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.
Mike Ryan’s Banks Racing Freightliner
Size Matters…The Banks Super-Turbo Detroit 60 Series powered Freightliner taught us a lot about high altitude diesel calibration running Pikes Peak in the skillful hands of owner Mike Ryan! Oh, by the way, with Mike’s lack of fear, this became the fastest Pikes Peak Semi, Ever!
Mike Ryan’s Banks Super-Turbo Pikes Peak Freightliner is unlike any other truck in the universe. The truck is equipped with a 14.0L Detroit Diesel 60 series engine with a compression ratio of 15-1 and a fuel redline of 2700 RPM. The body is constructed entirely of fiberglass and carbon fiber, even still weighing in at just over 5 tons. Like any well balanced race vehicle, it is a mid-engine design. This truck truly tests the merit of each and every one of its systems. Good acceleration requires a responsive engine, high speed requires massive horsepower and cornering and handling require extreme braking capability.
- 2008 Freightliner Cascadia powered by a Banks Super-Turbo equipped 14.0L Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine from Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing, Detroit Diesel custom calibrated DDEC ECU
- Banks Super-Turbo system consisting of Banks Ram-Air® purpose built three-filter air intake system, 8.3L Whipple Twin-Screw Supercharger, S510 Borg Warner Turbocharger, Tial Wastegates and Blow-Off Valves; with Banks-designed and developed drive system, bracketry, and manifolding
- 2,400 horsepower and 4,000+ lb/ft torque (plus a 400 HP boost from Banks Straight-Shot™ when needed)
- Banks iQ man-machine interface with GPS; Banks Straight-Shot Water and Water-Methanol injection systems (used for supercharger cooling, intercooling, charge-air face cooling, and brake cooling)
- ZF HP 600 5-speed automatic transmission; Meritor RS 17145 differential, 3:07 rear gear
- Howe Performance rack & pinion steering
- Meritor 4-piston air over hydraulic disc brakes, 4-75mm pistons, 17-inch diameter Bendix rotors, front, 15.1-inch diameter rotors, rear; Fras-le brake pads
- Accuride alloy wheels, F 9.25 x 22.5, R 15.00 x 22.5; Michelin XZUZ Front 305/70 R 22.5, XDA-HT Rear 445/50 R 22.5, truck cases, road race compound
- King Custom Coil-Over shock absorbers front and rear
- Speedway Engineering anti-sway bars, F 2.43-inch, R 1.25-inch
- Two Optima 12V batteries
- Mastercraft 3G racing seats; DJ Safety seat belts and fire system
- The roof shape is from a Stearman Bi-Plane, the rear wing is a mid-90’s Indy Champ Car Short course wing double width
- The frame, chassis and roll cage was designed and built at Freightliner by volunteer engineers and fabricators
Project Photo Gallery
Latest News
- 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 - Blowin’ Smoke Rings on Pikes Peak!
Witness raw power unleashed as a Banks Super-Turbo Detroit dominates the mountain. This mind-blowing image captures the engine’s incredible performance, visually demonstrating the impact of advanced turbocharging technology. Ready to experience your vehicle’s full potential? Discover how Banks Power can supercharge your ride.Read more - #TBT…We Went to Pikes Peak With an Agenda
The Banks 866T V8 Turbo Diesel engine is pushing the limits of power for the Oshkosh JLTV, a next-generation tactical vehicle. This engine’s performance was honed at high altitudes, demonstrating its ability to deliver superior power even in harsh environments. Banks’ innovative turbo technology is making a real difference for military vehicles.Read more - Banks Super-Turbo DD60 Freightliner, Pikes Peak Outrage
Unleash the Beast: How Forced Induction Can Supercharge Your Ride! Ever dream of turning your car into a fire-breathing monster? Forced induction, like the kind used in this mountain-taming machine, might be your answer. By pumping extra air into the engine, you unlock a surge of power, perfect for leaving the competition in the ...Read more - Size Matters 2 Epic Debut
Mike Ryan’s “Size Matters 2” video showcases the incredible capabilities of the Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner. This action-packed video features impressive drifting stunts and a massive jump, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a heavy-duty truck. The video highlights the power and performance of the Banks-modified engine and the skill of Mike Ryan as a ...Read more - Size Matters 2 Behind The ScenesMike Ryan, a skilled stunt driver and racer, is preparing for the release of “Size Matters 2,” a video showcasing the incredible capabilities of his Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner. The video will feature jaw-dropping stunts, including a massive jump over multiple cars. This project demonstrates the power and versatility of the Super-Turbo engine and the daring ...Read more
- Freightliner on SAE website
