Banks Power new 3.0l V6 Diesel engine, part # 630T, is great for the person who wants to save some fuel, space and weight.  In addition to this new 3.0L engine, they are now offering specifically paired transmissions and transfer cases; as well as kits for controls, induction, charge air cooling, exhaust, engine braking, low pressure fuel supply, and instrumentation (gauges) thru Marken Performance.  There are a few different power levels available, all controlled by the Banks AutoMind engine control unit. The base model will produce 240 horsepower and a little more than 420 lbs-ft of torque while the upgraded model will produce 300 horsepower and just over 500 lbs-ft of torque. These engines are tuned to 4,400 RPM. This may seem a little low if you are used to a gas engine, but when paired with the new Banks 6 speed transmission, you will be in the power band at whatever speed you need.  

   The engine is a 3.0L V6 that is a dual overhead cam design. The block is a compact graphite (CGI) block with an integrated bedplate. This combination of the block with the bedplate, creates a very strong bottom end. The rods are forged steel and are connected to lightweight gallery-cooled aluminum pistons with a steel top ring insert and a 16.5:1 compression ratio.  On top, the aluminum 4 valve heads are fed charge air by the OE plastic intake manifold, or a severe duty cast aluminum unit developed by Banks. Turbocharging is from Garrett in the form of a compact, electronically controlled and water-cooled variable geometry unit. The base 240HP engine is fitted with a 56mm compressor wheel, and the 300HP engines utilize a 60mm unit with appropriately larger turbine components. 

   The engine’s high pressure fuel is supplied by a Bosch CP4.2 injection pump which feeds the solenoid injectors that are able to fire up to 5 times per combustion event. Banks has utilized hardened components throughout the system that improve reliability and longevity when operating on lower lubricity fuels. These engines were originally designed for a luxury model vehicle in Europe. So they are designed to be very quiet and extremely durable. 

   As we mentioned, the 6745E transmission that is mounted behind the 630T is a 6 speed automatic loosely based off of the GM 6L90 transmission. We say loosely, because Banks completely redesigned the torque converter, converter housing and front adapter, output shaft and extension housing to mate the unit to the 630T.  The gear ratios are 4.03:1, 2.36:1, 1.53:1, 1.15:1, the first overdrive is 0.85:1 and 6th is 0.67:1.  These transmissions receive their power through one of Banks Power’s billet 300mm multi-plate lockup torque converters, developed specifically for this package. Depending on the application, there are output shaft and rear adapter options for a dual range transfer case or slip-yoke for rear wheel drive vehicles.  

   The engine’s wet weight is 535 lbs. with a full complement of accessories and the transmission is 240lbs wet, with converter. If you opt for a 4-wheel drive unit, the transfer case and adapter is going to add another 92 pounds to the total. So, even with a four-wheel drive unit, this powertrain still comes in less than most of the full size diesel engine options. Ready to run with a 2WD transmission, it weighs approximately 775 lbs; 5 lbs less than a 4BT Cummins without the transmission.  Outside of looking into the industrial engines, the primary diesel engine most people opt for is the 4BT Cummins.  These 3.9L engines are smaller and common enough that finding one isn’t hard. The issue is that they are still loud, tall and heavy. Now if your application has lots of room and you don’t mind the noise, then the 4BT is a wonderful engine option – factory power options on these engines ranged from 100 to 250 HP, and they weigh around 780 lbs wet with accessories. 

   Because these were designed for a modern luxury vehicle, the 630T engine is very compact. It is 22.53 inches long (high pressure pump to turbine housing) and 31.53 inches tall (oil pan sump to intake manifold cover), with much of that height due to the deep rear sump oil pan. The 630T engine assembled, with a full front accessory system (105 amp alternator, high capacity power steering pump and A/C compressor) measures 24.6 inches at the crankshaft centerline, allowing installation between frame rails as narrow as 25 inches.