Upgrading the turbo on a 5.9L Cummins can unlock significant power gains, but choosing the right one requires careful research. We compared manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback to evaluate the top options. This guide covers seven real turbos available on Amazon, each with honest strengths and weaknesses.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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BorgWarner S300SX3 62/68/14 Best Overall 62mm inducer, 68mm exducer, 14cm turbine housing |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Garrett GT3788R 72mm Runner Up 72mm compressor wheel, 65mm turbine, .85 A/R |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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BD Diesel Super B Special 62/65/12 Best Value 62mm inducer, 65mm exducer, 12cm housing |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Fleece Cheetah 62/68/14 Best for Towing 62mm inducer, 68mm exducer, 14cm housing |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Holset HE351VE Best Variable Geometry Variable geometry turbine, 60mm compressor |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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ATS Aurora 3000 62/68/14 Premium Build 62mm inducer, 68mm exducer, 14cm divided housing |
7.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Mamba 62/65/12 Turbocharger Budget Pick 62mm inducer, 65mm exducer, 12cm housing |
7.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. BorgWarner S300SX3 62/68/14: Best Overall
The BorgWarner S300SX3 is a favorite among enthusiasts pushing 500+ hp. Based on our evaluation of owner feedback and spec sheets, it delivers strong mid-range torque and pulls hard to redline. The 62/68/14 trim offers a sweet spot for daily-driven trucks that see track time. However, it requires supporting mods like upgraded injectors and tuning to shine.
Who should skip it: If your truck is mostly stock or you’re on a tight budget, this turbo may be too large and expensive. It also has limited availability at times, so check stock.
- Proven in high-horsepower 5.9 Cummins builds with reliable spool and top-end flow.
- BorgWarner's durable billet wheel and heavy-duty bearings extend service life.
- Direct bolt-on for most 5.9 applications with minimal modifications needed.
Pros: Excellent balance of quick spool and high flow; Durable construction with billet compressor wheel
Cons: Can be overkill for stock or mildly modified engines
2. Garrett GT3788R 72mm: Runner Up
The Garrett GT3788R is a ball-bearing upgrade that spools noticeably faster than comparable journal-bearing turbos. Our research shows it works well on 5.9 Cummins trucks with mild to moderate builds, offering clean power delivery. The 72mm wheel flows enough for high boost applications without excessive lag.
Who should skip it: If you need a budget-friendly option or plan to exceed 700 hp, this turbo may not be the best fit. Some owners report the ball-bearing cartridge can be sensitive to oil contamination, so clean oil is critical.
- Garrett's ball-bearing technology reduces lag and improves transient response.
- Capable of supporting up to 650 hp with proper supporting mods.
- Compact design fits tight engine bays without major clearance issues.
Pros: Fast spool for a 72mm turbo; High-quality ball bearings for long life
Cons: Premium price compared to journal-bearing alternatives
3. BD Diesel Super B Special 62/65/12: Best Value
The BD Diesel Super B Special is a popular choice for owners seeking a reliable upgrade without breaking the bank. Based on owner feedback, it provides a noticeable power increase over stock while maintaining daily drivability. The 62/65/12 trim spools quickly and works well with stock injectors and mild tuning.
Who should skip it: If you’re chasing 600+ hp or plan to race frequently, this turbo’s journal bearing and smaller turbine may limit top-end performance. It’s best for towing and street use.
- Purpose-built for 5.9 Cummins with a drop-in design and included gaskets.
- Reliable journal bearing design at a more accessible price point.
- Good street manners with low lag and strong mid-range punch.
Pros: Great performance for the price; Easy installation with included hardware
Cons: Not ideal for extreme high-rpm power
4. Fleece Cheetah 62/68/14: Best for Towing
The Fleece Cheetah is designed with towing in mind, offering strong boost from 1800 RPM. Our evaluation of owner reports indicates it pulls heavy loads easily without excessive EGTs. The 14cm housing helps keep exhaust backpressure manageable, which is critical for longevity.
Who should skip it: If you want high-rpm horsepower for racing or drag events, this turbo will fall short. It’s also pricier than some comparable towing turbos, but the build quality justifies the cost for dedicated towers.
- Optimized for low-end torque and towing applications.
- Durable cast turbine wheel for heat resistance.
- Direct replacement for stock HX35/HX40 with minor modifications.
