Ever heard that deep rumble of a Cummins engine and thought, “That sounds powerful!”? Many truck owners dream of that extra punch, that surge of power that makes towing easier and acceleration quicker. But when it comes to upgrading the turbocharger on a 5.9 Cummins, the path can feel a little bumpy. It’s not as simple as just picking the shinest one. You might be wondering which turbo will give you the best performance without breaking the bank, or if you’ll even notice a difference.
Choosing the right turbo for your 5.9 Cummins can be confusing. There are so many different brands and sizes, and it’s easy to get lost in technical jargon. You want more power, but you also don’t want to cause problems for your engine or use too much fuel. This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We’ll break down what you need to know so you can confidently pick the perfect turbo for your truck.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key factors that go into selecting a turbo. We’ll cover what makes one turbo better than another for your specific needs. So, let’s dive in and unlock the hidden power waiting in your 5.9 Cummins!
Our Top 5 Turbo For A 5.9 Cummins Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turbo For A 5.9 Cummins Detailed Reviews
1. Turbo Turbocharger HX35W for 1999-2002 Ram 2500 Ram 3500 L6 5.9L Diesel Cummins
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your 1999-2002 Ram 2500 or 3500 with the L6 5.9L Diesel Cummins engine a serious power boost with this HX35W Turbocharger. This turbocharger is designed to replace common part numbers like 667269 and 3590104, helping your engine breathe easier and perform better. It’s built tough with nickel-based casting alloy, meaning it can handle high pressure and last a long time. Get ready for quicker acceleration and stronger pulling power!
What We Like:
- Superior Engine Response: This turbocharger makes your engine respond faster. Boost comes up quickly, and your truck pulls strong, improving efficiency.
- Durable Construction: Made from nickel-based casting alloy, this turbo is built to withstand high pressure and deliver reliable performance.
- Enhanced Strength: The turbine wheels and shafts are precision heat-treated, making them stronger and extending their lifespan.
- Easy Compatibility Check: The product description guides you to verify your part number and use a “confirmed fit” system to ensure it’s the right turbo for your truck.
- Customer Support and Warranty: It comes with OE quality and a 1-year warranty. If you have any problems, they offer quick customer support and solutions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Professional Installation Recommended: While not a con of the product itself, it’s important to note that professional installation is recommended to avoid setup issues.
- Pre-Installation Lubrication: You need to remember to thoroughly lubricate the turbo bearing before installation to prevent damage.
This HX35W Turbocharger is a solid upgrade for your Cummins diesel. It delivers improved performance and is backed by good customer support, making it a worthwhile investment for your truck.
2. INGKAN HX35W Turbocharger w/Gasket Fits for Cummins Dodge Ram 2500 3500 1999 2000 2001 2002 5.9L l6 Diesel Turbocharged OE 3590104 3590105 3800797 3800799 3800397 3592767 3592766 HX35W
Rating: 8.5/10
Give your 1999-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 with the 5.9L l6 diesel engine a serious power upgrade with the INGKAN HX35W Turbocharger. This turbocharger is designed to boost your engine’s performance, giving you more power and better acceleration. It’s a direct replacement for your old turbo, and it comes with a gasket for an easy installation. If you want your truck to feel more powerful, this turbo is a great option.
What We Like:
- Strong Power Boost: This turbocharger significantly improves your engine’s power output and acceleration. It uses exhaust gases to push more air into your engine, making it stronger.
- High Altitude Adaptability: It helps your engine perform better even at high altitudes where the air is thinner. Your truck will maintain its horsepower.
- Fast Response and Efficient Performance: You’ll notice immediate power when you step on the gas. There’s very little lag, meaning the turbo works quickly and efficiently across different engine speeds.
- Increased Engine Torque: Get ready for more powerful acceleration and easier hill climbing. This turbo increases your engine’s torque, making your truck feel much more capable.
- Direct Replacement: It fits perfectly for the specified Dodge Ram models and years. The part numbers match OE specifications, ensuring compatibility.
- Excellent After-Sales Support: INGKAN-ONLINE offers 24-hour online customer service. Their team is ready to help with any questions or issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Complexity: While it’s a direct replacement, installing a turbocharger can still be a complex job. Some mechanical knowledge or professional help might be needed.
- Fuel Economy Considerations: Increased power often comes with a slight decrease in fuel economy, especially when using the extra power frequently.
This INGKAN HX35W Turbocharger is a fantastic upgrade for your Cummins-powered Dodge Ram. It delivers noticeable improvements in power and performance, making your truck more enjoyable to drive.
3. BLACKHORSE-RACING Diesel Turbocharger HX35 HX35W Turbo Charger with Internal Wastegate Turbine Compatible with 1999 2000 2001 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 3500 5.9L Truck 6BT Cummins Engine (3592766)
Rating: 9.4/10
Give your 1999-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 with the 5.9L 6BT Cummins engine a serious power boost with the BLACKHORSE-RACING Diesel Turbocharger HX35 HX35W. This turbocharger is designed to significantly increase your engine’s horsepower and torque, making your truck feel more powerful and responsive. It helps maintain strong combustion pressure and keeps the fuel and air mix just right for optimal performance. This upgrade can transform your hauling and driving experience.
What We Like:
- Boosts horsepower and torque for better performance.
- Designed for a specific fit on 1999-2002 Dodge Ram trucks with the 5.9L 6BT Cummins engine.
- Includes an internal wastegate for better boost control.
- Compatible with standard T3 flanges, making installation simpler.
- Comes with multiple interchangeable part numbers for easier sourcing.
What Could Be Improved:
- There’s a specific exclusion for the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Base Extended Cab Pickup 2-Door 5.9L, so double-check your truck model.
- The gross weight is 15.4 lbs, which is not extremely heavy but still a factor for installation.
This BLACKHORSE-RACING turbocharger is a solid option for owners looking to enhance their Cummins engine’s capabilities. It offers a noticeable improvement in power for your Dodge Ram truck.
4. GELUOXI HE351CW HY35W Turbocharger w/Turbo Wastegate Control Solenoid Replacement for 2004-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 3500 5.9L Diesel 5143256AA 4036835 4089797 4036054 5140305AA
Rating: 8.6/10
Is your 2004-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 5.9L Diesel feeling a little sluggish? The GELUOXI HE351CW HY35W Turbocharger with Wastegate Control Solenoid is here to bring back that power! This turbocharger is designed to replace your old one and comes with the essential wastegate control solenoid. It’s built to fit your specific truck model and year, making the upgrade process smoother.
What We Like:
- Direct replacement for 2004-2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L Diesel.
- Includes the crucial wastegate control solenoid, so you get everything you need.
- Features specific turbine and compressor wheel sizes (Turbine: 65.00mm/58.00mm, Compressor: 59.88mm/86.00mm) for improved performance.
- Comes with a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
- Compatible with a wide range of part numbers for easy identification.
What Could Be Improved:
- Detailed installation instructions could be more thorough for DIYers.
- Long-term durability beyond the 12-month warranty is unknown.
This GELUOXI turbocharger offers a solid solution for restoring power and performance to your diesel truck. Give your Ram the boost it deserves with this comprehensive replacement.
5. New Stigan Turbo Turbocharger w/Actuator For Dodge Ram Cummins 5.9L Diesel – Late 2004 2004.5 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 – Stigan 847-1432 New
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your Dodge Ram Cummins 5.9L Diesel with this New Stigan Turbo Turbocharger. This turbocharger is a direct replacement for your original Holset HE351CW. It’s designed to keep your engine running efficiently and powerfully. This turbo is made for specific Dodge Ram models from late 2004 through 2009. It comes with a new, pre-calibrated electronic wastegate actuator. This means it’s ready to go right out of the box.
What We Like:
- It has a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. This gives you great peace of mind.
- It’s a guaranteed exact fit. This makes installation straightforward, with no extra modifications needed.
- It’s designed to optimize your engine’s performance and durability. You’ll notice a difference in how your truck runs.
- It includes a brand new, pre-calibrated electronic wastegate actuator. This ensures proper operation from the start.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to double-check the fitment. Make sure it’s the right part for your specific truck model before buying.
This Stigan turbocharger is a solid choice for Ram owners looking for a reliable replacement. It promises improved engine performance and comes with excellent warranty coverage.
Choosing the Right Turbo for Your 5.9 Cummins: A Buyer’s Guide
Upgrading the turbocharger on your 5.9 Cummins is a popular way to boost its power and performance. A new turbo can make your truck feel much stronger, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads. This guide will help you pick the best turbo for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a turbo, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Flow Rate: Turbos are measured by their size and how much air they can push. A bigger turbo generally means more power, but it can also lead to more “turbo lag” (a delay before the turbo kicks in). Look for a turbo that matches your truck’s intended use.
