The Boost Gauge is Dead to Me!

Here's a tease. I've got an engine on the dyno and I've made four pulls. The first was naturally aspirated and the remaining three were ran with an identical twin turbo setup, running exactly the same 20 lbs of boost. The engine made 580 hp without turbos. The three pulls at 20 lbs of boost ranged from 1,044 to 1463 hp -- a 419 hp difference at the same boost ... but not the same MAD (manifold air density).
Actually when it comes to engines, there are three air density values that really count. They are; AAD (ambient air density), BAD (boost air density) and MAD (manifold air density). If you're into forced induction and all you know is boost...It's time to up your game!
At Banks we've been supercharging since 1960 and turbocharging since 1965. We've wanted an instrument to measure MAD and all the rest but it didn't exist. So, we designed and patented one, eight years ago. Since then it's been a versatile and indispensable development tool on all our engine and vehicle programs. If you're into horsepower, take an hour to watch this, you won't be disappointed!
Gale Banks

[@shano81]

Gale Banks is brilliant. Cannot believe this is a free lecture.

[@jessemurray1757]

I have the utmost respect for this legend of a man. A true class act. There aren't too many around that can compare to his level of knowledge, experience and passion for making power. He is the clean cut, gear head version of Doc Brown.

[@VeggiePower303]

Yes he is brilliant, but before Data Monster we have never had the data to understand what is going on in the engines. But now it's a no brainer. I am working on a Supper-Chiller AC intake system without Turbo, to see how much cheap Power I can get with that. Most cars already have AC pumps so why not chill the intake air and create more density cheaply.

[@myotherusername9224]

@@VeggiePower303 how is your AC pump project coming along ?

[@mikeb6555]

Gale, you are a VERY intelligent man, and I have gained practical knowledge from watching your videos. Thank you sir.

[@pddieselpower]

Thank God for people like Gale Banks. The man just does things right.

[@gordowg1wg145]

The dude nailed it - something I keep telling folks is that boost isn't everything - take it too far and you can actually drop power if the temperature drops density faster than the boost increases it. It is getting the balance right that makes the difference.

[@SubnormalSwine]

this is absolutely brilliant.... i learned alot from this, it just goes to show how much experience Banks Power has. Cheers

[@RateMyHinge]

Eeeeneeeeqqq dad ex c xaxsxaxaxw d’s. Xs xxs c sxaxax saxxaxaxa xaxsxa sx

[@GasNBullets]

Best educational video on power I have ever seen. The condensed knowledge here is pretty epic.

[@thecat6062]

Talk about MAD... Nothing but MAD respect for this man. What a wealth of knowledge!

[@RemoWest]

What a great presentation by a cool as hell guy!

[@davidscott5903]

True!

[@bansheemania1692]

This Man is a Legend. He was Doing Diesel Kit's b4 It was Cool to Drive a Diesel

[@terry12327]

Amazing knowledgeable engineering professional! Who truly understands the mechanics of engines...

[@charlespetersonii6989]

Thank you for presenting and sharing this gold mine of engine knowledge and history. I learned alot 🤯

[@23ADeathTech]

Excellent presentation - thank you for all the effort that went into a career required to build such a knowledge base.

[@ImpalaSSRulz21]

I love hearing your explanations it makes sense to me. Thank you for sharing.

[@Slot_daddy]

This is probably my favorite video ever, I am new to turbocharging and I sent an email to Banks with a couple of questions about turbos, I have now sent another email different set of questions after watching this. Mr. Banks, Thank You!

[@superbeeblaze]

This should have 10 times the amount of views. great video and some neat retro pictures. I love anything talking about 80's turbocharging in the oem's.

[@bradscott3165]

Memories and a great presentation. I bought that HP book forty years ago. But I'm still younger than the guy who wrote it!

[@3stagevtec]

This was an excellent lecture! Thanks for posting it for all to learn

[@julioburgos4979]

Gale is such a great teacher. I truly appreciate the videos.

