6.4L Upgrades and Aftermarket - EngineUpgrading or adding OEM or aftermarket equipment to your 2008-Up Super Duty truck with 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine. Please confine discussion of topics in this forum to those items that are specific to the 6.4L Power Stroke engine.
I'm new to the site and its been a great asset with this being my first personal diesel pickup. The reviews and info have been great and interesting to read. I only have 7500 miles so far and I'm on the fence if I want to do anything to it. I along with other I'm sure would appreciate it if some of you would put up some reviews after you've had them for a month or longer and those with problems how it plays out. I really like the sound of the decent but not extreme relatively safe HP increase and that it leaves the emissions stock. I don't mind if there is no major if any MPG increase as long as there isn't a loss. Mine is a 08 Job3 F250 XLT CC 4x4 with 3:55 and getting hand calculated over 3/4tanks between 15.5 and 16.5 this summer and was getting 12.5 to 13.5 this winter which is as good or better then my 07F150 I had before.
Last edited by ndmtnsledder; 05-10-2009 at 11:16 PM.
Just to clarify, my comments regarding the shut-off subject are mainly aimed to those that already have the Six-Gun. I want to give to and receive feedbacks from them in order to know or enhance the product (if needed). In addition Bankspower is an active participant in this forum and his feedbacks are appreciated. I personally don’t have doubts that this product will not hurt my truck; it is not an aggressive tuner. If something is wrong, by design it goes to a bypass mode to leave the stock program to do what has to do. Even the DPF regeneration cycle is performed automatically at Level 1 (stock), after it, the Six-Gun returns to the pre-selected level.
I am really happy with the product and although had the shut-off situation (two times) this has not happened again. As per Banks recommendations (always accessible and willing to troubleshoot and help), the only that I did was to verify the plugs connections, I revised them for bend or depressed pins which were not found. Then did some friction between the respective female and male plugs, this to assure a good contact between all the terminals. By now the truck is working great, I have been monitoring EGT and ENG temperatures, Boost Pressure, etc., and have been consistently well. I am beginning to think that was just that, a weak contact.
I do not pretend to use my truck as a sport car, but now when it isn’t loaded or towing, it feels unrestrained, the 80 HP at Level 5 make a noticeable difference. After experience the extra HP, for me is almost impossible to use my truck without the tuner. But when need it to work hard I just set the suitable power level (1-4) and go, no downloading or waiting, the Six-Gun give me that flexibility. In the other hand, when need additional response to pass (for example at the highway) I just select “on the fly” until level 6 and that’s it.
__________________ 2008 F250 FX4, CC, SRW, SWB, 6.4L Diesel
Two tone paint. Oxford White w/Dark Shadow Grey lower accent.
20" Forged polished-aluminum wheels, ESOF, Stabilizer Package, TowCommand system
Gear Box Z DPF-R+, DPF Delete, EGR Blocking, MBRP Intercooler Tube, Power Stroke Connection CCV System,
Banks RamAir Intake, Banks Monster Exhaust Dual-Tip, Banks SixGun w/PDA
Last edited by Caribe_Pick_up; 05-11-2009 at 02:28 PM.
Just to clarify, my comments regarding the shut-off subject are mainly aimed to those that already have the Six-Gun. I want to give to and receive feedbacks from them in order to know or enhance the product (if needed). In addition Bankspower is an active participant in this forum and his feedbacks are appreciated. I personally don’t have doubts that this product will not hurt my truck; it is not an aggressive tuner. If something is wrong, by design it goes to a bypass mode to leave the stock program to do what has to do. Even the DPF regeneration cycle is performed automatically at Level 1 (stock), after it, the Six-Gun returns to the pre-selected level.
I am really happy with the product and although had the shut-off situation (two times) this has not happened again. As per Banks recommendations (always accessible and willing to troubleshoot and help), the only that I did was to verify the plugs connections, I revised them for bend or depressed pins which were not found. Then did some friction between the respective female and male plugs, this to assure a good contact between all the terminals. By now the truck is working great, I have been monitoring EGT and ENG temperatures, Boost Pressure, etc., and have been consistently well. I am beginning to think that was just that, a weak contact.
