Banks Taps Aerospace Veteran for High-Output Diesel Program
Matthew Gamble, a mechanical engineer with a career spanning nuclear power, rocket propulsion, and automotive performance, has been appointed manager of design, assembly, and test for Banks’ high-output DMAX-based engine programs. In this role, Gamble will oversee the design, development, and launch of turn-key variants of the Banks D866T engine, a platform with a proven track record in both civilian and military applications.
Developed entirely in-house at Banks’ Azusa, California campus, these engines will incorporate proprietary Banks components, many of which are integrated during initial assembly at GM’s DMAX Ltd plant in Moraine, Ohio. Offered in multiple power levels, the lineup is aimed at diverse markets including automotive repower, off-road vehicles, watercraft, and military applications. Configurations will range from supercharged to turbocharged, as well as super-turbo forced induction systems. Hybrid versions are also on the roadmap. Gamble’s responsibilities extend beyond engineering, as he will lead performance and durability demonstration events both on-site and at remote locations. Among the most ambitious projects is an effort to set the diesel vehicle record at Pike’s Peak in 2022.
“I’m thrilled to join the Banks team,” Gamble stated. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in the nuclear, aerospace, and automotive industries to help the Banks team push the bar even higher. Gale Banks is known worldwide for designing and manufacturing the most advanced engines and performance parts. I could not pass up the opportunity to develop a line of high-performance engines alongside a living legend. I’m honored to be welcomed into this elite team of innovators.”
Gamble’s career trajectory reflects a rare blend of disciplines. At Edelbrock, he managed multi-million dollar product lines for cylinder heads and water pumps, overseeing production and performance standards for critical engine components. His earlier tenure at Rocketdyne involved managing 15 successful launch campaigns of Delta IV rockets, a program noted for its heavy-lift capabilities and precise mission execution. In the nuclear sector, Gamble supervised health monitoring systems at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, ensuring operational safety and compliance in one of the most demanding energy environments.
Banks’ President and Chief Engineer, Gale Banks, emphasized the significance of the appointment. “2021 marks our 63rd year in business and it’s really starting to get interesting,” Banks said. “You can count on this, when it comes to impressive, reliable horsepower, Matt’s addition will ensure that we continue to lead our industry.”
The D866T engine platform itself is a study in durability and adaptability. Originating from GM’s DMAX architecture, it has been refined by Banks to meet the needs of specialized applications. Forced induction systems such as turbocharging and supercharging are engineered to deliver not only peak power but sustained performance under extreme conditions. The super-turbo configuration, combining both systems, offers a broad torque curve and rapid response, critical for competitive motorsports and demanding military scenarios.
Banks’ approach to engine development integrates advanced materials, precision machining, and rigorous testing protocols. By embedding proprietary components during initial assembly, the company ensures compatibility and performance from the outset, reducing the need for aftermarket modifications. This philosophy aligns with Gamble’s background in aerospace and nuclear engineering, where system integration and reliability are paramount.
The planned Pike’s Peak diesel record attempt underscores the program’s ambitions. Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, with its 156 turns and elevation gain of over 4,700 feet, is a grueling test of both machine and driver. For a diesel-powered vehicle, the challenge includes maintaining combustion efficiency in thin air while managing thermal loads from sustained high output. Success in such an event would not only demonstrate engineering prowess but also expand perceptions of diesel performance potential.
With Gamble’s multidisciplinary expertise and Banks’ legacy of innovation, the high-output DMAX-based engine program is positioned to push boundaries in multiple sectors, from competitive motorsports to mission-critical military deployments.
