Bankspower - Diesel Performance Specialists since 1958

('04.5-07; automatic transmissions only)
A total system solution with enhanced transmission control for exhaust braking, Banks' direct-mount, no-maintenance exhaust brake has electronics that monitor critical engine and transmission parameters to maximize braking efficiency. It dramatically cuts downhill speeds without using the wheel brakes. This keeps brakes cool and ready for emergencies, and saves thousands in brake maintenance. Optimizes exhaust flow when not engaged. Easy install; needs no drilling, cutting or modifications to stock wiring.

Computerized brake control (CBC) and SmartLock are included.
CBC automatically senses throttle position, controls brake engagement and cuts out annoying brake noises. Fast warm-up function prolongs brake durability, and automated brake disengagement at low speed smoothes stop-and-go driving. Banks SmartLock locks the torque converter & raises line pressure to smoothly reduce vehicle speed and safeguard the transmission.

Includes:
Cast, large-bore brake housing assembly; High-force 4-1/4" vacuum actuator; Belt-driven vacuum pump with serpentine belt for quiet operation; Computerized Brake Controller/SmartLock; Large butterfly valve with super-alloy shaft-and-bearing system; Wire loom; Mounting hardware.

Test Setup

An ’06 Dodge Cummins pickup was equipped with the Banks DynaFact® data acquisition system to measure vehicle speed, engine RPM, exhaust backpressure, transmission line pressure and braking horsepower.

Test runs on a 7% grade in the vicinity of Southern California's daunting Cajon Pass were done with the gear selector in both Drive and 2nd. Tow/Haul mode was used is all cases, per Dodge’s recommendations. 55 mph was established at the top of the hill, and the foot brake was applied only if it became necessary to keep the vehicle at a safe speed (no greater than 65 mph). Multiple configurations were tested: stock, Banks Brake with Computerized Brake Controller and SmartLock® (CBC), PacBrake, Jacobs and BD.

All of the brakes tested were a direct mount configuration. Each of the competitive brakes was controlled by the vehicle ECM (an option that became available starting in the 2006 model year). In addition to road testing, flow bench testing was conducted on each of the brake assemblies.

Test Results

	BANKS	BD	PACBRAKE	JACOBS	COMMENTS
Brake Delay	1	4	2	3	1=Best, 4=Worst See Instant Braking Power chart
Braking Power	1	4	2	3	1=Best, 4=Worst See Superior Stopping Power chart
Open Flow	1	3	4	2	1=Best, 4=Worst See Unrivaled Flow chart
Overdrive Cancel in Tow/Haul Mode					Increases RPM for better braking
Brakes in all Gears & Locks Torque Converter					Added safety when low speed must be maintained while descending steep grades
Free from Wire Tapping or Splicing					Far easier to install, Banks Brake needs no modifications to stock wiring
Maintenance Free					Calibrated at the factory, Banks Brake never needs adjustment or maintenance
Boosts Trans Line Pressure					Protects the transmission under higher braking loads
High-Temp Sealed Bearing System					Added durability & reliability; zero maintenance
Lowest Operating Speed (as tested on an '06 vehicle)	14 mph	24 mph	24 mph	24 mph	Only Banks Brake provides critical control at lower speeds

System Includes:

Owners Manual(s)

Banks Exhaust Brake 5.9L ('03-early 04) (Part #97053)	Download
Banks Brake, Exhaust Brake System (Part #97232) Late 2004-2007 Manual Transmissions	Download
Banks Brake with CBC/SmartLock ('04-07) (Part #97055)	Download