During discussion of building a wooden platform on which to mount boost and EGT gauges that occurred a few weeks ago, I mentioned that on the older ('92) dashes there was room to install them on the dash itself. I finally got around to taking a couple pictures of the way it turned out in the Hayfever Express. You will notice that there appears to be enough room to install an EGT gauge in the lower right of the dash. Here they are.
Don, That looks great, nice job. I wonder what boost pressure max. readings you have seen ? Just wondering.
Dave:
On steep climbs it will reach 22 psi and a couple of times I have observed 24 psi. Nothng higher than that. I am thinking that when my muffler (original) finally gives out, I will replace it with a resonator. Perhaps I will get a few more pounds of boost from that.
Don, For sure, I know on my coach that made a big difference, as it also has on others. No rush but when it is done, you will wonder why you put it off.
Wonder if James ever got his Prevost to the Detroit shop for the computer upgrade on the hp, so the foot throttle is the same as the cruise control. ?
A banks kit will take a C8.3 to about 28 psi routinely. As long as the cooler is good.
Looks like there is room on the other side for EGT too. Here is the way our EGT and Boost indicators are now... not that great but usable.
Craig
Is the boost pressure on the VMSpc in PSI or "mercury.
Bill, It is in PSI
I finally mounted my gauges up where I can see them. I drove about 200 miles to NAC yesterday.
At 65 mph on level to slight grades: EGT 750F +- 150. Boost 16 psi +-4.
Engine is C8.3 325 w/Banks Stinger.
The highest boost I saw was 26 psi.
Highest EGT was around 1100F.
In mountains, I have seen EGT approach 1300F. We back off the throttle when EGT gets there. I haven't watched the boost in mountains. I'll get a better look with the gauges up where I can see them easily.
I have had 34 on boost climbing a good grade (5 or 6%) and the EGR used to be 1200 now with resonator it is usually around 1100, and this is with around 60% load weight. This baby just wants to go and the Banks makes it happen.
John in the sun of Mexico.
On my ISM I just did the resonator and wow is all I can say. I picked up at least three more pounds of boost and broke 30PSI for the first time and I had more on the ground power too. I did not slow down like I used to on the big hill on I81, It slowed me over the last few years to 55 but I kept a range of 69-72 mph on it with a bit over 30 PSI boost. No EGT yet that will be next.
John S, that EGR is an important item now you can move. You have to watch the ex temps but luckily my Banks Stinger monitors that and will pull back if it goes to over 1200. Now it does notget to 1200 but did before the resonator.. Welcome to the Resonator Club!!!
John H
It just occurred to me that since I have Banks gauges (EGT and Boost) then it's possible I have an upgraded exhaust resonator as well. I probably should go through the paperwork (daunting task!). Do the two go together?
Edit: Well, I went to the Banks website (duh!) and all I have to do is look at the engine to see if it has a different manifold. If it does then I have the "PowerPack" and if not I have the "Stinger". This looks like a nice upgrade package that I had no idea was extra (like the retarder).
But it doesn't necessarily mean I have a resonator. I'll have to do more research. Maybe I should change out of my Spongebob jammies. :P
Craig
When one changes to the resonator, and the boost increases, is that putting too much strain on other original parts of the drive train? For example, does the Allison transmission 4000 that comes with the ISM then have a potential problem when we are increasing the boost? This is a 2001 ISM, if that matters.
Mike, That is the very first thing the Cummins guys needed to know, so I called the Allison shop, gave them the numbers from the 4000, and the answer was to not worry with the 1550 ft lb rated engine.
Cummins was not interested until I had the transmission answer. They have had issues with both auto and manual transmissions when then upped the HP/Tprque above the gear box abilities it appears.
Good luck and enjoy like the rest of us who made the change on the ISM engine.
Craig, you are right to think that just because you have the Banks then it does not mean you have the res' change as they do not automatically go together as a package. If you have the P Pack your hp is increased around 50% more than what the Stinger will do. Check that the banks is actually working(if you have the Ottomind module it has an indicator light by connections when key is on. Mine was not when I got the coach and I was told it was, but a simple fuse problem fixed it and then I saw a big difference in power. The problem with having the Banks for me is, when it was not working on our way down south on this trip, even though the engine was doing fine, I felt like I had a 100hp unit and not the 350 as I have become so used to the zip and power it really does have.
John
Craig, when I was considering the Banks system for my 93, U225 I was told by both Banks and Cummins that the PowerPack was not recommended. Banks recommended the Stinger. They both said flow of the stock muffler would not restrict the output of a 5.9 Cummins. The Stinger was estimated to bring the HP up to 294 hp which would Provide all or the torque that the Allison could handle. If you do indeed have a Banks PowerPack I'm sure there are a number of Forum members who will be interested in its performance and reliability.
The Stinger package they quoted me would have had both the a Boost gauge and an Manifold Temp gauge.
I checked for the Power Pack the other day and the intake manifold is stock on the Cummins so what I have is the Stinger. Sounds like this is probably a good thing.
Took my son-in-law for a ride on Christmas Day and we were at 50mph before the end of the merge lane in two directions. This was the first time I actually tried to get the rig up to speed quickly and I was pleasantly surprised. Full fuel, full propane, 3/4 fresh water, empty gray and black tanks. Looks like the Banks is worth while. Glad I didn't have to pay extra. :P
Thanks for the tidbits of information. There is nothing like getting data from other owners of similar rigs.
Craig
Kent,
As the new owner of your old U-225, sure wish you had done the Banks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still in the back of my mind, and on my to do list, just more than half way down the ever growing list. Let me know if you want to go in halves on the Stinger. (Hint)
I'll let you drive it with the new upgrade :) :) :)
Dave, Peggy said she originally said no and the answer is still no. Sorry!!!
Kent, Dolly has "suggested" no as well. She says we are already fast enough for a traveling home on wheels. She said I could always leave her in bed and start out earlier in the AM.