Allright guys I think I'm close to finding a 7.3 Super Duty. There will be some mods to it for sure. One of the first may just be an exhaust brake since I tow quite a bit.

How many here are using an exhaust brake (Pacbrake or BD power) on their truck? I'm hoping it will significantly add to the engine braking of the diesel as compared to the mostly none with the 7.3's I've driven.

Comments on reliability, increased brake life, increased wear and or heat on truck components from it?

 

You can go a couple of different ways with an exhaust brake. By one from someone like PacBrake or BD or convert your EBPV into a similar setup. I have had both. I had a 97 1ton with auto tranny and a converted EBPV. towed 15,000 lb 5th wheel all across the western US and it worked. My new truck is a F550 with a manual tranny. It has a BD exhaust brake. It works better. I believe the "real" exhaust brake is more effective. Just my opinion and my experience. you can find instructions on the conversions here or check with some of the vendors/sponsors from here. I know someone from BD is one here quite often and will offer their "FTE brothers" a little price break. Barney

 

Jeff, Jody at DP-Tuner now offers a decel tune that turns the EBPV into an exhaust brake. Its alot cheaper alternative then buying an exhaust brake.

 

I purchased a Powerstroker exhaust Kit off of E-bay, $80.00. It's mostly just a wiring harness. It works pretty well, maybe not as good as a real exaust brake ,but I like it. It works off of the go pedal. I like that really well. When you let off of the pedal, there is approx. 2 -3 sec delay then the EBPV is engaged. I have towed with my 24ft gooseneck with my JD350, and my newly purchased 33ft 5er, and it works well. I actually use it daily, loaded or not. It is nothing more than what a few people on here have done theirselves. ( Kwik ) I believe you could make it yourself alot cheaper, I just chose to go this route.

 

Does it make that sweet sound like the semi's jake brake does?

 

For the most part it is silent. Mine just hisses and kind of whistles when engaged.

 

I've been thinking about this mod for the past year and just haven't decided on which way to go. In addition to the ones mentioned above I am now looking into this model also:

D-Celerator Diesel Exhaust Brake