Adding exhaust brake to older trucks

[bigred715]

How many of you have added an exhaust brake to your older trucks that did not come equipped with it. I have a 2007 3500 and wish I had it sometimes. Don't like winding engine up when coming down off of some long steep grades. Occasionally reach rpms over 3500 rpms. I usually stab the trailer brakes to hold the speed down. Don't know what the expense would be. Warranty has run out so that would not be an issue.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by bigred715

How many of you have added an exhaust brake to your older trucks that did not come equipped with it. I have a 2007 3500 and wish I had it sometimes. Don't like winding engine up when coming down off of some long steep grades. Occasionally reach rpms over 3500 rpms. I usually stab the trailer brakes to hold the speed down. Don't know what the expense would be. Warranty has run out so that would not be an issue.

There is at least one company that makes a plug and play unit for your truck - Banks. Other units are available but require cutting and welding. The Banks unit plugs into your existing wiring harness and uses the turbo vanes for breaking - the same as the factory installed units. Sorry, I'm not sure about the price.

On edit: Looks like Bully Dog has one too.

[Irlpguy]

Check out this website, they are the people I used when I had the Exhaust brake installed on my 01 Dodge.

http://www.dieselperformance.com/ind...uct/index/201P

[mtheo]

I installed the Banks Exhaust brake on my 2002 Duramax and it took less than 2 hours to install brake and another hour or so to install compressor.
I also installed a CAT back large exhaust at the same time.
Works great and I would not be with out it.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by mtheo

I installed the Banks Exhaust brake on my 2002 Duramax and it took less than 2 hours to install brake and another hour or so to install compressor.
I also installed a CAT back large exhaust at the same time.
Works great and I would not be with out it.

Aren't you talking about the mechanical brake? Then have an electronic one now.

[drknapp]

I have the Banks electronic one in our truck. We have been very happy with it.

[WeBeFulltime]

I installed a PacBrake PRXB on my 2007 Ram about 4 years ago and LOVE it. It is also "plug & play" and uses trucks computer. No welding or modifications required. Is air operated and comes with the compressor and small tank giving you compressed air for other uses.

[mtheo]

Yes Tom, some newer trucks have electronic exhaust brakes. I think they changes the angle of the vanes in the turbo to create back pressure. There might be other types.
Older turbos do not have that capabilty. So you need a mechanical exhaust valve in the exhaust system, it essentially closes the exhaust pipe off to create back pressure.

[Bill and Jan]

We love our Pac Brake on our Dodge. It's amazing how many times the air compressor is used because it's so handy. We no look for mountain roads.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by mtheo

Yes Tom, some newer trucks have electronic exhaust brakes. I think they changes the angle of the vanes in the turbo to create back pressure. There might be other types.
Older turbos do not have that capabilty. So you need a mechanical exhaust valve in the exhaust system, it essentially closes the exhaust pipe off to create back pressure.

OP has a 2007 Chevy - that's why I suggested the electronic version. I know they can be used on 2006 and later, not sure about before then.

[maximo]

I had a B&D exhaust brake installed on my 2002 F250. Had to change the original setting on the brake a little lower as coming to a stop the brake shut down the engine. The brake is set to disengage at 25mph. The cost of the exhaust brake and torq lock was right at $2000.

Frank

[ols1932]

We have had the Banks Exhaust Brake installed on our '95 F-250 since January 2002. We've been completely satisfied with it. Sorry I don't remember how much it cost because I usually get what I pay for. We had it installed at the factory in Azusa, CA. I wouldn't tow without it.

Orv

[Champ_49]

I did the same as Maximo with the BD Exhaust brake, the Torque lock for the converter which is a must if you have an exhaust brake. Best thing I could have ever done IMHO. My trip out west was made a lot simpler and safer. I will also add that this was 4 yrs. ago on the install, and not one problem with the setup.

Dave

[rapidrobert]

If you have a Ford 7.3 diesel you have an exhaust brake back pressure valve built in to your engine. You need to build a circuit to control it. I built one a year after I bought my truck. The brake is not as aggressive as the add ons, but it works pretty good. The valve is used to cause engine to warm up when started cold.

[rames14]

My brother in law has the Pac Brake and loves it. I believe his is on '06 Dodge 3500. He had it installed at a diesel shop.

[dieselguy]

I installed a US Gear D-Celerator electric exhaust brake. You have to cut the pipe ahead of the muffler, but that's no biggie. The rest is just electrical as in mounting a solenoid, installing switch on the gas pedal, and mounting an activation button on say the dash. In reference to making the 7.3's factory exhaust back pressure valve (EBPV) into an exhaust brake ... the mod is cheap to do, but disappointing in performance unless you're just pulling a lawn mower around on a two wheeled trailer.

[Champ_49]

Mine is the 7.3 diesel and with the BD Exhaust brake, and torque lock is a great setup. I went down the Bighorn Mtns. with a 16,000 lb. 5th wheel going west and hardly ever touched my brake pedal. Only when I got to the switchbacks did I have to apply any brake and that was only a couple times. Great setup for the 7.3 IMHO.

Dave

[Art-n-Marge]

Caution on the Banks brake systems between certain models (at least Ford has this problem). Ols1932's '95 truck brake system IS NOT available for other model year trucks. For example, his 7.3 Diesel is very different than the 6.0, 6.4 and 6.7 system. I was waiting for a while before Banks was able to FINALLY come out with this system, but I waited so long, didn't take as many trips and therefore skipped adding any braking system at all.

While the OP has a Chevy, I don't know it that engine family has an issue but it's something to make absolutely sure about. I would not get something close or something that should work. If it's not a 100% fit, then I wouldn't even try it but I'm not as brave or smart as many others. I only bring this up to make sure you know exactly what a vendor has for your vehicle. I do wish I had something, since I tow or carry more than just towing my Montana and drive around some pretty good hilly roads and can only rely on the Tow/Haul mode.

However, I must be doing something right. My truck just turned 100,000 miles and I am finally starting to hear the squeal of the brakewear indicator on occassion but only in the front, so they are at the point of replacing. Now do I do them myself, or pay someone for the convenience - darn these old bones? So far, the OEM brakes have been wonderful to go 100,000 miles (my opinion) and I'm wanting the same (no desire to go to the Ford dealer).

[rapidrobert]

Hey Diesleguy, have you tried the EBPV version or are you talking on assumptions? I've had a Banks and the EBPV one. Obviously the Banks is better, but the homemade one does a fairly good job with my trailer (which would weigh at least as much as three lawn mowers). My 2880 only grosses at about 11000, but I can maintain speed without speeding up on 8 degree grade in second gear.

[dieselguy]

rapidrobert ... I usually do set of the pants mods before I disclaim stuff. If you don't know what you are doing with the stock EBPV on the old 7'3's you can and will tear something up. 35 psi is about the max backpressure you'll want to throw at those ole workhorses. I just wasn't happy with the performance of the mod (I have the 6 speed), so I went with the US Gear. 4th gear holds me back with the US Gear ... not nearly so with the EBPV mod. I guess I'll restate that the EBPV mod on the 7.3's required too much RPM for satisfaction in my case only.