March "Diesel World" lists "51 Hot New Diesel Products" from the SEMA Show; included is "Banks Billet torque converter for Duramax", claimed to increase torque capacity "...to more than 1800 pounds with its three-element clutch system, modified stator and bulletproof billet cover". Banks' web site has no info, as is usually the case with new items. Anybody know/read/heard anything about details/price/availability? Don't you just hate these "teaser" info articles?

Ron

They are coming...very soon. I'll post up the details when we release them. I can tell you they are designed to stand up to 1800lb-ft of input:D

They are coming...very soon. I'll post up the details when we release them. I can tell you they are designed to stand up to 1800lb-ft of input:D

Who builds your converter?

At this point you know as much as I do. I'll know more when out engineering department releases it.

They are coming...very soon. I'll post up the details when we release them. I can tell you they are designed to stand up to 1800lb-ft of input:DIs that the one you guys run???:rolleyes:

At this point you know as much as I do. I'll know more when out engineering department releases it.

I can post it up tomorrow if you like.:D

Is that the one you guys run???:rolleyes:

No, the drag truck runs a Bruno torque converter. I'll get more details for you guys along with specs on the new Banks Billet flex plate for the Allison due out soon as well.:D

Prob. a 1058 painted a different color;)

Prob. a 1058 painted a different color;)

Nope.

:secret: 1061 :secret:

Nope.

Keep us posted as I would like one if the pricing is good.

I sure will. I also found out the flex plate is going to be about 4 pounds lighter then the stock unit. Stay tuned:D

Why don't you put this converter in someones truck for some feedback? By that I mean someone here.

:lol:Mike do you want to try out one of our torque converters?:rolleyes::D When they become available I'll see what I can do:D

I would ask if wanted to use my truck as a test bed. Only if I wasn't 3000 miles away. :eek:

:lol:Mike do you want to try out one of our torque converters?:rolleyes::D When they become available I'll see what I can do:D

I will be tied up testing Suncoast converters for a while but let's pick someone local so we can both get some feedback and post the results here. :D

That'll work. I'll drop you a line when we get everything:D

maybe me?!?! lol. im only six hours away haha

I may have a perfect fit for you Mr.Barker.

I have a DMAX, I live close to your shop (hour south) I have BANKS parts on my truck, my truck is red!, I drive it on the street and at the strip. In fact the motor is out and i could slip a converter on it this instant if needed. I use EFI as well so i can show it 450HP or 700 HP.

Interested?

Sincerely,
James

I may have a perfect fit for you Mr.Barker.

I have a DMAX, I live close to your shop (hour south) I have BANKS parts on my truck, my truck is red!, I drive it on the street and at the strip. In fact the motor is out and i could slip a converter on it this instant if needed. I use EFI as well so i can show it 450HP or 700 HP.

Interested?

Sincerely,
James

Drop me a PM with your contact info:D

Drop me a PM with your contact info:D

PM sent with vital info and request for timing/plan.

Thanks.:D

its always the california guys getting to have all the fun!:D

its always the california guys getting to have all the fun!:D

yea, but we also get nasty gridlock, higher taxes, and the cost of living is sickening.

We learn (maybe numb?) to tolerate the less than adequate and focus on the good stuff... parts are always nearby (port of entry), sunny, beach and skimpy bathing suits.:D

LOL that about sums it up

I got the full banks kit on my dmax and I have taken to dmaxes there. I need a tranny build too, it has been slippin lately. I could test it out. :) I am in the la area too and close.

Let's not get to far ahead of ourselfs guys...they haven't been released yet:D

Ok guys. Heads up. I should have these converters out today. I'll post back when I get the official release.:D

Ok guys. Heads up. I should have these converters out today. I'll post back when I get the official release.:D

Tell us what this new converter is going to do for us.

Here's the info I have on it now:
It will work with all Allison transmissions from 01-07
It's a triple disk style using a ceramic/metalic material (less slipping)
The cover is machined from billet steel (no warping)
It's got a torque input rating of 1800lb-ft (stock is around 600lb-ft)

I'll have more details on it hopefully later today:D

Hey Mike...what converter that is currently offered from suncoast does this come close to?

