5,620 RPM in a supercharged Diesel sounds glorious.

In Episode 9 of our Building a Monster Truck Engine series, Gale Banks leans out the 5-liter Whipple supercharged Diesel to 18:1 and pushes it to 666 horsepower. Is this the max our supercharged 7.1-liter Duramax will make without turbos? Gale quickly finds out.

Instrumentation used in this video:
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[bankspower]

This was early in the development before the 7.0L DMAX before the engine was supercharged, twin-turboed. In this particular test, Gale wanted to see what power the engine would produce at a very lean 18:1 AFR. It was lean because the 5.0L Whipple supercharger was creating incredible heat. He didn't want to add to that heat. In theory, a leaner AFR would keep temps down. However, you can't make much power without fuel, as this video shows. Later in the series, he richened the AFR and made over 1, 000 horsepower.

[danielmattiello]

Just sit at 5500rpm in a diesel with a 5 liter whipple. Absolutely a mad man!

[chriscraft]

I don’t think any humans alive ever will truly appreciate the wonders and magic and dedication that Gail Banks has put in two engines

[WMPEXFBTLZYH]

"you got nothing on us hahaha"

God damn that bought me a lil tear!! Best grandpa anyone can wvwr have! 😁

[michaelwilson]

The run down dyno method is so much better than the typical run up. This guy is a legend and always a joy to watch his enthusiasm and get some knowledge along the way.

[michaelotoole]

boy banks looks' dam good for 82 years old.

[BushmansAdventures]

My Father was a heavy duty mechanic, he grew up working on Detroit Diesels for the Toronto Harbour Police. In his later years I showed him many of Banks videos. He watched them all, nodding his head, going “yes, yes that’s right, Gale is spot on”

[noahharding]

My butt was puckering listening to that thing screaming! Was waiting for it to come apart

[Mr.awesome]

I love how happy gale gets in these videos. His passion shows and it's sp great to see it

[leroykrieger]

That chuckle is MANIACAL!
He is a wizard pulling those numbers out of those engines.

[peanuts]

Gale is only happy when it's turning and burning

[AmericanRustWorker]

You guys are a lot better than other channels, your engines don’t blow up

[Phildoh]

Your engineering is top notch Gale, but the majority of people who regularly run a blown 540 won't think about a diesel other than to tow it to the track!

[PATH-n-Proverbs.-]

Gale.... Dude, you're Thee Legend. Not A legend but THEE Legend. 👏🏼 So much respect

[milldawgj]

I can’t help but smile like a little kid every time I watch one of these. This man and his crew are Smithsonian worthy.

[adriannewman]

Dam that sounds good. Love how responsive it is from the 1500 rpm snap

[johannapoder]

huge respect guys, banks your engine revs like its electric, instant power. love your work❤

[bjoneso]

A diesel mastermind at work! Love how you’ve revolutionized the industry

[kevinpoulsen]

Did some Banks classes 20 years ago. This guy is next level!

[TommyP]

love the enthusiasm at your age..still like a kid...great stuff