Banks Power
Banks Power Performance Products for Diesel and Gas Vehicles.
Over 60 years of engineering milestones for Banks Power president and founder Gale Banks began at age 14 with an engine teardown of his mother's '31 Ford Model A that resulted in an increase of more than 40 horsepower. Just two years later, in 1958, Gale was officially in the engine business, first in Lynwood, California, then in San Gabriel. He remains the hands-on president to the 200-employee-strong manufacturing and engineering complex that today occupies 12 acres in the San Gabriel Valley town of Azusa.
The bedrock integrity of Gale Banks is at the very core of Banks Power. Gale's fundamental principles combine old-fashioned business ethics and service with leading technology, elegantly engineered products, superior construction, scientifically proven performance, and reasonable prices.
Banks Power is known far and wide as the premier designer and manufacturer of power-enhancing products for diesel- and gas-powered light trucks, motor homes, and sport-utility vehicles. Since the 1960s, Gale's futuristic high-performance engines have broken new ground while shattering world records. His marine engines propelled racing boats to national and world championships, and in military mode, his marine engines were chosen to power U.S. Navy SEAL covert-action boats. After decades of racing, Banks Power is still the only company to have set records at Bonneville in both automobile and truck classes.
As a recognized authority, Gale has taught engine design to graduate students at General Motors Institute, covering many subjects: engine architecture, turbochargers (design and application), fuel systems, exhaust systems, marine turbo-charging, ignitions and camshafts, inter-cooling, and more. He currently serves on the SEMA Board of Directors and is an advisor for the Automotive X PRIZE.
Just two years after Gale founded what for decades has been the industry leader in engine performance, he set his first speed record, 189 mph in 1960 at El Mirage dry lake, with a modified 1953 Studebaker. Since then, Gale has been in the winner's circle countless times, setting a litany of marine and automotive performance marks and laying claim to such titles as World's Fastest Passenger Car, World's Fastest Pickup, World's Fastest Motor home, and, most recently, World's Fastest Diesel Drag Racing Truck.
The Banks history is studded with technological achievements, including Gale's pioneering work in turbo-charging marine engines in 1969, the premiere of twin-turbo small-block Chevy engines in 1978, and the invention (and patent) of the Banks OttoMind electronic fuel-management module in 1997.
Accesspeed Is proud to add Banks Power to our wide selection of quality products for your vehicle! The Accesspeed low price match policy ensures that you will always receive the best price, selection and service.
Below are some of the Banks Power products carried by Accesspeed:
- iDash Digital Monitors
- Throttle Controllers
- Cold Air Intake Systems
- Intercooler System and Kits
- Performance Exhaust System Kit
- Tuners & Programmers
- Power & Efficiency Systems
- Engine Braking System
- Turbo Performance Kits
- Turbo Upgrade Systems and Components
- Gauges & Mounting
- Water-Methanol Injection Kits
- Transmision Management
- Differential Covers
- Racing Performance Parts
Air Intake and Induction » Mass Air Flow Sensors
What is a Mass Air Flow Sensor or MAF?
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is part of your vehicle's electronic fuel injection system. The MAF sensor calculates the total amount of air entering the engine through the intake tract, and tells the computer how much fuel to inject for air coming through the intake.
How does a mass air flow sensor work?
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor has two sensing wires in the housing that protrudes into the intake tube prior to the throttle body. One wire is heated by electrical current, the other is not heated at all. As air flows across the heated wire, it cools the wire down. When the temperature difference between the two sensing wires changes, the MAF sensor automatically increases or decreases the current to the heated wire to compensate, telling the computer how much fuel to send through the fuel injectors.
How much horsepower and mpg increase can I expect from an aftermarket mass air flow sensor?
Aftermarket performance mass air flow (MAF) sensors replace your OEM sensor and improve on mileage and can increase horsepower by up to 20-HP, depending on the vehicle and engine. Performance MAF sensors increase airflow and low-end torque, without robbing top-end power, and works with factory electronics.
What are the symptoms of a bad mass air flow (MAF) sensor?
- The engine hesitates or drags while under load or idling.
- During acceleration, you experience hesitation and jerking.
- The engine coughs, sputters, or hiccups.
- Excessively rich idling or lean idling.
- The engine is difficult to start or crank over.
- The engine stalls or dies shortly after starting.
Can you drive with a bad mass air flow sensor?
Yes and no. Yes, you can drive your vehicle with a bad mass air flow (MAF) sensor, but only to get it home or to a repair shop to fix or replace it. Ignoring this problem can lead to far more severe engine problems and damage.
Why would a car run better with the mass air flow sensor unplugged?
If your vehicle runs better with your MAF sensor unplugged, you likely have a shorted-out sensor. When the computer does not read a signal from your mass air flow sensor, it provides the computer with a stock signal that will allow you to drive your vehicle for a short period of time to get it fixed or replaced.