The Turbonator® VGT Housing is a housing-only upgrade for customers who already own an S300 or S400 turbo and want to add variable geometry capability. This is not a complete turbo — it replaces your existing fixed-geometry turbine housing with a patented variable-stator housing that adjusts effective A/R from approximately 0.45 to 1.1 across the RPM range.
If you want a complete turbo with the Turbonator® VGT already installed, see the Turbonator® VGT S300 & S400 Turbos or the S300 Ball Bearing VGT for 6.7 Cummins.
200–300 RPM Faster Spool
.45–1.1 Variable A/R Range
1:1+ Boost-to-Drive Ratio
Exhaust Brake Electronic Version
Who Is This For
This product is specifically for owners who already have a DPS or BorgWarner S300/S400 turbo with a fixed-geometry turbine housing and want to upgrade to variable geometry. Common scenarios:
- You bought a DPS S300 single turbo and want to add VGT later
- You have a DPS compound kit and want VGT on the small turbo
- You did a 2nd gen swap or 3rd gen swap and want to improve spool and add exhaust braking
- You want to upgrade from the 3-stage pneumatic actuator to the electronic VGT with exhaust brake
Already have an S300 or S400 turbo? This housing bolts onto your existing turbo. You keep your compressor wheel, CHRA, and compressor housing — only the turbine housing changes. DPS configures the housing to match your specific turbine wheel size.
How the Turbonator® VGT Works
The Turbonator® VGT uses patented aerospace-grade stator vanes inside the turbine housing. At low RPM, the stators close to approximately 0.45 A/R — accelerating exhaust gas velocity to spool the turbo faster. As engine speed and exhaust flow increase, the stators open progressively to approximately 1.1 A/R for maximum top-end airflow. A fixed-geometry housing is locked at one A/R at all times — the Turbonator® eliminates that compromise.
Compared to a fixed A/R housing of the same turbine wheel size, the Turbonator® VGT typically improves spool by approximately 200–300 RPM. On smaller turbos (68mm turbine), the improvement is approximately 200 RPM. On larger turbos (73mm+ turbine), the improvement is approximately 300 RPM because larger turbine wheels have more inertia at low RPM.
Compatibility
| Turbine Wheel Size | Platform | Flange Options |
|---|---|---|
| 68mm | S300 | T3 only |
| 71mm | S300 | T3 or T4 |
| 73mm | S300 | T3 or T4 |
| 83mm / 74mm | S400 | T4 |
Exhaust outlet: Available in 4.0” or 4.4” diameter. Select at checkout.
Clockable housing: The Turbonator® VGT housing can be clocked (rotated) independently to fit nearly any 5.9L or 6.7L Cummins application, including single turbo, compound, 2nd gen swap, and 3rd gen swap configurations.
Applications: 1988–2018 Dodge Ram Cummins (5.9L and 6.7L). Works in single turbo and compound/twin turbo setups.
Actuator Options
Electronic Actuator (Recommended)
- Includes integrated exhaust brake — self-contained electronics, no ECM tuning required
- Dash-mounted dial control (0–11 scale, recommended operating range 4–7)
- Includes ball bearing unison ring for precise vane positioning
- Compatible with any year truck (1988–2018), including 12V engines
- Easier to install than the 3-stage pneumatic
3-Stage Pneumatic Actuator
- Mechanical, non-electronic operation
- Does not provide exhaust braking
- Still delivers the full 200–300 RPM spool improvement
- Good option for customers who prefer fully mechanical, no-electronics setup
Exhaust Brake Note: Diesel Power Source® does not guarantee a specific exhaust braking force — results vary by truck, tuning, and application. The exhaust brake function increases exhaust pressure during braking, but the amount of braking force depends on engine configuration and driving conditions.