Send me one. I'm always up to put things to the test! I have a SC1057 right now...and it works great.

Hey Mike...what converter that is currently offered from suncoast does this come close to?

So far I know nothing about the Banks converter except who makes it.

Here's the info I have on it now:
It will work with all Allison transmissions from 01-07
It's a triple disk style using a ceramic/metalic material (less slipping)
The cover is machined from billet steel (no warping)
It's got a torque input rating of 1800lb-ft (stock is around 600lb-ft)

I'll have more details on it hopefully later today:D

What is it designed for? Daily driver, towing, racing, pulling...?

Any updates?

If its Banks its gonna be $$$$$$$.

OT-I wonder why they don't use it (converter) in the race truck if it's good to 1800 lbs of torque? The race truck only makes 700-800 HP (1400 TQ +/-) right? And the truck weighs 2500 lbs? Easier on the converter for sure, track only use as well. Somebody prolly already wondered this.

I haven't heard a thing from BANKS/Barker since they took my info, wonder why he asked for it?

Thanks anyhow Barker :) Movin' on.

The race truck is lighter & does not use an Allison

So far I know nothing about the Banks converter except who makes it.

Who makes it>??? :)

What is it designed for? Daily driver, towing, racing, pulling...?

Pretty much all of the above. We designed it as an all around converter. Far better holding power then stock, won't warp or crack with a stall speed around 1800rpm or so (your engine setup will determin actual stall however). For the hardcore pulling or drag racing crowd a more dedicated "racing only" converter would be better, but for those looking for a big step up from stock this is a great converter to go with.

If its Banks its gonna be $$$$$$$.

PM me for a price on these. It's VERY comparable in price to most performance Allison converters.:D

Oh...they are now available and on the shelf ready to ship:D

I thought you where going to get one of theese in a local truck for someone to test and get some feed back on what happend with that? thanks

I thought you where going to get one of theese in a local truck for someone to test and get some feed back on what happend with that? thanks

Yes, did this happen or no?

Oh...they are now available and on the shelf ready to ship:D

So is ATS, Precision and Suncoast. Tell us what is so special about the Banks converter. This is a tough crowd that is pretty well educated and they want to know. I do suggest some kind of comparison wether you do it or someone reputable that we all know.

We designed it as an all around converter. Far better holding power then stock, won't warp or crack with a stall speed around 1800rpm or so (your engine setup will determin actual stall however).

So its basically meant to compete with the SC 1056?

SC 1056= "...is a great converter for daily driving, towing and or racing"

1056 is $1300, Im betting the Banks unit is closer to $1500.

So is ATS, Precision and Suncoast. Tell us what is so special about the Banks converter. This is a tough crowd that is pretty well educated and they want to know. I do suggest some kind of comparison wether you do it or someone reputable that we all know.

Juicy:)

I thought you where going to get one of theese in a local truck for someone to test and get some feed back on what happend with that? thanks

We are. We already a truck owner who are going to install and test it and post his findings in here. However, we are waiting untill we release the performance billet flex plate so it can be installed at the same time. No sense tearing it apart twice right:D

Oh...they are now available and on the shelf ready to ship:D


How about getting your IT department to update the website?

So is ATS, Precision and Suncoast. Tell us what is so special about the Banks converter. This is a tough crowd that is pretty well educated and they want to know. I do suggest some kind of comparison wether you do it or someone reputable that we all know.


Right now the only test data I have is comparing it to the stock converter. I'll check with my engineering department and see if they have done any comparison to the other converters on the market.

Waiting to hear more.

So its basically meant to compete with the SC 1056?

SC 1056= "...is a great converter for daily driving, towing and or racing"

1056 is $1300, Im betting the Banks unit is closer to $1500.

Actually, form the specs I see, it's more like a 1057. This is based on torque capacity, stall speed, construction ect. I'll post up some more info as i get it.

Pretty much all of the above. We designed it as an all around converter. Far better holding power then stock, won't warp or crack with a stall speed around 1800rpm or so (your engine setup will determin actual stall however). For the hardcore pulling or drag racing crowd a more dedicated "racing only" converter would be better, but for those looking for a big step up from stock this is a great converter to go with.
~1800rpm.. is that at stock power or more? basicly what power level?

