Upgrades for mid 80s first gen Banks turbo?

Frstdiesel · May 13, 2019

My 6.9 rebuild is making slow progress but I'm getting there. It's going back standard as there was no wear on any components. I did stud the heads.
I had the injectors freshened up and pop pressure set.
I will send the IP off to get freshened up and set up for this turbo.

I would like to get close to 275-300 hp, I probably won't tow more than 10k, won't be a daily driver, just an occasional tow vehicle.
Manual 4 speed T19 with 3:54 rear gears.
What do y'all suggest as far as any upgrades to this turbo or will it be ok in stock form?
Thanks

Thewespaul · May 13, 2019

You could run it and just see how it does, but if I were to do any upgrades to a first gen like this it would be to a billet 60-1 wheel and upgraded thrust bearing. They already have the larger t350 turbine wheel that these engines really like, but have an even smaller compressor wheel than the factory turbos which use an H3 trim T04B. The first gen banks uses a 54/70 comp wheel and the 60-1 would be a 60/71.

Here’s the stock wheel:

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If you wanted to go a step further you could use a 62-1 like what I use in the ats 088 turbos that matches well with p trim turbine or t350 that’s getting leaned on:

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Frstdiesel · May 13, 2019

Thanks Wes.
If I run it like it is to see what it will do, what modifications will be needed for the IP?
Not sure if the original owner turned up the pump or not

Thewespaul · May 13, 2019

If you’re doing a rebuild, a 90cc spec would be a good match, if you want to just run the stock pump I would just play with the fuel screw and see how it does, you can adjust the guide stud or the minimax to get more response and higher governed rpm. I would set the timing around 8* but you can play with it and see what the engine likes. You should be able to use about all the fuel that pump will put out with that turbo given everything is tight and good shape.

Frstdiesel · May 13, 2019

Thanks Wes

nitroguy · Nov 24, 2020

Thewespaul said:
You could run it and just see how it does, but if I were to do any upgrades to a first gen like this it would be to a billet 60-1 wheel and upgraded thrust bearing. They already have the larger t350 turbine wheel that these engines really like, but have an even smaller compressor wheel than the factory turbos which use an H3 trim T04B. The first gen banks uses a 54/70 comp wheel and the 60-1 would be a 60/71.

Here’s the stock wheel:

You must be registered for see images attach

If you wanted to go a step further you could use a 62-1 like what I use in the ats 088 turbos that matches well with p trim turbine or t350 that’s getting leaned on:
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

@Thewespaul Can I ask a follow up here? I know it's from a year ago, but with my first gen banks I've got the same question as firstdiesel. After I finish tracking down that ticking and chugging noise (here) I will be looking at upgrading.
Because power.
I'm getting about 6psi currently, sealed the uppipe and no major leaks have shown themselves yet. What would the upgrade process and cost look like to upgrade to the 60-1 or 62-1 compressor wheel? Is that a diy job, or send it to you job?

Thanks!

chillman88 · Nov 25, 2020

nitroguy said:
What would the upgrade process and cost look like to upgrade to the 60-1 or 62-1 compressor wheel? Is that a diy job, or send it to you job?

I'm no professional in this regard but I'm almost certain a larger wheel requires milling the compressor housing to match, and I know the whole assembly "should" be balanced afterwards.

Is that a diy job? Depends on your capabilities but I'd typically say probably not LOL

Thewespaul · Nov 25, 2020

nitroguy said:
@Thewespaul Can I ask a follow up here? I know it's from a year ago, but with my first gen banks I've got the same question as firstdiesel. After I finish tracking down that ticking and chugging noise (here) I will be looking at upgrading.
Because power.
I'm getting about 6psi currently, sealed the uppipe and no major leaks have shown themselves yet. What would the upgrade process and cost look like to upgrade to the 60-1 or 62-1 compressor wheel? Is that a diy job, or send it to you job?

Thanks!

https://classicdieseldesigns.com/products/turbo-rebuilds-and-upgrades?variant=32753072504911
I would do the 61mm compressor wheel upgrade to go with your plans, about 6 psi sounds right from the stock turbo.

typ4 · Nov 25, 2020

I have a great torque cam and also turbo mods for all the available IDI turbos.
https://russrepair.com/

Upgrades for mid 80s first gen Banks turbo?

Frstdiesel

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Thewespaul

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Frstdiesel

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Thewespaul

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Frstdiesel

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nitroguy

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chillman88

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Thewespaul

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typ4

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