Best 6.7L Power Stroke Turbocharger Upgrades for 2026

The best 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger upgrades available in 2026 come from ATS Diesel and BD Diesel, two brands with decades of turbocharger development on the Ford Power Stroke platform. Whether the goal is improved spool response on a daily driver, higher power ceiling for a tow truck, or a full compound setup for a built engine, both brands offer proven drop-in and kit-based solutions across all three generations of the 6.7L Power Stroke (2011-2014, 2015-2016, 2017-2019). This guide covers the top picks for 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger upgrades from each brand, which generation each fits, and how to match the right turbo to the build.

Fitment: 6.7L Power Stroke Turbocharger Upgrade Generation Guide

The 6.7L Power Stroke engine went through three distinct turbocharger generations across its first production run:

• 2011-2014 (First Generation) -- uses a single variable nozzle turbocharger (VNT) with a mechanical actuator controlling vane position; ATS and BD Diesel both offer direct drop-in replacements and performance upgrades for this generation
• 2015-2016 (Second Generation) -- Ford updated the 6.7L Power Stroke with a revised turbocharger using an electronic variable flow restriction (VFR) design; ATS Diesel offers Aurora 3000 and Aurora 4000 kits for this generation
• 2017-2019 (Third Generation) -- further refinements to the VFR turbocharger system; ATS and BD Diesel both offer performance turbocharger kits for this production run

Confirm the model year and turbocharger generation before ordering -- the 2011-2014 VNT-based turbo kits do not interchange with the 2015-plus VFR-based units. Ordering the wrong generation results in a kit that physically will not fit the engine.

Top Picks: Best 6.7L Power Stroke Turbocharger Upgrades for 2026

For 2011-2014 F-250 and F-350 trucks, the ATS Diesel 11-14 Ford Pickup 6.7L Power Stroke Aurora 4000 VNT Stage 2 Turbocharger Kit (202-406-3368) is the performance-tier upgrade for the first-generation VNT system. The Aurora 4000 Stage 2 raises the compressor and turbine wheel sizing beyond the factory specification, which increases the power ceiling and improves top-end boost delivery on a modified 6.7L Power Stroke. ATS includes a billet compressor wheel and precision-balanced internals in the Stage 2 kit, and the unit retains the factory VNT vane control system for compatibility with the OEM electronic actuator and PCM calibration. The ATS Diesel 11-14 Ford Pickup 6.7L Power Stroke Aurora VNT Turbocharger Kit (202-306-3368) is the Stage 1 option for a more conservative upgrade on a daily-driven 2011-2014 truck that needs improved reliability and response over the factory unit without pushing into Stage 2 power levels.

For a 2011-2014 truck where a more aggressive single turbo upgrade is the goal, the BD Diesel Retro Screamer Turbo Kit for 11-14 Ford F250/F350 and 11-16 Ford F450/F550 6.7L Power Stroke (1045825) is the BD Diesel performance option for the first-generation platform. The Retro Screamer is a larger-compressor single turbocharger kit designed to deliver higher flow rates for towing and performance applications on the 2011-2016 6.7L Power Stroke. BD Diesel builds the Retro Screamer with upgraded billet internals and a matching turbine section for improved efficiency across the operating range.

For 2015-2016 trucks, the ATS Diesel 15-16 Power Stroke 6.7L Aurora 3000 VFR Stage 2 Turbocharger (202-402-3416) addresses the second-generation VFR system with a performance turbocharger engineered for the revised electronic control architecture. The Aurora 3000 Stage 2 retains compatibility with the OEM VFR electronic controller while delivering improved airflow and response over the factory unit. For the 2017-2019 platform, the ATS Diesel 17-19 Power Stroke 6.7L Aurora 4000 VFR Stage 2 Turbocharger (202-402-3440) is the ATS performance choice, with the Aurora 4000 designation indicating the larger compressor and turbine wheel sizing in the Stage 2 configuration. BD Diesel's BD Diesel 17-19 Ford F250/F350/F450/F550 6.7L Power Stroke Screamer Turbocharger (1045827) is the BD alternative for the 2017-2019 generation, delivering the Screamer platform's proven performance characteristics on the third-generation 6.7L Power Stroke.