[@damiangillett6443]

Brilliant speech, I learnt a lot

[@BadAssEngineering]

Back when I had my 1.8T Jetta (2013-14) , people used to look at me funny when I said that I liked to run my engine at 40 psi total. My Logic being that it was around 14 psi on a normal day plus the 26 psi of boost, so with a barometer I could calculate how much boost to put in depending on the elevation of the place I was at (more boost at higher places). *Turns out I am not crazy, Thanks Mr. Banks!*

[@liamcooper5202]

@George Robartes you people have to learn that once you boost and engine you increase its effective displacement.... a 1500cc boosted @14.7PSI has a corrected displacement of 3000cc. There is no engine in the world that produces more that 200HP/L. BHP is also an outdated way of measuring power @ the flywheel. S.A.E have set the rules for how power is measured, BHP got cut and no wonder. How many cars can drive without a full exhaust, cooling system and alternator? If the car had AC that would also be taking off to boost power figures.

[@TanTan-ni4mg]

Boost doesnt matter.... Did you dummy out for an entire hour? Nothing he said makes your assumptions correct. Quite the contrary. Stfu.

[@MattLundquistVW]

@@liamcooper5202 are you saying no engine N/A make more than 200HP per liter, or are you including forced induction in that statement? If you are including F/I wouldn't a top fuel motor break that idea, 11,000+ with only 500 ci (8.19 liters ) that equals 1343 HP per liter. I could almost understand a N/A motor not making 200hp per liter, but wait the zx10rr makes 201 Hp at only 998cc.

[@liamcooper5202]

@@MattLundquistVW did you bother to read what i wrote? Once you force induce and angine its swept displacment changes in direct proportion to the amount of boost being added. The concept might be above the simple minded but please do keep up.

[@MattLundquistVW]

@@liamcooper5202 boost is the measurements of restriction not power. Power will not always be proportional to boost, it has a tapering effect. yes I did read what you said but you are so big and your statement that anybody that reads it will see that you are saying all engines. As for simple minded that I am not and I read your statement perfectly clear. You insinuate that no engine if you read your own words makes more than 200 horsepower per liter. Learn how to write your thoughts correctly

[@hddm3]

Love this guy so smart and I love that gale is still inventing and looking for the next best thing. I bet it’s Awsome to work at his shop. Amazing passion. You don’t find that much anymore

[@bradshaw106]

This was in incredible! Gale is a brilliant and talented man! Brought so much to the industry

[@jakegackle7398]

Great video. Very informative. Please keep up the good work.

[@bankspower]

Thanks for the support. Will do.

[@granthosking4699]

Great presentation!

[@ericmarcucci8213]

Very interesting, thank you Mr Banks for theses explanations

[@TheDuckumz]

Turbo dont care, turbo goes everywhere...

[@csours]

Banks Power should have sticker with that on it!

[@AltonRowell-gb1lb]

Great video. Lots of knowledge of volumetric efficiency factors. Altatude and ambient temperature definitely effect engine performance. My brother flue a piper Aerostar plane with two 6 cylinder turbocharged engines. The p51 mustang in ww2 was supercharged. A v12 was a real winning combination.

[@martindinner3621]

Nitrous as coolant...thank you Mr. Banks! This was a treat to listen to.

[@madrzegada3700]

Mr Banks You are awesome ! I Have to meet with you some day and show you my E30 with m30b35 + 49mm turbo ...

[@alanlewis1180]

That last statement he said sums it up pretty good.

[@captaincurd2681]

Am going to add this to my fav and learn bit by bit for the next 10 years.

[@csours]

Oh such a standard day, I'm glad I spent it with you! (A la Lou Reed)

[@incolink]

I have been fantasizing about hitting the turbo with an air jet to wake it up nice to hear someone smarter saying it ...and I think I will go ahead with another propane refrigerated intercooler set up I saw I saw -10C charge temps one night ..thanks Gale your an amazing gentleman with an epic legacy I will admire all my days .

[@yolofullsend]

Some guy on youtube has done this with his turbo miata.. it works pretty well.

[@mpccenturion]

Thank you. This makes great sense to me. I heard about and used, water and methanol back 40 yrs ago. I heard little bits and finally I know WHO was the source. YOU. I spent months in the Mech Eng library researching engines and flow dynamics. I used ram air idea, running stove pipe thru the grill. to get cool air into the air box, back in the 70's. I did not care how it looked, just as long as it was faster than before. Cheers

[@HighestRank]

Centurion Wizofid must’ve been at high altitude.

