Jake/Engine Brake

Got a question. Well a question for my father and I. He owns a '14 Freight. It's a bone stock truck that he purchased from a fleet sale. He plans on adding some "bling", some nice add-ons. He was asking me how could he increase the loudness of the jake brake with out effecting the computer/emissions? We both know that you can't mess with any of the emissions on these new trucks such as the muffler, ect. So is there any way to increase the loudness on these newer trucks at all?

I don't know about the newer trucks, but maybe the baffles can be modified like in some pre-emissions trucks. I know the jakes are really loud in the '03 Pete that I drive. Could be worth looking into some work on the baffles.

You want to to do what?? You may not realize that some communities ban the use of jakes in their city limits altogether because of the noise. I know ive seen the signs but can't remember where lol.

I'm sure there is a logical answer that escapes me and it is certainly none of my business, but why would anyone want to increase loudness as oppose to decrease loudness on such a device? In populated areas I see they are outlawed or at the very least controversial.

Slim asks

Why would anyone want to increase loudness as oppose to decrease loudness on such a device? In populated areas I see they are outlawed or at the very least controversial.

You are right. But think hot rods/tuners. Tuned exhaust. Cool sounds...

Slim asks

Why would anyone want to increase loudness as oppose to decrease loudness on such a device? In populated areas I see they are outlawed or at the very least controversial.

You are right. But think hot rods/tuners. Tuned exhaust. Cool sounds...

Hmmm.......

I've heard quite a few Harleys that are louder than my Jake brakes, but somehow it makes sense to outlaw Jake brakes in city limits but the Harleys can be so loud. Most places I go through forbid the Jake brakes. Mine are loud, so I just start my downshifting a bit sooner and turn the Jakes off when I see the sign. No big deal. Now, as for going over mountains and Jaking through the canyons, that's a great experience when you have loud Jakes.

I've heard quite a few Harleys that are louder than my Jake brakes, but somehow it makes sense to outlaw Jake brakes in city limits but the Harleys can be so loud. Most places I go through forbid the Jake brakes. Mine are loud, so I just start my downshifting a bit sooner and turn the Jakes off when I see the sign. No big deal. Now, as for going over mountains and Jaking through the canyons, that's a great experience when you have loud Jakes.

I would guess that it's not so much the decibel level, but the power behind the reverberations. I've heard more than once that the reason many of these communities ban the use of [unmuffled] Jake breaks is because they've been known to shatter windows in houses. I just don't see a Harley doing that.

Thanks for your reply Dustin J. As for everyone else, I know about the laws on Jake Brakes. This particular truck is gonna be a show and part-time work horse. Plus we LOVE loud Jake Brakes!

I've had a Harley or two pass me that were so loud and so powerful that the Harley shook my truck...and I was really getting into the throttle when I got passed. Some of those 107+ ci V-twin engines can make some loud sounds with straight pipes on. I get it, Jake brakes can put out a resonance in the right conditions that can do damage, but I believe that generally it's a noise control measure in places where CMVs travel.