An Exhausting Search
Question: I have a '98 12-valve Dodge Ram with a five-speed that I tow with constantly, and I need to add an exhaust brake. I would like to know which brand and model is best suited for my application. Everyone says theirs is the best, but that's how advertising goes, I suspect. I was hoping you guys could help me out and suggest one for my specific truck.
Mitch Peters
Hartford, Wisconsin
| We've heard of some drivers going almost 200,000 miles on the same set of brakes with the addition of an exhaust brake. Just make sure to install a set of heavy-duty exhaust valvesprings and a torque converter lockup module (if you have an automatic) to get the best performance out of your engine brake.
Answer: Exhaust brakes are wonderful while towing-they save on the cost of brake pads and rotors and also give you the peace of mind that you won't be flying downhill in runaway mode should a brake failure occur. For people who tow heavy loads, exhaust brakes will give extra slowing power, as it's no fun having 20,000 pounds trying to push you down a hill while using your truck's stock friction brakes. As for your particular application, we'd suggest purchasing a Pacbrake exhaust brake. Also, you'll need to install a set of 60-pound valvesprings, so the extra exhaust pressure won't push the exhaust valves open during exhaust-brake use. People with automatic transmissions will have to find a way to lock the torque converter and raise line pressure when using the exhaust brake, otherwise much of the braking energy will just cause converter and transmission slippage. Pacbrake offers a controller for an automatic-equipped truck that will lock the converter for you, although an AutoLoc system from BD Diesel is another good option. The exhaust brake may also require periodic adjustments, but anyone who has towed with one can tell you it's one item that is definitely worth the money.
More Duramax Performance
Question: I just inherited my dad's old truck-an '02 Chevrolet 2500HD. When he first got it, the dealership he bought it from put an Edge Juice module in it. Now it has a 4-inch turbo-back exhaust system from MBRP, an S&B cold-air intake, an Auto Meter A-pillar gauge pod (boost and pyrometer), and I recently bought a new Edge Juice with CS Attitude controller. I was wondering, what's your opinion on what to do next?
Evan Pederson
Devon, Alberta, Canada
| We've seen Duramax engines make almost 550 hp at the wheels with just an EFILive tune, lift pump, and upgraded transmission.
Answer: Sooner or later (especially on modified, high-mileage trucks), the Allison transmission will start to slip, and it will go into limp mode. This seems to happen at power levels from 80 to 150 hp more than stock. If and when this happens to your truck, you can always clear the code and continue driving, but usually after it happens a few times, limp mode will become more and more of a common occurrence as the transmission begins to wear out. You're about at the limit of what you can do power-wise right now with an intake, exhaust, and mild programmer. It's unfortunate that the next step in Duramax performance is so expensive (about $3,500 in parts, plus labor), but there's really no way around it. For good, quality upgrade kits and complete transmissions for your Duramax, check out Pacific Performance Engineering(www.ppediesel.com), Sun Coast Converters (www.suncoastconverters.com), and ATS Diesel Performance (www.atsdiesel.com). With an upgraded converter, transmission, a hot programmer, and a lift pump, your Duramax will be able to put out about 500 hp at the rear wheels. Follow along with our SleeperMax series (Part 2 is on page 154) to get advice on what to do after you're at the programmer and transmission upgrade stage.
Stuttering Super Duty
Question: I had an '08 F-350 that started to give me problems nobody could fix. When I would start up an incline, it would downshift. But then it would start jerking like fuel was being turned on and off. Ford told me to take it to my local service department. Unfortunately, many dealer technicians are lost unless the computer tells them what's wrong. I finally traded it in for a '10 F-350, hoping my '08 was a lemon-but I have the same problems with this one also. It seems to be the worst when I'm driving in rain, but it will also happen on a sunny day. The computer very rarely states it is cleaning the exhaust filter, and when it does it is only for 1 to 2 seconds. Please help me!
Shawn W. Regner
via email
| A lot of people wonder if, as time progresses, the 6.4L Power Stroke will develop as many problems as the 6.0L Power Strokes. So far, we've only seen a handful of issues with the 6.4L Power Strokes-it's our opinion that they'll be reliable and powerful for years to come.
Answer: We've heard of this problem before, and it's surprising that it's happening to your '10 model Ford. There was a technical service bulletin for '08 to '09 Ford diesels that involved moisture collecting in the intercooler, or charge air cooler (CAC) as some call it. If the EGR valve has been replaced, we'd say the intercooler is probably the culprit. After all, moisture turns into water, which will then start to collect in the intercooler. If you've just been cruising down the highway for a few minutes and then hit the throttle and start to build boost, your engine may get a big shot of water while it's spooling up. This shot of water will start to put the fire out in the combustion chamber and result in a lot of black and gray smoke and a loss of power. The other reason we believe it to be the intercooler, is that this condition usually happens when it is rainy out (as you've described) and will also result in very infrequent regenerations.
Theoretically, the problem should have been fixed on your '10 model, but it appears that you're still encountering the same issue. The dealership should warranty the truck and replace the intercooler with an updated version. If they say you already have the updated intercooler and you're still having these issues, we'd suggest going with a Banks intercooler (www.bankspower.com), as we've already spoken to a few people who made the swap to an aftermarket intercooler, and it solved their sputtering, smoking problems.
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