Banks Stinger system
#1
07-01-2009 | 03:39 PM
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Banks Stinger system
I thought it might help some to know results of installing a Banks Stinger system on my 2005 5.4L pick-up. The Stinger kit is made up of an air intake system, exhaust and tune.
In short, the results were excellent. It took about 2 hours to install all 3 items which is an indication of the quality of the parts fitment. The kit was missing one screw and a call to Banks had that part plus a spare for good measure in the mailbox in 2 days. The truck was driven after only the intake was installed. Results included much improved throttle response off idle. FWIW: the stock air filter had just been replaced. Intake noise was same as stock until you “put your foot into it”, and then it was not an obtrusive noise, unlike some other intake systems I’ve had which were high on noise and low on real results. Partly attributed to the specific vehicle I know.
Then the tune and exhaust was installed. 87 octane was chosen as I didn’t feel a normally aspirated engine would gain much by running a higher octane. This was validated in another vehicle I own where I was running 89 at a track event and then put in 110 octane the track had available. The difference was nominal at best. (The Banks tune system offers a few variables such as octane level, gear ratios, tire diameter, etc.) Throttle response improved again, all over the tach. The hesitation that was so awful in stock form, especially when flooring it, is now gone. The slight changes in shift points and throttle management are superb. Banks claims an increase of 27 and 29, horsepower and torque respectively. I believe it.
Exhaust tone is subjective so I’ll only the Banks exhaust (single outlet in this case) comment I’ll make is that it sounds like a V8 should, with the caveat of it being a bit loud in the cab while under light load in low rpm. But it sounds great everywhere else.
In short, the results were excellent. It took about 2 hours to install all 3 items which is an indication of the quality of the parts fitment. The kit was missing one screw and a call to Banks had that part plus a spare for good measure in the mailbox in 2 days. The truck was driven after only the intake was installed. Results included much improved throttle response off idle. FWIW: the stock air filter had just been replaced. Intake noise was same as stock until you “put your foot into it”, and then it was not an obtrusive noise, unlike some other intake systems I’ve had which were high on noise and low on real results. Partly attributed to the specific vehicle I know.
Then the tune and exhaust was installed. 87 octane was chosen as I didn’t feel a normally aspirated engine would gain much by running a higher octane. This was validated in another vehicle I own where I was running 89 at a track event and then put in 110 octane the track had available. The difference was nominal at best. (The Banks tune system offers a few variables such as octane level, gear ratios, tire diameter, etc.) Throttle response improved again, all over the tach. The hesitation that was so awful in stock form, especially when flooring it, is now gone. The slight changes in shift points and throttle management are superb. Banks claims an increase of 27 and 29, horsepower and torque respectively. I believe it.
Exhaust tone is subjective so I’ll only the Banks exhaust (single outlet in this case) comment I’ll make is that it sounds like a V8 should, with the caveat of it being a bit loud in the cab while under light load in low rpm. But it sounds great everywhere else.
#4
07-03-2009 | 01:21 AM
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Banks Stinger mileage response
Unfortunately I don’t have solid data behind the mileage for a variety or reasons that would bore folks. On a recent road trip, it got 18.6 over mostly flat terrain on Interstate 5, where the speed was kept between 70 and 80.
Update on the exhaust note which I find a bit bothersome below 2,000rpm when the engine is under light load---several have ridden in the truck and when asked, none said it bothered them and all said it sounded good.
Update on the exhaust note which I find a bit bothersome below 2,000rpm when the engine is under light load---several have ridden in the truck and when asked, none said it bothered them and all said it sounded good.