Key Features
- Patented variable stator technology — Aerospace-grade design, not a modified OEM housing
- Variable A/R range approximately 0.45–1.1 — Infinitely variable between those points
- CFD tested — Validated through computational fluid dynamics for optimized exhaust flow
- Better than 1:1 boost-to-drive pressure ratio — Lower engine stress and improved efficiency
- Clockable housing — Rotates independently to fit multiple chassis and turbo configurations
- Fits S300 and S400 platforms — 68mm, 71mm, 73mm (S300) and 83/74mm (S400) turbine wheels
- Single and compound compatible — Works as a standalone single turbo housing or as the small turbo housing in a compound setup
- Ball bearing unison ring (electronic version) — Precise vane control that does not degrade with soot or use
What’s Included
- Turbonator® VGT turbine housing (configured to your turbine wheel size)
- 3-stage pneumatic actuator (standard) or electronic actuator with exhaust brake (upgrade option)
- All necessary mounting hardware
Not included: Compressor housing, compressor wheel, CHRA (center section), or oil lines. This is a turbine housing upgrade only — your existing turbo components remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this fit my existing S300 or S400 turbo?
A: Yes, as long as your turbine wheel matches one of the supported sizes (68mm, 71mm, or 73mm for S300; 83/74mm for S400). Select your turbine wheel size and flange type at checkout. If you are unsure of your turbine wheel size, call DPS at 801-930-8404 before ordering.
Q: What is the difference between this and buying a complete Turbonator® VGT turbo?
A: This is the housing only. If you already have a good S300 or S400 turbo and just want to add VGT capability, this saves you from buying a complete new turbo. If you do not currently own an S300/S400 turbo, the complete Turbonator® VGT turbo is the better option.
Q: Can I use this on a compound turbo setup?
A: Yes. The Turbonator® VGT housing is commonly used as the small (high-pressure) turbo housing in compound setups. Select “Compound/Twins” under Turbo Application at checkout so DPS configures it correctly.
Q: Do I need the electronic version for the exhaust brake?
A: Yes. Only the electronic actuator provides exhaust braking. The 3-stage pneumatic actuator delivers the same spool improvement (200–300 RPM) but does not have exhaust brake capability.
Q: Will the dial setting affect my power?
A: The electronic dial (0–11) sets the baseline vane position at low RPM. The recommended range is 4–7 for most applications. A higher number does not mean more performance — it is a tuning adjustment. Start at 5 or 6 and adjust one click at a time based on feel.
6 Reviews
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Turbonator
Wow what a difference the Turbonator makes!!! Great product with great guys backing it! Thanks again guys !
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Helps a lot with egt control and fast spool up
I have s 1997 f350 with a 7.3l. I have a t4 364.5 turbo 205 injectors and a zf6 i use my truck alot for towing and daily driving. Before I installed this turbonator with exhaust brake, I was waiting forever for the turbo to spool high egt lots of smoke just generally not a fun day unless u love dark clouds everywhere you when. I love the vgt due to how fast it spools. Its spooling 5lbs of boost at 1k rpm where as before I would have to wait till almost 1900rm. At 1500rpm im making 10lbs+ depending on how hard i hit the skinny pedal. The exhaust break function is absolutely amazing. Its hold back some serious weight and doesn't fade.
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Huge S471 improvement!
I purchased a 2003 Dodge 5.9 with a Borg Warner S471 turbo. It hit hard when I was at almost 3000 RPM but sucked to drive. I got the mechanical Turbonator vgt. I expected about 300-400 rpm better spool, but I swear it's more like 1000 rpm improvement. The truck is actually drivable and I can tow with it. It would not tow befor the VGt. a big improvement for big turbos for sure!
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VGT Rocks
The turbonator made my 12V come to life. Before and after difference on my 96 was night and day. noticible fuel savings and power gains, can't wait to see how she tows! BB was very helpful and fun to talk with.
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Awesome VGT
Beyond happy with the install and performance of my SXE366VGT from you guys. The performance is way beyond my expectations! Keep up the good work!
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I Love This Turbo!
I just installed the Turbonator VGT on my Ford 6.0 Powerstroke stage 3 kit. I already had an s300 turbo on the truck that wouldn't spool up worth crap. Since I put the DPS turbo on my truck I love this truck again! Hands down the best thing I've ever put on!
