5.9 Cummins Turbo
5.9 Cummins Turbo Upgrades
Single turbos, Add-A-Turbo kits, compound kits, and VGT options for the 1989-2007 Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins.
Every Diesel Power Source® turbo upgrade for the 5.9 Cummins is on this page. Whether you tow heavy and want lower EGTs, you are building past 600 horsepower, or the factory turbo has run out of room, the options below cover 1989-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks across the 12V, 24V, and common rail engines. DPS turbos are built on the S300 and S400 platforms and matched to your engine year and power goal.
5.9 Cummins Turbos by Truck Year
| Truck | Single Turbo | Add-A-Turbo Kit | Compound Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-1998 5.9L 12V | S300 turbo for 12V | Add-A-Turbo for 12V | 12V compound kit |
| 1998.5-2002 5.9L 24V | S300 turbo for 24V | Add-A-Turbo for 24V | 24V compound kit |
| 2003-2007 5.9L common rail | S300 turbo for 2003-2007 | Add-A-Turbo for 2003-2007 | 2003-2007 compound kit |
Also available for all 1989-2007 trucks: Turbonator® VGT S300 and S400 turbos and the ball bearing S300 turbo.
Three Ways to Upgrade
A single turbo, an Add-A-Turbo kit, or a full compound kit
More Air Than Stock
The smallest DPS S300 outflows the largest factory 5.9L turbo
T3 Bolt-On
Every 5.9L Dodge Cummins uses a T3 turbo flange
VGT and Ball Bearing
Turbonator® VGT and ball bearing upgrades for faster spool
Which 5.9 Cummins Turbo Upgrade Fits Your Build?
Single Turbo
One DPS S300 replaces the factory turbo. Five sizes cover stock power to 750+ RWHP, from the quick-spooling S362 to the S369. See the S300 sizing guide.
Add-A-Turbo Kit
Keeps the factory turbo and adds an S475 in front of it, matched from stock power to 600 RWHP. The 5.9L kit includes the exhaust manifold. See Add-A-Turbo kits.
Compound Turbo Kit
An S300 small turbo with an S475 or S480 large turbo, plus the manifold, piping, oil lines, and hardware. The largest EGT reduction and power improvement in the DPS lineup. See compound turbo kits.
VGT or Ball Bearing
The Turbonator® VGT spools 200-300 RPM sooner than a fixed housing, and the electronic version adds an exhaust brake. Ball bearings spool approximately 200 RPM sooner.
HP figures are approximate rear wheel horsepower and vary with tuning, fueling, and supporting modifications. Not sure which fits? Use the Turbo Selector or call 801-930-8404.
Stock 5.9 Cummins Turbo by Year
| Years | Engine | Factory Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| 1989-1993 | 5.9L 12V | H1C |
| 1994-1998 | 5.9L 12V | HX35 |
| 1998.5-2002 | 5.9L 24V | HX35 or HY35 |
| 2003-2004 | 5.9L common rail | HE341CW |
| 2004.5-2007 | 5.9L common rail | HE351CW |
At maximum, the HY35 flows about 52-55 lb/min, the HE341CW about 55-58 lb/min, and the HE351CW about 60-67 lb/min. The HE351CW is the largest factory 5.9L turbo and supports up to approximately 420 RWHP. The smallest DPS S300, the S362, flows about 76 lb/min, and the S369 flows about 95-98 lb/min. A factory turbo that has been pushed is at its ceiling, while an S300 has room to grow.
How to Size a Turbo for a 5.9 Cummins
Size to the Fuel, Not the Year
Match the turbo to the fuel system the truck has. A towing or lightly modified truck is well served by an S362 or S363. A build past 600 horsepower needs an S366 or S369 to use the available fuel.
12V and P-Pump Trucks
Mechanical injection responds directly to more air, so no ECM or programmer is involved. On a P7100 truck, size the turbo to how far the pump has been turned up.
Common Rail Trucks
The 2003-2007 engines respond strongly to injectors and tuning. The stock turbo limits power around 420 RWHP, and the stock fuel system reaches its limit around 500-550 RWHP.
Towing at High Power
The S369 makes strong power but can surge when towing. For a high-horsepower truck that tows, DPS typically recommends an S366 or a compound kit.
Fitment
- 1989-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins
- All 5.9L engines use a T3 turbo flange
- 12V heads have rectangular exhaust ports and 24V heads have round ports, so the manifolds are not interchangeable
- S300 singles: a 4-inch downpipe is required on 12V and 24V trucks and sold separately. No downpipe is required on 2003-2007 trucks.
- Running an aftermarket intercooler? Tell DPS when you order.
Supporting Modifications
- Expect roughly 10 HP per PSI of boost on a 5.9L Cummins.
- Head studs are recommended above 45 PSI on 1988-2002 engines and 55 PSI on 2003-2007 engines.
- The factory transmission typically needs attention around 400 RWHP.
- Tuning is the owner's responsibility. DPS does not sell tuners or tuning.
- Warranty under the Diesel Power Source® PMA: S300 and S400 turbos are covered for 1 year / 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. Registration within 14 days of purchase is required.
Related categories: 5.9 Cummins Parts | 5.9 Cummins Manifolds | S300 Single Turbos | 6.7 Cummins Turbos. Free shipping on orders over $350.
Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins Inc. Diesel Power Source® is not affiliated with Cummins Inc.
5.9L Cummins Turbo FAQ's
The S366 is the most popular and best all-around choice, covering 450 to 650 RWHP. For towing, the fast-spooling S362 (stock to 450 RWHP) is ideal; for maximum single-turbo power, the S369 reaches 500 to 750-plus RWHP.
It varies by year: the H1C or HX35 on 12V trucks, the HX35 or HY35 on 1998.5-2002 24V trucks, and the HE351CW on 2004.5-2007 common-rail trucks. The factory common-rail turbo supports up to roughly 420 RWHP before it needs an upgrade.
Match the turbo to your fueling and power goal. A towing or lightly modified truck is well served by an S362 or S363, while a 600-plus horsepower build needs an S366 or S369 to use the available fuel. Heavier builds move to a compound kit.
The lineup covers 1989-2007 Ram 2500 and 3500 across the 12V, 24V and 2003-2007 common-rail engines. Select your engine year at checkout, and contact DPS to confirm fitment before ordering.
Yes. Every full compound kit includes both turbos plus the correct 2nd Gen-style manifold (12V rectangular port or 24V round port), piping and hardware.
The factory turbo is at its airflow ceiling. Even the largest stock Cummins turbo is outflowed by the smallest DPS S300, so an S300 gives you room to make more power and tow cooler instead of pushing a maxed-out factory unit.