I do not pretend to use my truck as a sport car, but now when it isn’t loaded or towing, it feels unrestrained, the 80 HP at Level 5 make a noticeable difference. After experience the extra HP, for me is almost impossible to use my truck without the tuner. But when need it to work hard I just set the suitable power level (1-4) and go, no downloading or waiting, the Six-Gun give me that flexibility. In the other hand, when need additional response to pass (for example at the highway) I just select “on the fly” until level 6 and that’s it.
I will second that. The only thing i cant get a clear understanding of is the shift on the fly part. It clearly says in the manuel if you go down to say "3" and the transmission relearns you will have to go through the 0-60 relearn to get back to "6". This unless a misprint is exactly what the book says. This is not shift-on-the -fly in my opinion. i pulled my 20' boat this weekend on level 6 and it handled it well but it told me to drain the fuel filter and i opened it and there was no water in it. I also had it die on me again this A.M.
__________________
08 F-250 Lariat 4x4 CC White
Banks six gun, Air Raid ,
I will second that. The only thing i cant get a clear understanding of is the shift on the fly part. It clearly says in the manuel if you go down to say "3" and the transmission relearns you will have to go through the 0-60 relearn to get back to "6". This unless a misprint is exactly what the book says. This is not shift-on-the -fly in my opinion. i pulled my 20' boat this weekend on level 6 and it handled it well but it told me to drain the fuel filter and i opened it and there was no water in it. I also had it die on me again this A.M.
About the transmision learning, the same was noticed by me some time ago. Please read postings between #162 and #183, #173 contains bankspower's answer.
By the way, level 6 isn’t adequate for pulling. Suitable levels for pulling are 1-4 depending on the EGT. Level 5 is suitable for day to day driving for an unloaded truck, this based on emissions soot (same as stock). Level 6 (also unsuitable for pulling) has more power but with higher soot compared with the stock levels. Level 5 and 6, in addition could force the transmission over acceptable torque levels if pulling.
__________________ 2008 F250 FX4, CC, SRW, SWB, 6.4L Diesel
Two tone paint. Oxford White w/Dark Shadow Grey lower accent.
20" Forged polished-aluminum wheels, ESOF, Stabilizer Package, TowCommand system
Gear Box Z DPF-R+, DPF Delete, EGR Blocking, MBRP Intercooler Tube, Power Stroke Connection CCV System,
Banks RamAir Intake, Banks Monster Exhaust Dual-Tip, Banks SixGun w/PDA
About the transmision learning, the same was noticed by me some time ago. Please read postings between #162 and #183, #173 contains bankspower's answer.
By the way, level 6 isn’t adequate for pulling. Suitable levels for pulling are 1-4 depending on the EGT. Level 5 is suitable for day to day driving for an unloaded truck, this based on emissions soot (same as stock). Level 6 (also unsuitable for pulling) has more power but with higher soot compared with the stock levels. Level 5 and 6, in addition could force the transmission over acceptable torque levels if pulling.
There are guys pulling with the Spartan 275 and are having no problems.
It depends on how much throttle you are using.
__________________
08 F-250 Lariat 4x4 CC White
Banks six gun, Air Raid ,
... I received the new SixGun last week, finally had it installed today by my friend the diesel mech from the local Ford Dealership, and . . . turned the key - nope. It would not start. The "wrench" symbol from the last dead truck appeared once again and this time it wouldn't even start. Took the SixGun off, started right up.
I removed myself from the equation of the install just to make sure that it wasn't me that was the issue and had someone who is really really familiar with the truck doing the install and the result was the same only quicker. I feel like there is something really obvious that we are missing, but I can't see what it could be. We both installed it line by line as instructed.
This is real bummer for me. I *want* this thing to work. I have invested months of investigation and research and a few weeks of install, de-install, complaining to Banks, re-installing...
I don't know what the problem is at this point. I am going to call the Banks install help line tomorrow and give them one last chance to walk me through the install and then I am done. I'm trying to get this thing to work for me, but so far, it's not happening.
__________________ 2008 F350, King Ranch, 6.4L
Last edited by AIRDOG1138; 05-13-2009 at 12:26 AM.
