Best 6.7L Cummins Turbos (2007.5-2018) – Buyer’s Guide 2021

| Last Updated: December 24, 2021

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Now that the world is shifting toward greater environmental protection, people across the globe are going for turbos for their vehicles.

The 6.7L Cummins turbo is a nice addition to the turbo industry as it has greater efficiency. These not only improve the functioning of your vehicle, but they also help the environment.

If you want to know all the major details about 6.7L Cummins turbos, then you are in the right place. Read on for our reviews of the premier options on the market.

Comparison of the Best 6.7L Cummins Turbos (2007.5–2018)

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Has an operation comprising 24 valves
  • Comes with both auto and manual transmission options
  • Best VGT stock turbine housing turbo for 2007.5 – 2012 engines
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  • Replacement turbo has a 100% drop-in promised
  • 63mm FMW compressor wheel for better performance
  • Best 650 RWHP supporting turbo for 2013-2018 engines
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  • Comes with an upgraded billet
  • Actuator improves the movability of the turbo
  • Most accurately sized turbocharger for 2007.5 - 2012 engines
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  • Turbine wheel is 70 mm
  • 64.5mm Ballistic Compressor Wheel added in the turbo
  • Best high altitude turbocharger for 2007.5 - 2012 Cummins engines
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  • Has very aptly sized bearings in it
  • Delivers optimum boost levels of RPMs
  • Best remanufactured turbocharger for 2013 - 2018 engines
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What Purpose Does a Turbo Serve?

A turbo is one of the best ways of going green while you are out on the roads. It not only helps you save the environment, but also ensures a safer driving experience for you. Here are some of the major tasks that a turbo performs. 

Efficient Fuel Consumption

The major purpose of a turbo, or turbocharger, is to make the consumption of fuel-efficient. It does so by decreasing the waste of fuel and making sure it burns fully. The exhaust gas goes back in the diesel engine, and the unburnt diesel gets to burn fully. This leads to a more efficient consumption of fuel, helping you save money and natural resources at the same time.

Conversion of Exhaust Gases

Another important function of a turbo is to convert your vehicle's exhaust gases from toxic to less harmful. This is more like a catalytic convertor, as it redirects the unburnt carbons in the exhaust gases back to the engine. There, they burn under pressure, and only the fully burnt carbons get to escape through the outlet.

Altitude Compensation

A turbo works as an altitude compensator, as well. On high altitudes, there is a sudden shift in air pressure, and it affects the ability of the engine to burn diesel. This is something that a turbo avoids by ensuring consistent air pressure in the engine. 

How to Choose a Turbo for a 6.7L Cummins

In order to enjoy the maximum power of your 6.7L Cummins engine, you need to have the best turbo, right? A lot of people fail to buy the right one, and then they get disappointed. Here are some features you have to consider to avoid making the same mistake. 

Battery Fuel Economy

Fuel economy should be your major priority when you buy a turbo for your 6.7L Cummins engine. The consumption of fuel should be much lower as compared to the distance covered. This directly affects the amount of money you will have to spend on fuel. This is why you have to take it seriously. 

Airflow Requirement

All diesel engines have a specific air to fuel ratio, which should stay in balance. The air is usually 14 parts to 1 part fuel in ratio to make sure that there are no accidents. To make the best choice in this regard, you should compare the airflow in cubic feet per minute and the amount of energy in horsepower. Ideally, the ratio would be 150 cfm airflow to 100 horsepower. 

Noise Production

The amount of noise produced by the turbos also affects your driving experience. So, you should go for turbochargers which have the lowest noise production. This will save you and others from unnecessary disturbance. 

Review of the Best Turbos for 6.7L Cummins

As you are looking for the best turbo for 6.7L Cummins engines, you need some cool options. Here are the best models that the market has at present. Look through them and see which one appeals to you the most. 