[@tonymunn]

Just listened to every word. Had to go back a few times and listen again to understand what he was saying. Loved it all. No boost gauge for me.

[@bankspower]

Thanks for watching, Anthony! Help spread the word.

[@loicdore39]

Ok you’ve convinced me I’ll get an Idash ;)

[@Beaches_south_of_L.A.]

Banks is the man.

[@michaelgrubbs1618]

GB you're definitely the man. When he's gone imagine what goes

[@ratman5727]

Gale explained this perfectly, I would give 10 likes if it was possible!! I will also be purchasing a manifold air density gauge when they are available!

[@hddm3]

Hahhahah I’m gona turbo the living shit out there of it! He’s still got it.

[@signlsirchir2156]

Called the 454SS truck a pig. because it was.

[@jacobmoses3712]

Imagine one with twin turbos. Not such a pig

[@oby-1607]

A pig is a pig no matter how much lipstick you put on it.

[@nerdyism2523]

Ah, yes... My Sunday afternoon is now complete.

[@Trickster310YT]

Banks is a Living Legend

[@brianb5779]

ONE OF THE GREATS!!!!!

[@mikeg4163]

Outstanding

[@Burden-THE]

I'm going to put the boost gauge aside... Because it never made sense to me. I've become fond lately of the idea of the 1.0L Ecoboost engines! Tiny, 200 lb cast iron motors, boosted, making more power than my prized modular 4.6! And thanks for this video, I had it aside for a while because of the length, but I'm really glad I could be shown more clearly the effects of MAD relative to power output. I'll have to do more studying.

[@jaydunbar7538]

From an engineering standpoint boost numbers may not mean as much as people think, but it's still a good gauge to have. My truck runs 31.7 pounds at peak and usually sits mid 20s under a pull, if the normal patterns of boost change I know something is wrong with my system and can fix it before it costs me to much $$$.

[@karlkiernan6863]

I love the Ford 1.0 also it's a great engine with a cool exhaust note. Currently working on compound turbo charging mine to get low down torque and high end hp.

[@ApostleDavids8w]

Wow I learned a lot I have so many questions I’m building up a 8.1 496 and putting it a 66 impala for street strip. And I’m a trucker running a Freightliner dd15 and it’s a total dog.

[@hoost3056]

Add a Steinbauer box to your Freightliner. That DD15 will sing.

[@dupont4sure]

Gale is awesome and knows his shit...i wish i could hang out with him..

[@Dr_Reason]

72 Inches Map was a hot setting in WWII aircraft. They did not use boost either because the engine and fuel only respect temperature an map.

[@sienile]

13:40 Great way to end a technical seminar.

[@sepg5084]

the compressed air from a tank blowing to a turbo's compressor to spool it up is now finally being done by Koenigsegg for a road car. they are using a carbon fiber tank with a small electric air pump to top-up the tank from time to time. maybe we'd see it on 1/4 mile race cars in the future.

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

Christian von Koenigsegg must have been listening when Mr. Banks spoke about compressed air canisters and turbos :)

[@gasolinevaporsystems9022]

Hi Mr. Banks, How do you explain Smokey Yunicks Hot Gasoline Vapor Engine system ? Smokey is heating the A/F mixture to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, Vaporizing the gasoline, Homogenizing the A/F mixture, increasing engine horsepower, increasing Gas mileage, and reducing exhaust emissions.

[@HighestRank]

Gasoline Vapor Systems probably has an issue with detonation and Nitrous Oxide production.

[@gasolinevaporsystems9022]

@@HighestRank Nope, Zero detonation, even with advanced ignition timing, and low octane gasoline. I don't know about the NO2 emissions.

[@timothybayliss6680]

Yunick had some great ideas and this was one of them. He also like to run race engines hot (240°f) for homogeneous charge and less heat regection. The problem with them is the exotic materials that are requires and costly lubrication. Some claims are of 50% efficiency and that just possible. What's happening today with f1 narrowly beats it with roughly the same expensive materials. A vw 2l diesel is about 41% efficient and Toyota clips at 40% now with their modern engines. There might be a bit to be gained but the cost would be overwhelming. The patents are over 60 years old and if it was going to come to fruition it would have decades ago. I haven't seen any long term testing either and I can imagine the problems that arise from having an engine that is expected to operate at 400f sit in an Alaskan driveway for a week at -40. The thermal cycling, even with engineered material, i have a feeling would cause havok.

