Does anyone have any good or bad things to say about the ottomind from the Banks Stinger package. I currently have a custom 90HP/200 ft-lbs program flashed on my ECU, however I also just got a 36' Sunline 5th wheel RV that will top out at 14500 lbs. While driving with the 5th to get it home, my ally didn't limp, but the shifts seemed rough. Even empty, the shifts aren't what I would call silky smooth. There is a slight surge at each shift if I'm not above 2000 RPM. Above 2000 RPM, it seems pretty good and the truck hauls. I'm not sure if this is normal for all ally's that have got the extra power or just a problem with my program. I even had the TAPS cleared at a dealer and it helped a little, but not much. I've never towed big weight before, so I don't know if my tranny is struggling with the weight as it shifts because of the chip or simply the weight.


I know the Ottomind is not going to give me race car performance, but that's ok. I have a car to do that. Is the Ottomind going to give me the towing power that I need and the smoothness in the tranny that I desire. With my current chip, I was going up hills at 70 without too much problem and the EGT's were doing OK while towing the camper. I don't want to loose that with the Ottomind. I know it is preset to back off power at 1300F for EGT, so no worries there. The question is does it have enough power to go up the grades at 65-70 while towing 14500?


Would stacking the Ottomind be a possibility as well? It has lots of safety features built in for the tranny and temps, so I'm wondering if those would transfer over. Just a thought.


Just looking for opinions of those that have this. I know most people on the board don't have Banks stuff, but was looking for any help because I can get a great deal on the Ottomind. I know most people would say just get the Juice, but that is not in the budget. If people say the ottomind won't cut it, I'd probably just rather keep my program and beef up the allison than get the juice, since even it will eventually cause the need for tranny upgrades.


Thanks for all the help in advance.


Brett


2002 Chevy CC D/A 4X4 Dually

Brett,

I have the entire Banks Stinger TLC kit and I have to say it does just what I want it to...tow better than stock. It does have the ottomind, not the six gun. I'm not towing your weight, but it pulls 11,000 lbs up a lot of hills here in New Mexico and Colorado at 65-70 in 4th gear. I usually lock out overdrive to keep the egt's lower (if you bog the engine, your egts rise pretty rapidly) and it's probably better on the tranny as well. Listen, there are a lot of banks naysayers here on this forum, but I have to say I'm pretty impressed. Never do I have hard start or no start problems like some other power enhancers have, and the power is smooth and predictable. I have also added a AFE Stage 2 intake, and seems to have lowered the egts a little as well as what seems better turbo spool-up (plus it sounds really coolhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock On.gif I think you'll like the ottomind.

Ditto what bartman said. I have the stinger kit (except for AMSOIL air filter & swiss cheesed box) and it does what it says and so far no adverse problems. My trailer is only 9000lbs and it rarely shifts down to 4th, but I tow mostly in the mid-west & the east. If towing is your concern I think the Banks is the way to go....my $.02 worth.


JPEdited by: Heartbeat Hauler

I like my Banks. Even though I don't tow a sh*t load, it's still nice. I've got a 6 gun though, still have yet to install the speed loader.

Thanks for the info so far. With Spoolin Turbo's remarks, has anyone gone from the Ottomind to the Six Gun. I have a feeling that the ottomind is better at towing even though it is rated less than the six gun. Just want to see if anyone can back that up.


I also have just seem that Banks has upped their Stinger kit with a new Ottomind. Not any more peak to peak HP, but about 40 more ft-lbs of torque. If I could get that one, I'd probably go with it, as its pretty close to what I have. Unfortunately, the one I can get is the older version.


Anyway, please keep chiming in with opinions of the system. I'm leaning towards it, but the more opinions the better.


Oh, yeah, since I have a 2002, I have got all the parts for the Overdrive Lockout. Just have to get it installed. I think being able to shift down from overdrive to 4th while doing 65 up a hill by hitting the switch will be awesome.


Thanks


Brett

BigTruck1,


I'm not positive about this, but the increase in torque may have something to do with the new LLY engine and it's increased performance and not a function of the OttoMind. That may be why there is a difference in the 2 different version of OTTOMIND. Still, the older version is 73 HP and 142 lbs.ft. of torque, not to shabby of an increase if towing is what you are interested in. You start adding tons of extra power while towing and it is either gonna backoff due to trans slipping or a possible "limp mode" situation. The latter could be very scary when towing up a mountain...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif


JP

I have a Stinger system that i removed for a Six Gun. I love both. They do have plenty of get up and go, but i can only use one. If anyone knows of someone looking for a stinger system, minus the exhaust, i'm selling mine for $300.00. Edited by: TucsonDMX