After market exhaust brake reliability and effectiveness

[Travel_glampers]

We have a 2009 Silverado 3500HD Duramax DRW. It did not come from the factory with an exhaust brake. The reviews are mixed on aftermarket systems (BD and Banks). What experiences have others had with these and other systems?

[byronlj]

BD Diesel here on my 07.5 Duramax variable vane. Works great.

[Grit_dog]

C Schomer wrote:
You're lucky if you DON'T have a VGT and you don't want one either. Get an in-line exhaust brake. I've had a Pac brake for several years on a previous truck and now a BD exhaust break for a few years and they both work great. It also sounds like the electric operated brand works well too. I want on board air no matter what so I use the compressed air operated inline brakes. Craig

But he does, so what’s your point?

[Grit_dog]

Not sure I’ve ever seen or heard of anyone adding a traditional exh brake downstream of a vvt.
Of course could be done physically and be operational, but it’s not common
Get a module, plug it in, take the easy route and enjoy a nice exhaust brake function without ever touching the exhaust or doing any re-wiring.

And yes I would absolutely do it.
The 3 big advantages of a diesel pickup are fuel mileage, more power and exhaust brakes. $500 is money well spent on a module to get the most out of your setup.

[C_Schomer]

You're lucky if you DON'T have a VGT and you don't want one either. Get an in-line exhaust brake. I've had a Pac brake for several years on a previous truck and now a BD exhaust break for a few years and they both work great. It also sounds like the electric operated brand works well too. I want on board air no matter what so I use the compressed air operated inline brakes. Craig

[Travel_glampers]

Which type of system is better: one that uses an on board air compressor and butterfly valve, or an electrical module that changes the angle of the vanes in the turbocharger?

[Grit_dog]

No one has answered your question because they’re talking about actual add on exhaust brakes.
If you weren’t aware, you dont need an exhaust brake. But rather a tuner to utilize your VVT as an exhaust brake.
Can’t say which one is best but I’m certain they all work fine and similarly and they’re all from the primary companies that produce these products.

[Cummins12V98]

Joppy wrote:
I"ve had a Banks brake on my 95 power stroke for 17 years. Still works perfectly.

I have bought Banks products in the past. They are very high quality. BUT they are very high cost. There are other products on the market that work just as well.

[Joppy]

I"ve had a Banks brake on my 95 power stroke for 17 years. Still works perfectly.

[Old-Biscuit]

2008 I had a US Gear D'Celerator electric actuated 4" exhaust brake installed on my 2007 Dodge 3500 5.9L CTD

Small PC Control Box with an on/off switch
HD Solenoid closes the 4" Butterfly....2" bypass butterfly modulates/controls back pressure at 59# MAX

Has been flawless since.....

BEST mod I have done to the truck!

[rhagfo]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

ScottG wrote:
I've had a PacBrake on my truck for 15 years with no problems at all.

That’s who I was going to suggest also. Great customer support.

I make for a trifecta for PacBrake, some of the best money I spent on the 2001 Ram 2500!

[Cummins12V98]

ScottG wrote:
I've had a PacBrake on my truck for 15 years with no problems at all.

That’s who I was going to suggest also. Great customer support.

[ScottG]

I've had a PacBrake on my truck for 15 years with no problems at all.

[Jim-Linda]

I have a BD installed on a 1996 Cat 3126 and in that time I have replaced 1{one} air valve. I leave the switch "on" all the time which really extends brake life, mine are hydraulic. Air is used to activate but I am sure latest units have other means.