Banks Power Tour: EPA Rumors And Some Air Density Lessons

Kyle Redekopp of Dark Iron Diesel finally made their trip to Banks Power. What started as a tour of the massive California facility turned into a masterclass on engineering and some important air density lessons that reshaped how the Canadian YouTuber views performance data.

Behind The Curtain At Banks Power

The visit kicked off on the production floor, where Kyle saw firsthand exactly where the popular Monster Ram intake elbows were born. The scale of the operation clearly left an impression, with rows of CNC machines and massive tube benders handling 304 stainless steel. One highlight was a massive, vintage stamping press used for exhaust components. Kyle joked about the machine’s age. He said, “There’s no way that’s a modern technology.” It was a reminder that while Banks pushed the envelope with electronics, they still relied on heavy-duty, proven manufacturing methods to build their hard parts right there in-house.

The Air Density Lesson On The Dyno

The tour moved from the shop floor to the dyno cell, where Gale Banks had a 7.3-liter Godzilla engine rigged up for a demonstration. Gale walked Kyle through a live run, showing how the throttle plate acted as a density control valve. As the engine hit its governor, the ECU closed the throttle, causing manifold pressure—and consequently air density—to plummet. Seeing the data trace live made the concept click for Kyle. He admitted that while he usually brushed off his coworker’s obsession with data, he said, “Actually coming down here and letting you explain to me and seeing it firsthand, it’s pretty cool.”

Clearing The Air On Controversies

Kyle didn’t shy away from asking the uncomfortable questions that circulated in the comment sections. He asked Gale point-blank if he had ever reported competitors to the EPA. Gale’s response was a firm no, though he admitted he viewed non-compliant companies as the enemy because they undercut those playing by the rules. Kyle then pressed him on why Banks’ military engines didn’t have emissions equipment. Gale explained that military vehicles often ran on high-sulfur fuel in war zones, which destroyed modern emissions systems, necessitating a simpler setup for reliability.

Optimizing For The Frozen North

The visit wrapped up with a look at the new dual-coil Monster Ram, designed to address cold-start issues in freezing climates. Banks went as far as renting a cold cell to simulate -40 degrees Fahrenheit conditions, ensuring the product would work for customers in places like Saskatchewan. Kyle validated the effort. He told Gale, “I do really appreciate you actually working with Canadians.” It was a fitting end to a trip that bridged the gap between Southern California engineering and the frozen reality of the Great White North.