Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) BD 4" Remote Where?

[Woodenhead]

I'm installing a PDR HX-40 with a 4" Jardine and a BD 4" Remote brake in the near future. Is there room under the hood to put the brake somewhere in the down pipe? It looks tight.



I know some guys put the brake at the end of the down pipe but I'd like to keep it up higher if I can.



First thing to go in is the 370's and 3K GSK. I'm getting sick of looking at all these parts in my living room .



Thanks in Advance



Regards

Mike

 

[Evan A. Beck]

There's no way the brake will fit in the downpipe--its even close at the bottom of the downpipe. Underhood is also just not going to happen because of space concerns. Locate it in the exhaust pipe, a couple feet from the bottom of the downpipe. You will need to make sure your exhaust joints are all welded tight upstream of the brake. You will get nasty hissing leaks otherwise.



You will also need to decide if you want to use a vacuum or air operated brake. BD has both kits available, and in my opinion, the air operated unit is better. THe vacuum one is easier to plumb, though. For the air operated one, you'll need to mount an air compressor and tank somewhere, but those are good things to have anyways (on board air for tires, horns, etc).



Why do you want to keep the brake up towards the engine? Braking performance is excellent with the brake remote-mounted, and it is actually a good thing to have the brake mounted several feet from the turbo/engine. The added pipe acts as a shock absorber for the backpressure, and can actually cause less stress on exhuast manifold gaskets, etc. Keeping the brake farther away fromt he turbo helps to keep good exhaust flow. The turbo-mounted brakes can create turbulence in the helical pattern of exhaust flow coming out of the turbo.

 

[SlyBones]

PDR

The folks at PDR did a sweet job of installing mine. I would check with them for the details.



www.piersdiesel.com

 

[Woodenhead]

Thanks for the info.



Evan,



I'm planning on putting in the vacuum mounted brake as I have no plans on adding a compressor anytime soon. I never realised how much difference in made if it was further from the engine. The only reason I wanted to keep it up closer to the engine was to keep it away from the road/sand/snow/salt etc. I'll run with your suggestion and put it a couple feet from the down pipe.



I bought the brake from Piers I may call them also to see what they have to say.



Thanks Again

Regards

Mike

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Sounds good. I have installed lots of remote mounted brakes on pickup trucks, motorhomes, and medium duty trucks, and have seen very few problems due to general road grime. Actually, it stays pretty clean under the truck where the brake is. Also, I have never had a BD 4" remote mount brake fail.