[Gearheart]

3rd stage isn’t exactly an engine brake. It’s an exhaust brake controlled by the VGT Turbo. I shake my head at guys that ask me “isn’t it better to delete the pesky VGT?”. Drive around for a week with only stages 1 & 2 and tell me how you like it. In the flat lands it might be something you could live with, however up here in the PNW at maxi loads putting us at 105k+ lbs, we need all the help we can get. Not to mention fuel consumption losses, reduced engine life, etc. if someone tells you to swap the cam, politely walk away.

Now going forward, suck it up and get a VGT back on there. Yeah they are expensive, but that’s trucking for ya. Then find a reputable tuner (or attempt creating a file yourself if you’re brave enough) and get that thing running right.