Best 6.7L Cummins Turbocharger Upgrades for 2026: Top ATS Diesel, BD Diesel Picks

The best 6.7L Cummins turbocharger upgrade for a 2013-2024 Ram 2500 or 3500 depends on the power target, injector sizing, and how the truck earns its use. The 6.7L Cummins uses a Holset variable geometry turbo from the factory -- a solid unit that responds well to tuning within its stock airflow range. Once the tune and injectors push beyond that range, EGTs climb, response softens, and the engine tells you it needs more air. ATS Diesel and BD Diesel both build direct-fit upgrades for the 6.7L that address this specifically: single turbo replacements that extend the airflow ceiling and compound kits that add a second stage for maximum-output builds. This guide covers the best 6.7L Cummins turbocharger options for the 2013-2024 platform so the right kit goes on the first time.

6.7L Cummins Turbo Sizing Overview

The 6.7L Cummins uses a Holset HE300VG variable geometry turbo on 2013-2018 trucks and an updated unit on 2019-2024 trucks. The variable geometry vane system gives the factory setup strong low-RPM response for towing, but the compressor wheel is sized for stock power levels. As the tune and injectors move up, the compressor runs past its efficient range, charge temps rise, and EGTs climb under sustained load.

Three upgrade paths exist for the 6.7L:

• Drop-in single turbo replacement: A larger variable geometry unit that replaces the factory turbo with no changes to the compound arrangement. Best for a stage 1-2 tune where the goal is cleaner air and more efficient compression without adding system complexity.
• Single turbo compound-ready upgrade: An upgraded high-pressure unit sized for a compound kit, usable as a standalone step or as the foundation for adding an atmosphere turbo later.
• Full compound kit: A two-turbo system with a large atmosphere (primary) turbo pre-charging the high-pressure unit. Maximum airflow, strong spool, and the broadest power curve. Best for builds targeting maximum street and tow output on 250-over-plus injectors.

Top Picks for 6.7L Cummins Turbocharger Upgrades

For a 2013 6.7L Cummins on a street and tow build, the ATS Aurora 3000 VFR (202-302-2392) is the entry-point drop-in replacement. It fits the factory location, maintains variable geometry control through the factory ECM, and improves airflow efficiency over the stock Holset. For a higher-output 2013-2018 build, the ATS Aurora 4000 Stage 2 Upgraded Turbo System (202-402-2392) is the step up -- it uses a larger compressor wheel for increased airflow on a stage 2-3 tune and is the most popular single-turbo upgrade for 2013-2018 trucks running 150-200-over injectors.

For the 2019 6.7L Cummins, ATS updated their lineup to match the revised turbo architecture. The ATS Aurora 3000 Stage 1 (202-302-2464) is the direct-fit drop-in for 2019+ trucks, sized for a tuned street and tow application with improved airflow over the factory unit.

For compound turbo builds on 2013-2018 trucks, ATS builds two tiers. The ATS Aurora 5000 Compound Kit (202-952-2392) uses the factory HE300VG as the high-pressure unit and adds a 5000-series atmosphere turbo, making it an accessible compound conversion that preserves the factory high-pressure turbo for builds with a budget constraint. The ATS Aurora 6000 Plus Compound Kit (202-962-2392) replaces both turbos with larger units for a build targeting maximum output -- it supports 300-over-plus injectors and a stage 3-4 tune with a power ceiling the 5000-series kit cannot reach.

For the 2019-2024 6.7L looking for a manifold-and-turbo upgrade, the BD Diesel Screamer Turbo Manifold Package (1045872) pairs an upgraded turbocharger with a high-flow cast exhaust manifold sized to free up exhaust restriction. The manifold upgrade alone meaningfully reduces drive pressure on the turbine, improving spool time and reducing heat. The Screamer package bundles the manifold and the matched turbo for the 2019-2024 platform as a complete bolt-on system.

Match the Turbo to the Build

Getting the best 6.7L Cummins turbocharger result requires matching the turbo to the rest of the build:

• Injector pairing: The Aurora 3000 and 4000 single-turbo units suit 100-200-over injectors on a stage 1-3 tune. The compound kits are sized for 250-over and larger injectors. Running a compound kit on stock injectors gains no usable power -- the airflow potential exceeds the fuel system's ability to use it.
• Lift pump: A FASS or AirDog lift pump is a required supporting part on any tuned 6.7L. It maintains CP4 inlet pressure and removes aeration from the fuel under high-demand conditions. Install this alongside or before the turbo upgrade.
• Intercooler: A larger turbo moves more compressed air at higher charge temperatures. An upgraded intercooler keeps intake temps controlled under sustained load and protects the engine on long pulls where heat soak limits power.
• Tune: A turbo upgrade without a matching tune produces boost the ECM cannot manage correctly. The calibration must set the appropriate boost targets and fueling for the new compressor map -- work with a tuner experienced on the 6.7L platform.

Browse the full turbo actuator and turbocharger hardware collection for VGT actuators, seals, and installation hardware.

Signs Your 6.7L Cummins Turbo Needs Attention

Watch for these symptoms on the 2013-2024 6.7L:

• Boost pressure reading below target on a known-good tune at wide-open throttle
• Excessive black smoke under load that does not respond to throttle input
• Sluggish spool or turbo lag at low RPM where response was previously sharp
• Limp mode triggered by boost or VGT fault codes -- P0046, P0299, P003A
• Oil in the charge air piping or intercooler core indicating a failed turbo seal
• Audible grinding, chirping, or rubbing from the turbo housing at any RPM
• Rising EGTs under a towing load that previously held normal temperatures

On the 6.7L, a VGT vane that stops responding to actuator signals produces erratic boost and typically triggers limp mode under load. Confirm the actuator is functioning before replacing the turbo -- a seized vane ring on an otherwise intact cartridge can sometimes be resolved without a full turbo replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ATS Aurora 4000 fit 2013-2018 trucks without custom piping?

Yes. The ATS Aurora single-turbo units for the 2013-2018 6.7L are direct-fit replacements for the factory Holset unit. They bolt to the factory location using factory connections and require no custom fabrication or modified piping.

Can the ATS Aurora 5000 Compound Kit be upgraded to the 6000 later?

The 5000 compound kit uses the factory HE300VG as the high-pressure unit. Upgrading to the 6000 level later requires replacing the high-pressure turbo as well as the atmosphere unit. If the power target is in the 6000-level range from the start, the 6000 Plus kit is the more cost-effective path.

Does the BD Diesel Screamer require cutting or welding?

No. The BD Diesel Screamer manifold package for the 2019-2024 6.7L is a bolt-on system that replaces the factory exhaust manifold and turbocharger as a matched pair. No cutting, welding, or custom fabrication is required for installation.

Bottom Line

For a tuned 2013-2018 6.7L Cummins targeting street and tow performance, the ATS Aurora 4000 Stage 2 is the best 6.7L Cummins turbocharger upgrade for most single-turbo builds. For 2019-2024 trucks, the BD Diesel Screamer manifold package is the complete bolt-on solution. For maximum-output builds on either generation, the ATS Aurora 6000 Plus compound kit is the step up that the 5000-series and single-turbo units cannot match. Match the turbo to the injectors and the tune, support it with a lift pump, and the 6.7L will deliver strong, reliable power across the full RPM range.