For a 2015-plus truck built for high-horsepower towing or performance use, the ATS Diesel Aurora 6000 Plus Compound Turbo Kit for 2015+ Ford 6.7L Power Stroke (202-962-3416) adds a large-frame primary turbocharger ahead of the stock unit, creating a compound arrangement that dramatically raises the air volume and pressure ratio the engine can support. Browse the complete 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger and actuator catalog for the full range of turbo kits, actuators, and supporting hardware.

Match to the Build

• Daily driver or light tow truck, 2011-2014: The ATS Aurora VNT Stage 1 or BD Diesel Retrofit kit provides improved response and reliability over a worn factory turbocharger without requiring supporting fueling or engine modifications -- the right choice for a stock or lightly modified 6.7L Power Stroke that needs a reliable daily-use upgrade
• Performance tow truck or tuned 2011-2014: The ATS Aurora 4000 VNT Stage 2 or BD Diesel Retro Screamer is the correct choice where the truck is tuned and operating at higher power levels -- these kits support the increased airflow demand of a tuned calibration and deliver better efficiency at elevated boost levels
• 2015-2019 trucks: Match the ATS Aurora 3000 or 4000 VFR kit to the specific model year -- 15-16 and 17-19 use different electronic VFR hardware; ordering by year ensures correct electronic compatibility with the PCM
• High-horsepower builds 2015-plus: The ATS Aurora 6000 Plus compound kit is purpose-built for builds targeting 600-plus horsepower on the 6.7L Power Stroke -- compound turbo setups require a supported fuel system and calibration to realize the full benefit of the increased air supply

Signs the Factory Turbocharger Needs Replacement

• Excessive shaft play felt by hand at the compressor wheel -- the factory 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger is a precision component; detectable axial or radial shaft movement at the wheel indicates bearing wear beyond acceptable limits
• Oil in the intake tract or intercooler charge pipe -- turbocharger seal failure on the compressor side allows engine oil to enter the intake; visible oil deposits in the intercooler boot or piping indicate turbo seal leakage
• Reduced boost pressure at full throttle compared to a previous baseline -- a worn turbocharger loses efficiency as compressor and turbine wheel clearances increase; falling max boost on a truck with no other changes points to turbo performance degradation
• Compressor wheel contact marks or nicks visible on inspection -- contact between the compressor wheel and housing from a bearing that has allowed the shaft to migrate; any contact damage requires immediate turbocharger replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ATS and BD Diesel turbocharger kits require a tune on the 6.7L Power Stroke?

Stage 1 drop-in replacements from ATS and BD Diesel are designed to work with the factory PCM calibration without a tune -- the compressor and turbine sizing in Stage 1 kits stays within a range the OEM calibration can manage. Stage 2 and compound kits benefit from a supporting tune to optimize boost targets and fueling for the increased airflow. ATS and BD Diesel both document the tune requirement for each specific kit -- follow the kit manufacturer's guidance for the specific part number installed.

Is the 2011-2014 VNT turbocharger compatible with 2015-plus trucks?

No. The 2011-2014 6.7L Power Stroke uses a mechanical VNT actuator system that is physically and electronically different from the 2015-plus VFR electronic system. The mounting flanges, electronic connectors, and control architecture differ between generations. ATS and BD Diesel offer generation-specific kits for exactly this reason -- the 11-14 and 15-plus kits are not interchangeable.

How long does a 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger upgrade installation take?

A direct-fit turbocharger swap on the 6.7L Power Stroke typically takes 3-6 hours for an experienced diesel mechanic with proper equipment. The turbocharger is accessible from above the engine on the 6.7L Power Stroke's reverse-flow design, which simplifies access compared to many other diesel platforms. A compound turbo kit installation takes longer due to the additional plumbing and mounting required for the second turbocharger.

Bottom Line

The best 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger upgrades for 2026 come from ATS Diesel's Aurora lineup and BD Diesel's Screamer and Retro Screamer kits, each covering specific model year generations and power levels. Match the kit to the generation first -- VNT for 2011-2014, VFR for 2015-plus -- then select Stage 1 for a stock or lightly modified truck and Stage 2 or compound for a tuned build. Both brands build turbocharger kits for the 6.7L Power Stroke with the engineering and fitment data needed to select the correct unit for the specific truck and intended use.