Banks Turbos in the Works
There is an overwhelming interest in the Banks turbo systems
you are working on. The V8 community is going crazy for the possibility of this getting to market for the late model Camaro/Firebirds and Corvettes. My question to you is, will the
system you are currently working on be adaptable to the newer vehicles with some modification? There is an enormous amount
of people who would want this system if it can be made to work or if it is being designed to fit these newer cars. Nobody
to this point (except Lingenfelter - way expensive) has developed a system, and you could easily have the entire market if
it will work or if it can be adapted to fit without too much modification. Please let me know at your convenience, because so
many owners of Tuned Port, LT1, and LS1 type engines are just chomping at the bit to get something so awesome as this would
be. - Terry D., via email
In the '60s I was too young and too poor to race, but I remember the Gale Banks story in all the Hot Rod magazines.
Unfortunately, I find myself no longer young, but also no longer poor. My mid-life crisis is in full bloom, and I am very
interested in street applications for a Banks turbo 350 Chevy. I know if Banks makes one it will be high quality and
reliable. What is the expected completion date for this project? I did a web search earlier this year and discovered your
web site. - Jack N., via email
Jack, I've been getting a ton of questions about our budding re-entry into the twin turbo V8 market. But I don't have any
hard or fast answers yet. Terry, we'd be foolish not to make our new systems fit late-model Camaros/Firebirds and
Corvettes. That's exactly what we did last time around, even offering completely prepped late-model (F-body) twin turboed
Camaros and Firebirds as rolling packages. And we have already spent considerable research and dyno time on a new LS1.
Gale is talking very large horsepower numbers, and we won't offer it until it's fully sourced, scienced, and tested. It
will be strong and it will be reliable. I'm sure it will be designed to fit late-model small-block GM platforms, without
modification. I wouldn't be surprised if a small-block Ford/Mustang application would follow. But don't ask me when. All I
can say is that we have begun research on the program. The engine we have on the dyno now is far from the finalized
package - it's just a beginning. So, like I said before, listen to Orson: there will be no Banks turbo before its time.
It'll be ready when it's right; and it'll be right when it's ready. (from 09/20/02)
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