GM 8.3L Duramax Diesel: Gale Banks Does the Math
Gale Banks breaks down the math behind GM’s new 8.3L Duramax V8 (L6P “Mongoose”), evaluating its 555 HP rating, CGI block, flat torque curve, and how a Derringer tuner on an L5P beats it today.
Banks Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster
…The Banks Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster. Raw Diesel Power!
Long, sleek, and blindingly quick, today’s high-horsepower, rear-motored dragsters are the ultimate racing vehicles. They’re designed, and driven to do only one thing: streak down a quarter mile dragstrip as fast as possible in the very least amount of time. Aerodynamically, these dart-shaped machines simply slice through the air like arrows.
Potentially one of the quickest and fastest machines ever to come out of the Banks Advanced Concepts Engineering enclave in well over a decade, this all-new Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster is about as purposeful a racing machine as you can get.
Pared down to the basics, this is a set of four racing tires held together with a long, slender space frame of strong 4130 chrome-moly tubing, equipped with a powerful clean diesel V-8 engine sitting right behind the almost claustrophobic driver’s compartment that’s aimed at one thing: setting down the absolutely quickest/fastest quarter-mile ever for any kind of a diesel powered machine (ever). (period.)
Technically, of course, there’s just a bit more to the story …
The Banks Top Diesel Dragster represents a philosophy that encompasses the toughest possible component tests there are. The company ends up with a wider range of superior information, which, in turn shows the engineers and designers at Banks how to craft better products. The consumer benefits both in function and quality. The process is unending.
As one takes a look through the following list of components and how they are matched together remember that just about each and every component aboard this machine has already been on the line and seasoned in combat in one way or another. In this racing machine every component is expected to function as a team multiplier – – the sum of the parts adding up to more than the best possible marks that each could register separately.
At this level of competition there can be no weak links, no compromise, no question marks, no single component that “…should be good enough.”
That won’t fly here.
…Welcome to a world where compromise is a dirty word and where if the pressure ever left off, we wouldn’t have a clue as to what to do. At Banks our toughest competition has always been staring back at us every time that we look into a mirror.
With our new supercharged engine complete, it now moves into it’s new home… the Banks Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster. With this new engine configuration, we are expecting to see 1500bhp @ 6500 rpm. It will be destroying pavement real soon so stay tuned, and for now enjoy these photos.
Project Photo Gallery
Latest News
- Banks Duramax Top Diesel Dragster… This Sidewinder Is Gonna Bite!
Banks Power and Street Muscle Magazine team up to showcase an adrenaline-pumping dragster project! Get ready to rev your engines as Street Muscle Magazine features Banks Power’s latest dragster creation. This high-performance beast is not just a project; it’s a speed demon in the making. Learn about the engineering marvel and the passion behind the ...Read more - Dragster Cooling System
A small horizontal radiator topped by a shrouded electric cooling fan is used on the Banks Sidewinder Top Dragster. A very quiet, but very powerful, Stewart electric pump moves the coolant though the Sidewinder’s system. Hardly “exotic,” good old distilled water (from the local supermarket) with a bottle of Redline “Water Wetter” mixed in (just ...Read more - Nasty Sounding Blower…Why Not, We’re Going Drag Racin’!
Banks Power is gearing up to dominate the drag strip with their 272″ Sidewinder Diesel Top Dragster. This beast of a machine will be pushing the limits of diesel performance, aiming for low 6-second ETs and a national record. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking project as Banks Power returns to the racing scene ...Read more - Good Things Come In Threes!
Introducing the Banks 870T2B Duramax V8: A New Era of Diesel Performance. Our latest engine features a groundbreaking big pin stroker crank, enhanced rod bearing diameter, and a long con rod design. This innovative combination is designed to deliver exceptional power and durability across a wide range of applications, from drag racing to marine offshore ...Read more - “Rapid Transit”, Banks Blown 870S 427ci Stroker Dmax!
