Thining about putting an exhaust brake on my 94. Looking for input on brands ect. Would like to get one that sounds like a jake brake if possible??? WQhat are you running and how do you like it?

 

I've got a Pacbrake PRXB. Its a very nice unit,that works well.

I can run through the passes in Washington at 19k lbs combined and never have to use the trucks service brakes. Some times I have to give the truck some throttle because the Pacbrake works so well.

I highly recommend the Pacbrake.

 

I have a Jacobs exhaust brake and I installed it myself about 120000 miles ago and it is still working fine.
Jim O

 

we run jacobs and havent had any problems. your not going to get the sound you want its a different set up for little motors

 

the "sound "of a jack brake on big trucks is because the exhaust valves are held open so not to build compression and fire the cylinder. it releives just enough combustion chamber pressure. the exhaust brakes are a butterfly in the exhaust much like the throttle plate on a gsoline engine. when the butterfly closes the exhaust gets alot of backpressure and slows the truck down.

 

I second the PacBrake PXRB. I went with it over the Jacobs because the Pac uses air to activate and the Jacobs uses vacuum. If the vacuum lines get a leak then they can take out the vacuum pump. The compressor for the Pac can also be used to fill tires, etc.

 

im also considering an exhaust brake for my 97, but have yet to complete any mods to the truck yet. is there anything thats must be done before installing one on an auto?

 

You'll need a lockup controller on the older (pre-'06) automatics.

Tony

 

I believe you'll need different exhaust valve springs for 12-V engines.

 

Correct they should come with the heavier springs make sure you tell them its for a 12 valve motor...........

 

Pacbrake PRXB is what I run also.
I like it because you have on board air for air bags, train horns, filling tires etc.
It also comes with 6-#60 exhaust springs.

 

I am leaning towards the pak brake. I already have 60lb springs from when i did my headwork. And have an air compressor for my train horns. What size do they make them in? I am currently running 4" turbo back but was thinking about running 5" if they make them that big.
Evan

 

I installed the Pacbrake myself on my 06 two weeks ago. I don't know how I towed without one. Only a couple of local trips with my RV so far but I'm getting ready to head out on a 2 week trip. Nice having on board air for kids bike tires.

 

[QUOTE=stumpjumper;2108376]the "sound "of a jack brake on big trucks is because the exhaust valves are held open so not to build compression and fire the cylinder QUOTE]

Not quite. If the exhaust valves were held open there would be no compression. In a real Jake brake the valve timing is changed to hold the exhaust valve closed as long as possible turning the cylinder into a compressor. When it opens the loud noise people associate with Jake brakes happens. You are somewhat correct about the exhaust brake however. When the butterfly is closed it turns the cylinders into compressors, thus slowing the engine. The throttle plate on a gas engine, when closed , creates a vacuum and slows the engine by making each cylinder "pull" air into it rather than getting air/fuel from atmospheric pressure.

 

sorry. not quite. do a search for "how jake brake works". also do a search for "how exhaust brake works" the one i just looked up is a link to a banks website...some very good information for someone to read before they go correcting somebody else...i've only been working around diesels for 15 years