Buyer’s Guide: 6.7L Cummins Turbos

When you own a 6.7L Cummins, you’re not just the owner of any truck—you’ve got a beast under the hood, a powerhouse designed to deliver unparalleled performance and endurance. But as with any diesel pickup, there comes a time when replacements or upgrades become not just a desire but a necessity. And when that time is for your turbo, the choices can be, quite literally, overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

Welcome to our turbo buyer’s guide tailored specifically for 6.7L Cummins owners. Whether you’re looking for a stock replacement on your work truck or a set of compounds for sled pulling, we’ve got you covered. Our guide will delve into three distinct tiers of turbos; stock replacements, moderate upgrades, and high-performance compounds.

Stock Replacement Turbo (Tier One)

When it comes to maintaining the original feel and performance of your 6.7L Cummins, a stock replacement turbo is the way to go. With this choice, you won’t experience any power gains or internal machining modifications. What you get is a faithful replica of what your truck originally came with. Its design mirrors the stock one to a tee, ensuring that the exhaust brake remains operational and its installation fits precisely where the old one resided.

Another advantage of going the stock replacement route is the absence of a CARB number requirement, primarily because it mirrors the stock specifications. If your main objective is to swiftly get your truck up and running again without delving into power enhancements, this turbo is your best bet. For your convenience, we offer these stock replacements both in brand-new conditions and remanufactured versions.

Stock Replacement Turbo Recommendations:

• BD STOCK REPLACEMENT HE351VE VGT TURBO 07.5-12 DODGE 6.7L CUMMINS
• RIVER CITY TURBO REMANUFACTURED STOCK REPLACEMENT HE351VE VGT TURBO 07.5-12 DODGE 6.7L CUMMINS
• HOLSET 5325950H NEW NO CORE GENUINE OE TURBOCHARGER 07.5-12 DODGE 6.7L CUMMINS
• HOLSET 5326058H NEW NO CORE GENUINE OE TURBOCHARGER 13-18 RAM 6.7L CUMMINS

Moderate Upgrade Turbo (Tier Two)

For those seeking a bit more kick, a tad more whistle, and a noticeable boost in performance without going all out, this tier is for you.

Models such as the Fleece Cheetah, BD Screamer, and Calibrated Power Turbos stand out in this category. Each of these options originates from a stock charger foundation but undergoes internal machining and modifications to maximize airflow. The result? Improved drive pressure, enhanced boost, and an overall enriched performance that every truck owner dreams of.

One of the main attractions of these moderate upgrades is their installation ease. They are designed to fit precisely where the original stock turbo was positioned, often retaining a stock-like appearance.

While they don’t demand any other modifications to your truck, to unlock their potential we’d recommend getting tuner, cold air intake, and upgraded exhaust. Not only do these upgrades complement the turbo, but they can drastically increase it’s performance. For those of you wondering, these turbos don’t require custom tuning – but if you want to go the extra mile and squeeze a little more out of it, you certainly can.

For those contemplating options in the first two tiers, whether it’s the stock replacement or the moderate upgrade, it’s worth noting a few maintenance suggestions. It’s an opportune moment to refresh your oil feed line and oil drain line. Contemplating a manifold replacement could also be beneficial. While these aren’t mandatory changes, our experience suggests that they streamline the installation process significantly. For your convenience, all these parts are readily available on our website.

Moderate Replacement Turbo Recommendations:

• FLEECE PERFORMANCE 63MM FMW HE300VG VGT CHEETAH TURBOCHARGER 13-18 RAM 6.7L CUMMINS
• FLEECE PERFORMANCE 63MM FMW HE351VE VGT CHEETAH TURBOCHARGER 07.5-12 DODGE 6.7L CUMMINS
• BD-POWER 1045771 SCREAMER HE300VG PERFORMANCE TURBO 13-18 RAM 6.7L CUMMINS
• BD-POWER 1045770 SCREAMER HE351VE PERFORMANCE TURBO 07.5-12 DODGE RAM 6.7L CUMMINS
• CALIBRATED POWER STEALTH MACH 1 64 DROP-IN TURBO 13-18 RAM 6.7L CUMMINS
• CALIBRATED POWER STEALTH STR HE300VG TURBO 13-18 RAM 6.7L CUMMINS
• CALIBRATED POWER STEALTH MACH 1 64 DROP-IN TURBO 10-12 DODGE 6.7L
• CALIBRATED POWER STEALTH STR HE351VE TURBO 10-12 RAM 6.7L CUMMINS

High Performance Compound Turbos (Tier Three)

As we ascend to the third tier, we’re diving deep into the realm of compound turbos. These are the pinnacle of turbo technology, for the true enthusiasts looking to extract every ounce of power and performance from their Cummins. At this level, you might find setups that supplement a secondary charger alongside the stock turbo, or in some cases, they might swap out both turbos completely.

These aren’t your plug-and-play options. If you’re in pursuit of a solution that effortlessly fits into the stock slot, you might want to revisit the first two tiers. Here, to harness the full potential of these beasts, it’s advisable to integrate larger injectors and consider adding head studs. With these configurations, you’re venturing into the territory where abundant airflow facilitates formidable power generation.

When it comes to compound turbo kits for the 6.7L Cummins platform, BD, ATS, and Industrial Injection are the industry’s leaders. Their offerings range from setups that supplement a secondary charger alongside the stock turbo, or in some cases, they might swap out both turbos completely.

High Performance Compound 6.7L Turbo Upgrade Recommendations:

• ATS 2029522392 AURORA VORTEX 5000 PLUS TURBO KIT 13-18 RAM 6.7L CUMMINS
• ATS 2029522356 AURORA PLUS 5000 COMPOUND TURBO KIT 10-12 6.7L CUMMINS
• INDUSTRIAL INJECTION 67ATP TOWING COMPOUND TURBO KIT 07.5-12 DODGE 6.7L CUMMINS

Finding the Right Turbo For You

From stock replacements to high-performance compounds, there are tons of turbo options for the 6.7L Cummins. No matter where your needs lie within the spectrum, rest assured there’s a turbo just right for you.

If you’re still on the fence or suspect you might be in need of a new turbo, our “How To Diagnose and Repair A Failed Turbocharger on Your Diesel” blog is a must-read. Remember, we’re always here to assist! Whether you’re curious, concerned, or simply want to chat about diesel dynamics, our experts are just a call, email, or live chat away. Dive into the world of diesel with confidence, knowing you’ve got a team of professionals by your side.