Garrett 15 for Power Stroke: Specs, Fitment, and Power Gains

The Garrett PowerMax turbocharger for the 2015-2016 6.7L Power Stroke is a direct-fit performance upgrade for the Gen 4 Ford Scorpion diesel platform. Ford introduced the 2015-2016 6.7L Power Stroke with a revised AVNT3788R turbocharger, updated emissions hardware, and an increased factory power rating compared to the 2011-2014 Gen 3. Garrett's PowerMax version of the AVNT3788R replaces the factory compressor wheel with a larger 63.5mm billet aluminum inducer and matched turbine section, raising peak airflow and reducing the compressor efficiency loss the factory unit shows when pushed beyond its design operating range. For 2015-2016 Super Duty owners who want improved towing response, better high-boost stability under a performance tune, or a premium replacement for a worn factory unit, the Garrett PowerMax AVNT3788R (951205-5001S) is the correctly specified Garrett turbocharger Power Stroke upgrade for this generation. This guide covers the PowerMax specifications, fitment details, and what this upgrade delivers on the 2015-2016 platform.

Fitment: Garrett PowerMax AVNT3788R for 2015-2016 6.7L Power Stroke

The Garrett PowerMax 951205-5001S fits the following applications:

• 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2016 Ford F-450 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2015 Ford F-550 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2016 Ford F-550 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel

The 2015-2016 6.7L Power Stroke (Gen 4) carries a single variable geometry turbocharger mounted on the driver's side of the engine. The factory AVNT3788R uses variable vane geometry to control exhaust energy flow through the turbine, which lets the turbocharger build boost quickly at low RPM for towing while supporting peak boost at higher engine speeds. The Garrett PowerMax 951205-5001S installs at the factory mounting location using the factory oil feed and return connections, coolant lines, exhaust manifold flange, and electronic VGT actuator plug. No intake, intercooler, or exhaust modifications are required for a base installation.

The Gen 4 (2015-2016) AVNT3788R has different dimensional specifications than the Gen 3 (2011-2014) and Gen 5 (2017-2019) units. The PowerMax part numbers follow these generational boundaries -- the 951205-5001S is the correct unit for 2015-2016 applications only. The 2017-2019 application requires the 951206-5001S, which has a different exhaust housing flange and VGT actuator calibration that does not match the Gen 4 platform. Ordering by model year rather than part family name is essential on this application.

Top Picks: Garrett PowerMax for the 2015-2016 6.7L Power Stroke

The Garrett 15-16 Ford Power Stroke 6.7LD 63.5mm AVNT3788R PowerMax Turbocharger (951205-5001S) is the generation-correct Garrett performance upgrade for the 2015-2016 Super Duty. Garrett builds the PowerMax with a 63.5mm billet compressor wheel -- larger than the factory unit -- a matched turbine section for correct A/R balance with the upgraded compressor, and a precision-balanced rotating assembly. The larger compressor wheel moves the efficiency island higher in the flow range, which means the PowerMax maintains stronger boost stability at elevated flow rates compared to the factory AVNT3788R. The VGT actuator interface is retained in full, so the factory PCM continues to manage variable boost geometry without a calibration change for stock-power installation. Browse the complete 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger catalog for the PowerMax and related turbocharger service parts for all Gen 4 Power Stroke applications.

For 2017-2019 Power Stroke owners, the generation-correct unit is the Garrett 17-19 Ford Power Stroke 6.7LD 63.5mm AVNT3788R PowerMax Turbocharger (951206-5001S). The two part numbers are not interchangeable -- each is dimensionally matched to its specific model year platform.