1056 iirc stall about 1900-2000 with PPE hot on 350 tune iirc... my 1056 stalls about 2400 with my tuning... and i tune for more part throtle than wot

Well if it's more money than what's already out there, I don't see the draw of it.

Well if it's more money than what's already out there, I don't see the draw of it.

PM me for the price on them, site rules prevent me from posting prices in here. It's right in line with most others.

~1800rpm.. is that at stock power or more? basicly what power level?

1056 iirc stall about 1900-2000 with PPE hot on 350 tune iirc... my 1056 stalls about 2400 with my tuning... and i tune for more part throtle than wot


That's with our six gun, speed loader setting on a 2006 LBZ. The power and torque output will always cause your stall speed to vary.

So who is testing this converter out? I thought we wanted to see someone on here test it so we don't get BS'd. You know who made my converter? Same people who shipped it to me.

So who is testing this converter out? I thought we wanted to see someone on here test it so we don't get BS'd. You know who made my converter? Same people who shipped it to me.

Of course besides an unbiased tester, that same person would need to be familiar with how a similiar converter felt and acted.

We are. We already a truck owner who are going to install and test it and post his findings in here. However, we are waiting untill we release the performance billet flex plate so it can be installed at the same time. No sense tearing it apart twice right:D

but you said they where on the shef and ready to ship ? so your saying tht you need a billet flex plate to run it ? y not just run how 90% of the poeple here will?. why is it such a big deal take a converter in and out. it can be done in a hr well so i have seen in person. i just dont think you need a billet flex plate just to test the converter imo

but you said they where on the shef and ready to ship ? so your saying tht you need a billet flex plate to run it ? y not just run how 90% of the poeple here will?. why is it such a big deal take a converter in and out. it can be done in a hr well so i have seen in person. i just dont think you need a billet flex plate just to test the converter imo

I've heard that a swap has been made in as little as 14minutes:eek:

x2 :cool:

I've heard that a swap has been made in as little as 14minutes:eek:

Incorrect Jason. The Alli was on the ground in 14 minutes and ready to roadtest in 43 minutes. Now this is something that is only done on race day when the fit hits the shan and the truck must roll. This is a balls to the wall, let it rip and pray it works. We never do things like this on a regular basis because of probable mistakes and possible injury. We look good doing this when everything works as planned; we look like shit when it fails.

Will these converters be available with different stall settings?

"Incorrect Jason. The Alli was on the ground in 14 minutes and ready to roadtest in 43 minutes. Now this is something that is only done on race day when the fit hits the shan and the truck must roll. This is a balls to the wall, let it rip and pray it works. We never do things like this on a regular basis because of probable mistakes and possible injury. We look good doing this when everything works as planned; we look like shit when it fails."

And I thought I was doing something having a 4L60 out of a 1/2 ton Z-71 in 30 mins was impressive. I guess I ought to put the tools up and just keep making oil:D

Riley

"Incorrect Jason. The Alli was on the ground in 14 minutes and ready to roadtest in 43 minutes. Now this is something that is only done on race day when the fit hits the shan and the truck must roll. This is a balls to the wall, let it rip and pray it works. We never do things like this on a regular basis because of probable mistakes and possible injury. We look good doing this when everything works as planned; we look like shit when it fails."

And I thought I was doing something having a 4L60 out of a 1/2 ton Z-71 in 30 mins was impressive. I guess I ought to put the tools up and just keep making oil:D

Riley

30 minutes is damn good. Be proud of that. Just remember fast is not allways good and can hurt you.

I can have an ally out in 1.5 hours and same to go back in...

Also if a truck needs a tester, I have an ally scattered all over my bench right now waiting to go back in the truck...

Also also, my trans will be coming out in short order for a quick little freshing up so there is always the option of a converter swap...

