When it comes to performance improvement, a costly but effective change you can make is replacing the turbocharger. Aftermarket turbos work great in many cases. Also, they are environment-friendly from some perspectives.
I don’t know the reason behind getting a turbo, but I know you’re here to get suggestions about the best turbo for 6.7 Cummins. If this is the case, I can help you.
As an automotive mechanic, I’ve been handling turbochargers and other automotive parts for a long time. I’ve experienced and installed a lot of them. So, I’m sure I can offer you some good options.
Before picking the options I’ve listed here, my team and I have researched loads of turbos. We’ve experienced many of them. Besides the experience, expert opinions, user reviews, and company specifications have helped me to pick the top five turbos to suggest.
I believe the reviews will provide a good idea about them and help you select the most suitable one. So, stay with me.
People Who Need New Turbochargers
Anyone looking for a better performance from the vehicle engine often looks for turbochargers. They are known for helping the engine to reach its optimum performance. So, performance hunters often think of installing a new turbo.
Also, vehicle owners having a damaged turbo look for a replacement for the previous one. A damaged turbo can also harm the engine. So, quick replacement is necessary.
Turbochargers are well known for being environment-friendly to some extent. So, if someone wants to reduce the harmful impacts on nature, they may consider adding a turbo to their vehicles.
Comparing Our Top 3 Recommended Products
- Fits 2013-2017 Cummins
- High price range
- 2 years warranty
- Black color
- Offers better-than-OE performance
- Supports modification
- Fits old Cummins engines
- Low price range
- 1-year unlimited mileage warranty
- Silver appearance
- Ensures OE performance
- Doesn’t support modification
- Fits 2013-2018 Cummins
- Low price range
- 1-year warranty
- Silver appearance
- Offers OE performance
- Doesn’t support modification
Top 5 Best Turbo for 6.7 Cummins Reviews
If you’re looking for a good turbocharger for a 2013-2017 6.7 Cummins engine, this one from Fleece Performance Engineering must be your pick. This FPE-351-1317 is a reliable and efficient kit that helps you improve the engine’s ability. It offers a big top-end power with a smooth throttle response.
It is equipped with FMW Compressor Wheel technology, which means the wheels are cut from forged aluminum billets. This ensures maximum wheel strength and makes them almost impossible to break.
Besides, the Inconel Turbine Wheel technology strengthens the turbine wheels, making the overall turbocharger more efficient than regular OE ones. Besides the wheel, the rest parts are also made with quality materials. So, you can expect a strong turbo that offers better performance than OE.
A new actuator comes with it. Thus, no actuator calibration programming is needed in the installation process.
It is designed as the OE one. So, it fits perfectly in the OE space. Also, you don’t need to modify anything or use specific tools to install it. OE bolts will be enough.
A 2-year limited warranty from the manufacturer backs it. Besides the turbocharger, the package includes an exhaust flange gasket, exhaust flange studs and nuts, turbo oil drain gasket, and coolant banjo sealing washers.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick FPE-351-1317
The primary reasons to pick this turbocharger are its build quality and efficiency. It is made to perform and exceed the OE turbo. Besides, I like it for the overall improvement it offers. Starting from handling to top-end power, it enhances everything.
This is another good aftermarket turbocharger you can try. If you’re looking for exact OE performance, picking this turbo from BuyAutoParts is a reliable investment. It won’t disappoint you unless you want huge improvement.
It is specially designed for handling stress and ensuring durability. So, you can expect it to last for a long time. For this, the parts are made of strong and durable materials. As it is manufactured to maintain OE standards, you don’t have to worry much about the performance.
After manufacturing, it is tested carefully and checked visually to guarantee zero faults and 100% buyer satisfaction. The manufacturer ensures this.
Besides OE performance, it is designed based on OE specifications. So, it sits perfectly in the place of your original turbocharger. Installation won’t be a problem in this case.
This CARB-approved turbocharger is legal in 50 states, except for California. So, check your address twice. Haha.
The manufacturer is confident about it. So, it is backed by a 1-year unlimited miles warranty. But it can support you for more than a year if you take good care. So, before installing it, don’t forget to prime the center bearing.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Choose BuyAutoParts 40-30839AN
I’ve placed it on the list because no other aftermarket turbochargers can ensure an OE performance like this. It is designed and manufactured maintaining OE standards, making it a perfect OE replacement you can buy. Also, it is not priced high.
3. Koomaha 3787604 Turbocharger: Budget Pick
I suggest this one from Koomaha for people who want to enjoy a performance improvement by spending less than a thousand. My research says it is a good turbocharger with a slight issue. Let’s discuss the details.
It doesn’t come with the exact OE design, but that won’t be an issue. You can fit it in the OE space without facing much problem. The installation process may take some time, but doing it carefully will save you from hazards.