Match to the Build

• Stock 2015-2016 Power Stroke replacing a worn factory turbo: A 2015-2016 Super Duty with high mileage and a degraded factory AVNT3788R is the primary use case for the PowerMax 951205-5001S -- the cost difference over an OEM-spec reman unit is reasonable, and the PowerMax returns improved compressor efficiency and surge margin that the factory unit never provided, which benefits a truck used for regular towing
• Tuned 2015-2016 Power Stroke at stage 1 power level: A stage 1 calibration raises boost and fueling above the Gen 4 factory specification; the PowerMax's 63.5mm billet compressor supports the higher flow demand at the tuned boost setpoint without the efficiency loss and surge the OEM compressor wheel produces when pushed beyond its design range; the result is more stable boost delivery at the elevated target the tune commands
• 2015-2016 Super Duty with performance intake and full exhaust: An aftermarket cold-air intake and performance exhaust on the Gen 4 Power Stroke reduces restriction and opens airflow beyond the factory configuration; the PowerMax is correctly sized to take advantage of the reduced restriction these modifications provide, particularly when a calibration accompanies the hardware
• High-mileage 2015-2016 Super Duty with diminishing power output: A gradual power reduction on a high-mileage Gen 4 with no fault codes often reflects turbocharger efficiency degradation rather than mechanical failure; the PowerMax as a proactive replacement restores compressor efficiency to new-specification levels and removes the turbo as a contributing factor to reduced performance

Signs the 2015-2016 Power Stroke Turbocharger Needs Replacement

• Boost pressure failing to reach the factory-commanded target at wide-open throttle -- the compressor reaching its maximum flow rate or losing efficiency from accumulated bearing and seal wear; a noticeable decline in peak boost on a Gen 4 truck without a supporting fault code is the most direct indicator of turbocharger wear on this platform
• Blue smoke from the exhaust on cold starts that clears as the engine warms -- worn turbocharger compressor seals allowing oil to enter the intake tract; identifiable by the oily residue on the intake piping downstream of the turbocharger outlet and by the smoke appearing specifically at engine start before the turbo reaches operating oil pressure
• Elevated exhaust gas temperatures at a consistent load versus prior baseline readings -- a worn compressor delivering air less efficiently at a given boost level requires additional fuel to maintain power output, raising EGTs; an EGT increase without a change in load, ambient temperature, or fueling is a reliable indicator of compressor efficiency loss
• High-pitched whine or bearing noise at idle that changes pitch with engine RPM -- bearing wear on the AVNT3788R producing noise the factory unit at normal wear tolerance does not make; any audible change in turbocharger sound signature on a Gen 4 Power Stroke warrants inspection before continued high-load operation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Garrett PowerMax 951205-5001S require a tune on the 2015-2016 Power Stroke?

No tune is required for installation or basic operation. The PowerMax 951205-5001S retains the factory VGT actuator interface and installs at the factory mounting location, so the PCM manages boost normally at the factory calibration without any changes. The full benefit of the 63.5mm compressor's additional flow capacity is only accessible when a supporting tune raises the boost setpoint to take advantage of the larger compressor map. For a stock-power installation, the PowerMax provides improved surge margin and long-term compressor durability compared to the factory unit at the same boost level.

Why are the 951205-5001S and 951206-5001S part numbers different if both are AVNT3788R PowerMax units?

Ford revised the 6.7L Power Stroke turbocharger housing dimensions and VGT actuator calibration between the Gen 4 (2015-2016) and Gen 5 (2017-2019) platforms. The AVNT3788R designation refers to the turbocharger family, but the housing flange, wastegate provisions, and actuator electrical interface differ between generations. Garrett assigns separate part numbers -- 951205-5001S for 2015-2016 and 951206-5001S for 2017-2019 -- because the units are not interchangeable. Installing the wrong generation number results in a housing flange mismatch or VGT actuator incompatibility that prevents correct installation.

Bottom Line

The Garrett PowerMax turbocharger for the 2015-2016 6.7L Power Stroke is the generation-correct Garrett performance upgrade for the Gen 4 Scorpion diesel platform. It installs directly at the factory location, retains the full VGT actuator interface for PCM compatibility, and delivers a larger compressor map and improved efficiency compared to both the factory AVNT3788R and OEM-spec reman replacements. For a 2015-2016 Super Duty used for serious towing, running a performance tune, or due for a high-mileage turbo service, the Garrett PowerMax 951205-5001S is the correctly specified upgrade for this generation.