In today's computer age, everything we touch during our daily lives is related to or controlled by a computer. In your gas or diesel-powered truck and SUV, there are multiple computers keeping tabs on engine, tranny, and braking performance. It only makes sense in the search to squeeze out as much extra performance as possible to think about upgrading your truck's computer. Modern-day tuning can be done on-the-fly, and with Banks' newest iQ technology, changing your truck's performance potential is as simple as touching your digital display on the dashboard.
Banks' iQ features genuine PC functionality and downloadable software you can use inside and outside your vehicle. This powerful microcomputer lets you know the inner workings of your vehicle's ECU, allowing you to see what's beyond your dashboard gauges. You select what you want to see and how you want to see it and then the iQ allows you to set alarms, adjust gauge colors, read and clear codes, log data and find out how quick your vehicle goes from 0 to 60 mph. You'll find yourself using the host of useful built-in tools in your daily life, as you can listen to your favorite tunes, watch videos, play games, and review your Microsoft Office documents. Its PC power fits in the palm of your hand, and with a rechargeable battery, you can take it with you wherever you go.
To get full use of the Banks iQ, we also installed the Bands Six Gun tuner. The Banks Six Gun tuner added 140 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque to our '06 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel. The power increase can be enhanced on-the-fly without adding the typical diesel black smoke. Banks' Six Gun offers six distinct levels for ultimate versatility when you're towing, and higher levels that are suited for hauling the mail. The system tunes pulse-width, timing, and fuel pressure, while protecting torque converter clutch lockup. Stay tuned for future Banks upgrades like their speed brake, intake and exhaust systems.
The Banks iQ dashboard PC...
The Banks iQ dashboard PC features multiple engine data displays: boost, speed, RPM's, engine temp, oil pressure, fuel pressure and EGT's. You can read and clear engine codes, set engine condition alarms, clock 1/4-mile, 1/8-mile times, and 0-60 mph speeds. The iQ also allows you to listen to music, thumb through pictures, play video games, and plug in micro-SD cards, USB thumb drives, and more. Seen here with the iQ is the Banks Six Gun tuner that will add a truck-load of power and torque to our Chevy.
The factory Duramax 6.6L (LBZ)...
The factory Duramax 6.6L (LBZ) diesel, making a stout 360 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque was no slouch, but as always, we needed more and this truck was about to undergo a Banks Performance upgrade.
After disconnecting the negative...
After disconnecting the negative (ground) cable of the battery or batteries, the thermocouple that monitors the exhaust gases temperature entering the turbocharger at the turbine housing was inserted into the exhaust manifold located on the passenger side of the engine. With the exhaust manifold removed, a 7/16-inch hole was drilled 2 1/4 inches back from the exhaust manifold's exit flange. The hole was then tapped using a 1/4-inch NPT pipe tap. The thermocouple fitting was given a coat of antiseize compound and then carefully threaded into the exhaust manifold.
Banks installation technician...
Banks installation technician Joe then connected the Banks Power Tuner leads to the iQ leads.
The mass air flow (MAF) connector...
The mass air flow (MAF) connector located on the elbow of the air box cover was disconnected. The Six Gun Tuner MAF (female) connector was routed to the factory (male) MAF sensor and connected.
After disconnecting the 38-pin...
After disconnecting the 38-pin connector pair and the 24-pin gray factory connector pair, the Six Gun 38-pin male connector was connected to the female factory connector. The process was then repeated on the 24-pin connectors.
The fuse box cover was thoroughly...
The fuse box cover was thoroughly cleaned of any dust and grease, then the two-sided adhesive strips were applied to the backside of the Banks Six Gun Tuner case and placed firmly atop the fuse box cover.
Moving inside the cab, Joe...
Moving inside the cab, Joe inserted the Banks OBD-II interface connector to the GM OBD-II connector under the dash. The RJ12 connector (phone-like connector at one end of the PDA cable) was inserted into the iQ Bridge Module port.
The Banks OBD-II interface...
The Banks OBD-II interface connector was connected to the Banks iQ Bridge Module.