In the world of custom motors, there’s none of the diesel distancing that seems to take place in showrooms. Quite the contrary: a few years ago, more and more American builders started experimenting with modern diesels that rely on superchargers to make big power. And one of the names that sit at the forefront of this wave is California-based Banks Power. Some of you might know the company’s blower-fed Duramax V8 from last year’s SEMA, when the motor was presented in a 1966 Chevy C20. However, the time has come to witness the first startup of this oil-burning monster!
As it often happens at SEMA (here’s what to expect for the 2022 edition), the builds that make it to the Las Vegas custom car show are more or less functional. And Banks Power’s ’66 Chevy truck was leaning towards the latter end of that scale. Even since the event (think: November 2021), the team has made plenty of adjustments to the truck, most of which targeted the engine.
It’s worth noting that Banks Power is introducing this R866SC prototype build in preparation for a turnkey offering, namely an L5P Duramax+blower crate engine package.
While the company’s previous Duramax packs have offered twin turbochargers or hybrid boost solutions mixing the former with blowers, this solution relies solely on a billet 3.8L blower supplied by Whipple.
Why go for a supercharged diesel?
Naturally aspirated diesels are almost non-existent in the modern era, due to the low specific output of such motors. And since the diesel cycle is all about efficiency, the vast majority of applications, performance oil burners included, use the turbocharging route. And while that’s great for big muscle and, especially when intended, impressive MPGs, it does come with two major drawbacks for hooners: the soundtrack and the turbo lag.
Now, this supercharged 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel working with the said Whipple twin-screw blower benefits from instant torque, while sounding like nothing else out there. At least for now, the redline of the engine sits at 4,000 rpm and taking this thing to just over 3,000 rpm is more than enough for a decibel revolution.
There’s also a nitrous system in there, while the motor works with a Motec ECM (electronic control module). The result? This diesel, which remains a street-worthy application, can easily deliver a four-figure output (1,200 hp should make for a reasonable max power expectation, since the final numbers haven’t been released).
The 1966 Chevy C20 LokJaw
Nicknamed LokJaw, the 1966 Chevrolet C20 that houses the motor also features an Allison 1000 six-speed tranny, while everything is welcomed by a custom chassis coming from Roadster Shop. The hood of the vehicle features a clamshell-style approach, while the bed can be fully lifted to allow access to all the hardware underneath, which includes a pair of nitrous bottles, the batteries, suspension and rear end.
If you happen to be in the rush, you can listen to the first startup of the supercharged Duramax at the 15:11 timestamp of the clip below—there’s no nitrous yet, but here’s what nitrous oxide will do to a Ferrari 458’s soundtrack.
However, the rest of the clip is also worthy of one’s time, as you’ll get to see what type of Bonneville Salt Flats speed record-inspired solution LokJaw features, with a bit of Formula One magic also being on the menu.
