Top Fuel Dragster
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest News

  • When it Comes to Racers…We Roll Our Own!When it Comes to Racers...We Roll Our Own!
    Gale Banks has a long history of building and racing high-performance vehicles. Over the years, the company has experimented with various fuels, including methanol, nitromethane, hydrogen, and diesel. Banks Power has also developed innovative turbocharging technologies and engine modifications to achieve record-breaking performance.
    Read more
  • The Snake on the WallThe Snake on the Wall
    The imposing sight of the Banks Top Diesel Sidewinder’s main body hangs proudly in the Banks Race Shop. This 19-foot behemoth serves as a constant reminder of the team’s mission: to push the boundaries of diesel drag racing and achieve dominance on the track and in the hearts of their fans.
    Read more
  • Quiet RevolutionQuiet Revolution
    This “Quiet Revolution” ended when NHRA banned turbocharging in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories, but the science and knowledge live on at Banks. With the possible exception of Buddy Ingersoll and his amazing “tur-blowed” Buick Regal, the fine art of turbocharging at the digs has been about as successful as the NHRA’s ill-fated nitro ...
    Read more

Latest News

The Banks CoolRunner lower oil pan replaces the factory stamped-steel pan, providing complete drainage, +2 quarts capacity, and FlowThru cooling fins

Duramax CoolRunner Oil Pan: Fix Dirty Trapped Oil

Discover the dirty secret hidden in factory Duramax oil pans: an elevated drain plug that traps nearly a half-quart of contaminated sludge every oil change, and how the Banks CoolRunner pan cures it with complete drainage, FlowThru cooling fins, and +2 quarts capacity.

Banks 5-inch Monster Exhaust system and patented Exhaust Pressure Module for 2024-2026 Chevy and GMC Duramax trucks

New 2024-2026 Duramax Monster Exhaust: True 5″

Banks introduces the world’s only true 5-inch DPF-back Monster Exhaust for 2024–2026 Duramax 6.6L trucks, using a patented Exhaust Pressure Module to cut backpressure without triggering check engine lights or melting trailers.

Banks R866SC V8 6.6L Supercharged Diesel

The Banks R866SC V8 6.6L Supercharged Diesel is an engineering powerhouse delivering 600-650 horsepower. Featuring a 3.8L Whipple supercharger and custom FEAD, this complete package is built for extreme performance.

Banks Derringer Level 2 fuel economy calibration chart for 2024-2026 Chevy and GMC Duramax L5P

2024-2026 Duramax Fuel Economy: Banks Derringer

Banks Derringer High Output tuner does more than just add power to your 2024–2026 Duramax 6.6L. Level 2 is specifically calibrated for improving fuel economyby adding more boost and optimizing fuel injection. And, Level 2 delivers an impressive 60 hp and 90 lb-ft to the wheels. For even more power, bump up to Levels 3-6 for power increases up to 86 hp and 178 […]

Banks Monster-Ram Education graphic showcasing the high-flow intake elbow for 6.7L Cummins trucks

Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Fix: Banks Monster-Ram

On all 6.7L Cummins, the factory grid-heater bolt is a known risk: if it breaks loose and reaches cylinder #6, engines are replaced—not repaired—an outcome costing north of $30,000. If you do nothing: the stock grid-heater bolt stays in the system—every start is a roll of the dice, and other replacements “fixes” still choke air flow. […]

Banks Monster-Ram Education graphic showcasing the high-flow intake elbow for 6.7L Cummins trucks

Killer Grid Heater Bolt: Hector’s Close Call

Hector’s 2015 RAM 3500 threw an intake-heater code, then his remote start system stopped working. He pulled his intake plate after reading about the killer grid heater bolt. To his horror and delight, he saw “the nut had broken off and was just sitting there” — one drive from disaster. Rather than install another factory heater plate, […]

Banks Monster-Ram Education graphic showcasing the high-flow intake elbow for 6.7L Cummins trucks

6.7 Cummins Monster-Ram: Smooth Intake Airflow

Your 6.7L’s stock intake elbow kills airflow with its sharp bend and restrictive air path. That added restriction makes the turbo work harder and dulls response. A Banks Monster-Ram intake elbow takes a different route—literally. We rerouted the #1 fuel line and replaced the restrictive grid heater which allowed us to open the air path and remove […]

Banks Monster-Ram Education graphic showcasing the high-flow intake elbow for 6.7L Cummins trucks

RAM Grid Heater Failure: How It Happens & The Fix

RAM 6.7L engines can suffer catastrophic damage as a result of a bolt inside the factory grid heater, which melts and drops into the intake manifold. In this 8-minute close-up, you’ll see exactly what fails, where to look on your truck, and the upgrade that removes the weak link. If you own a 6.7L, this […]

Dave Bell of Dave’s Auto Center and Gale Banks standing together next to a diesel engine block in Centerville Utah

Gale Banks Visits Dave Bell at Dave’s Auto Center

“This video is a huge full-circle moment for me,” says an emotional Dave Bell, owner of Dave’s Auto Center in Centerville, Utah and the star of the wildly popular YouTube channel of the same name. “I’ve looked up to Gale Banks since I was 15 years old,” Bell continues. “His engineering and genius has paved the […]