Jason99T/A

iTrader: (21)

We installed the new Gale Banks catback on a customer's car this afternoon and were able to make some dyno runs afterwards. The system was built for a '96-'97 LT1 car, but you can adapt them to fit the LS1 with a few slight modifications (exhaust hanger, intermediate pipe,etc.). Banks will have their LS1 version out pretty soon.

Here were a few quick pictures taken after the dyno runs:

Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Pic 4
Pic 5

The test car was a 2000 Trans Am (6speed). The vehicle had a Whisper lid, Thunder Racing ported MAF ends, and a cutout previously installed. The car pulled 318rwhp/331rwtq through the stock exhaust and 332rwhp/340rwtq with the cutout open.

After finishing the catback install, we strapped it back down on the dyno. The car pulled 331rwhp/340rwtq with the new Gale Banks catback! This is an 13rwhp/8rwtq gain over the stock exhaust.

Here are the dyno graphs:

Banks catback vs stock exhaust
Banks exhaust (blue) vs. cutout open (red)

Pricing isn't set in stone yet, but expect it to retail around $350-$400. It sounds very deep through the stock cats and is comparable to the ATR/Random Tech catback in terms of sound.

As I said above, they are working on the LS1 specific system now. This should be ready in the next month or two.

Thunder Racing will be a dealer for these catbacks.

Jason

<small>[ April 18, 2002, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: Jason99T/A ]</small>

guadofreak

iTrader: (1)

is it just me or is that muffler HUGE?!?! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

The tips look kinda dinky to me though <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> but to eash his own. Looks to be a good price and also looks to have a good gain over the stock systems. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Any more info on this company?

Jason99T/A

iTrader: (21)

http://www.bankspower.com/

Gale Banks has been around for a long time and is one of the most respected names in turbo diesel performance.

BillC99SS

Back in the 80's Gale Banks was into high performance AUTOMOBILE exhausts ... I have his system (2OTL type) on my 88 Formula and it sounds great. It runs from the exhaust MANIFOLDS to the factory cat/cats and from the cats out the rear with all mandrel bends, so it was much more that a "Catback".

Sometime in the 90's he shifted over to Motor Home and RV/Truck exhaust systems (guess Gale just got older).

It's nice that he's coming back around to cars again.

Bill

<small>[ April 19, 2002, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: BillC99SS ]</small>

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

Gale Banks used to make very high power marine engines too. Don't know if they still do.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

I remember Gale Banks cars from Hot Rod magazines in the 80s. They had some cool turbo salt flat racers.

Tony

subzero

those are good #'s!...we got 15rhwp on mine,so pretty similar...mine has the new style tips on it though...,but i am sure the rest of the system is basically the same!..all of the new systems will have the dual round tips with two on each side..,and they do looke nice!..this system has an awesome sound to it,throaty at idle and cruise,and roars under acelleration...i definately recommend this system to anyone who is thinking about a new system ,and is still on the fence about it.Banks told me it should be in full production in about 1-2 weeks ,and will retail about $500....so,at that price for a stainless system,you just can't go wrong... <img border="0" alt="[hail]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" />

LEO

iTrader: (3)

That's a pretty good looking exhaust and seems to be making quite a bit of power - what's not to like? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />