Garrett 17 for Power Stroke: Specs, Fitment, and Power Gains

The Garrett PowerMax turbocharger for the 2017-2019 6.7L Power Stroke is a direct-fit performance upgrade for the Gen 5 Ford Scorpion diesel platform. The factory AVNT3788R variable geometry turbocharger on the 2017-2019 Power Stroke is a robust unit, but Garrett's PowerMax version replaces the factory compressor wheel with a larger 63.5mm billet aluminum inducer and matched turbine section that raise peak airflow and reduce the efficiency loss the factory compressor shows at the upper end of its operating range. For Power Stroke owners who want improved towing response, better high-boost stability on a tuned truck, or a performance replacement for a worn factory unit, the Garrett PowerMax AVNT3788R is the direct-fit answer engineered for the 2017-2019 Super Duty 6.7L. This guide covers the PowerMax specifications, fitment details, and the performance gains this Garrett turbocharger Power Stroke upgrade delivers.

Fitment: Garrett PowerMax AVNT3788R for 2017-2019 6.7L Power Stroke

The Garrett PowerMax 951206-5001S fits the following applications:

• 2017, 2018, 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2017, 2018, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2017, 2018, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
• 2017, 2018, 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel

The 2017-2019 6.7L Power Stroke uses a single variable geometry turbocharger mounted on the driver's side of the engine. The factory AVNT3788R uses variable geometry vanes to manage boost across the RPM range, which allows the engine to maintain strong low-RPM torque for towing while reaching peak boost at higher engine speeds. The Garrett PowerMax 951206-5001S installs at the factory turbocharger location using the factory exhaust manifold connections, oil supply and return ports, coolant connections, and electronic VGT actuator plug. No modifications to the intake piping, intercooler, or exhaust are required for a base installation.

The 2017-2019 generation of the 6.7L Power Stroke (Gen 5) introduced revised turbocharger specifications, updated EGR cooler routing, and a higher factory power rating compared to the 2015-2016 Gen 4. The Garrett PowerMax part numbers are application-specific between generations -- the 951206-5001S is the correct unit for 2017-2019, not interchangeable with the 2015-2016 part number (951205-5001S). Selecting the wrong generation number results in a turbocharger that does not match the factory exhaust housing flange and VGT actuator calibration for that model year.

Top Picks: Garrett PowerMax for the 6.7L Power Stroke

The Garrett 17-19 Ford Power Stroke 6.7LD 63.5mm AVNT3788R PowerMax Turbocharger (951206-5001S) is the primary recommendation for 2017-2019 Power Stroke owners. Garrett builds the PowerMax AVNT3788R with a 63.5mm billet compressor wheel -- larger than the factory unit -- a matched turbine section, and precision-balanced rotating assembly. The result is a turbocharger that delivers higher peak airflow at a given boost level and maintains efficiency higher in the compressor's operating range than the factory AVNT3788R. The VGT actuator interface is retained for full PCM compatibility, so the factory variable boost management continues to operate normally 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 2015-2016 Power Stroke owners, the Garrett 15-16 Ford Power Stroke 6.7LD 63.5mm AVNT3788R PowerMax Turbocharger (951205-5001S) is the generation-correct PowerMax for the Gen 4 platform. The 2015-2016 unit shares the same PowerMax compressor wheel size and design principles as the 2017-2019 unit but matches the Gen 4's specific housing dimensions and actuator calibration. Order by generation, not by part family, to ensure the correct unit arrives.

Match to the Build

• Stock 2017-2019 Power Stroke tow truck replacing a worn factory turbo: The PowerMax 951206-5001S is the premium replacement choice when the factory AVNT3788R reaches end of life -- the cost difference over an OEM-spec reman is reasonable, and the PowerMax returns improved efficiency and surge margin that the factory unit never had, which matters on a truck towing at high load over long distances
• Tuned 2017-2019 Power Stroke at stage 1 power level: A stage 1 tune on the 2017-2019 Power Stroke raises the boost target above factory specification; the PowerMax's larger 63.5mm compressor supports the increased airflow demand without the efficiency loss the factory compressor shows at elevated boost, and its improved surge margin sustains the tuned boost setpoint without the compressor instability the OEM unit can produce at high flow
• 2017-2019 Power Stroke with cold-air intake and full exhaust: A Power Stroke running a performance intake and exhaust opens the breathing restriction the factory components create; the PowerMax is sized to match the increased flow capability those modifications provide, particularly when a calibration raises the boost target alongside the hardware
• High-mileage 2017-2019 Super Duty with reduced peak power: A gradual loss of peak power output on a high-mileage Power Stroke without fault codes often points to turbocharger efficiency degradation rather than mechanical failure; the PowerMax as a proactive replacement restores the compressor efficiency the original unit had new and removes the turbo as a performance bottleneck

Signs the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbocharger Needs Replacement

• Boost pressure failing to reach the commanded target at wide-open throttle -- the factory compressor reaching its maximum flow rate or losing efficiency from bearing wear; a plateau in max boost on a Power Stroke that previously hit its target is the most direct turbocharger wear indicator on this platform
• Blue or gray smoke from the exhaust at startup that clears as the engine warms -- oil seal wear on the compressor side of the turbocharger allowing oil into the intake tract; more common on high-cycle trucks with accumulated idle hours alongside road mileage
• Elevated EGTs at a given load and boost level compared to the truck's prior baseline -- a worn compressor delivering air less efficiently requires more fuel to achieve the same power output, raising exhaust gas temperatures under towing load
• Audible high-pitched whine at idle that increases with RPM -- turbocharger bearing wear producing noise; a change in the turbocharger's sound signature at idle warrants inspection; any grinding or roughness requires immediate evaluation before continued high-load operation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Garrett PowerMax 951206-5001S require a tune on the 2017-2019 Power Stroke?

A tune is not required for installation. The PowerMax 951206-5001S installs at the factory turbocharger location and retains the factory VGT actuator interface, which allows the PCM to manage boost normally at factory calibration. The performance advantage of the larger 63.5mm compressor is most accessible when a supporting tune raises the boost setpoint to use the PowerMax's additional flow capacity, but the turbocharger functions correctly as a bolt-in replacement at stock power without any calibration changes.

What is the difference between the 951206-5001S and the 951205-5001S?

The 951206-5001S is the Garrett PowerMax for 2017-2019 Power Stroke applications. The 951205-5001S is the generation-specific unit for 2015-2016 Power Stroke applications. Both use the same 63.5mm PowerMax compressor wheel design but have different exhaust housing dimensions and VGT actuator calibration that match their respective model year platform. Installing the wrong generation number results in a fitment mismatch at the exhaust flange or actuator connection. Always confirm the model year before ordering.

How does the Garrett PowerMax compare to an OEM reman turbocharger for the 2017-2019 Power Stroke?

An OEM-specification remanufactured AVNT3788R restores the turbocharger to factory performance levels with a factory-spec compressor wheel. The Garrett PowerMax starts from a larger 63.5mm billet compressor wheel that improves on the factory specification -- higher peak flow, improved surge margin, and better efficiency at elevated boost. For a truck that remains at stock power output, either replacement works. For a truck used for serious towing, running a tune, or operating in conditions that stress the factory compressor, the PowerMax's advantages over an OEM reman are meaningful and the cost difference is reasonable.

Bottom Line

The Garrett PowerMax turbocharger for the 2017-2019 6.7L Power Stroke is the factory-footprint performance upgrade for the Gen 5 Scorpion diesel platform. It installs directly at the factory turbocharger location, retains the VGT actuator interface for PCM compatibility, and delivers a larger compressor map and improved efficiency over both the factory AVNT3788R and OEM reman replacements. Whether the goal is a performance replacement for a worn factory unit, a supporting upgrade for a tuned Super Duty, or a proactive high-mileage turbo service, the Garrett PowerMax 951206-5001S is the correctly specified upgrade for 2017-2019 Ford Power Stroke trucks.