Speed School Podcast with Gale Banks

Gale Banks wraps up his multi-part interview with Walt Ware, former President of Garrett AiResearch by revealing their biggest achievements. Did you know Walt was responsible for turbos in all Ford 7.3L Power Strokes? He was also responsible for creating the world's first robotic turbocharger assembly plant. The two also discuss how and why Banks transitioned from gas diesel to diesel performance in the early 80s. Banks Sidewinder Turbo Systems were available as a dealer-specified option at GMC dealers throughout the mid-80s. You could buy a GMC pickup or Suburban with a turbocharged 6.2L diesel engine a full year before RAM offered the Cummins turbo diesel! This is just one of the many stories the pair cover in this week’s fascinating episode.

Gale Banks is joined again by Walt Ware, former President of Garrett Air Research, a powerhouse in the turbo business. Walt details his journey from fixing Caterpillar’s turbo supply chain to repairing Garrett’s UK manufacturing arm. Not even a union strike could stop this determined engineer.

Walt Ware, former president of Garrett AiResearch, discusses the turbocharger's history in aerospace and how they eventually ended up in cars. 

00:00 Intro 02:40 Garrett's origin 09:25 Turbocharger origen 13:20 Triple spool jet engine 19:20 Operation Paperclip 27:05 Turbos compensate for altitude 36:10 Cafe standards force use of turbos 39:25 Detonation and O2 sensors 01:11:18 Banks and Garrett turbo marine projects 01:21:44 Turbo metalurgy 01:25:08 Reading AFR with spark plugs 01:29:32 Garrett says cars don't need turbos 01:32:36 Walt's hilarious history with Caterpillar

Walt Ware, former president of Garrett AiResearch, discusses the history of automotive turbocharging and how Garrett was forced into the turbo business. Walt also tells fascinating stories about working on the SR-71 Blackbird and F4 Phantom engines. Gale explains why people are blowing up Corvette C8s and reveals his next car purchase. 

Motor Trend's KJ Jones joins Gale Banks. KJ's fox body is one of the internet's most famous Mustangs. The former Mustang 5.0 editor and now Diesel Power Magazine content creator, recalls the challenges of transitioning from gas to diesel expert. Gale Banks speaks truth to power, previewing his upcoming diesel vs electric argument, and explores Toyota’s groundbreaking diesel innovations. 

Matt Gamble, Banks Engine Program Manager, joins Gale Banks to discuss the company's forthcoming turn-key diesel engines. Gale recalls his first engine build, a 31 Ford Model A, explains his love affair with racing '53 Studebakers on dry lake beds, and answers your tech questions. 

Peter Treydte, Director of Emissions Compliance at SEMA, and former Banks employee explains EPA and CARB emissions testing and why it's so grueling. Gale discusses the past, present, and future of hybrid, hydrogen, diesel, gas, and electric vehicles. The two laugh about stories from Banks' early years. Gale answers your questions.

Gale is joined by Scott Birdsall, Pike's Peak record holder for the fastest diesel vehicle. He plans to return to Pike's Peak this June to beat his own record. But this time he won't be piloting his Cummins-powered 1949 Ford F1. He explains the new EcoDiesel-powered LeMans Prototype car and why Fast & Loud's Aaron Kaufman will take his seat in the Ford.