Project Update

[hceberha]

Well, it's been nearly a year since my last post. The 400 gas is long gone on eBay, and I finally found a great deal on a 7.3 IDI. I bought a U-Haul truck and the motor only had 45,000 miles on it. So now, I've got my motor.
Now for the question: I could use some advice on Turbos. Banks vs. others? Value for the money? Opinions are welcome. As always, thanks. The is by far the most helpful site I've found.

[aaklingler]

Your choices are Banks, ATS or Hypermax. Are you looking at new or used? ATS and Banks are similar turbos but the Banks is a complete kit, you can get your exhaust and gauges somewhere else if you want with ATS. ATS and Banks new turbos are wastegated and hypermax is non-wastegated. Hypermax is more of a over the road towing turbo. There are also non-weastegated Banks and ATS turbos around used and they'll work like the Hypermax. You can do some searching for more comparisions. Banks is the most expensive and i think hypermax is the cheapest and they are worth the money if you do enough towing.

[hesutton]

First you have to decide if you want a wastegated turbo or a non-wastegated turbo (Hypermax). ATS and Banks are the same price once you buy the crap you need to complete the ATS kit. I have the Banks kit for several reasons. First, it is the most complete system, down to the last nut and bolt (they even give you antiseize and silicone). Second I wanted a wastegated turbo (so that eliminated the Hypermax). Third, I the "sales" person at ATS was rude and I wasn't going to spend my cash with them. So..........Banks it was. The installation was not too bad (especially with just the engine and tranny on a naked frame ). Fourth, Banks actually gives dyno numbers for performace gain. Most think that the numbers are inflated, but ATS and Hypermax both say 50% increase in power. If you do the math, ATS and Hypermax's claims are more bloated than Banks (i.e. 50% increase in power is greater than the dyno number Banks gives). But, I've yet to see a dyno sheet showing this 50% increase. Anyway, that's my two cents.

Glad to hear from you again. Hope you project goes a little faster than mine has.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Heath

[DSBlack]

I have the ATS. From photos, the banks looks a little more user friendly for maintenance such as glow plugs and injectors.
the wastegate will give you quicker turbo response when taking off.

My .02

[hceberha]

I am probably going to go with a new one. I plan on keeping this truck for a very long time. I'm not too worried about the exhaust system. I doubt any company will stock an exhaust for a 79
As always, thanks for everyone's help. It is much appreciated.