After installation, you can check the performance it offers. This turbo shows a noticeable improvement in throttle response and handling. You may face some issues when you need it to work for a long time. Allowing it some time to cool is necessary.
The build quality is strong. So, I think it’ll last for a long time. However, some users have said that it doesn’t last much. I guess there might be some manufacturing defect. Because of poor after-sales service, they couldn’t get a replacement. So, you must be careful about it.
Some of my clients have used this for over a year without an issue. Proper maintenance helps you keep it alive for a few years and enjoy a smooth performance.
It is backed by a 12-month or 24-month warranty policy of Koomaha. But I don’t think warranty policies can help you much as the after-sales service is not up to the mark.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick Koomaha 3787604
I’ve picked this because it is low priced turbo with good performance. It is the perfect pick if you want a turbocharger but don’t want to spend more than a thousand bucks.
Though some users have faced after-sales issues, my clients have used it for over a year without any major problems. So, you can take a chance.
4. Fleece Performance FPE-351-0712 Turbocharger
Here is another turbocharger Fleece Performance offers for 6.7 Cummins. If budget is not a matter, you can give it a try.
The best thing about this turbo is its look, I think. The complete black appearance has given it a rugged look that seems great under the hood. Besides the look, you can expect its performance to be great too.
Being packed with FMW compressor wheel technology, it offers maximum wheel strength. Other parts are equally strong as they are made of quality materials. Also, it is backed by Inconel turbine technology for better performance.
Smooth installation won’t take much of your time. Stock components are good enough to make it sit in the place of the previous turbo. Besides, it doesn’t need actuator calibration programming. It uses all the OEM components to sit and work.
Besides OE, if your vehicle is modified under 7000 RHWP, it fits perfectly. So, you don’t need to spend on any additional modification.
Overall, this is another turbo that ensures a smooth and quick throttle response. 2-year warranty and has got its back, and Fleece Performance after-sales service is smooth. This helps you tackle possible issues perfectly.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick Fleece Performance FPE-351-0712
I don’t think it offers maximum value for money. Still, I’ve picked it for its look and overall performance. It helps your engine respond fast to the throttle, making driving safer and more enjoyable. Also, it is full of new technologies that can help you by making the ride comfortable.
5. Remanufactured Stigan 847-1486 Turbocharger
Besides the high-end and reasonable options, I have something in mid-range too. This is a remanufactured Stigan turbocharged from Amazon’s renewed store. Though it is remanufactured, you can depend on it because Amazon has its back. You’ll get a replacement or refund if you’re not satisfied.
Stigan focuses mostly on build quality. The exhaust housing and compressor are thick-cast to ensure strength and durability. Other components are built well with high-quality materials. With it, you’ll receive a two-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
It is designed using a reverse-engineering method after studying the reasons behind the failure of OE turbos. So, it outperforms OE in many ways, especially from the point of durability.
Installing it doesn’t take much time as it is designed with OE specifications. Also, you won’t need any special tool for that.
The package comes with a new turbine wheel, OEM electronic actuator, upgraded journal, and thrust bearings. So, you don’t need to buy anything in most cases. Also, within this budget, it is 50-state legal and has CARB approval.
As a remanufactured turbo, it may come in a box with no brand name or some imperfections in some places. But the overall performance is somehow better than OE, as I’ve seen.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick Stigan 847-1486
One of the primary reasons to pick this is I wanted to suggest something within the mid-range. Also, people are getting good performance from Amazon remanufactured turbos and recommending others. One of my clients has got it installed and found it working great. I’ve also heard a lot about it. So, I thought you should try it.
Fleece Performance Vs. Stigan Turbo – Which one to Choose?
| Features | Fleece Performance
FPE-351-0712 |
Stigan 847-1486 |
| Price Range: | High-end product | Medium-range product |
| Condition: | Brand new | Remanufactured by Amazon |
| Appearance: | Black in color | Silver-colored |
| Warranty: | 2-year limited warranty from the manufacturer | 2-year warranty from Amazon |
| Modification: | Supports modification | Doesn’t support modification |
| Performance: | Better than OE | OE-like but exceeds OE sometimes |
Both these turbos support 2007-2012 Cummins engines. However, you’ll find significant differences too. If money doesn’t matter, you can try the one from Fleece Performance. However, the one from Stigan comes at a lower price than this.
But you may not want to depend on a remanufactured turbo. In such a case, FPE-351-0712 can be your pick.
Both offer slightly better performance than OE turbo. So, you don’t have to think much to choose between these two.
Reasons You Can Depend on Our Suggestions
Now let’s come to a crucial point- reasons to trust my reviews.
First things first, I have a long experience handling vehicles and accessories. During this time, I’ve worked with turbos too. So, I believe that I have a good idea about them.
