I have a 1995 4wd Dodge and am looking to improve performance w/o killing the fuel mileage. I would like to know what exhaust system is the best. I it just as cheap or better to buy the Banks power pack kit, or to do everything separately?

 

Are you Stock?

I too have a 95, 2wd, 5 Speed. After I got guages, I slid the stock plate forward and didn't notice a great loss in mileage (hard to measure mileage, I hardly ever get a tank just driving or just pulling), but I still averaged around 15 mpg mixed.

With a new clutch I got a #8 plate a little forward of stock, Huge difference! Mileage dropped to 14 (which was probably caused by my foot), but power was there.

I then went with a Janetty Racing 4" system w\muffler. Cooler temps (which weren't high anyway), so I slid the plate a little more.

Timing came in December, after mileage (on winter fuel dropped to 11-12mpg) and mileage and top end power came up. I think timing was set back to stock specs, and I am wanting an advance to about 16.5-17.

Now, with summer fuel, I can get 15 pulling and empty trailer, AT LEAST 13 loaded, and around 17 empty. I am perfectly happy with this because it beats the heck out of a 93 1500 Chevy 350\Auto that got 6 loaded and 19 empty.

Also, I am not easy on the truck. It will smoke if I let it, but so will my clutch, so I try not to let it. I can pull anything I want and hold 70+ on any hill. Max EGT's are 1200-1250 before defuel, but I have a Scotty II.

Sorry for the long post, I just explained what I did. In my opinion the Banks is a great system, but $2000 is alot. My set-up cost: Plate- $225, Scotty- $150 used slightly, JRE 4" Exhaust- $500 (but you can get them cheaper, Contact Rip at Source Automotive, look in links), Timing and Valves adj. $150.

Total- +/- $1100

Hope this helps,
Chris

 

I've found with the high quality and components engineered as one system that Banks kits offer for the 12 valve are competive price wise with buying bits and pieces from several different suppliers and hoping they work well together.

When most folks come to the conclusion that Banks kits are overpriced they always leave items out that Banks includes. Not to pick on Chris, but as an example he left out the prices of gauges and a turbo housing that Banks would have included with their kit.

If you can keep your right foot out of your new found power you will get better mpgs.

 

Oh Yeah, I did forget guages, $250, and I haven't done the housing but I think they are around $350-400.

SO I guess they are competitvely priced, because now I'm up to $1750 and the price of my exhaust is high.

But there again, I would have bought the PowerPack at first but I couldn't afford the price at once. Personally I don't like the Banks guages, but I do like the Twin Ram intake. I guess now that you have the facts, and that it is competitvely priced, then make the decision for yourself, and ask the (now ) educated members of this board for help.

Once Again, Sorry, and Hope this Helps,
Chris


PS, Thanks infidel for pointing out my error, I would rather not pass on false information, even though I thought I was right.

 

No problem Chris, I've come across very few folks who include all the items Banks includes with their kits in a cost comparison.
I've installed quite a few different aftermarket exhaust systems, the fit and quality of the Banks wins hands down.

 

anthonyalan,

Take a moment and look at our site, we are one of the largest distributors of MBRP exhaust in the country. You'll find aluminized, T-409 and T-304 stainless systems in single 4 inch as well as duals in 4 inch twin tail pipes. You'll also notice the pricing is extremely competitive, against others that have been mentioned. In fact the T-409 stainelss is within $40.00 of an aluminized system, we do that so that you can get into stainless so you shouldn't ever have to buy another system as long as you own the truck. You can also get a selection of tips, or no tip at all if thats what you prefer to help keep the cost down even more.

Call us at the office if we can help you.

Mark @ DPPI