Banks Power’s Super-Turbo Freightliner Cascadia is redefining trucking. This groundbreaking vehicle, showcased at the SEMA Show, combines raw power with cutting-edge technology. Engineered for peak performance and efficiency, the Cascadia serves as a testbed for future innovations like hybrid systems and alternative fuels. Imagine a truck that’s not only faster but also cleaner and more ...Read more - Birth of a Super-Turbo
Diesel racing on a gigantic scale: Gale Banks and Mike Ryan team up to tackle Pikes Peak in a Freightliner semitruck.Read more - Motorweek interview with Gale
Gale Banks on Motorweek: The Future of Diesel Power Tune in to Motorweek’s “Goss’ Garage” to hear Gale Banks discuss the latest trends in the diesel aftermarket. Learn about the impact of electronic engine controls and the benefits of innovative technologies like the Banks Straight-Shot water-methanol system and iQ monitor.Read more - Diesel Army Goes Behind The Scenes With Gale Banks
Discover a legacy of power and innovation with Banks Power. For over six decades, Gale Banks has pushed the boundaries of automotive performance, from record-breaking racecars to fuel-efficient pickups. Experience the thrill of unmatched horsepower and torque as you unlock your vehicle’s true potential. Join a community of performance enthusiasts who trust Banks Power for ...Read more - Smoking Tire podcast
Gale is a featured guest on the widely popular and often times, irreverent, Smoking Tire Podcast. Gale is a featured guest on the widely popular and often times, irreverent, Smoking Tire Podcast. And, this week joining Gale at the round table is Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal. Many across the country enjoy Neil’s Rumble ...Read more - Automotive legend has changed the face of the industry
Gale Banks makes front-page news, talking about racing, the military, and what it took to get where he is.Read more - Semi Truck: Banks Freightliner Super Turbo Pikes Peak Truck
Banks Power is pushing the boundaries of diesel performance with their innovative Super-Turbo engine, combining a supercharger and a turbocharger for maximum power and efficiency. This cutting-edge technology was showcased in Mike Ryan’s Freightliner race truck, aiming to break records at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. While the 2013 attempt faced weather challenges, the ...Read more - Semi Truck: Banks Freightliner Super Turbo Pikes Peak Truck
Supercharger + Turbo = Pikes Peak record?Read more - Gale speaks with AutoWorld Radio to discuss Pikes Peak and the Banks Super-Turbo
Want to hear how a Freightliner semi is prepped to conquer Pikes Peak? Tune in to Bob Long’s AutoWorld Radio where Gale Banks dives deep into the prep work for Mike Ryan’s beast. The discussion expands to Gale Banks’ latest product development for OEMs and beyond. Don’t miss it!Read more - Road Dog Radio interviews Gale Banks
In a 2013 interview on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Radio, Gale Banks discussed the performance of Mike Ryan’s Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He also shared plans for future record-breaking attempts at Pikes Peak and the Bonneville Salt Flats.Read more - Extreme Truckers Online
Want to supercharge your ride? Hear from the experts! Tune in as Gale Banks, Mike Ryan, and Mike McHorse discuss the Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner and its Pikes Peak conquest. Get insights on power, performance, and engineering that can elevate your vehicle. Stream or download the Extreme Truckers Show now!Read more - Red Eye Radio
In a 2013 interview with Red Eye Radio, Gale Banks and Mike Ryan discussed the Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner and its record-breaking run at Pikes Peak. The interview highlights the innovative technology and engineering behind the truck, as well as the challenges and triumphs of the project. This historic event showcases Banks Power’s commitment to pushing ...Read more - Gale Banks discusses Pikes Peak 2013 and the Banks Super-TurboGale Banks shares exclusive insights on the record-breaking Banks Super-Turbo Freightliner built for the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Learn how cutting-edge engineering is pushing the limits of performance in this must-watch interview.Read more
- Gale Banks, Mike Ryan and the Super-TurboWant to push your vehicle beyond limits? This article explores Mike Ryan’s outrageous semi-truck, a 10,000 lb beast conquering Pikes Peak. Discover how he uses a supercharger, custom engine tuning, and weight distribution to achieve record-breaking speed on the mountain. Learn how unconventional upgrades can unlock hidden potential in your own vehicle. Read the ...Read more
- Gale Banks returns to Car CastWant to conquer mountains (or the daily commute)? Listen to Adam Carolla’s Car Cast featuring Gale Banks discussing how Banks Power equips Mike Ryan’s Freightliner semi for the grueling Pikes Peak climb. Learn about Banks’ turbochargers, altitude compensation, and water methanol injection systems – perfect for any vehicle seeking a performance upgrade!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 […]