The Diesel Power Source® Dual Ball Bearing Turbo is engineered for fast spool-up, strong midrange torque, and dependable power on 1989-2007 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins trucks.
Unlike factory journal bearing turbos, this unit uses a dual ceramic ball bearing center section to reduce rotational friction. The result is quicker boost response, reduced EGTs, and more efficient airflow across the RPM range.
Pair it with the optional Turbonator® VGT upgrade for the fastest-spooling, highest-efficiency single turbo configuration available for the 5.9 Cummins platform.
10–15% EGT Reduction
10–18% RWHP Gain
~9% More Airflow vs. Stock Housing
200–300 RPM Earlier Spool (with VGT)
Available in five sizes from Stage 2.5 (420 max HP) to Stage 9.5 (775 max HP). Select your year and turbo size at checkout. Optional Turbonator® VGT turbine housing upgrades are available with or without exhaust braking.
Direct factory replacement. This turbo bolts directly onto 1989–2007 5.9L Cummins trucks. 2002 and older models require a downpipe. See the Fitment tab for complete year-by-year details.
Compound turbo users: If ordering for use in a compound turbo setup, notify us at checkout. The wastegate must be converted to a spring gate before shipment.
The Turbonator® VGT is a patented, patent-pending variable geometry turbine housing system developed exclusively by Diesel Power Source®.
It operates differently from OEM Cummins and Holset VGT systems and has been validated through real-world use and CFD flow modeling.
When combined with the dual ceramic ball bearing center section, spool-up and airflow efficiency significantly outperform conventional turbo designs. DPS S366-based configurations spool nearly as fast as stock while flowing nearly double the air volume.
Option 1 — 3-Stage Mechanical VGT Actuator
Uses a 3-stage mechanical actuator to continuously optimize the turbine A/R ratio across the full RPM range.
- Improves spool-up by approximately 200–300 RPM vs. non-VGT
- Increases overall turbo efficiency and output
- Compatible with all 1989–2007 5.9L Cummins model years
- No electronics or ECM tuning required
Option 2 — Electronic VGT with Exhaust Brake
Adds an integrated exhaust brake with self-contained electronics. No ECM tuning is required.
- Improves spool-up by approximately 200–300 RPM vs. non-VGT
- Adds exhaust braking on all model years, including 12V engines
- Self-contained electronics — no additional wiring harness required
- Compatible with 12V, 24V, and Common Rail Cummins
Spool-up note: Either VGT option typically improves spool-up by approximately 200 RPM compared to the base non-VGT configuration on the same turbo size.
Base Option — Non-VGT (Wastegated)
All configurations include a wastegated turbine housing as standard. This is a proven, reliable setup suited for daily driving and moderate performance builds that do not require exhaust braking.
Every DPS Dual Ball Bearing Turbo is built with performance-focused components designed to outperform both factory and aftermarket journal bearing alternatives.
Center Section
- Dual ceramic ball bearing center section for faster response and extended bearing life
- Significantly reduced rotational friction vs. journal bearing designs
- Faster spool than comparable fixed-geometry turbos
Compressor Side
- FMW billet compressor wheel with extended tips for improved airflow and efficiency
- DPS race compressor housing flows approximately 9% more air than stock
- Multiple intake and outlet barbs to prevent boost hose blow-off
Turbine Side
- Wastegated turbine housing standard on all configurations
- Optional Turbonator® VGT turbine housing upgrade available (see VGT tab)
Performance Gains
- Reduces EGTs by approximately 10–15% vs. factory turbo
- Typical horsepower gains of 10–18% rwhp depending on tune and supporting mods
- Improved throttle response and drivability across the RPM range
- Potential fuel mileage improvement alongside power gains
Installation
- Direct factory replacement - bolt-on fitment for 1989-2007 5.9L Cummins
- T3 flange standard (T4 available with VGT option at additional cost)
- Can also be used as the high-pressure turbo in a compound turbo system
- S362/68/.70- 420 Max HP-Ball Bearing Stg 2.5
- S363/68/.70- 500 Max HP-Ball Bearing- Stg 3.5
- 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- 775 Max HP-Ball Bearing- Stg 9.5
Frequently Asked Questions
Ball bearing turbos use dual ceramic bearings instead of oil-fed journal bearings. This significantly reduces rotational friction, speeds up spool-up response at low RPM, improves throttle feel, and extends bearing life in performance applications.
