Best Exhaust brake

[John Berger]

If I ever decided to get an exhaust brake, which one would be the best bang for the buck? Is there any consideration needed for modified engines?

 

[Snow man]

For the buck i think the pacbrake is the best for the buck. For the guys with a stick,the BD has better low rpm retarding power,but its a bit more $$. Probably worth it if you want low RPM retartding power.

 

[SlyBones]

Only thing I would add is to consider a 4" remote mount. Then if ( when ) you end up going to a bigger turbo, you dont have to throw away the brake. It just stays where its at.



BD makes a 4" remote mount, I have heard Pac has one but never seen it. US Gear makes a remote mount. US Gear one uses electric solenoids to engage versus air or vacuum like the others. I hear they dont like wet climates, but have never really had one to know for sure. I know a few texas folks that love em.

 

[John Berger]

Is there any problem installing a Pacbrake with a 4" exhaust system? Will it require an adapter.



I don't know that I'll ever go to a bigger turbo as I don't plan on dragracing or sled pulling, but who knows. It might be a good way to spend money to help the economy and be just for craps and grins.

 

[Wolfgang]

If you have a 4" system there is not enough room at the turbo to install the brake. That is why you will need a remote mounted brake. I currently have the Pacbrake on my 3" exhaust and have thought about going 4" down stream someplace and leave the section where the Pacbrake is in place. Someone else please chime in here, because I don't know how much restriction that short 3" section will create.

 

[Wheaties]

I may be wrong, but I thought the downpipe, post turbo stayed 3" and that 4" exhausts went on after that. This 3" section isn't supposed to matter much until you're stepping up the turbo and looking for 400+ hp (?) Is that right?



I like the Pac Brake for the way it integrates with the ECM. The BD has better low end braking.



With any exhaust brake, you should make sure you have the right exhaust valve springs before you install.



Matt

 

[Snow man]

John,the pac brake fits fine with the 4" exhaust. I am running that exact setup right now,and a 14cm housing. No problems at all fitting it. The pacbrake is 3" just like the stock elbow,then the 4" exhaust bolts up like it would to the stock downpipe,at 3" then immediately flares to 4".

 

[GiesJ]

Is the Jacobs the only brake that doesn't use the micro switch? And what really is this micro switch? What about if the brake gets stuck, is the Jacobs the only one that will stay open so that you can still drive the truck?

Someday I want an exhaust brake probably more for a 'cool toy' than for practicality, but I was just wondering too, which is the best bang for the buck.

thanks in advance,

jason

 

[Wolfgang]

Sorry John I guess I was wrong. I was told at one time it wouldn't work with a 4". Guy must have been trying to sell me another exhaust brake. I bow to you Snowman

 

[Hutchew]

I'm not real sure, but I think the 4" exhaust brake is mostly for those running the HX-40 turbo. I could very well be wrong though, as I don't have one as yet.

 

[Snow man]

LOL@wolfgang! If you run a turbo other than the HX35,you will not be able to bolt up the direct mount exhaust brake. If you think in the future you may upgrade to a larger turbo,then get a remote mount brake. I wish I did,when i have my B1 on my truck, I cant use my pacbrake. Gotta find a BD remote mount now.

 

[Reddog1]

US Gear

I have the US Gear remote mount. It has been on the truck since the truck was about a year old. I am the second owner. I bought the truck at about 115000 miles. I have the 3 inch exhaust.



I see no problems with wet climates. Actually, I see no problem with the US Gear at all, and mine is about six years old.



After a few mods, I have determined I will have to go with a HX40. Obviously I now have some hard decisions to make. :{



My suggestion would be to go remote mount 4 inch. If you stay stock or later change to a 4 inch exhaust, it still works.



I haven't seen it mentioned, but if you have an automatic transmission that is stock (TC) any exhaust brake is pretty much a waste of time. To really be effective, you must lock the TC.





Wayne

 

[DHatfield]

I have a delima. I already have a BD exhaust brake with my PDR Hx35-14, but I would like to upgrade to an Hx40-16 to help with my EGT temps especially when towing (6,000 lbs) in the mountians. My question for you have have the BD remote mount brake, how is the realiability? My main concerns are is I live on gravel roads and travel quit abit (35K a year) and if that is not enough I live in salt country with winter roads. I would think in that kind of enviroment the remote mount would be problematic.

Worse case is I just stay with what I am at.



Thanks,