Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
Banks Banks The Banks SpeedBrake is a patented, all-electronic, plug-and-play braking system with downhill speed regulating capability, user adjustable setpoint speeds (25-75 MPH) and built-in safety features. This unique device intercepts variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), torque converter and transmission communications from the ECU and changes them to optimize the braking performance by driver command, holding the speed dialed in. The optional Banks iQ provides 2-way communication and displays numerous vehicle parameters, from current braking effort and operating gear to braking mode and target speed. Applications include those for Ford, GM and Dodge diesel trucks. bankspower.com; (800) 695-1428. BD Diesel Performance BLOW HARD An aftermarket turbocharger is another way to fine tune your pickup's performance for you needs. You can gain better advanced FLOW engineering The BladeRunner Intercooler from aFe utilizes a 3-inch bar and plate design that is 37 percent larger than stock and outflows OE style tube and fin core designs by 31 percent. The use of the bar and plate core design allow greater airflow and heat dissipation over the smaller tube and fin design used by the OEM. The TIG welded end tanks incorporate three multi-directional vanes. Intercooler tubes include four tapped 1/8-inch ports for easy installation of gauges. The kit includes 3-inch mandrel bent, powder-coated stainless steel tubing with 4-ply heavy duty couplings and constant tension T-bolt camps. afepower.com; (888) 493-7135. BD Diesel Performance BD Diesel's California version of their Turbo Thruster II GTP38 stock replacement turbocharger for Ford 1999.5-2003 7.3L PowerStroke Diesels uses a 0.84 A/R dual-volute turbine housing that is legal to install in California (CARB EO D-553-2). Features include BD's thrust collar, back plate and sintered brass 360-degree 6-pad thrust bearing that reduces heat build-up and increases durability. The 66/88mm compressor wheel is HIP'd to improve centrifugal strength and flows 1050cfm. The Turbo Thruster II GTP38 is a great bolt-in fit for off-road, street and highway applications. The turbo is capable of reducing exhaust temperatures, improving fuel economy and engine performance with reduced smoke levels. dieselperformance.com; (800)-887-5030. heavily laden trucks. Still, aftermarket manufacturers have taken the variable-vane turbo electronic control to a whole new level, giving you the opportunity to gain even more braking power as well as adjustable control over when and how the braking occurs. Some of the units also change transmission shift points to optimize the performance for slowing your pickup and whatever load you may be towing. Banks Techni-Cooler Intercooler Systems dramatically increase the cooling capacity by balancing the fuel mixture with greater airflow and cooler, denser air. Denser air has more oxygen, which improves combustion as well as engine efficiency. The Techni-Cooler for the 6.4L Power Stroke allows for quicker throttle response, higher continuous power at any exhaust gas temperature and improved fuel economy. Testing compared to stock shows an increase of up to one pound of boost pressure, 5 percent greater air density and 14 percent more flow, without starving the airflow to the radiator. In addition to Ford, applications include GM and Dodge. bankspower.com; (800) 695-1428. TURBOS & INTERCOOLERS TURBO/INTERCOOLER PRODUCT SHOWCASE BD's free flowing Charge Air Cooler (CAC), or intercooler, design with streamlined external air passages improves engine cooling while offering less fan noise and less blade resistance and improving engine power and efficiency of the radiator and air conditioning heat exchangers. BD says their Charge Air Cooler is like a breath of fresh air for the diesel engine. Designed through testing at 100+ psi turbo boost pressure and 500-degree F turbo outlet temperatures, the extra thick cast end tanks with support struts have integrity and long life without ballooning and cracking. Available for Dodge, Ford and Chevy diesel pick-up applications. dieselperformance.com; (800)-887-5030. response, lower EGTs and increase fuel mileage by swapping out your turbocharger. A word of caution: If you're in California or another state that goes by CARB laws you'll have limited options for turbos with the "Executive Order Number" needed. Sizing turbochargers for engine setups and goals is best left to the experts. A good diesel shop will ask a lot of questions about how you use your pickups and match a turbo change to your use. Bigger is not always better because throttle response and lowend performance are influenced by turbo size. Make sure you ask about the BD Diesel Performance The variable vane turbocharger design used on the Ford 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel to reduce turbo lag and emissions as well as increase power can also be used to slow you down. BD utilizes this technology by electronically closing off the turbine vanes, which can create up to 130 retarding horsepower. This braking force will help to maintain your speeds on descents and curves, giving you better control of your truck and load. The rotary switch installed on the dash offers three modes: stock, vane control and vane control with aggressive downshift. Easily and simply installs in approximately one hour by plugging into existing factory ports. dieselperformance.com; (800)-887-5030. PacBrake Quick, controlled braking for Dodge trucks is easier with Pacbrake's new P-67 LoadLeash engine brake. Working in conjunction with the OEM Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) exhaust brake in the 6.7L ISB Cummins diesel engine, the LoadLeash provides an additional 150 retarding horsepower, or roughly double what the VGT can supply alone. In addition to enhanced control and reduced brake fade, the LoadLeash can extend brake life service intervals by up to 300 percent. Pacbrake's LoadLeash offers straightforward bolt-in installation and is the only true engine brake available for the Class 3-5 truck market. Current applications include 2007-2012 Dodge Ram 2500-5500 diesel pick-up/chassis cab trucks. pacbrake.com; (800) 663-0096. downside to a change in turbo size. Budget considerations and performance criteria helped determine the stock turbo charger on your pickup. You may find a setup in the aftermarket that is a better fit for your pickup performance priorities. Above are a few we found that can give you the boost you need. propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 121 PPBB13PG000_Turbos Intercoolers.indd 121 8/6/13 10:51 AM