banks speed brake or B&D brake?

lillyputz wrote:

Paul Clancy wrote:
What is really interesting is your dealer didn't void your power train warranty for having the speedbrake (remember it is a tuner).

Federal law states. the manufactor can't just void your warranty for after market products. they have to prove the after market product caused the problem with the factory componets.

Lillyputz

Plenty have had this happen. Do some searches. If there is a powertrain warranty claim gm request an ECM tcm snapshot and can tell immediately if a tuner was used and warranty is denied. AFAIK all manufacturers are doing this.

dennysbabe wrote:
We purchased the Banks Brake last summer and it worked great on our trip back and forth through the Rockies. Our only issue was not being able to get service code numbers through OnStar because the Banks system doesn't allow OnStar to do a diagnostic report. We took our truck to Chevy and got the service codes (glow plugs) and decided to let them go for now since we don't drive in cold temps. Unfortunately we now need a smog certificate and have to get the glow plugs replaced. That brought the OnStar issue up again and when I contacted Banks about the problem they pointed out removing the in-line fuse (on the harness about 6" away from the module)de-activates the brake system and should allow OnStar access. We removed the fuse and by coincidence OnStar conducted their monthly diagnostic report the same day and it's the first full diagnostic report we've received since June. I also contacted OnStar and they were able to give me service codes for the two glow plugs we're having replaced tomorrow. We're going to leave the fuse out until we need the Banks Brake on our next vacation and even then it's good to know that if we have a service engine light we can pull the fuse and get OnStar to give us a code number. Hope this helps someone.

So put a dash switch in that line and you will be able to turn it on when towing and leave it off at other times!!!! Chris

I have installed a BD inline exhaust brake on a '01, '04 and ,07 Duramax. The '04 and '07 were also tuned using EFILive DSP5 with 100% turbo vane braking included. I could use either one separately or together. In both cases the BD had a little more retarding power than just the turbo brake. Both together was not much different than the BD by itself. If you want/need only a little help I would suggest EFILive tuning or one of the other available aftermarket software brakes. If you want the most retarding power available I would install the BD brake.

A byproduct of either system is it delays the stock grade braking and allows holding a higher gear (with less RPM) on downhill runs. With that comment and to be clear, the higher the RPM the more braking effect you will have with either system. Maximum braking requires high RPM.

After having exhaust brakes installed I would not tow heavy without one. The added safety is easily worth the cost.

BTW, it's BD Diesel Performance in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, Not Bully Dog.

Me Again wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

larry barnhart wrote:

sierrajoe wrote:
hello,
I want to get a exhaust brake for my 2007 1/2 gmc sierra 2500HD. can anyone tell me which one is better, or which one you like. thank you for any help you can give me.

Do you have a reason to need an exhaust or just because you would like to have one? Either reason is good enough for me but we tow a almost 15000 alpenlite and we do not need an exhaust brake. good luck on your search.
chevman

Don't need or don't want?
Do you need to use your service on long down hill grades? I didn't look to see if you are flat lander? Towing flat not really needed, but sure helps save the service brakes.

Larry like me does the annual snowbird thing for the NW to Arizona. Guess if someone has never used one, they really do not know what they are missing, except for one detail. The Cummins REALLY freewheels even with the Torque Converter locked up, where as the Duramax and PowerStroke seem to hold back better. BUT/HOWEVER ETC, both GM and Ford now offer something better!!! Chris

I only know what we have for a accurate story. We have towed on mountains many times with this truck and our 2001 8.1 we had. Using the brakes is at a minimum or maybe not on most hills. I feel because of the added weight the newer GM trucks can carry what we have would not be enough to hold back the load as well as what we have. We are not overloaded but would if a newer bigger fifth was behind our awesome 05 truck. So a good match is what we have and I feel some are not.

chevman

I had a Banks speedbrake on my 09 chevy, and it worked great. In many ways, better than my factory 2011 chevy EB. Banks had much more stopping power than the Factory EB. If I wanted, I could just about stop the truck pulling my trailer downhill, whereas the factory EB tends to just help slow the rig down.
But I do like the factory EB better in one way: just push a button and it turns on. Banks required much more than just a push of a button. But I have heard the newer Banks units might have a one touch capability...not sure.

However, my Banks had some faulty cabling, but was fixed under warranty. I bought it from a online 4x4 parts dealer and worked directly with Banks for my warranty issue. I first had to contact the seller, but they hooked me up with Banks, and from that point on, it was all Banks helping me.

Also, installation takes about 5-6 hours the first time you do it yourself.

Paul Clancy wrote:
What is really interesting is your dealer didn't void your power train warranty for having the speedbrake (remember it is a tuner).

Federal law states. the manufactor can't just void your warranty for after market products. they have to prove the after market product caused the problem with the factory componets.

Lillyputz

What is really interesting is your dealer didn't void your power train warranty for having the speedbrake (remember it is a tuner).

We purchased the Banks Brake last summer and it worked great on our trip back and forth through the Rockies. Our only issue was not being able to get service code numbers through OnStar because the Banks system doesn't allow OnStar to do a diagnostic report. We took our truck to Chevy and got the service codes (glow plugs) and decided to let them go for now since we don't drive in cold temps. Unfortunately we now need a smog certificate and have to get the glow plugs replaced. That brought the OnStar issue up again and when I contacted Banks about the problem they pointed out removing the in-line fuse (on the harness about 6" away from the module)de-activates the brake system and should allow OnStar access. We removed the fuse and by coincidence OnStar conducted their monthly diagnostic report the same day and it's the first full diagnostic report we've received since June. I also contacted OnStar and they were able to give me service codes for the two glow plugs we're having replaced tomorrow. We're going to leave the fuse out until we need the Banks Brake on our next vacation and even then it's good to know that if we have a service engine light we can pull the fuse and get OnStar to give us a code number. Hope this helps someone.

whaley96-I've had a Pac Brake on my truck since new-no problems and works great.Early 1999 F350 DW auto.

Has anyone had experience with PAC exhaust brakes and Ford automatic transmissions?