Ball Bearing 3rd Gen Swap Kit for 6.7 Cummins | Dual Ceramic S300 Turbo & Manifold | 2007.5–2018 Ram
The Diesel Power Source® Dual Ceramic Ball Bearing 3rd Gen Swap Kit is the fastest-spooling turbo conversion available for the 2007.5–2018 Dodge Ram 6.7L Cummins. This kit includes the same proven DPS 3rd gen swap platform — S300 turbo, DPS 2-piece exhaust manifold, gaskets, studs, and hardware — upgraded with a dual ceramic ball bearing center section that reduces rotational friction and delivers 150–200 RPM faster spool-up compared to the standard journal bearing version.
If you want the quickest possible low-RPM boost response from a 3rd gen swap, this is the kit. The ball bearing upgrade makes the biggest difference on trucks that tow regularly, where fast spool from a stop and on grades translates directly to better drivability and lower EGTs under load. Pair it with the optional Turbonator® VGT upgrade for the absolute fastest-spooling, most efficient single turbo configuration available for the 6.7 Cummins platform.
What Makes the Ball Bearing Version Different?
The standard DPS 3rd Gen Swap Kit uses a journal bearing center section, which is a proven, reliable design used on the majority of aftermarket S300 turbochargers. The ball bearing version replaces this with a dual ceramic ball bearing assembly that reduces the friction between the turbo shaft and housing. Less friction means the turbo shaft accelerates faster at low RPM, which translates to quicker boost onset and faster throttle response.
The dual ceramic ball bearing design also improves oil flow through the center section and reduces heat buildup at the bearing surfaces, which can extend bearing life in high-heat applications like sustained towing at altitude or competition use.
Everything else about the kit is identical to the standard version — same DPS 2-piece exhaust manifold, same turbo sizing options, same Turbonator® VGT upgrade availability, same fitment, and same installation process.
Ball Bearing vs Journal Bearing: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Ball Bearing (This Kit) | Journal Bearing (Standard Kit) |
|---|---|---|
| Spool-Up | 150–200 RPM faster | Standard spool |
| Low-RPM Response | Noticeably quicker off-idle | Good, but slightly slower |
| Bearing Life | Extended in high-heat applications | Proven long-term durability |
| Best For | Towing, daily driving wanting fastest response, performance builds | Budget builds, trucks where spool speed is less critical |
| Turbonator® VGT Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Higher (ball bearing premium) | Starting at $2,099 |
Bottom line: If budget allows and you want the best possible spool-up on your 6.7 Cummins, choose the ball bearing version. If you are building on a tighter budget and don't need the absolute fastest spool, the standard journal bearing 3rd Gen Swap Kit delivers excellent performance at a lower price point.
Turbo Size Options (Ball Bearing Only)
| Stage | Configuration | Max HP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stg 4.5 | S363/73 Ball Bearing | 530 HP | Towing, daily driving, stock fueling |
| Stg 7.5 | S366/73 Ball Bearing | 650 HP | Popular performance build, moderate fueling |
| Stg 9.5 | S369/73 Ball Bearing | 750 HP | High HP builds, competition |
How to choose: Stage 4.5 (S363) is the most popular for daily drivers and tow rigs on stock or mild fueling. Stage 7.5 (S366) is the sweet spot for trucks with injectors and tuning. Stage 9.5 (S369) is for fully built fuel systems targeting 700+ HP.
Turbonator® VGT Upgrade Options
Each compound kit can optionally include the Diesel Power Source® Turbonator® VGT exhaust housing on the S300 high-pressure turbo. This adds variable geometry capability for faster spool-up and exhaust braking, which the base fixed-geometry S300 does not provide.
- Base Option (Non-VGT) - Standard fixed-geometry S300. No exhaust brake through the turbo.
- VGT Without Exhaust Brake (+$950) - Adds Turbonator® VGT for 200-300 RPM faster spool-up without exhaust brake function.
- VGT With Exhaust Brake - OEM Turbo Truck (+$1,850) - Adds Turbonator® VGT with full exhaust brake capability. Integrates with your factory OEM exhaust brake switch and truck commands. Choose this option if your truck still has the factory exhaust brake button on the dash and it currently works.
- VGT With Exhaust Brake - Aftermarket/Deleted Turbo (+$1,850) - Adds Turbonator® VGT with full exhaust brake capability. DPS provides an external exhaust brake switch that mounts at the throttle position and operates independently of the factory exhaust brake system. Choose this option if the turbo on your truck has been deleted or is running an aftermarket turbo and the factory exhaust brake no longer functions.