However, I haven’t depended on my experience only. I have a team of expert researchers who helped me find the most used turbos for 5.7 Cummins. Then, we studied them, their specification, expert opinions, user reviews, and more. This is not all. We experienced several turbos to get an idea of exactly how they perform.
The list includes only the best we’ve found through such extensive research. So, you can depend on what I’ve said about them.
How We’ve Picked the Best Turbochargers
We’ve focused on a few things while picking the turbochargers to compare. You must focus on these points, too, if you want a perfect piece for your engine.
Compatibility
Getting a compatible piece is a must when it comes to turbochargers. Otherwise, you’ll face issues installing it. Also, an incompatible turbo won’t provide the performance you expect. So, while picking a turbo, make sure that it is compatible with your engine model.
Build Quality and Durability
Turbochargers should be built strongly because they handle huge pressure when at work. So, we’ve checked the durability in the first place. You must do it too.
Technologies Implemented
Some technologies help the turbos work better than others. That’s why we’ve checked for the technologies used to build or inside the turbos. Getting one packed with advanced technologies helps you enjoy better performance.
Performance Improvement
One of the main reasons to install turbos is to get better output from the engine. So, before selecting for our list, we’ve checked if they have enough reputation for improving performance, like smoothing handling or ensuring better towing.
Price
Price also matters, especially if you’re on a budget. So, you should check the price once. We’ve added turbos from different price ranges. You’ll find high-end turbos as well as reasonably priced ones on the list. Don’t miss to keep an eye on the price before buying a turbo.
Reviews and Expert Opinions
Before choosing a turbocharger, checking the reviews of previous users helps a lot. The reviews provide information from direct users, making them more trustworthy. Besides, expert suggestions help with insights that are not widely available.
Increasing Engine Power with a Turbocharger – Expectation vs. Reality
Turbochargers are widely known for enhancing engine power significantly, which is often true. But the expectation and reality don’t always match.
First, if you tune the engine, the turbocharger must support it. If the turbo doesn’t support your modification goals and specifications, your investment can’t bring the expected benefit no matter how expensive turbo you get for your vehicle.
Second, expecting the turbo to elevate the engine power to a new level is unrealistic. Turbocharger is not a magic tool. It can’t increase your engine’s capacity. It just makes the environment suitable so that your engine can make the best use of its capability.
Third, issues like turbo lag won’t let you get the best out of your engine. With proper tuning, you may minimize problems, but none can ensure that you won’t face them often. So, you shouldn’t expect a linear performance from it.
So, I would suggest keeping your expectations low. Companies brag a lot about how their turbos improve engine performance. However, almost all experiments are done in favorable situations with vehicles in good condition.
You may not always drive on smooth roads in moderate weather conditions. Again, your vehicle components may not be in their prime condition. So, expecting less than what they brag about is always a good practice.
Tips to Maintain a Turbocharger
Taking good care is the only way to keep your turbo working long. So, you should know how to maintain them. Here I’m sharing some tips you can utilize after buying a turbocharger.
- After starting the engine, allow it some time to warm up. Oil takes some time to heat up. Components won’t be lubricated if you choose to circulate cold oil through the process. As a result, parts will be damaged quickly.
- Turbos need to cool before you turn off the engine. Allow some time for this. Otherwise, it won’t support you for long.
- Always use good-quality fuel and oil.
- If you have a turbocharged engine, don’t accelerate hard while cornering. Besides damaging the turbo, it can cause serious accidents.
- Don’t put too much stress on the turbo. This reduces its lifespan.
- Always keep an eye on it. Clean it regularly. Also, keep an eye open for any vibration or strange sound from the turbo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a turbocharger typically last?
The actual life of a turbocharger depends on several factors, including maintenance practice, driving situation, the stress on it, and many more. So, it is tough to say how long your one will last. However, the life expectancy of a turbocharger is around 100,000-120,000 miles if maintained properly.
Can turbochargers reduce fuel economy?
They are typically used to improve fuel economy. But aggressive use of turbochargers often leads to reduced fuel economy. If you use the additional power frequently or don’t maintain it properly, it may do the opposite instead of improving fuel economy.
But if you can handle it properly, it’ll help you save some bucks on fuel.
Is expert installation necessary?
When it comes to turbochargers, I suggest expert installations. Their operation is related to several other components. Also, the installation of turbos often needs modification in some components. Expert installation can set them up properly so that you receive the best output.
Final Verdict
If you’re still here, I’d like to thank you for your patience.
I guess now you know something new about buying a turbocharger that can add value to your decision. Also, I’ve suggested some best turbo for 6.7 Cummins that can help you bring the best from your engine. So, it’s time to decide now.
I don’t want to influence your choice, but if I were you, I would go for Fleece Performance FPE-351-1317. Though it costs a lot, it supports a lot too.
Another suggestion- learn a lot about using turbochargers. Doing this will help you keep your turbo working for a long time.
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