what exhaust brakes you guys prefer & why?

-Kevin wrote:

JIMNLIN wrote:

bikerdib wrote:
All I can say is I'm very happy with the factory system on my '13 Ram.

FYI you don't have a exhaust brake on your 6.7 Cummins. The 6.7 engine uses the Holset turbo VGT with a sliding nozzle system that acts like a exhaust brake. This system isn't used or can it be adapted to the 5.9 engine.

The OP has a 5.9 Cummins and it requires a actual "exhaust brake".

I had the Jacobs exhaust brake installed by my Dodge dealer as part of the package deal when I bought my current '03 Dodge. It operates from vacuum which requires a mechanical vacuum pump to be added to a much longer serpentine belt. Works great and no issues so far with 220k on truck.

If I had a 5.9 I would get the Pacbrake for two reasons.
1st.... it works from a electric air pump. Add a tank and air pressure can be used for other purposes.
2. All EB have the same max exhaust braking power at max rpm. However due to the way the Pac works it has a bit more braking under 2000 rpm.

I had a BD exhaust brake on a '96 DRW Cummins with the NV4500 tranny. No issues with it.

Sorry to say, but your the one who is wrong. The VG turbo is a actual "exhaust brake", though it does not use a butterfly valve which is really just splitting hairs. Does the function of brake come through the exhaust? yes.
The PAC brake units for the 5.9's provide about 150 retard HP same as the 6.7 VG turbo does. Though people with 6.7's can install the "load leash" from PAC and gain another 150 retard HP for less than $2k

Your reading and comprehension skills need to be sharpened.
First off I never said he was wrong but said and I quote;

"FYI you don't have a exhaust brake on your 6.7 Cummins. The 6.7 engine uses the Holset turbo VGT with a sliding nozzle system that acts like a exhaust brake. "

Now lets keep in mind the OP has a '97 Cummins which the 6.7 Cummins VGT doesn't work on and will have to use a actual exhaust brake.