... I received the new SixGun last week, finally had it installed today by my friend the diesel mech from the local Ford Dealership, and . . . turned the key - nope. It would not start. The "wrench" symbol from the last dead truck appeared once again and this time it wouldn't even start. Took the SixGun off, started right up.
I removed myself from the equation of the install just to make sure that it wasn't me that was the issue and had someone who is really really familiar with the truck doing the install and the result was the same only quicker. I feel like there is something really obvious that we are missing, but I can't see what it could be. We both installed it line by line as instructed.
This is real bummer for me. I *want* this thing to work. I have invested months of investigation and research and a few weeks of install, de-install, complaining to Banks, re-installing...
I don't know what the problem is at this point. I am going to call the Banks install help line tomorrow and give them one last chance to walk me through the install and then I am done. I'm trying to get this thing to work for me, but so far, it's not happening.
Airdog, are you running the PDA version or the 6 position switch? There's so few connections that it's tough to do it wrong... "???" I'd be curious to see what Banks has to say.
I haven't had another problem (knock, knock) since that single shut down a couple of weeks ago! Weird...
__________________
Regards... Jim D
'08 F250XLT Super Duty 4X4 Powerstroke
Intake, Tuning and Exhaust... Back to Banks! Suspension/Drivetrain by WC Motorsports
Jim, I had the switch version, and then, due to the issues I had, the Banks people hooked me up with the PDA version at no extra charge, which was really nice of them. What you said is so true. There isn't that much that you can screw up. The install is very simple. Or so it seems. You plug in the PCM module to the truck. As you are looking at the firewall, steering wheel on your right there are 2 modules on the back firewall. I have been unplugging the one on the right and plugging that into the Banks and then plugging the other module into the truck. There is a turbo actuator device that replaces the factory turbo actuator, which in turn plugs into the Banks cord/plug. Then there are 2 pieces that plug into the SixGun module itself. At that point you run the lines into the truck through the rubber grommet and plug one of the three ends into the switch or pda, the other two go to optional devices and are not used. (one is for the PDA, one is for the switch, and one is for dash gauges that are optional and not included) The PDA device has an additional piece, with two plugs, that plugs into the port under the dash and then plugs into the PDA device. (one is the power for the PDA and one is a phone jack looking plug that hooks into the PDA holder) At that point you walk the PDA through the download process from the little chip that is sent, and you are ready to go.
Did you remove the negative terminal of both batteries before begins the installation? Are you connecting both, the selector switch and the PowerPDA at the same time? Did you check the in-line fuse that is in the PCM hardness? Finally, verify if the hardness’ and module’s plugs pins are not depressed or bended.
The aforementioned questions are the only that come to my mind because is almost impossible to interchange the hardness plugs that goes to the Six-Gun module. The other plugs (PCM, Turbo, PowerPDA, Selector Switch, and Dynafact Gauges) are in fact impossible to be wrong connected.
__________________ 2008 F250 FX4, CC, SRW, SWB, 6.4L Diesel
Two tone paint. Oxford White w/Dark Shadow Grey lower accent.
20" Forged polished-aluminum wheels, ESOF, Stabilizer Package, TowCommand system
Gear Box Z DPF-R+, DPF Delete, EGR Blocking, MBRP Intercooler Tube, Power Stroke Connection CCV System,
Banks RamAir Intake, Banks Monster Exhaust Dual-Tip, Banks SixGun w/PDA
Last edited by Caribe_Pick_up; 05-13-2009 at 01:34 PM.
Is the PCM showing any codes when people with the Six Gun experience the random shutoff? I just wonder if some kind of fault is shutting things down or if an electrical condition is just killing power...
Is the PCM showing any codes when people with the Six Gun experience the random shutoff? I just wonder if some kind of fault is shutting things down or if an electrical condition is just killing power...
I have an Actron Code Reader and I keep it in the truck just because of the testing, etc. we've been doing. Mine has only done the "Shut Off thing" once but there were no codes - it's like it never happened as far as the PCM is concerned! ???
__________________
Regards... Jim D
'08 F250XLT Super Duty 4X4 Powerstroke
Intake, Tuning and Exhaust... Back to Banks! Suspension/Drivetrain by WC Motorsports
(To all the questions about, "Did you disconnect the negative battery and did you..." YES. I did all those things. FYI)
Here's the scoop. Y'all without sin can cast the first stones.