Drag Racers Attention! Unleash the Gale Banks 870S Blown 427 Gear up for monstrous power! The Gale Banks 870S Blown 427 is a 7-liter supercharged beast designed to dominate the drag strip. This engine boasts nitrous and water injection for maximum horsepower, making it a true champion. Learn more about the Gale Banks 870S Blown ...Read more - Banks Sidewinder Dragster Gets More Power
GM Duramax 6.6L LML engine gets SUPERCHARGED at Gale Banks EngineeringRead more - Inside Gale Banks Engineering’s New Blown 7.1L Duramax
Gale Banks has already set drag strip records with the twin-turbo version of this Duramax engine, and now they’re swapping out the turbos for a supercharger.Read more - Adam Carolla’s CarCast with Gale Banks
Looking to upgrade your car or truck’s performance? Gale Banks Engineering in Azusa, CA specializes in high-performance parts and engineering for both gasoline and diesel vehicles. From Gale Banks’ record-setting diesel dragster to parts for Jay Leno’s tank car, their expertise spans across racing, military applications, and everyday car upgrades. Check out their YouTube channel ...Read more - A Senator is Coming – a Dragster is Running and More
Looking to upgrade your car’s performance and fuel economy? Banks is showcasing the latest diesel tech at the Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California this weekend (May 8th and 9th)! See the powerful Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster in action and learn how Banks engineers maximize power while reducing emissions. Don’t miss this opportunity to get ...Read more - Banks Dragster Update – After ArizonaUnleash Your Diesel’s Potential: From Stock to Speed Demon Dreaming of transforming your diesel truck into a performance powerhouse? Discover the challenges and triumphs of pushing diesel engines to their limits. Learn how expert tuning, precision engineering, and relentless testing are essential to achieving extraordinary power while maintaining clean emissions. Get ready to redefine diesel performance ...Read more
- Banks Dragster Update – March 5 2010
Unleash the Beast: Banks Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster is Back and Stronger Than Ever! After overcoming transmission troubles, the Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster roars back to life with a revamped, 1,400+ horsepower engine and cutting-edge upgrades. Witness the evolution of diesel power as Banks Power pushes the limits of performance with their new stroker engine, water/methanol ...Read more - Banks Sidewinder Top Diesel Sets Sights for World Record
Want to unlock hidden power and efficiency in your diesel engine? Banks Power’s Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster is pushing the limits of diesel technology with a monstrous “Stroker” engine, aiming for blistering sub-7 second quarter-mile runs at over 200 mph! Unlike traditional dirty diesels, this innovative machine proves that clean and powerful can go hand-in-hand. ...Read more - “Banks Power – The first 50 years” Opens at Wally Parks NHRA Museum
50 years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum to honor Gale Banks and his achievements.Read more - FINAL PREPS …
Behind the scenes of a beast: The Banks Top Diesel Dragster is prepped for its first test run. Every wire, every component, meticulously inspected and tested. Countless hours of engineering and precision go into building a machine capable of 0 to 200+ mph in under seven seconds. Want to inject that kind of power and ...Read more - 2,500 Horsepower Unleashed:
Banks’ New Top Diesel Dragster AND Record-Shattering S-10 Pickup … Both To Compete!Saturday, May 9 – “TS Performance Outlaw Drags” – Bowling Green, KY 2,500 Horsepower Unleashed: Banks’ New Top Diesel DragsterAND Record-Shattering S-10 Pickup … Both To Compete!Saturday, May 9 – “TS Performance Outlaw Drags” – Bowling Green, KY Azusa, Calif. – – (April 20, 2009) ...Read more - Gentlemen, start your (dragster) engines
Experience the roar of a legend. This isn’t just a dragster; it’s a symphony of power and precision. Feel the adrenaline surge as you witness this beast come to life. Don’t miss the chance to hear the thunderous sound that will leave you captivated. Watch the video now and immerse yourself in the raw power ...Read more - Some Serious Progress Being Made On The Banks Top Dragster…Banks Power is in the process of developing a new Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster. The team is focused on building a powerful and reliable engine, utilizing advanced engineering techniques and cutting-edge technology. The goal is to set new records and push the boundaries of diesel performance.Read more
- The 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 - “BANKS POWER – THE FIRST 50 YEARS” OPENS AT WALLY PARKS NHRA MUSEUM – POMONA, CAPomona, California – – On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, fifty years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, in Pomona, California. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WoRjPCMC6k Pomona, California – – On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, fifty years of automotive and marine engineering innovation was put on display at the Wally Parks ...Read more
- Banks Sidewinder Diesel Dragster Arrives
Gearheads and diesel enthusiasts, history was made in 2008 with the arrival of the Banks Sidewinder Duramax Dragster. This innovative machine, built with a lightweight carbon-fiber body and a powerful Duramax engine, aimed to smash drag racing records with a targeted top speed of 200 mph in the quarter-mile and an elapsed time in the ...Read more
Latest News
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.
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.
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 […]
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. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Banks Power 2025 Performance Stats | By the Numbers
Banks Power by the Numbers breaks down the real data behind a record-setting 2025—from millions of video views to testing fuel burned and parts shipped worldwide.
Gale Banks Meets Canadian Diesel Mechanic
A Canadian diesel mechanic visits Banks Power and gets a firsthand lesson from Gale Banks on air density, cold starts, and real engineering behind reliable diesel performance.
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 […]