I've just installed the whole Banks package on my 2003 Dmax, anyone have a proven method of getting the best adjustment of the Big Head actuator?

I've just installed the whole Banks package on my 2003 Dmax, anyone have a proven method of getting the best adjustment of the Big Head actuator?





Here is a link.


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1409&PN=1

Thanks for the reply.......I'm confused about: "This info is based loosely on readings Nick and I obtained after following the Banks instructions perfectly (9 turns on turnbuckle after sitting actuator flush). " My Banks instructions say "5 Turns" any ideas which is correct?

I'm at 12 turns right now for 31 psi. Every truck is going to be a little different. In reality you need a boost guage to help you dial it in. Then it depends on whether you monitor it at the wastegate line with a simple "T" fitting (Where I am at) or at the manifold, which is after the intercooler and just before it goes into the engine. (Requires drilling and tapping) There are losses/restrictions in the plumbing so you will see a smaller boost reading at the manifold post intercooler.

I just installed mine today at 8 turns in. Took it for a test drive, and it would hit 38psihttp://dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif. Looks like I am going to have some adjusting to do myself.


It sure felt great though. Too bad I can't keep it that high. It felt like the first 12sec run ever for my Duramax. I've been there and better in several past vehicles, so I know what it feels like, but to do it in a 7000lb truck is just sick.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifEdited by: Amric

I've just installed the whole Banks package on my 2003 Dmax, anyone have a proven method of getting the best adjustment of the Big Head actuator?





Here is a link.


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1409&PN=1








Ok, I just finished reading that entire thread, and they never said HOW to adjust. I'm guessing I'm going to have to remove the coolant line, and both bolts again just to make a simple adjustment. Is that correct?


And if anyone knows, what is the maximum safe boost? Even though I hit 38psi each time I tested it, it would only get that high in 5th gear, and then only for a second. The rest of the time, it held a solid 35psi. What spike PSI is everyone else setting theres to?

I don't recommend anything above 30 psi for safety. Most of the turbo failures have all occurred at or above 32 psi. This is one of those subjects that everyone has a different opinion on so do what you feel is best.

Same way you installed it. Just pneumatically extend it and unhook it, then flip the lever back for clearance to rotate end.





Looks like the heat shield will need to be moved...

I don't recommend anything above 30 psi for safety. Most of the turbo failures have all occurred at or above 32 psi. This is one of those subjects that everyone has a different opinion on so do what you feel is best.


Just so I'm clear. In your opinion, 30 psi...post intercooler?

so now i am curious. my boost is at i think 23 i do have the banks six gun and speed tuner with of course the 4" exhaust. i thought my boost was good but people are saying i can turn it up to 30. is this according to my boost gauge that came with my banks kit and installed with their directions? as i dont even no how my boost gauge works. i no the egt is in the passenger side manifold. and i hav also heard of too high of rpm for a turbos is this correct? thanks for any replies.

In order to reach higher boost, you must already be pushing enough fuel to drive the exhaust side of the turbo. You also won't gain any added power unless you are not currently burning 100% of the fuel being put in. If you see black smoke coming out of the exhaust during a WOT run, then you would most likely gain some HP by adjusting your wastegate. I'm not just talking about black smoke when you first launch, and the turbo hasn't yet come on boost. I'm talking about black smoke during most or all of the run, when you are already seeing your current maximum boost.

i am using edge boost gauge not sure where its plumb into but the max boost i can get is 25.6 my banks wastegate is so maxed on the turns its funny because when i hit it with air it bairly move but my exaust bairlys smokes and my boost stays in high 20s quite alot so i dont know if somethings wrong but i still like it

sweetdiesel, the Edge Attitude will only display boost pressures up to that point, so you may be making boost pressures much higher than that. Get another guage to check it before you fail the turbo.

gsxrturbo1, you mean that you can be pushing more that 25.6 but that is all the Edge will show!!! Is there any up grade for edge to get it to register higher?

blowin smoke: The Attitude takes its reading from the ECM dataflow. The ECM stops counting after that. A separate gauge is needed for readings above that.

Just Finished Installing 6 Gun/speedloader Big Head & 4"exhaust On My Truck Super Easy Install Too By The Way Took For Test Run Before I Put In Big Head & Had 22psi Boost W/ Factory Actuator. Woke Up Next Day & Put Big Head In Only Turned It 4 Turns & Am Running 20 Now. Light Smoke But Still Not To Bad Will Take Apart & Give 1 R 2 More For Sure...power Is Awesome Cant Imagine How This Is Going To Pull Trailer Now