Yes it could be done. The only thing that you need to worry about is the back pressure holding the valves open, which creates a problem with vw diesels due to the interference between the pistons and valves. This can be solved by using your choice of performance valve springs.This is the same concept that the 12 valve Cummins uses in Dodges. They have to run 60lbs valve springs when using exhaust brakes due to the "floating" of valves when the brake is engaged.
Quote from: dh13 on May 30, 2010, 08:59:35 amYes it could be done. The only thing that you need to worry about is the back pressure holding the valves open, which creates a problem with vw diesels due to the interference between the pistons and valves. This can be solved by using your choice of performance valve springs.This is the same concept that the 12 valve Cummins uses in Dodges. They have to run 60lbs valve springs when using exhaust brakes due to the "floating" of valves when the brake is engaged.Cummins valve springs aren't built to return the valve at 5500rpm so they might be on the weak side.On the vdub I don't know how you'd ever know if the valves were close to hanging open, but a less restrictive butterfly valve would keep it from happening but would result in less braking affect.
I am not sure they would.the back pressure itself is not going to blow head gaskets out, as the peak cylinder pressures are much higher than backpressure will ever be. the issue is the heat involved in high backpressure, and the way that the extra pressure makes it absorb into the motor(and headgasket)with the exhaust brake, it will only be used during engine braking(when you are off the throttle) and so there will be little, if any, fuel being injected and burned. so EGT will be low, and the headgasket should be OK.that is, if the exhaust brake is never used under throttle.-Owen