[@arieharyoko3088]

Excellent stuff, learn heaps despite only managed to watch 50% of the content (will continue). Gale, I’ve got a question, where I live its hot (30-35*C, 90% humidity, 365 days). I run a petrol turbo Cx7 with higher flowing turbo, bigger core IC and pre IC and post IC WMI (I feel it is absolutely necessary run wmi in my neck of the woods with 50:50 water to meth by density ratio). Question is what does WMI do to humidity which ultimately affects MAD? sure it cools, but what abt density?

[@madk4speed]

My understanding is that it depends on where the water mist evaporates. If it evaporates before the intake manifold, this should cause intake air temperature decrease, so MAD would increase. If the water mist evaporates inside the combustion chamber, then you have water breaking down to oxygen and hydrogen, which again increases air density. But as far as i can tell WMI is mainly a tool to control uncontrolled detonation/pre ignition inside the combustion chamber.

[@Oblithian]

Makes sense.

[@speedbuggy16v]

and I am going to turbo the living shit outa that thing.....LOL, thanks for the presentation Gale, it was awesome!

[@GalaxyRods]

I'm right on the cusp of understanding all of this, but even if I don't completely get it, somehow it makes sense...lol!

[@fourbypete]

I really like the idea of scuba tanks squirting on the inlet side of the turbo during low engine revs to get more low down power and reduce or eliminate turbo spool up.

[@Burden-THE]

That was something I always thought fondly of. Interestingly enough, I've seen new production Volvo engines use compressed air on the compressor wheel at low rpm to eliminate lag. It's mentioned after the scuba tanks mentioned in the questions

[@ianblack5115]

As he says use compressed air to spinup the compressor. You'll need a ton more volume to spinup if you're blowing in the intake compressor. Compressed air may be ok for trucks running air on demand systems but if you're running quarters then try CO2 to spinup the exhaust compressor. You'll get heaps more volume and pressure than you would from equivalent sized compressed air tanks. Compressed air ~150psi and drops quickly compared to a steady 900psi from CO2.

[@rogerpearson9081]

There was guy doing a Buick V6 drag car who squirted nitrous peripherally into the turbo inlet housing to wake it up. The gas impinged on the blades but when the exhaust volume blasted up thanks to the nitrous, it really got it going. He also used an ice tub for intercooling.

[@burman982]

Is there a chance to get this info in a book form? I understood it but man it would be awesome to be able to refresh by reading it repeatedly. Excellent and very educational.

[@bankspower]

If you'd like to transcribe it, we'd be the first to read it.

[@Rehmer94]

World icon. Period

[@keithbarbee505]

I can handle the power, but I'll probably want more.

[@MikeRamp]

What ever happened to building performance parts for the Ecoboost Mustangs? I was hoping for a Programmer like the Derringer, Intake, Intercooler and Exhaust Upgrades. The Pedal Monster really doesn't address what I wanted to do with my car.

[@brianb5779]

I would be honored if you could answer this. I was told a long time ago that when boost is added to an engine that the displacement increases. Is this so?? If it is is there a formula to use to find out boost=displacement change...Thank you again for all of your information.

[@bankspower]

Adding boost does not increase engine displacement. Your engine pumps a fixed volume of air per revolution. By adding Boost you are increasing the pressure of the air so each cubic feet of air contains more oxygen molecules. It’s the extra oxygen that allows you to put more fuel in to give you more power. An approximation of the added power can be done using pressure ratio. If you have a 5.0L naturally aspirated engine that makes 300 hp at MAP of 14.5 psia (or 0 psi boost). And you add 14.5 psi of boost so the new manifold air pressure is 29.0, the pressure ratio is now 29.0/14.5 or 2.0. The new estimated hp will be about 600 WHP (300 whp * 2.0 pressure ratio). This is just a very rough approximation and does not take into account the changes in air temperature when you add forced induction to an engine. For an even more accurate estimate, you can use Density Ratio as a multiplier which does take temperature into account. Knock limitations, parasitic engine losses and more are also factors so this is just a rule of thumb, not an exact science.