Not sure which exhaust brake option to choose? Both options are the same price and provide the same exhaust braking performance. The difference is how the switch communicates with the system. If your factory exhaust brake button still works, choose OEM Turbo Truck. If it does not, choose Aftermarket/Deleted Turbo. Contact DPS at 801-930-8404 if you need help determining the correct option.
The Turbonator® VGT is recommended for trucks that tow regularly and want the combination of compound turbo power with the exhaust braking they had on the factory VGT turbo.
What's Included
- DPS S300 Turbo with Dual Ceramic Ball Bearing Center Section and wastegated T3 turbine housing
- DPS 2-Piece High-Flow Exhaust Manifold
- Gaskets, studs, nuts, and bolts
- Stainless steel flexible oil drain tube
- Water block-off plugs
- Clamp and all hardware for complete installation
S300 kits bolt directly to stock exhaust, intake, and intercooler connections. No additional piping required.
Key Features
- Dual Ceramic Ball Bearing Center Section — 150–200 RPM faster spool than journal bearing
- Drop-In 6.7 Cummins Turbo Replacement — Factory turbo location, no relocation
- Eliminates VGT Problems Permanently — No actuator, no vanes, no P003A codes
- DPS 2-Piece Manifold Included — High-flow, crack-resistant design
- Bolts to Factory Connections — Stock exhaust, intake, and intercooler on S300 kits
- Optional Turbonator® VGT — Stack ball bearing + VGT for maximum spool
- Works With or Without Emissions — Turbonator® VGT with braking required for emissions-intact trucks
- Easier Than 2nd Gen Swap — Fewer parts, less cost, simpler install
Fitment
This ball bearing 3rd gen swap kit fits 2007.5–2018 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 6.7L Cummins engine. Read: Compare 2nd gen swap to 3rd gen swap.
Requires a programmer for turbo delete on 6.7L Dodge Cummins. DPS does not provide emissions delete items. To retain emissions and exhaust brake, the Turbonator® VGT with braking option must be selected.
Head studs recommended over 48 PSI boost. Transmission upgrades recommended over 400 rear-wheel HP.
Related 6.7 Cummins Products
- Standard 3rd Gen Swap Kit (Journal Bearing, Lower Price)
- HE300VG Replacement Turbo (Factory VGT, 2007.5–2024)
- Complete Compound Turbo Kit (2007.5–2018)
- Add-a-Turbo Kit (Uses Stock Turbo)
- T4i Exhaust Manifold (2007.5–2018)
- 6.7 Cummins Coolant Reroute Kit
- Blog: P003A Codes — What They Mean & How to Fix
- S363/73/.80- 530 Max HP-Ball Bearing- Stg 4.5
- S366/73/.80- 650 Max HP-Ball Bearing- Stg 7.5
- S369/73/.80- 750 Max HP-Ball Bearing- Stg 9.5
Frequently Asked Questions
The ball bearing version uses a dual ceramic ball bearing center section instead of a journal bearing. This reduces rotational friction and delivers 150–200 RPM faster spool-up at low RPM. Everything else is identical: same DPS 2-piece manifold, same turbo sizing options, same Turbonator® VGT availability, same fitment, and same installation process. The ball bearing version is the premium option for buyers who want the fastest possible spool.
If you tow regularly and want the quickest possible boost response from a stop and on grades, the ball bearing makes a noticeable difference in daily driving feel. It also improves bearing life in sustained high-heat applications like mountain towing. If budget is the priority and spool speed is less critical, the standard journal bearing swap kit delivers excellent performance at a lower price.
Yes. This is the fastest-spooling combination DPS offers. The ball bearing provides 150–200 RPM faster spool, and the Turbonator® VGT adds another 200–300 RPM on top of that. This combination is especially popular for daily driver tow rigs where fast spool and exhaust braking are both priorities.
Yes. Like the standard 3rd gen swap kit, the ball bearing version eliminates the factory VGT system entirely and replaces it with a fixed-geometry S300 turbo. There is no electronic actuator, no movable vanes, and no position sensors to fail. This permanently resolves P003A, P2262, P00AF, and P0299 codes. A programmer is required for turbo delete.
No. The dual ceramic ball bearing center section uses the same engine oil supply as a journal bearing turbo. No special oil, additives, or maintenance procedures are required. The ball bearing design actually reduces heat at the bearing surfaces, which can help extend bearing life with standard oil change intervals.
1 Review
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Game Changer
This Ball Bearing 3Gn Swap Kit made a huge difference on my 2016 6.7 Cummins. The ball bearings make the turbo spool way faster, and the power is way smoother. The truck pulls hard and feels amazing. Install was super easy—everything fit like it should, and I had no issues getting it done in the garage. Good job guys
