DPS 5.9 Cummins Compound Turbo Kit 2003-2007 Dodge Ram | 3rd Gen Twin Turbo System

5.9 Cummins Compound Turbo Kit | 3rd Gen Twin Turbo System | 2003–2007 Dodge Ram

The Diesel Power Source® compound turbo kit is a complete twin turbo system for 2003–2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9L common rail Cummins engine. This is a turn-key kit that includes both turbos (S300 high-pressure and S400 atmospheric), a 3-piece high-flow exhaust manifold, all charge piping, oil lines, air intake, and hardware needed for installation. From stock power up to 1,100 HP, these sequential turbo kits bolt directly to the 3rd gen Cummins factory exhaust with no cutting or fabrication required.

Available in thirteen turbo size configurations ranging from 625 HP to 1,100 HP, with optional Turbonator® VGT upgrade for exhaust braking and faster spool, and optional ball bearing upgrade for 150–200 RPM quicker spool-up. Whether you are building a 2003 Cummins 5.9 for towing, a 2005 Dodge Cummins turbo setup for daily driving, a 2006 Ram 2500 turbo upgrade for sled pulling, or a 2007 5.9 Cummins turbo platform for racing, DPS has a compound kit sized for your goals.

Why the 3rd Gen 5.9 Common Rail Responds So Well to Compounds

The 2003–2007 5.9L Cummins is one of the most responsive diesel platforms for compound turbo systems. The common rail fuel injection system (23,000–26,000 PSI) provides precise electronic fuel control that responds extremely well to increased airflow, unlike the mechanical VP44 injection pump on the earlier 24V trucks. When you add a compound turbo system that delivers significantly more air at cooler temperatures, the common rail ECM can take advantage of every bit of it. This is why 3rd gen Cummins diesel trucks with compound turbos consistently produce 22–30% more horsepower with dramatically lower EGTs than the same truck on a single turbo.

The 3rd gen platform also benefits from a stronger 48RE automatic transmission (compared to the 47RE in 2nd gen trucks) and improved engine internals that support higher cylinder pressures. Combined with the bolt-on fit of the DPS compound kit, the 2003–2007 5.9 Cummins is the ideal platform for a compound turbo upgrade.

How Compound Turbos Work on a 5.9 Cummins

A compound (twin turbo) system uses two turbochargers working in series as a sequential turbo setup. The smaller S300 high-pressure turbo spools first at low RPM, delivering the instant throttle response that 3rd gen Cummins diesel owners expect. As RPM and load increase, the larger S400 atmospheric turbo takes over the majority of the compression work, providing the sustained airflow needed for high-HP applications without the lag that large single turbos create.

The two turbos share the compression work, which means each operates within its most efficient range. The result is boost air that is over 100°F cooler than a single turbo at the same pressure, boost-to-drive pressure ratios approaching 1:1, and 250–450°F lower EGTs under load. This is why DPS compound kits are the preferred diesel performance products for 3rd gen Cummins owners who tow heavy loads through mountain passes, where EGT control is critical.

For a detailed explanation, see: How Do Compound Turbos Work? | Compound Turbochargers Explained

Stage Selection Guide

How to choose: Estimate your target horsepower at the rear wheels, then multiply by 1.25 to account for the compound turbo efficiency advantage. For a 2003 Cummins 5.9 or 2004 Cummins turbo upgrade focused on towing and daily driving, Stage 2.5 through 5 covers most builds. For a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 turbo or 2007 5.9 Cummins turbo built for higher performance, Stage 5+ gives you more headroom. Competition and sled pulling trucks typically run Stage 8 or 8.5.

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 with wastegate. No exhaust brake through the turbo.
• VGT Without Exhaust Brake (+$950) — Adds Turbonator® VGT for 200–300 RPM faster spool
• VGT With Exhaust Brake (+$1,850) — Adds Turbonator® VGT with full exhaust brake capability

The Turbonator® VGT improves spool-up by 200–300 RPM and is recommended for trucks that tow regularly. It can also be combined with the ball bearing upgrade for the fastest possible low-RPM response from any compound turbo system available for the 3rd gen Cummins.