No. The Turbonator® VGT is a patented Diesel Power Source® design that operates differently from OEM Cummins and Holset VGT systems. It is not a rebadged OEM component — it is a purpose-built performance system validated through real-world use and CFD flow modeling.
T3 is recommended for most vehicles and is compatible with all configurations. T4 is available for an additional $100 and is only offered with the VGT upgrade option. Choose T4 only if your exhaust manifold uses a T4 inlet flange.
Typical gains are 10–18% rwhp, depending on fueling, tuning, and supporting modifications. Turbo sizes range from 420 max HP (S362, Stage 2.5) up to 775 max HP (S369, Stage 9.5).
Yes, but the wastegate must be converted to a spring gate before use. Notify Diesel Power Source® at checkout so this conversion can be completed before your order ships. Using a standard wastegate in a compound system can cause over-opening and potential damage.
7 Reviews
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Better than my old setup
My prior setup: 2nd gen swap 63/73 BW 300sxe T4 Installed by PO. It was poor at low end spool up but great on highway speeds and high RPM performance. Smoky while towing and tough to build boost at my 9k ft elevation. I have been using HP Tuners for tuning and continue to do so. Creating my own tunes. Current DPS setup: 2004.5 - S363/68 .70 Turbonator VGT (Ball Bearing) with new T3 manifold- maintained 2nd gen setup. It fits well with no clearance issues. Fit and finish is pretty good. A pin in the main harness was not seated causing exhaust brake to not work. Reseated and all is good. Now for the performance. AMAZING spool up! I can build 10 PSI cruising around town and no smoke! It will roast the tires if I choose to, but I do not choose to. Getting on the highway she builds boost up to 30 PSI almost instantly. I will get to 40 pretty easy, but at the cost of higher egt's. At 30 PSI I was at around 1200f, climbing a hill at 35+ it climbed to 1400f. I did all this pretty briefly after a long break in on the turbo. I'll play with some tuning and maybe back off some timing and fuel on the top end. I had added a lot on top for my old turbo setup. The exhaust brake works, at least I can hear it work, but I really wont be able to test that soon as I wont be hauling anything heavy for a bit. Without a load, it seems maybe not as strong as a newer truck with a stock VGT. I do have my transmission set to lockup which helps. Sound....She is loud! This ball bearing turbo screams. Classic BB sound. Im old so I think I am going to need to add an air box to quiet it down some. If you like the sound of whooshing air and that turbo whistle, you will love this thing. It might be a bit much for long trips. So overall, this install was a big win for me. At this point the only issue is getting her to be a bit quieter which I know most people try to do the opposite.
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Love this Turbo!
This turbo improved the performance on my 3rd gen truck. This company has great customer service and I have been very happy with the product all around.
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Happy with my upgrade
I can tell you that this 24v turbo is a killer upgrade for the cost. Bonus points is that it bolts right on.
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The REAL Deal
Looks solid good quality. Great price, fast shipping!
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Turbocharger
Best upgrade from my HE351 on my '05 5.9. Turbo spools great and more boost over the stock turbo. Should have bought a lot sooner.
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Five Nine Cummins
I bought a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500, but didn't really look into all of the aftermarket parts. It ended up having a DPS Turbonator Turbo, DPS Extreme manifold, DPS Arctic Cooler, S&B intake, 5 inch exhaust, DPF delete and a Smarty Touch S2G. The programmer doesn't work right, but Smarty is sending the stuff out to fix it..The truck is a beast and will be even more so, whenever I get the programmer up and going again. I turned my boost up this morning; just did 2 rotations, and man did it really wake it up..It sounds freaking great.
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The best!
These guys are the best went in and told them what I have and what my plans are to for my truck and they hooked me up with a turbo , exhaust manifold and turbo horn for my 3rd gen Cummins all I can say is wow
