2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Drop-In Turbos

Drop-in turbos for the 2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

The 2015-2016 pickup was the first 6.7L to use the Garrett GT3788V. It is a single variable-geometry turbo with a 72.5 mm turbine and an 88 mm compressor, a hydraulic vane actuator, no wastegate and water cooling from the primary cooling loop. It mounts in the engine valley on a pedestal, with charge air routed to an air-to-water charge-air cooler. Ford credited this larger turbo for the 2015 jump to 440 hp and 860 lb-ft and for stronger engine-exhaust braking when towing, which eases wear on the wheel brakes and transmission. A drop-in replacement goes in that same valley location. Read each listing to see whether a unit bolts to the factory hardware or comes as a system with its maker's own mounting parts. More parts for this engine are on the Powerstroke hub.

What fails and why

Before you replace the turbo, know what usually goes wrong. The GT37 has no widely documented failure pattern in the sources we use. Underboost codes on 2015-2016 trucks are more often tubes and couplers than the turbo. The factory plastic cold-side intercooler tube cracks with age and heat, and the hot-side connection can pop off the turbo outlet under load, bringing sudden power loss, P0299, P1247, P0402 and limp mode. Rule out boost leaks and oil-supply problems before you condemn the turbo. The bearing failures that gave this engine its turbo reputation were 2011-2012 DualBoost units with ceramic ball bearings, which screeched, smoked blue and developed shaft play. That pattern does not carry into 2015-2016.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

If the truck is otherwise stock and you want it back on the road, a worn turbo calls for a unit that matches the factory pattern and the 2015-2016 pedestal and oil feed. If you are after more performance, the aftermarket options here run from SPE's Strike VGT Stage-1 and Stage-2 to the S300 Emperor family and SPE's complete Emperor Turbo System. Ford tied the factory exhaust braking to the VGT design, so if you tow and rely on it, check whether the turbo you are considering is a VGT before you order. Whatever you choose, the factory DOC, DPF, SCR and EGR system stays in place and working.

What we carry

From SPE Motorsport you can choose the S100190 Strike VGT Stage-1 and S100191 Stage-2, listed for 2011-2019; the S300 Emperor and the S300 Emperor Quick Spool, listed for 2011-2025; and the Emperor Turbo System for 2011-2019. Fleece Performance Engineering offers the FPE-PS-FMW-63-1518 Cheetah turbocharger, listed for 2015-2019. ATS Diesel Performance offers the 202-307-3368 Aurora VNT turbocharger kit, listed for 2011-2016 6.7L Powerstroke cab-chassis trucks. Gaskets, clamps and pedestal kits for the install live in the turbo accessories collection for this truck, and every turbo we stock is on the main turbos page.

Fitment notes

Three checks keep a drop-in from turning into a return. First, year: Ford changed the turbo oil supply line and pedestal for 2017, so 2017-2019 turbos are not directly cross-compatible with a 2015-2016, and listings that span 2015-2019 or 2011-2025 may need year-specific hardware. Second, the prior generation: 2011-2014 trucks ran the DualBoost SST3266V with a vacuum wastegate, and its hardware and SST-specific charge pipes do not belong on your truck. Third, body style: 2011-2016 chassis cabs use a Garrett AVNT3276V, and a chassis-cab turbo will not drop into a pickup. The ATS Aurora VNT kit is listed for cab-chassis trucks, so pickup owners should skip it. The S300 Emperor listing notes it is for trucks with SPE aftermarket parts, so read its requirements. Verify by VIN when in doubt.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't a 2017 turbo fit my 2016 F-350?

Ford revised the turbo oil supply line and pedestal for 2017, so 2017-2019 turbos are not straight swaps on a 2015-2016. A drop-in for your truck needs the 2015-2016 pedestal and oil-feed arrangement, or the maker's hardware for your year. Check the year range on the listing before you order.

Can I put the ATS Aurora VNT kit on my pickup?

That kit is listed for 2011-2016 6.7L Powerstroke cab-chassis trucks. Chassis cabs from those years use a Garrett AVNT3276V rather than the pickup's GT3788V, and chassis-cab units do not drop into a 2015-2016 pickup. Pickup owners should look at the SPE and Fleece turbos instead.

My truck has an underboost code. Do I need a new turbo?

Not necessarily. On 2015-2016 trucks, underboost codes are more often caused by tubes and couplers than by the turbo. Check the factory plastic cold-side intercooler tube and the hot-side connection at the turbo outlet, and rule out oil-supply problems, before you replace a GT3788V.

Is the 2015-2016 turbo the same one used on 2011-2014 trucks?

No. 2011-2014 pickups used the Garrett SST3266V DualBoost, a twin-compressor, single-turbine unit with a vacuum wastegate. 2015-2016 pickups use the larger GT3788V single VGT with no wastegate. They are different turbo families, so do not use DualBoost turbos or hardware on a 2015-2016.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.