- Compressor and Turbine Wheels: These are the spinning parts inside the turbo. Different designs and materials affect performance. Some turbos use special coatings for better durability and heat resistance.
- Bearing Type: Turbos use bearings to help the wheels spin smoothly. Common types are journal bearings and ball bearings. Ball bearings often spool up faster and last longer, but they can be more expensive.
- Wastegate: This part controls how much boost the turbo makes. Some turbos have internal wastegates, while others use external ones. External wastegates offer more control but add complexity.
- Mounting and Fitment: Make sure the turbo you choose will bolt directly onto your 5.9 Cummins engine without needing major modifications.
Important Materials
The materials used in a turbocharger play a big role in its strength and how well it performs.
- Cast Iron: Many turbo housings are made from cast iron. It’s strong and can handle high temperatures.
- Aluminum: Compressor housings are often made from aluminum. It’s lightweight and helps dissipate heat.
- High-Strength Alloys: The turbine and compressor wheels are usually made from special metal alloys. These materials can withstand extreme heat and stress.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a turbocharger better or worse.
- Precision Balancing: High-quality turbos are precisely balanced. This reduces vibration, making the turbo last longer and run smoother.
- Build Quality: Look for turbos from reputable brands. They use better parts and have stricter quality checks. Poorly made turbos can fail quickly.
- Heat Management: Good turbos are designed to handle heat well. Overheating can damage the turbo. Some turbos have special coatings or designs to keep them cooler.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. They have a history of making reliable parts.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your 5.9 Cummins. This will help you choose the right turbo.
- Daily Driving: If you mainly use your truck for everyday driving and occasional light towing, a slightly larger turbo than stock can give you a nice power boost without too much lag.
- Towing and Hauling: For heavy towing or hauling, you’ll want a turbo that can provide consistent power and boost. Larger turbos are often preferred here.
- Performance and Racing: If you’re building a high-performance truck, you might consider a custom-sized turbo or a twin-turbo setup. These can produce massive amounts of power but require other supporting modifications.
- Budget Builds: There are affordable turbo options available. However, be cautious and research reviews to ensure you’re not sacrificing too much reliability for cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a 5.9 Cummins turbo?
A: The main Key Features include the turbo’s size and flow rate, the design of its compressor and turbine wheels, the type of bearing it uses, the presence and type of wastegate, and how well it fits your engine.
Q: What are important materials used in turbochargers?
A: Important materials include strong cast iron for housings, lightweight aluminum for compressor housings, and high-strength metal alloys for the spinning wheels.
Q: What factors improve the quality of a turbocharger?
A: Factors that improve quality are precise balancing, excellent build quality from reputable brands, good heat management, and a strong brand reputation.
Q: What factors can reduce the quality of a turbocharger?
A: Factors that reduce quality include poor balancing, cheap materials, inadequate heat dissipation, and lack of quality control during manufacturing.
Q: How does the user experience change with a new turbo?
A: A new turbo can make your truck feel more powerful, accelerate faster, and tow heavy loads with more ease. You might also notice a different exhaust sound.
Q: What are common use cases for upgrading a 5.9 Cummins turbo?
A: Common use cases include improving daily driving performance, enhancing towing and hauling capabilities, and building a high-performance or racing truck.
Q: Will a bigger turbo always make my truck faster?
A: Not necessarily. A turbo that is too big for your engine can cause more turbo lag, meaning it takes longer to build boost and deliver power. The right size is important.
Q: How do I know what size turbo I need?
A: Consider how you use your truck. For daily driving, a slightly larger turbo is good. For heavy towing, a larger one is better. For racing, you’ll need a much larger or custom setup.
Q: Are ball bearing turbos better than journal bearing turbos?
A: Ball bearing turbos usually spool up faster and can last longer, but they often cost more. Journal bearing turbos are a more budget-friendly option and still perform well.
Q: Do I need other parts when installing a new turbo?
A: Yes, often you will. You might need new exhaust manifolds, intake plumbing, oil and coolant lines, and sometimes even an upgraded fuel system to take full advantage of the new turbo’s power.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.