[@brianb5779]

@@bankspower Thank you so much sir,,,I feel privileged for your response...

[@daviddroescher]

Are we still on for 2018 Bonneville? August or September? I ran T88 a 91.5 D250 stock in 2017 87.14mph, my goal is 130 club on stockwith aero turbo and gears alone. I have been advised by Phil Knox to try to find the old HOT ROD acceleration calculator, to figure out if how far the aero/gears will take me. Aero is down 24%(DARCO 2017) with the camper/tonto cover in avatar. 89-93 =~.55 Cd =~.41Cd with custom cap(with palns for a useable " truck" in tbe .25-.30 range.) 94-98 =.44 Cd

[@bankspower]

Are you asking if we're running Bonneville this year? No, we are not.

[@daviddroescher]

Banks Power yes that was question 1 #2 was for help finding the acceleration calculator hot rod published years ago or pointi g in the right direction. As stock Redline 2500 is before the half mile mark on the standing mile that means there's more available without messing with the injection pump timing or anything else

[@bankspower]

Ahh.. We don't have the calculator handy that you're referring to. We've requested a copy from HotRod.

[@walterheck3238]

Hello Banks, I have a question, we need more density to have more oxigen and the question is you have considered adeed oxigen by other way ? an experience with this ? sorry for my english

[@rogerpearson9081]

Nitrous Oxide adds more oxygen in combination with fuel injectors to keep the right air/fuel mixture. Works well but has to be well managed or you can melt pistons if it leans out.

[@johnjuhasz9125]

Best. PowerPoint. Ever.

[@davidquiros5381]

what about o3 ozone infused ram air intake systems

[@ZM1306]

"Turbo don't care" *like* Lol

[@bouchee2007]

this man is a god damn genius

[@pontiacbandit21]

@53:21 👍👍👍👍👍👍☑️

[@carlosg815]

i like a boost gauge to easily see if i have a vacuum or boost leak. that's it.

[@rogerpearson9081]

Density is king! A better intercooler will give you a power and reliability increase due to the increased density while giving a higher performance headroom. Still too many don't understand the whole concept. On the subject of lag down low, I would love to play around with injecting liquid propane into the manifold to increase response from the instant exhaust volume and the density gain from the latent heat of vaporisation. I drove a truck with gas supplement which went really well. It would certainly help with the smoke issue. If you only inject gas below the flammability limit, there would be no problem with backfiring as it has a very sharp cutoff unlike petrol

[@Teknisk]

Great, but doesnt people care about "boost" because of not blowing parts up? Engines dont stand to much pressure... Love Banks work. I am a diesel-guy

[@AKseries1]

He's like the Steve Jobs when it comes to air flow in engines 😅

[@ChielScape]

Great presentation, almost makes me like blown engines. But what I still can't get behind is the increase in BSFC of boosted applications. Far as I can find out, boost will require a disproportionate amount of fuel to be added, shifting the AFR towards reduced fuel efficiency. To me that seems like I'm being robbed of latent energy in the fuel. That, and all the additional parts that can break. If you're not after absolutely all of the power, boost seems like a universally bad idea.

[@yolofullsend]

More fuel is added to cool the cylinders due to the additional heat generated.. not using more fuel will melt pistons.

[@timothybayliss6680]

That depends. If you hear him talk about the 6.9l idi turbo kits, they pick up power and gain efficiency with lower egts. There are circumstances that an equivent power blown engine can intermittently be more efficient, that's why new cars come with turbo 4cyl as opposed to NA 6s. At full power a naturally asperated gas engine will be more efficient without some kind of energy recovery. The problem is most people never use full power or if they do its for five seconds as they get on the highway. The smaller engine will use less power with less pumping losses when rolling on the highway.

[@mds19238]

I'm gonna turbo the living shit out of that thing. Keep on keepin on.

[@oby-1607]

When Gale speaks.................YOU LISTEN !

[@thedoctor2102]

Liquid CO2 . How do keep CO2 in a liquid ( without issues like supercritical properties ), and pump it through a series of pipes and and probably a radiator.

