geusterman, I have the 6spd manual so no, no transmission issues related to the brake.
CFish,
I have had my BD brake for over 150K. I use it a lot. The BD kit does not include a tank, but I have one. I have cycled the compressor thousands of times with absolutely no issues. It doesn't fill the tank as fast as the compressor I had for the airbags which I haven't used since the brake went in, but that's never been an issue. The mounting plate allows the compressor to be mounted inside the fender well so it is completely out of the way.
I guess I can't say the BD compressor is any better than any other compressor. However with the trouble free usage I've had with mine, it would be hard for me to say there's a better one.
US made? Don't know, don't care. Truck is Mexican so the compressor might as well be Canadian.
All metal housing? Don't remember. It's been over 3 years since I've seen it. I don't remember thinking, "geez, that's a crappy housing. "
High CFM? High enough to get the job done. I wouldn't want to have to air up a tire with it.