banks speed brake or B&D brake?

rodknocker wrote:
I have the Banks SpeedBrake on my 06 Dmax, love it. Use it on light setting when not pulling. Also, it works like a downhill cruise control in the mountains. I say do it.

X2 on loving the Speedbrake, my Onstar hates it though. I have not had an accurate diagnostic reading since installing it. Who cares about Onstar anyway. Speedbrake works good, I tow in mid setting, high would throw you through the windshield.

I am partial to EFI Live with an incorporated turbo brake program that's been written by a competent tech. Nothing to add except a switch and programming. I also like the cleaned up custom tuning for smoother towing and shifts, lower EGTs, better fuel economy and more power.... and it's cheaper.

banks speed brake or B&D brake?

The B&D is a actual in line exhaust brake just as their picture shows on their website.

The Banks Speed brakes is not a exhaust brake but a software package that reprograms the turbo vanes in your present VVT (variable vane turbo) system and the Allison to work more aggressively to give the Dmax VVT system more braking performance. Just like GM gives the new Dmax engines.

Which one has more braking power ??

If you notice the Banks speed brake only goes up to a '10 model. In '11 GM reprogrammed for more VVT exhaust braking power.

I would think the Banks Speed Brake program or a program from http://killerbeeperformance.com/ would be better deal for the Dmax that uses hyd lifters and forget about any hydraulic lifter jacking issues.

Lots of good input on several Dmax diesel forums on this issue. Its worth your time to look around those websites on the B-D type exhaust brake vs the VVT/Dmax/Allison turbo braking system.

I have the Banks SpeedBrake on my 06 Dmax, love it. Use it on light setting when not pulling. Also, it works like a downhill cruise control in the mountains. I say do it.

BiggestRon wrote:
I also have a 2007.5 and it came with a built in exhaust brake system. Are you using the tow mode? Thats when it kicks in. IMHO take in tto the dealer and have it checked to see IF you have one already. If so have it checked. If everything is OK then read your owners manual. This might save you some money for more camping.

No exhaust brake on your truck or the OP's unless an aftermarket unit has been installed.

I like the PacBrake unit best for a conventional EB.

If you decide on a Banks product - buy it directly from Banks. Why? Because of the way Banks handles warranty & tech support- if you buy from a dealer, Banks expects all support to be handled by the selling dealer.....

I also have a 2007.5 and it came with a built in exhaust brake system. Are you using the tow mode? Thats when it kicks in. IMHO take in tto the dealer and have it checked to see IF you have one already. If so have it checked. If everything is OK then read your owners manual. This might save you some money for more camping.

Once you've had an EB you'll never go back to towing without one.

Installed a Banks exaust brake on my Dodge 041/2 auto.Cummins. one of the best thing I did. it's like night and day for slowing down.

Lillyputz

Me Again wrote:

larry barnhart wrote:

Me Again wrote:
Don't Break it, Brake it. I love my exhaust brake on my Dodge Cummins and would not tow without it. However, the GM grade braking works fair on it's own.

I don't remember if your dodge is a manual but if so you really need the exhaust brake. It is a great product for trucks.
chevman

Larry, my truck has a custom built towing auto by DTT in Canada, their smart controller to manage Torque Converter lockup and a Banks 4" turbo mounted exhaust. Finally replaced front brake pads at 102K miles. Chris

As soon as I hit send It came to me what you had. Same answer anyway.
chevman

larry barnhart wrote:

Me Again wrote:
Don't Break it, Brake it. I love my exhaust brake on my Dodge Cummins and would not tow without it. However, the GM grade braking works fair on it's own.

I don't remember if your dodge is a manual but if so you really need the exhaust brake. It is a great product for trucks.
chevman

Larry, my truck has a custom built towing auto by DTT in Canada, their smart controller to manage Torque Converter lockup and a Banks 4" turbo mounted exhaust. Finally replaced front brake pads at 102K miles. Chris