What's Included

• S300 High-Pressure Turbo (S362, S363, or S366 based on stage) with wastegate for adjustable boost
• S400 Atmospheric Turbo (S475 or S480 based on stage)
• 3-Piece High-Flow Exhaust Manifold with pre-tapped pyrometer ports
• Complete air intake with high-flow air filter
• Kevlar/Nomex lined silicone low-pressure charge pipe
• Chrome-plated aluminum high-pressure charge pipe
• Cast hot pipe with external wastegate port (not welded thin steel)
• Support bracket for atmospheric (large) turbo
• Steel braided oil supply lines for both turbos
• Stainless steel oil drain lines (two separate drains)
• Exhaust adapter to factory exhaust (bolts right to factory exhaust on 2003–2007 trucks)
• V-band clamps, T-bolt clamps, and all hose clamps
• Turbo and manifold gaskets
• All mounting bolts, oil line adapters, and installation hardware

Key Features

• Complete Kit — Both turbos, 3-piece manifold, all piping, oil lines, and hardware included
• Direct Bolt-On for 3rd Gen Cummins — No cutting or fabrication. Bolts to factory exhaust on 2003–2007 trucks.
• 250–450°F Lower EGTs — Two-stage compression runs dramatically cooler than any single turbo
• 22–30% HP Increase — Depending on stage and supporting modifications
• Near-Stock Spool-Up — S300 lights up at low RPM, S400 carries top-end airflow
• Boost Exceeds Drive Pressure — Compound efficiency approaches 1:1 boost-to-drive ratio
• Wastegated — Adjustable boost control on the high-pressure turbo
• Cast Hot Pipe — Not welded thin steel. Won't crack under thermal cycling.
• CAD/CAM and CFD Designed — Engineered for OEM-like fit with optimized airflow
• Optional Turbonator® VGT — Add exhaust braking and 200–300 RPM faster spool
• Optional Ball Bearing — 150–200 RPM faster spool on the S300
• Optional Large Turbo Upgrades — S475 Billet with Race Housing (+$200) or S480 Billet with Race Housing (+$400)

Fitment

This compound kit fits 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9L common rail Cummins engine (3rd generation).

These kits do not have a CARB exemption (exhaust manifolds do).

Have a different gen truck?

• 1st Gen Compound Kit (1989–1993 12V Cummins)
• 24V Compound Kit (1998.5–2002 Cummins)
• 12V Compound Kit (1989–1998 Cummins)
• 6.7 Cummins Compound Kit (2007.5–2018)

Need a Fummins or Chummins conversion with compound turbos? DPS builds those too.

Head Stud and Fire Ring Recommendations

• Head studs recommended at 55+ PSI sustained boost
• Fire rings recommended at 65+ PSI sustained boost

The compound system is capable of well over 55 PSI but is adjustable depending on your build. Follow proper torque specifications and break-in procedures when installing studs.

Why Diesel Power Source for 3rd Gen Compound Turbos?

Diesel Power Source® built its reputation on compound turbo kits for Cummins diesel trucks. The 3rd gen 5.9 common rail platform was one of the first applications DPS engineered compounds for, and thousands of these kits are running on 2003–2007 trucks for towing, daily driving, sled pulling, and competition. Every kit is designed using CAD/CAM software and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) testing to deliver factory-like fit with diesel performance products-level results.

• Complete Kit — Everything in one box, no hunting for parts
• 13 Stage Options — From 625 HP towing builds to 1,100 HP competition setups
• CFD-Tested Airflow — Optimized piping and manifold geometry
• Bolt-On Fit — No cutting, welding, or fabrication
• Proven Platform — Thousands of kits sold for the 3rd gen Cummins
• Designed and Built in the USA

Related 5.9 Cummins Products

• Add-a-Turbo Kit for 5.9 Cummins (Uses Stock HE351 Turbo)
• 3rd Gen Exhaust Manifold for 5.9 Cummins (2003–2007)
• DPS S300 Single Turbos for 5.9 Cummins (2003–2007)
• Compound Turbo Piping Kit (Bring Your Own Turbos)
• 6.7 Cummins Compound Kit (2007.5–2018)
• 12V Cummins Compound Kit (1989–1998)
• 24V Cummins Compound Kit (1998.5–2002)
• Fummins Compound Kit
• Blog: How Do Compound Turbos Work?

