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HE300VG / HE400VG VGT Turbos

HE300VG and HE400VG VGT Turbos for 6.7 Cummins and ISX15 / X15

Factory-location VGT replacement turbos with a new pre-matched actuator, for 2007.5-2024 Ram 6.7L Cummins and Cummins ISX15 / X15 trucks.

Diesel Power Source® HE-series turbos are variable geometry (VGT) replacements that bolt into the factory location and keep factory VGT functions, including the exhaust brake. For the 2007.5-2024 Ram 6.7L Cummins, the DPS HE300VG replacement turbo is built on the HE-series platform in three compressor sizes and ships with a brand-new pre-calibrated electronic actuator. For the Cummins ISX15 / X15, DPS offers HE400VG and HE451VE replacement turbos matched to the two factory turbo families, plus turbo and manifold packages for both platforms.

Factory Location

Bolts in where the factory VGT turbo came out

New Actuator Included

Pre-calibrated and matched to the turbo on 6.7L replacements

Exhaust Brake Retained

Factory exhaust brake and engine brake function stay intact

Larger Wheel Options

63mm and 66mm for the 6.7L, 70mm for the ISX15 / X15

Shop HE-Series VGT Turbos by Application

6.7 Cummins VGT Turbo and Actuator Replacement

Why the Factory 6.7L VGT Fails

The factory turbo controls boost with movable vanes driven by an electronic actuator. Over time, carbon buildup on the vanes, actuator wear, and oil coking cause Stuck Turbo Syndrome, the most common turbo problem on the 6.7L Cummins. Early signs include an exhaust brake that works intermittently, sluggish or erratic boost, and actuator codes such as P003A, P2262, P226C, P00AF, and P0299.

Replace the Turbo and Actuator Together

A sticking vane assembly overloads and destroys the actuator, and a weak actuator lets the vanes sit in one position and load up with carbon. Replacing only one part often leads to a repeat failure. Every DPS HE300VG replacement turbo ships with a brand-new pre-calibrated electronic actuator matched to the turbo, so no calibration is needed after installation.

One Turbo for 2007.5-2024

DPS supplies the HE300VG to replace both factory turbos. There is no downside to replacing an HE351VE with the HE300VG, and 2007.5-2012 replacements include a pigtail that plugs into the factory harness. Select your model year at checkout and DPS configures the correct turbo and actuator for your truck.

Larger Wheels, Cooler EGTs

The HE363VG and HE366VG use DPS-modified compressor wheels and a larger turbine wheel. Each 1mm of compressor wheel adds roughly 10 RWHP and lowers EGTs. The HE363VG typically adds about 30-40 HP over the factory-size unit, and both larger sizes run with more headroom than stock.

HE300VG Turbo Selector for the 6.7 Cummins

Turbo Compressor Wheel HP Range (RWHP) Best For
HE360VG 60mm Stock-400 Factory-size replacement with factory drivability
HE363VG 63mm Stock-550 Towing and daily driving with lower EGTs and more headroom
HE366VG 66mm 425-650 The largest HE-series option, for performance builds that keep factory fitment

HP figures are approximate rear wheel horsepower and vary with tuning, fueling, and supporting modifications. All three sizes keep the factory exhaust brake, EGR compatibility, and emissions equipment.

ISX15 / X15 VGT Turbo Replacement

Two Factory Turbo Families

Mid/late 2016-2025 X15 trucks use the HE400VG. Mid/late 2016 and older ISX15 trucks, including CM871, use the HE451VE. The two are not interchangeable, and the 2016 model year can go either way. Your engine serial number (ESN) decides which turbo your truck takes.

HE400VG Compressor Sizes

The factory HE400VG uses a 64mm wheel on the lowest-rated trucks and a 67mm wheel on the rest. The DPS HE470VG uses a 70mm wheel, which exceeds the largest factory option with the same housing, mounting, and actuator fitment.

Turbo and Actuator as a Set

Actuator-only repairs on the X15 often lead to turbo failure shortly after. DPS supplies the HE400VG with a new matched actuator to break that cycle, and engine brake function is preserved.

Fits Major Class 8 Chassis

The DPS HE400VG fits ISX15 / X15 trucks in Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, International, and Western Star chassis. Verify your ESN with DPS before ordering.

Fitment

  • 2007.5-2012 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins (factory HE351VE)
  • 2013-2018 Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins (factory HE300VG)
  • 2019-2024 Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins (factory HE300VG)
  • Cummins ISX15 / X15, mid/late 2016-2025 (HE400VG)
  • Cummins ISX15, mid/late 2016 and older (HE451VE)

Ordering and Install Notes

  • 6.7L: select your model year at checkout so DPS ships the correct turbo and actuator.
  • 6.7L: HE-series turbos use the factory coolant lines to cool the actuator electronics.
  • ISX15 / X15: an ESN is required on every order. Verify your ESN with DPS before ordering.
  • ISX15 / X15: re-torque all manifold and turbo bolts after the first 100 miles at operating temperature.
  • Warranty under the Diesel Power Source® PMA: HE300 series 2 years / 24,000 miles; HE400 series 1 year / 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Registration within 14 days of purchase is required.

Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins Inc. Diesel Power Source® is not affiliated with Cummins Inc.

HE300VG & HE400VG VGT Turbo FAQs

VGT = Variable Geometry Turbo. It has movable vanes inside the turbine housing that adjust based on engine load and RPM.

How VGT works:

  • Low RPM/light load: Vanes close down, creating smaller effective turbine area → faster spool, quick boost response
  • High RPM/heavy load: Vanes open up, creating larger turbine area → maximum airflow, prevents over-boost
  • Result: Best of both worlds—responsive like a small turbo, flows like a large turbo

Fixed-geometry turbo (S300, S400):

  • Single fixed turbine housing size
  • Compromise between spool and airflow
  • Either spools quick (but chokes at high RPM) or flows great (but lags at low RPM)

Why VGT for 6.7L Cummins? Factory uses VGT for emissions control, engine braking, and drivability. Upgrading to HE300VG or HE400VG gives you more power while keeping those factory features intact.

Yes, typically 100-175°F cooler than stock when towing similar loads.

Why VGT upgrades help with EGTs:

  • Better airflow efficiency: Upgraded turbine and compressor wheels flow more air at the same boost level
  • Optimized vane positioning: Custom tuning positions vanes for best efficiency under load
  • Less boost needed: More efficient turbo requires less boost pressure to make the same power = cooler combustion

Real-world example:

  • Stock HE351VE: 1,350°F towing 18k lbs up 6% grade
  • HE400VG upgrade: 1,175-1,225°F same load, same grade
  • Result: 125-175°F cooler, less stress, more confidence

Compare to fixed-geometry turbos:

  • S300 singles: Similar EGT reduction (150-200°F) but lose VGT features
  • Compound systems: Better EGT reduction (200-300°F) but much higher cost and complexity

For many 6.7L Cummins owners, VGT upgrades offer the best balance: significant EGT improvement while keeping all factory functionality.

HE300VG (Smaller Frame):

  • Best for: Daily drivers, moderate towing (10-15k lbs), 350-450 HP builds
  • Pros: Quickest spool, best low-end response, excellent street manners, maintains great fuel economy
  • Cons: Limited to ~450 HP before running out of airflow
  • Ideal user: Owner who wants better performance than stock but prioritizes drivability and daily comfort

HE400VG (Larger Frame):

  • Best for: Heavy towing (15-25k lbs), 450-550+ HP builds, performance-focused trucks
  • Pros: More top-end airflow, supports higher power, better for sustained heavy loads
  • Cons: Slightly more lag than HE300VG (still much better than fixed turbos), needs more supporting mods to shine
  • Ideal user: Hot-shot driver, heavy RV tower, or performance enthusiast wanting 500+ HP with VGT benefits

Quick decision guide:

  • Stock to 450 HP, daily driver focus → HE300VG
  • 450-550+ HP, heavy towing focus → HE400VG

Yes. HE300VG and HE400VG VGT turbos are widely used in towing and street-driven diesel applications because they provide fast response at low RPM while still flowing enough air for higher boost under load. When properly sized and tuned, these VGT turbos deliver smooth drivability, strong midrange torque, and reliable performance for daily driving, towing, and performance builds.

Yes—this is one of the main advantages of VGT turbos.

HE300VG and HE400VG turbos are designed to work with factory emissions systems:

  • EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation): VGT controls backpressure needed for EGR function. Maintains proper EGR flow rates.
  • DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter): VGT helps generate heat needed for DPF regeneration cycles. Keeps regen functioning properly.
  • Emissions sensors: Factory sensors (boost, exhaust temp, etc.) work normally with VGT upgrades

Important for emissions-regulated states:

  • If you live in California or states with strict diesel emissions laws, VGT turbos allow performance gains while staying street-legal
  • Deleting emissions equipment may be illegal for on-road use in your area—check local laws

Note: While VGTs work with emissions equipment, you'll need tuning that's calibrated for emissions-on operation. Work with tuners familiar with emissions-compliant tuning for best results.

HE300VG:

  • Realistic power range: 375-450 HP
  • With aggressive tuning and supporting mods: Up to 475 HP (pushing the limit)
  • Sweet spot: 400-425 HP for best balance of power and drivability

HE400VG:

  • Realistic power range: 450-550 HP
  • With full supporting mods: 550-600 HP
  • Sweet spot: 475-525 HP for excellent towing and street performance

Supporting mods needed for these power levels:

  • Essential: Tuning matched to VGT (critical—off-the-shelf tunes may not be optimized)
  • Recommended for 450+ HP: Upgraded intercooler, lift pump, 4" exhaust
  • Required for 500+ HP: Injector upgrades, possibly CP3 pump work, transmission upgrades

VGT turbos aren't designed for extreme horsepower (700+ HP). For those goals, see our S400 Single Turbos or Compound Systems.

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