Bankspower - Diesel Performance Specialists

6.2L Sidewinder system

2011-03-09

A Surplus 6.2L Blazer Gets a Banks Sidewinder Turbo Kit in Diesel World

When someone says ‘turbo’, the name Banks is usually not far behind. When you’re the first to do something, people remember your name. Gale Banks was a true pioneer in the diesel performance aftermarket we all enjoy today. Much of his personal and business success can be traced back to being the first to truly address the lack of power in the 6.2L.

Believe it or not, Banks still offers their Chevy Sidewinder kit for the 6.2L and told us it would be almost a drop in for the military K5. So I ordered up the needed Banks Turbo kit,  Read through the instructions (several times), and called the Bank’s tech line with some questions. I also double checked the parts list & tools list, gathered up what was needed, along with some confidence, and proceeded to get started.

The kit comes complete, and we mean complete with everything to turn the non-turbo 6.2L into a turbocharged diesel. The kit includes a new exhaust manifold and exhaust system, a new air intake and high-flow air filter, and all the necessary hardware to make the conversion a bolt-on deal. The installation was a straight forward process although there are always issues when working on an older ride (factory bolts break during disassembly, taps are needed in the most hard to reach areas, radiator drain breaks, missed supper again, etc.). However, the end results was a much more powered vehicle with the added modern technology of turbo charging.

If you’re in the market for an entry level diesel truck, and don’t have a lot of money to spend, consider one of these military beauties. Plus, the Banks Sidewinder kit adds a lot of power and driveability to make the experience that much more fun.

Read the full article
at dieselworld.com »

Sidewinder Turbo Systems

2012-05-10

"The difference in performance created by the new Banks system was like night and day."
—Trailer Life magazine

"The new Banks Sidewinder system makes the truck go like gangbusters. Turbo lag is almost non-existent."
—Off-Road magazine

"The turbo increases performance without suffering any mileage penalty for its newfound power."
—Four Wheeler magazine 

"The Banks turbo unit provides almost instant throttle response, with no lag, so your diesel feels more like a big-block gas engine than an oil burner. What did the increased airflow do to engine operation? By taking temperature readings while climbing a 4% grade, we found that the turbo motor wasn't working as hard as the naturally aspirated diesel. We recorded a decrease in exhaust temperatures of 13%, a decrease in engine oil temperature of 7%, and a reduction of transmission fluid temperature of 12%. It almost sounds too good to be true: increased engine performance with a corresponding increase in efficiency and a decrease in engine wear."
—Sport Truck magazine