• S362/68 over S475 - Max 625hp- Stg 2.5
• S362/68 over S480 - Max 650hp- Stg 3
• S362/68 Ball Bearing over S475- Max 625hp - Stg 3.5
• S363/68 over S475 - Max 650hp- Stg 4
• S363/68 over S480 - Max 675hp- Stg 4B
• S363/68 Ball Bearing over S475 - Max 650hp - Stg 4.5
• S363/68 Ball Bearing over S480 - Max 675hp - Stg 4.5B
• S363/73 over S475 - Max 700hp - Stg 5
• S363/73 Ball Bearing over S475 - Max 700hp - Stg 5.5
• S363/73 over S480 - Max 750hp - Stg 6
• S363/73 Ball Bearing over S480- Max 750hp- Stg 6.5
• S366/73 over S480 - Max 1100hp - Stg 8
• S366/73 Ball Bearing over S480- Max 1100hp - Stg 8.5

7 Reviews

• 5

  04 Cummins

  Posted by Christ Schmitt on Nov 22, 2023

  I put one of these kits on my 04 Cummins probably 5 or 6 years ago. I have nothing but good to say about it. It has towed loads that do not belong behind a pickup, on a regular basis and has never once disappointed.....

• 5

  Compound Kit is Sweet

  Posted by Larry Bird on Oct 31, 2023

  Not that Larry Bird. Your Add A Turbo Kit for my 2012 made a huge improvement on towing with my truck. Great power and helped with my EGT temps. Once the stock turbo goes out I plan to upgrade with the Turbonator. Thanks for making a great fitting kit

• 4

  Gday

  Posted by Tyler Lee on Jul 16, 2023

  Great choice for an aftermarket turbo, or even compounds! My DPS add on turbo kit is amazing, completely changed the truck, from EGTs, to spool and psi. Completely recommend yall!

• 5

  Hello, I

  Posted by Greg P on Mar 31, 2023

  Hello,I do not normally comment on my truck part purchases, but I felt the quality of your kit was worth taking the time for. I recently purchased one of your stocker / S475 kits for my 06 ram. I have to say I am very impressed with the quality and packaging you guys do. This is my first compound turbo set up. I looked at many kits before purchasing yours. I looked at cheaper and more expensive. I had nearly talked myself into buying a cheaper kit. After receiving your kit I was immediately satisfied with spending the extra money on it. I opened the kit and was very impressed with the packaging alone. I thought to myself, if it performs half as well as it is packaged, I was going to be very happy. I had one issue after installation, but it turned out to be my fault for assuming. I assumed the tube from the output of the S475 to the input of my stock turbo was molded to the connector that uses V band clamp onto the S475. I had one extra clamp once installed and I thought it was odd, however I took the truck for a test ride and was very impressed with the faster spool up but the system got very loud and not as much boost as I had anticipated. I found out very quickly where the extra clamp went. After that mistake was remedied, the system is performing flawlessly. I am very satisfied with this kit. I look forward to putting it to the test towing in the Colorado mountains. I will be purchasing your intake for this same truck as well as probably upgrading my stock turbo to one of your new ball bearing turbos in the near future. I will not hesitate to recommend you guys to anyone who asks.

• 5

  Towing

  Posted by Michael Venter on Nov 26, 2022

  Best thing I could have done sooner was do compounds for my 6.7Cummins! Stock fuel with some items not on the truck and it tows awesome. Steep grades and EGTs issues are a thing of the past! Great kit

• 5

  Stocker

  Posted by R Zep on Jun 5, 2022

  Great compounds,makes towing a breeze with 50# of boost & egt about 300 less now

• 5

  Stocker

  Posted by Carl M on May 15, 2021

  I bought this add a turbo kit for my 2005 Cummins and what a difference it made towing. I live in the west and travel some good mountain passes with a travel trailer. No issues with the EGTs and no down shifting. I already want to replace my stock turbo for their Turbonator turbo. Great kit! and everything came in it to install.