Best Overall:
Remanufactured Holset Stock Replacement VGT Turbo

PROS

  • 1-year warranty makes it more reliable
  • Billet compressor wheel is a nice upgrade
  • Remanufactured turbo sure to give years of smooth service
  • Works fine with up to 350 Horsepower energy-producing engines
  • Variable geometry turbocharger has a diverse range of functioning capacities

PROS

  • Weighs 55 pounds, so it is difficult to fix

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers had a good experience with this remanufactured turbocharger. They loved how it worked for their 2007.5–2012 engines. The power provided by the engine after its addition impressed them further. They also liked the billet compressor as it was a refreshing change from the previous turbos.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We find it unique due to its 350 horsepower energy generation. This makes the turbo well-suited for engines that operate on high powers. The fuel economy of this model is also quite high, which amazes us further.

Who Will Use This Most

This 2007.5–2012 Cummins engine turbocharger is most useful for people who want heavy-duty usage. It improves the mileage of the engine along with the air pressure balance. It asks for lesser maintenance, which makes it an even better choice for modern users.

Bottom Line

The bottom line on this is that it is one of the most ultra-powerful turbochargers on the market. It has high functioning turbines and valves, which improve airflow as well as fuel consumption. So, this is up for the hardest tasks that you put on it, making it highly reliable.

Runner-up:
Fleece Performance 63mm FMW Holset VGT Turbocharger

PROS

  • PSI operating range of 40-45
  • No extra installation kit required
  • Quick throttle response with low EGT’s
  • Stock-like spooling saves both time and fuel
  • High flow turbine wheel increases efficiency and boost

PROS

  • Requires free-flowing exhaust for aftermarket use

What Recent Buyers Report

This VGT turbocharger has won over most of its users as they felt a big change in their driving with it. It imparts greater power and boost to the engine, which the drivers love. They also like it because it’s so easy to install, even when you do not have a professional installation kit.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It makes it to our carefully put together list because of its 63mm FMW compressor wheel. This is something that even most other 2013-2018 do not have. This, combined with the PSI operating range of 40-45, makes us more attracted to it.

Who Will Use This Most

People who like to be well prepared while driving will love this turbo. It has a simple layout, which is so easy to install that even newbies can do it. It is great also because it has a quick and safe spooling as well.

Bottom Line

To conclude, this is one of the best options for 2013–2018 engines by 6.7L Cummins. It has very smooth turbines and great airflow, which make it an ideal choice.

3. Direct Replacement VGT Turbo with Billet Compressor Wheel Upgrade

PROS

  • Faster rate of spooling
  • More power due to the upgrade in the billet
  • Noticeable increase in the efficiency of the engine
  • Actuator helps in increasing the boost of the turbo
  • Greater fuel economy improvement shows in the form of MPG

PROS

  • Comes with a core in the package too
  • Users find it hard to calibrate the turbo themselves

What Recent Buyers Report

People who used this direct replacement VGT turbocharger lately came up with positive reviews. They found it to be working better than their expectations as it had a new billet upgrade. They liked it for being so quiet and smoothly operational as well.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Its actuator makes it stand out to us the most as it improves its functioning a lot. The added boost and power that it causes is appreciable and reliable. We also find its MPG and fuel economy quite attractive.

Who Will Use This Most

This is most useful for those who are always traveling around and need to have a very efficient engine. It spools so fast that it causes no time wastage or delays. It is also so powerful and heavy-duty that it never lets drivers down.

Bottom Line

In our opinion, this is one of the most suitable turbocharger options for 2007.5–2012 engines. It is as high powered as the engines themselves, making for an ideal pair. Thus, going for it could be a wise decision on your part.

4. BD-Power Screamer Performance Drop-In Turbo

PROS

  • Works at high altitudes with balanced air pressure
  • Comes as a whole operating unit with all required parts
  • Screamer turbo brings a greater airflow in the engine
  • Turbo has impressive dimensions of 15 x 14.8 x 14.5 inches
  • 12 blade turbine has amazing efficiency of fuel consumption

PROS

  • Unexplained surges in power can cause instability
  • Does not help with any modifications on the user’s part

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers of this Screamer by BD reported having a very nice user experience. They loved it for the ballistic compressor wheel as it improved the performance of the turbo. This, in addition to its high compatibility with 6.7L Cummins engines of 2007.5–2012, won the hearts of recent buyers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Screamer turbocharger distinguished itself from others with the help of its 12 blade system. It has a very fast operation without making any noise. The airflow brought about by it is another great feature that we like.