Bentley

Oh...they are now available and on the shelf ready to ship:D


Your trying to sell ice to an inuit..............Takes more info than that. If ya got em on the shelf ya gotta know what makes em special. Who is the beta tester you guys have?

but you said they where on the shef and ready to ship ? so your saying tht you need a billet flex plate to run it ? y not just run how 90% of the poeple here will?. why is it such a big deal take a converter in and out. it can be done in a hr well so i have seen in person. i just dont think you need a billet flex plate just to test the converter imo

I sad the torque converters are ready to ship, the flex plate hasn't been released yet. We are also going to offer these with the flex plate included if the customer needs one. The converter as it stands will work with the factory flex plate with no problems and new hardware is also included. As far as testing the converter out, it's the customers request that we test the converter and flex plate together. He just doesn't want to pull the trans out twice.

but you said they where on the shef and ready to ship ? so your saying tht you need a billet flex plate to run it ? y not just run how 90% of the poeple here will?. why is it such a big deal take a converter in and out. it can be done in a hr well so i have seen in person. i just dont think you need a billet flex plate just to test the converter imo
Agreed. None of us are really going to run a billet flex plate.

Mr Barker- You stated that "the spec's I see, It's more like a 1057". Then later say "For the Hard core pulling or Drag racing crowd a more dedicated racing only converter would be better". Don't most use the 1057 for Racing/pulling? If so, how is your converter in the same crowd as the 1057?

Simple solution is to send McRat the new converter and I'll install it in Blue which is running a 1057. Blue mostly is a workhorse towing truck. Pat can then give a report on it and I'll give a seat of the pants report on it after a road test. Balls in your court now.

I would be willing to put one in my truck for testing as well. I currently run a 1057. PM me if interested.

I agree Mike, that is dangerous, but flat rate warranty time bites (reaction sun shell splines stripped). I did several of them. Back on subject is banks going to attempt to market other converters also?

Riley

Who makes this converter?

Banks, Ball is in your court....

Who makes this converter?
X2

Who makes this converter?

I'm doubting that they are gonna release this info.

Mr. Banks, did you just give up on this thread?? I have a trans going in next week and would like some more information if possible. Thanks

From what the Banks Billet video says, it sounds like once you install this converter you're good to go with a 120hp tune. I was always under the impression that a TransGo Jr. was recommended in conjuction with the converter. Anyone?

From what the Banks Billet video says, it sounds like once you install this converter you're good to go with a 120hp tune. I was always under the impression that a TransGo Jr. was recommended in conjuction with the converter. Anyone?


For $1300+, I'd hope you can run more than a 120hp tune on that converter. I'd stick to the 120hp tune if your only putting in a transgo jr. You don't need a $1300 converter to handle a transgo jr + 120hp tune. I'd find a good single disk or refreshed triple disk for the transgo jr build.

For $1300+, I'd hope you can run more than a 120hp tune on that converter. I'd stick to the 120hp tune if your only putting in a transgo jr. You don't need a $1300 converter to handle a transgo jr + 120hp tune. I'd find a good single disk or refreshed triple disk for the transgo jr build.

Thanks for the reply bobo,

What I was trying to say was that if for those that need a new converter to run bigger with the 6 spd Ally, shouldn't they also get the Transgo JR as well. I'm not schooled in this field so go easy lol.

Thanks for the reply bobo,

What I was trying to say was that if for those that need a new converter to run bigger with the 6 spd Ally, shouldn't they also get the Transgo JR as well. I'm not schooled in this field so go easy lol.
yes you are right you need more than just a torque convertor to hold more power with the tranny

Thanks Malibu,

I'm the casual race a ricer at the stop light other than that I drive old man style. If I want to play with an added 120 hp tune the Transgo should do me fine? Is "the next step" in trans upgrading (after transgo is installed) the torque converter?

Thanks Malibu,

I'm the casual race a ricer at the stop light other than that I drive old man style. If I want to play with an added 120 hp tune the Transgo should do me fine? Is "the next step" in trans upgrading (after transgo is installed) the torque converter?You will be fine with a Transgo jr. and 120 HP. With a torque converter and a Transgo jr you can run allot more, Someone on this site did a test and put down over 500 HP before the tranny limped with just a Transgo Jr and a converter.

