Thoughts on Banks Big Head? - Diesel Forum

Jgravel · 10-22-2012, 08:10 PM

Im considering installing the Banks Big Head waste gate accuator on my 99 PSD. Just wondering if anyone is using this product and if they would recommend it. Will it put any extra stress on motor, or is this a fairly safe product? Thanks for any opinions.

redrocker · 10-23-2012, 10:06 AM

I put one on when I put on my ATS compressor housing
about 5 yrs ago works great the big head has a stronger spring in it

Jgravel · 11-02-2012, 06:22 PM

So not too many using the Banks huh? Today I heard of the turbo master waste gate accuator. This Idea seems better than the Banks system. Does anyone have ant opinions on the Turbo Master? I do not have a boost gage, so would I be able to properly set this system up? Is there a way to rig up a preasure gage to measure boost to set up the Turbo Master? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Montgomery P-Stroke · 11-03-2012, 06:09 PM

I've been running a Banks for the past 3 years. Don't see any reason not to buy one compared to running a stock one.

Machiner1 · 11-12-2012, 08:15 PM

I looke at buying the Big Head, and decided to just disconnect the stock wastegate acuator and plug the pressure feed lines going to it. Who needs a wastegate anyway?

Jgravel · 11-13-2012, 03:53 AM

what kind of boost preasure are you seeing? Did you notice any improvement? What are the dangers, of to high of boost preasure?

Machiner1 · 11-13-2012, 08:31 AM

I top out at 32psi. I did a lot of things at the same time, so I dont know how much disconnecting the wategate affected things. If I was making over 40psi, I would probably worry about too much boost, but the 7.3 has got a pretty serious lockdown on the head gasket. The danger of too much boost, is that all of the cavities trying to contain that pressure (boost) have to be able to withstand it. One of the most typical places for this pressure to escape on a diesel is the head gasket.

**Jacob@DP-Tuner** · 11-13-2012, 10:29 AM

Remember your fueling and tuning can play a large role in overall boost as well. A truck with stock injectors and stock programming won't make as much boost as a modified truck will.

BTBBT · 12-18-2012, 01:30 PM

I've been running my stock actuator unplugged for a while now. It helps, but I can hit the 34psi "safe level" on a stock bushing GT38 turbo very quickly and then have to back off. I'm starting to think I didn't catch myself quick enough too many times because the center rotating assembly is now stiff to rotate. The DieselSite unit, TurboMaster, I just purchased and based on theory will recommend every time. You need to make sure you aren't prematurely destroying your turbo. Use every bit of boost you can, till you shouldn't. Only the TurboMaster does this. I will see how it works once I get it.

xfordtdm · 12-20-2012, 11:04 AM

I ran one for the last seventy thousand miles on my truck. I adjusted it to four turns on the turn buckle as instructed by Dennis at ITP. It increased my boost from the stock 15-18 to just over 20 PSI. When I added a DP Tuner it boosted anywhere between 25-30 PSI. This is tough on a stock turbo. Just two weeks ago the turbo gave up and I upgraded it to the Garrett Ball Bearing GT38. Currently I have 168,000 miles on my truck

I plan on selling my used Big Head on Ebay with no reserve.