I called the Banks Install Helpline today. Got a nice guy (They're all nice) named Jim. Jim at length said that they had no idea why my truck would not start and also no idea why the truck would go into "limp home" mode after removing the SixGun. Their only recourse was to have me ship the stuff back to them and let them test it to see what was happening.
Meanwhile back at the dealership - One of the lead Diesel mechanics that I know (not my aforementioned diesel tech friend, but a higher-up-the-food-chain-guy) started chatting me up about the troubles I have been having. This guy has a 7.3 with a double stack of chips (1 Bully dog and 1 SuperChip) and runs old tranny fluid for fuel. (No kidding. For 3 years now he has been using nothing but old tranny fluid for fuel and other than really big holes in the ozone he has no troubles) Point being that he is "Ford Proud" and likes powering up these trucks and wanted to get to the bottom of my issue. So he said I needed to hook up the Banks stuff again and he'd throw his monitoring devices all over the truck and figure out what was going on.
He goes to get his gear and I start re-assembling the Banks stuff. As I was putting it all back on I noticed that the factory male PCM plug that goes into the female Banks plug looked like it could go on either way, right side up or upside down. That made no sense to me because everything else can only go on the right way. The parts are shaped so that you can't screw up and plug things in backwards. But this plug looked like you could. So I tried it both ways and IT DID FIT BOTH WAYS!!! So I called the install helpline again and asked which way it goes on. There isn't a pic in the manual nor does it say anything other than "Plug in the male end to the female end, etc..." The tech said that it can only go on one way, but I said "Look, bro. I got it in my hand right now and it just as easily goes on this way or the opposite way. The pins all line up and the shape is the same either way." I get put on hold, he comes back and describes the way the wires look and the white O' Rings on one side look and says, "Plug that side into this side". I do it.
I say a quick prayer.
I put the key into the ignition.
I tremble.
I say yet another prayer.
I turn the key.
It starts up immediately and it runs like a champ.
I ran the thing through the tranny learning curve and drove it around for about an hour to make sure it was working and there have been zero issue since then. I called my sales rep Caesar and suggested a rewrite of the install manual with a picture for future printings.
Here's what I will say for Banks. Through this entire process everyone at Banks has been 1000000000000% professional and super cool to me. Caesar was perfect. If not for that guy and his attitude I would have dropped Banks like a bad habit. I was so frustrated that if he had even given me a little bit of attitude I would have been gone faster than my 401k and my first wife. They also took care of me with the PDA hookup which was super nice of them. I am at this point VERY happy with the performance I am getting from the SIXGUN. The power increase at level 4 is very noticeable and unlike what some other have reported I have notice a 2 mpg gain right off the bat.
I drive the same route home from the dealership everyday and I play a little game to see how high I can get my MPG's. I drive 60 mph and when I am going downhill at speed I drop it into neutral to get a little extra something. (Yes. I am very ADD and I get bored easily. Trying to get my MPG higher everyday helps me get home without freaking about the heavy traffic) I have been consistently getting between 15.1 and 15.4 mpg everyday for months doing this. This on a major strip of highway with traffic for about 10 miles. Same route every day. Today with the SixGun on level 4 I pulled into the driveway at 18.1 mpg. You can say what you want about the lie-o-meter but that is still a 2-2.5 mpg gain. I am a measuring freak so I will keep tracking the data, but so far I have to say this thing is rocking me.
What I would like to suggest to Banks is that anyone who buys this product for a 6.4l Ford in the future - tell them to call before they install it. I'll come over and walk them through the install. I have done it so many times now and read the manual so many times that I have to be an expert on what to do and what to avoid.
At any rate - I feel like I am running a Banks Blog at this point - I am happy with the product so far and have seen immediate gains in HP and MPG. The install drove me crazy, but hopefully that's in the rear view mirror and happy trails are dead ahead.
Shalom y'all.
__________________ 2008 F350, King Ranch, 6.4L
Last edited by AIRDOG1138; 05-14-2009 at 12:58 AM.
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2008 F250 FX4, CC, SRW, SWB, 6.4L Diesel
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