You will be fine with a Transgo jr. and 120 HP. With a torque converter and a Transgo jr you can run allot more, Someone on this site did a test and put down over 500 HP before the tranny limped with just a Transgo Jr and a converter.


problem is, you're doing damage before it limps. One of our members had a 430 rwhp tune and his clutches were burned pretty good when he did his SCIV, never limped. Mine were burned slightly at a little more than that, but I only had 2000 miles on the truck total, so it was a matter of time.

Jody

I was running about 400hp on my truck before I did my SCIII and my C3's were pretty smoked and I never limped it either but my clutches were definately damaged, even had some heat scoring on the C3 steels.

my 3-4s where burned within 2,000 miles of har driving and 440 at the wheels never limped

Juicy:)


You called?

so i wonder if banks will ever get one of theese in a local truck any time soon

so i wonder if banks will ever get one of theese in a local truck any time soon

So the one that supposedly has it isn't local?

Shoot, I'd do it if they needed it.

I expect the Banks converter to be a good all around unit, but my point is some of us need a converter to be dialed in to the mods on our trucks. I would be happy to install one and see what it does on a truck of Banks choosing.

Mike and I have an improved converter test procedure in place now. We just need to line up the tests.

Keep in mind testing various converters against each other costs time and money. Not a little bit either.

I don't sell trans stuff, nor am I going to, so I do this stuff for my own information that I share with the Dmax community. But my resources are limited. Last time we did comparison testing, unhappy people who sell transmission stuff (not Mike) called me every name in the book on this website. So if you guys like to see this kind of testing, make your voices heard if the "haters" jump in and start saying nasty things about my momma. :D

Why would anyone hate? The product either works as advertised or it doesn't. If everything is tested equally it should be fair to all mfgs.

It really doesn't matter Pat, I don't see the banks guys chiming anytime soon. Seems they lost interest in this thread. I know I appreciate your testing and willingness to share information with the site, as with many other members.

i like banks products and would be interested in hearing the outcome of mike's testing. but it looks like banks is doing another hype over under deliver.

banks...you there? any info or is your "technical" people still doing testing???

I also think that you should not only test the flex plate, but seperate from the converter. the flexplate could obscure the test results of the converter being "4 pounds" lighter than the stock unit.

I personally dont like Banks consumer parts, but I think the stuff they keep a secret is really great and amazing. That being said they are one of my least favorite companies but I think, like others have stated, that we should give all of the other manufacturers a chance if they make a good honest crack at a product. Mike or Pat have you PM'd the banks guy?

I do wanna ask will this billet flex plate be able to flex. Without flex u will kill the tranny and torque converter. I have killed 1 flex plate so far and went back to stock. Just something to keep in mine

For $1300+...


Banks quoted me a price of over $1600 for the converter, $250 for the core charge, and if their guys did the install, almost $700 more! No pricing yet for the flexplate.

Ron

I had a Suncoast IV with a TTS tripple installed with fluid for $800.
$700 for installing a converter is crazy..........

Banks quoted me a price of over $1600 for the converter, $250 for the core charge, and if their guys did the install, almost $700 more! No pricing yet for the flexplate.

Ron


Wow does this converter have a lift time warrenty. I didnt think this thing was made of gold

Mike and I have an improved converter test procedure in place now. We just need to line up the tests.

Keep in mind testing various converters against each other costs time and money. Not a little bit either.

I don't sell trans stuff, nor am I going to, so I do this stuff for my own information that I share with the Dmax community. But my resources are limited. Last time we did comparison testing, unhappy people who sell transmission stuff (not Mike) called me every name in the book on this website. So if you guys like to see this kind of testing, make your voices heard if the "haters" jump in and start saying nasty things about my momma. :D
Keep it up we all like the honest tests

Send me a price for a 4.5 LLy on this banks convertor.

rob

Banks quoted me a price of over $1600 for the converter, $250 for the core charge, and if their guys did the install, almost $700 more! No pricing yet for the flexplate.

Ron

Wow. They quoted me much less for the converter.

What happened with the new Banks Billet converter comparison test? Is anyone running this converter?

wow 800 for labor everyone down here wants 1500 to 2000 and thats crazy I will do it my self before I get raped like that LOL