A very wise man once said, "without information, you are just an opinion." So, when you say, " . . . but none of it makes a ounce of difference for power. Does it look cool, yea. but other than that, you can go half the price and achieve the same results with other companies . . . " you are not speaking from a position of knowledge, rather, an opinion. I respect your opinion; it is what makes the world go around. However, I don't agree . . . my opinion originating from a position of information. Please understand that I have experienced stock versus what I have now, and it is amazing. I can't speak to any other manufacturers; I won't even broach the subject. I only know that I vetted everyone and everything out there and this is where I landed. I am not loose with my money. It has to make sense. I spent it, you have to know that my research was conducted because I was going to spend, so it had to be right. Everyone else? It is true that they are cheaper: cheaper in cost, quality, and results. In the case of manifold versus manifold, the cost was marginally similar (yeah, you win, banks costed a little more). However, the Banks manifold package cost difference was the heater plate, and heater relocation coil. THAT is what made it cost more and the real reason I changed the intake. You have to know this to speak on the matter and Banks is the only one that offers it. I really wasn't after power gains, I just wanted to know that grid bolt was not going to take out my engine. Problem solved. The power gains, well . . . that was an added bonus. The fuel economy and basic seat of pants feel when I take off is a night and day difference. I am getting 12-13 mpg . . . towing my 13,500-pound fifth wheel. I already mentioned in another post what I am getting mpg city/highway. If you sat next to me as I hammer the throttle . . . if you use cuss words, you would cuss.
Engine sound . . . cold air . . . errrrr. Um, there is an audible turbo whine that is apparent in ALL cold airs. Mine is no different. I have ridden in 8 different Rams with various stages of modification from totally stock to full delete. Those who ride in my truck ask how much my delete package costed me and where I got it done. They are surprised to learn that I haven't deleted it, and there isn't a tune on it. The sound the engine makes is due to the increase air going through the system. If the manifold is the bottleneck and stock manifolds are, you will not hear it in your truck. Hell, one of the aftermarket intakes out there flows less than stock!! So, no matter what type of cold air you have, if you can't use more air, the installation of one is a waste of money. My Monster Ram is right in front of me, I hear it roar when I open it up because I flow 80% or so more air than stock. You can be a naysayer and one of the "half price, does the same thing," opinion. However, until you feel it, you are on the outside looking in. Oh, and by the way, I have driven in places that goats wouldn't walk . . . rain, water, snow, sleet, mud halfway up the tires . . . and no water, mud or anything in my cold air. I guess those guys at Banks have their head screwed on straight. Another myth dispelled.
I really don't need to justify anything to anyone. "Poor financial decisions" that is another opinion. In my opinion, I have spent well. By the way, 2k is chump change when spread out over a few years . . . and I'd venture to say it was a bit more than that. I don't go for name brands, the most expensive, or do anything on the cheap. Rather, I want what is cost effective and does what is promised. Lastly, I go for those outfits that stand behind their product and back it up with a customer service team that is second to none. They helped me help others on this site. It is their insight and knowledge that is worth the money spent. Look at the research and put your one-sided views aside (since it is all about cost) and see why Banks got a multi-million-dollar contract with the US Government to provide them with Banks built diesel engines. I'll go out on a limb and offer that it wasn't because they engineer crap . . . or that their stuff doesn't perform as promised. I'll be honest, I didn't know what I was getting when I ordered the cold air and boost tubes (the first purchase). Just those two items I saw improvement. Nothing that wowed me but improvement, nonetheless. When I added the exhaust and manifold, HOLY crap!! it woke up the sleeping beast. I added the pedal monster, and I am content to wait as long as it takes on the derringer. With the iDash interface, it is all plug and play. No burning the ECM, complete installation within a few minutes and reversible just as fast. No evidence of installation. No scanner will ever know it was there.
I'll agree that Banks stuff costs more. A little bit. It is heads above anything that is out there though . . . and yeah, that is an opinion too.
cheers,
g
OK, so their parts are expensive! There are plenty other options....OK, so they might not perform as well in people's DIY testing setup...There are plenty of other options! Never seen so much hate for a company's products. I like everything I've purchased and also not an employee.