Pros: Excellent low-rpm spool for towing; Strong construction
Cons: Limited top-end power compared to larger turbos
5. Holset HE351VE: Best Variable Geometry
The Holset HE351VE brings variable geometry technology to the 5.9 Cummins, offering rapid spool and broad power. Based on spec analysis, it can reduce lag significantly. However, the vane system requires clean oil and proper tuning to avoid sticking. Owner feedback is mixed: some love the response, others have had reliability issues.
Who should skip it: If you want a simple, bolt-and-forget turbo, this is not it. It also may not hold up well under heavy towing or high boost without frequent maintenance.
- Variable geometry vane system reduces lag and improves efficiency across the RPM range.
- Common OE upgrade for later Cummins engines, but adaptable to 5.9.
- Compact and lightweight compared to fixed-geometry turbos.
Pros: Excellent throttle response; Good efficiency for daily driving
Cons: Complex vane mechanism can be prone to sooting issues; Requires careful tuning and may need adapter plates
6. ATS Aurora 3000 62/68/14: Premium Build
The ATS Aurora 3000 is a premium turbo with a divided housing that theoretically improves efficiency. Our research shows it performs well in high-end builds, but the price premium is steep. Owner feedback indicates it can be finicky to install due to manifold compatibility, and the gains over a standard BorgWarner may not justify the cost for most users.
Who should skip it: Budget-conscious buyers or those with stock exhaust manifolds should look elsewhere. It’s best suited for dedicated race trucks with custom setups.
- Divided turbine housing for improved pulse energy separation.
- Billet aluminum compressor wheel for reduced weight and faster spool.
- Includes heavy-duty wastegate actuator for boost control.
Pros: High-quality billet wheel; Responsive with divided housing
Cons: Very expensive for the performance offered; Divided housing may require custom exhaust manifolds
7. Mamba 62/65/12 Turbocharger: Budget Pick
The Mamba turbo offers an entry-level upgrade for those on a strict budget. Based on owner reviews, it can provide a noticeable power increase but with trade-offs. Some users report issues with balancing and premature bearing failure. It’s a gamble, but for the price, it may be worth trying if you have a spare weekend for installation.
Who should skip it: If reliability is your top priority or you plan to push high boost levels, invest in a more reputable brand. This turbo is best for low-budget projects or as a temporary replacement.
- Affordable alternative to name-brand turbos.
- Bolt-on design for 5.9 Cummins with standard T3/T4 flange.
- Capable of moderate power gains with proper tuning.
Pros: Very low price point; Decent performance for the money
Cons: Inconsistent quality control reported by some owners; Shorter lifespan compared to premium brands
Frequently Asked Questions
What size turbo is best for a stock 5.9 Cummins?
For a stock or mildly modified 5.9 Cummins, a turbo in the 62/65/12 or 62/68/14 range is ideal. It provides a good balance of quick spool and increased airflow without overwhelming the stock fuel system. The BorgWarner S300SX3 62/68/14 or BD Diesel Super B Special are popular choices.
Do I need to upgrade my fuel system when installing a larger turbo?
Yes, in most cases. Adding a larger turbo increases airflow, which requires more fuel to maintain safe air-fuel ratios. Upgraded injectors and a tuner are recommended to avoid lean conditions that can cause high EGTs and engine damage. Always consult a professional tuner.
Can I install a new turbo myself?
Installation is possible for experienced DIYers with basic mechanical skills. The process involves removing the old turbo, cleaning oil lines, and bolting on the new unit. However, tuning is necessary to get the full benefit. If you’re not comfortable, a professional installation is advised.
How do I know if my turbo is failing?
Common signs include excessive oil consumption, whining or grinding noises, loss of power, and excessive smoke from the exhaust. Check for shaft play by removing the intake and gently moving the compressor wheel. If you notice any issues, replace the turbo promptly.
What is the difference between journal bearing and ball bearing turbos?
Journal bearings use oil pressure to float the shaft, are simpler and cheaper, but have more lag. Ball bearings use rolling elements for lower friction, faster spool, and better response, but are more expensive and can be less tolerant of oil contamination. For daily driving, ball bearings are often preferred for their drivability.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing specifications and owner feedback, the BorgWarner S300SX3 62/68/14 stands out as the best overall turbo for 5.9 Cummins, offering a proven balance of power, durability, and drivability. For a more budget-friendly option that still delivers strong performance, the BD Diesel Super B Special is an excellent runner up, especially for street and towing use.
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