Eshaust Brakes

[homersdiesel]

I would appreciate receiving comments about the relative merits of the Banks and BD exhaust brakes. I need to buy one for my 2001 auto and am not sure which is the best.

 

[Midnite]

I really haven't heard anything bad about the Banks exhaust brake, technically speaking, other than it's high price. Banks claims that its brake can give you up to 20 hp more vs. others, based on its larger diameter where the valve is. This claim seems to be generally viewed with skepticism, rolling of eyes, and outright laughter here.



Most people here seem to be most happy with either the BD brake or the Pac Brake, although I've also seen good stuff posted about Jacobs as well.



I may be wrong, but I think I remember that the Pac brake may have an edge over the BD at higher rpms, and the BD having the edge over the Pac brake at mid and lower rpms. I may be completely wrong on that, so hopefully people who have them will either confirm or deny this.



MIke

 

[RADdodge]

Turbo Mount or...

Welcome to the TDR! BD has been in the exhaust brake business for quite awhile. I don’t think you would go wrong with a BD brake. However, you might want to consider if you want an exhaust brake to be turbo mounted or exhaust mounted. There are pros and cons both ways, but if you later decide you want a HX40 or B1 with a 4” exhaust, the exhaust pipe mounted brake is the answer. I have the turbo mounted Pacbrake and it works well. But if I want to upgrade the HX35, I’ll have to replace it.



p. s. Don't see a signature so I have to ask, how are you going to lock up your TC to get the engine braking to work with your auto?

 

[Got Smoke?]

Re: Turbo Mount or...

Originally posted by RADdodge

But if I want to upgrade the HX35, I’ll have to replace it.

Hey RADdodge if you ever have to replace that E-brake keep me in mind.

 

[amsoilman]

I just installed a Banks exhaust brake on a customers truck, and I will say it is a much harder install than the BD is. I also do not like the way the Banks canister sits up so high in the engine compartment. Open the hood and thats the first thing that you see. The BD is nearly hidden;one must look for it.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[RichB59]

Question for Amsoil man

Did you have to do anything special to your DDT equip. transmission to install the BD ex. brake? I have similar setup and am curios.



Thanks Rich B

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Originally posted by homersdiesel

I would appreciate receiving comments about the relative merits of the Banks and BD exhaust brakes. I need to buy one for my 2001 auto and am not sure which is the best.

Before you are sold an exhaust brake for a stock auto you WILL first have to beef up your transmission. I was in the same boat you are about 2 years ago. I had Fred Swanson of Desert Diesel Parts install a complete update and TC and a Valve body. I have also installed a Smart Controller. That is what locks up the Torque Convertor while slowing down. If you don't take this advice... . You will SMOKE your new transmission.

 

[amsoilman]

RichB59,

Yes, you will have to be able to lock the TCC. I did install a small computer from Banks that does this. This unit is not as good as the DTT "smart controller" in my opinion. This is the one I have on my own current vehicle.





Wayne

amsoilam