Who Will Use This Most

This is most suitable for those who have had prior experience of using turbochargers. The power surge is quite amazing, but sometimes it can be too much. You must be able to identify it when you see it. So, it is better for those who need to have a turbocharger upgrade.

Bottom Line

To sum up, it is a great turbocharger choice if you have been looking for something smooth and modern. It is exceptionally fast and has a great rate of airflow. All this is sure to win you over if you have a compatible engine.

5. Remanufactured Variable Geometry Turbo

PROS

  • Shafts do not have any machining
  • Actuators are 100 percent replaceable
  • Amazing 12-month warranty of the turbo
  • Bearings are not oversized like others turbochargers
  • Completely remanufactured design makes it highly reliable

PROS

  • Does not fit standard pickup models
  • Only for a cab and chassis installation

What Recent Buyers Report

This remanufactured turbocharger became a hit among those who bought it lately. Buyers loved it for its appropriate and thoughtful sizing. It fits almost all engines from 2013-2018, which makes it an even better option.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Its RPM’s level catches our eye, primarily followed by the actuators. The turbo is so efficient that it can change your whole driving experience. Its actuators are fully replaceable, which makes us like it even more. In addition, the 12-month warranty is a big plus.

Who Will Use This Most

The people who have cab or chassis type installation requirements will use this the most. It has greater compatibility for them than other forms of engines or pickup models. It is also great for high altitude zones as it maintains extraordinary air pressures even on mountains.

Bottom Line

In our expert opinion, this turbocharger is well worth your money if you choose to invest in it. It is going to be very helpful in situations where you feel like your engine might give up on you. This is because it has so much power that it will strengthen your engine as well.

Pros and Cons of Installing a Turbo in Your 6.7L Cummins

Installing a turbo in your 6.7L Cummins engine is surely going to change the way your engine operates. There are going to be a lot of positive changes which you will love. However, there can be some problems too. Here are the pros and cons you can expect from a new turbo installation in your Cummins engine.

Pros

Lesser Lag

With a new turbo in your 6.7L Cummins engine, you are sure to have a noticeably lesser lag in performance. This is something that all turbo users have welcomed and liked.

More Fuel Efficiency

One of the many perks of turbochargers is the increase in fuel efficiency. You can expect an increase in fuel economy by 20% to 40%.

Ideal Size

Turbochargers are incredible when it comes to power to engine size ratio. They increase the power of the engine so much without any significant increase in the size of the engine itself.

Quieter Operation

With a high-quality turbo, you will have a much quieter operation of the engine. This is because there is more even burning of fuel, and the engine stays healthy too. 

Cons

Instant Power Surges

The only downside to turbochargers is the instant surge in the power of the engine. This is welcomed to some extent, but it can lead to instability of engine functioning as well. So, make sure that you compare the specifications of the engine and turbochargers to avoid anything like this.

How to Replace a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Charger

Replacing a 6.7L Cummins turbocharger is not something too hard if you know how to do it. Just follow these steps, and you will be all set. 

  1. Begin by disconnecting the negative battery cables from both batteries.

  2. Then you need to disconnect the air intake sensor.

  3. Remove the clamps from the intake tube and the hold-down nut.

  4. Remove the passenger side wheel loosen the clamps on stock exhaust downpipe.

  5. Remove the freeze plug and put in an O-ring at the drain nipple.

  6. Disconnect the plugs, which lead to the heater core.

  7. Afterward, remove the coolant hoses and then find the protective heat wrap and cover the heat shield.

  8. Now, install the boot compressor housing outlet and slide it into place along with the compressor cover. 

  9. Now install the boot clamps and tighten at the wheel.

  10. Now secure the oil feed lines in place and then install the downpipe.

  11. Then bring in the turbine blanket and fix the sensor in place.

  12. Finally, reconnect the exhaust to the downpipe.

  13. Connect the battery cables again and re-install the wheel well.

If you find these steps hard to follow, this video can help make it clearer for you!

Conclusion

All in all, investing in a new turbocharger for your 6.7L Cummins engine can do you a world of good. It will enhance the power of the engine without any modifications or size adjustments in it. It will also help you save cash on fuel prices as well. 

So, for the sake of safer environment and better fuel economy, we encourage you to go ahead and get one of the turbos above for your vehicle.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.