[@Baard2000]

The only thing I care for, apart from a efficiënt turbo and intetcooler set up , is how much grams of air is IN the cylinder AFTER the intake valve has closed...... A lot are yelling about high boost etc and how high the boost can get....then I ask : what about that super high boost if intake valve has not opened and closed ??? Then there is no air in the cylinder..... basically: high boost and a worse induction and exhaust system gives an overheated engine.....

[@VashSpiegel]

Went out to buy a 2.3 Mustang to turbo the crap out of it, I have a new role model.

[@MrJoeyplatinum]

I’ll bet you could build on hell of an air conditioner for a home.

[@8alakai8]

its simple the same boost in a thinner tube will move less air then a big tube with the same boost and ofcource bends and other stuf play a roll but for the basic just think abouth that.i see guys on you tube putting bigger turbo and bigger tubes and wondering wy it makes the same power as the smaller turbo with less boost

[@MrJoeyplatinum]

So......basically an engine is an airpump, but is also the more heat you can get out of it??

[@VenerableBede2510]

Combine the EPA, department of energy and department of transportation to a single entity and put Gale Banks in charge of it

[@VenerableBede2510]

5 months after I make this comment Banks puts out his April Fools joke about running for president

[@Romans--bo7br]

Gale Banks.... Have you ever experimented with a thermatic clutch driven (at cranking and low speeds) axial flow turbocharger? "IF"..... and I'm sure that's a Big "IF"... you're Not familiar with what I'm referring to.... reply back to me here (I'll be "watching" for a reply here), and I'll get in touch with you.

[@keithbarbee505]

I'll be your stig

[@MrJoeyplatinum]

Put an ozone generator in the air intake.....

[@mattleonard5268]

I think his reasoning is flawed, because boost numbers were never used to compare power. 20 psi of boost is 20 psi of boost. It doesn’t mean any more than that. A 2.3 liter 4 cylinder on 20 psi will make a wildly different power number from a 5.0 liter v8 on 20 psi.

[@VeggiePower303]

If I had 1 million dollars I would beat Banks with my Rotary engine. (NOT Wankel)

[@jonnyrochester1141]

Now say all that again in metric units. (As a suggestion, don't hate me).

[@anthonylu5514]

English spend 13 million worth effort, he spend 150k of effort wow that’s big a** different

[@canabox7112]

How many NASCAR wins you got Gale? Just asking?

[@jaydunbar7538]

NASCAR has no turbos

[@canabox7112]

I know they don’t. I just don’t like that he dissed Jr Johnson. One of the Best builders

[@guardrailbiter]

@Cana box Mr. Banks has no fewer NASCAR wins than you do. So stop pretending you know better.

[@thegeneralstrike6747]

Patriotism should come with some common sense and critical thinking? Though a possibly great idea this Republic failed sometime ago. Just the Flag for instance is flown horizontally and is similar to the Jolly Roger as both are flown horizontally when they mean War. The USA has a Peace time pattern, few know, even fewer know just what that peace time looks like. 229 years of Imperialist War, Theft, Genocide, Torture, Maiming, Brain Damage, Suicide, and a total of 237 years and a cumulative 8 only 8 years of peace? So many hungry, house less, schooling in shambles, and wars are breaking records for length. Whistle Blowers tortured. I wish more then ever this n that of our minds will own just how excellent Priceless and miraculous life ALL LIFE is and how humans can exist and be equitable without war, dishonesty, and theft! All Wars are a Racket by Major Smedley Butler USMC

[@crazyhass84]

No shit. Anybody who knows engines knows it's a about air density not boost. It's all the internet punks and kids who talk about boost. Anybody who knows turbo chargers and looked at compressor map knows it's flow vs pressure.

[@crazyhass84]

He should be using lbm and not lbs. His mixing of units is pathetic. Lbm is unit of measure for mass. Lbs is measure of force. Psi is a measure of pressure.

[@barrybritcher]

The p stands for pounds. Pounds per square inch lol

[@firedome8]

Makes me think

[@martindinner3621]

Nitrous as coolant...thank you Mr. Banks! This was a treat to listen to.