Typically, when it comes to sharper response from your engine, most people think bolt-on mods like intake, exhaust, and the like. However, Banks Power is offering another option with its PedalMonster Throttle Controller. Now, we’re checking out how the PedalMonster performs when installed on a GMC Canyon AT4X, as seen in the following video.
The video was posted by the Banks Power YouTube channel, and shows not only how easy it is to install the PedalMonster accessory, but also provides an account of how big of an impact it makes on the driving experience.
Installing the Banks Power PedalMonster is straightforward – simply plug in the pedal intercept in the driver’s foot well, then plug the OBD plug into the correct port and wirelessly pair the system with your smartphone, and that’s it – you’re done. Controlling the system is also easy thanks to the PedalMonster app, which provides an intuitive interface to choose between multiple driving modes and throttle response settings.
This particular GMC Canyon AT4X is equipped with a two-piece lift kit, providing clearance for a set of 35-inch Falcon tires wrapped around a quartet of AEV wheels. There’s also a roof tent and another outdoorsy accessories. The upgraded running gear is great for hitting the trail, but can make the rig feel a little sluggish as well. Paired with the perceived turbo lag from the boosted four-cylinder engine, and the driving experience could leave some owners wanting. As such, the truck was upgraded even further with the Banks Power PedalMonster.
Behind the wheel, the difference is said to be immediately noticeable, with the Banks Power upgrade deleting the “dead pedal” feel of the stock throttle. Check out the full video right here:
As a reminder, the 2024 GMC Canyon is motivated by the 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline TurboMax engine, which produces a maximum of 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque in factory guise. Under the skin, you’ll find the updated GMT 31XX platform, while vehicle production takes place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Comments
i highly advise against these (whatever brand)… known to cause confusion with traction system at random and trans shift points. and all it does is changes the throttle curve. you can literally just press your pedal more…………….. there, i saved you a lot of money and possibly more
We (Banks) designed PedalMonster in response to ALL other throttle controllers. PedalMonster does not impact traction control or transmission shift points because it’s the only one connected via OBD. In fact, it’s the only one that knows what vehicle it’s in. It knows the year, make, model, speed, gear, transmission type, and more. It uses this information to alter its throttle curves in real-time. Unlike Pedal Commander, Sprint Booster, iDrive, Banks PedalMonster has smooth pedal curves which keep the transmission happy. Because we own every competitive throttle controller, we know how shift-happy some transmissions can get with other throttle controllers. The video below explains why.
“Pressing your pedal more” does not have the same effect because the OEs purposely design your pedal to be less responsive in the middle of its travel. They do this largely for fuel economy. Since we all spend most of our time driving in the middle of the pedal’s travel, this is where the OE’s have softened it. Remember, the vehicle’s ECM interprets your pedal input. Just because you press your pedal down halfway doesn’t mean the ECM is opening the throttle 50%. I think you’ll find this video informative. You may even get a chuckle or two.
Thanks Jay.
I used to work for Dick Cepek back in the 90’s. Even before that I sold his chevy crate motors with turbos, with or without intercoolers (lol). They ran on pump gas, if I remember correctly. Gale Banks gave us a tour of his facility in Azusa. Great guy, great products !!!!!!!
Lol nobody is insulting your intelligence, what little there might be, you are making assumptions and not real experience. I was skeptical before buying but thought what the hell and stepped up and ordered it, so happy I did. Further remarks should be made from experience not assumptions.
I would say that most of these pedal commander devices exist because of how people drive. The throttles in a lot of new GM vehicles don’t like a full on pedal mash. They like linearity. The torque management tables prevent a more sudden snappy response from a dig. If you adjust your foot application of the pedal and linearly apply it, you find that there isn’t a need for a pedal commander. I think lots of vehicle buyers who when they need to go all in on the pedal, they just go all in like its an old carbureted or TBI fuel injected vehicle.
Our (Banks) point is that the pedal in stock vehicles is not linear, as you’ll see in this video.
We noticed that you’re referring to all throttle controllers as “pedal commanders.” Pedal Commander, our competitor, was early to market and is now so big that they’ve become the Kleenex of throttle controllers. However, they are not the best. In fact, they are the reason why the Banks PedalMonster exists. We made our unit in response to Pedal Commander’s shortcomings, as you’ll see in the video above.
100% agree with you both.
I think Banks does a great job with a lot of their products, but this is simply intensifying the output from the pedal, tricking the ECM into thinking you are pushing the pedal further/faster.
You are correct, these devices do trick the ECM. However, depressing the pedal quicker does not produce the same result. Gale Banks had the same doubts. “If I want more acceleration, I’ll just push my foot down!” He said this many times until he tried one in his twin-turbo Cadillac. He came back after a long weekend and admitted he was wrong. Trying to explain the change in pedal response is like trying to explain the taste of chocolate to someone who’s never had sugar.
I have a pedal monster in my 2021 2500hd with the duramax and I love it! You can set anywhere from stock to track and I have never gone past sport and it is so responsive it is unreal and DOES NOT AFFECT SHIFTING OR ELEVATE TRANS TEMPS. As far as the traction control that a useless option that can hit the trash can, will only get you stuck in the sand and mud. Don’t be so boring and put some excitement under your foot!
Will this void the warranty?
Best answered by Jay but no, it takes minutes to install and when you need warranty work it takes minutes to remove and leaves no trace. I speak with experience. Oh the pedal monster had nothing to do with the warranty work.