2020-2022 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Drop-In Turbos

Drop-in turbos for the 2020-2022 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

The 2020-2022 pickups carry a Ford-numbered LC3Z-6K682-A single turbo with electronically actuated variable geometry and a ball-bearing cartridge; chassis cabs use LC4Z-6K682-A. It replaced the 2015-2019 Garrett GT3788V and sits in the engine valley, fed by reverse-flow heads, with an air-to-water charge air cooler downstream on the secondary cooling loop. The movable vanes do double duty: they set boost and they provide the integrated exhaust brake. A drop-in turbo is meant to bolt into that same spot without relocating the turbo or reworking the layout around it.

When a turbo really needs replacing

Turbo failures are rare on 2020+ trucks that are maintained properly, according to Bostech, which credits the ten-speed's narrower rpm band and cleaner eight-event injection. The trouble that does show up is VGT vane sticking from soot and carbon, most often on short-trip trucks, with sluggish spool, limp mode and VGT position codes. Lazy boost, surging, a weak exhaust brake, P0299 and P0046, P0047 or P0048 can also come from boost leaks or a sensor. Rule out leaks first. If the vanes are worn after that, a replacement turbo is the right call. Coolant line seepage at the water-cooled bearing housing is worth checking while you are in there; it was documented on 2015-2016 trucks and is a check point on later ones.

Stock-spec replacement vs. aftermarket

The stock-spec path is a replacement LC3Z-6K682-A on a pickup, or LC4Z-6K682-A on a chassis cab, with the VGT actuator calibrated per Ford's procedure. That OEM VGT is the compliant drop-in for 2020-2022. Aftermarket drop-ins for 2020+ trucks do exist, but at least one aftermarket unit is marked not for sale in California because it has no CARB Executive Order, so check every aftermarket listing for an EO number for your exact truck and year. We have not confirmed an EO for the SPE turbos on this page, so we do not present them as emissions-compliant replacements. If boost is down but the turbo is healthy, fix the air side first; tight boost tubes and charge pipes keep pressure in the system without touching the turbo.

What we carry

Every turbo on this page comes from SPE Motorsport's Emperor line. The S300 Emperor Quick Spool Turbocharger and the S300 Emperor Turbocharger are listed for 2011-2025 6.7L Powerstroke trucks; SPE lists the non-Quick Spool version for trucks equipped with SPE aftermarket parts, so read that requirement on the listing. The Emperor Turbo System and the Emperor Turbo and Intake Piping Kit Ultimate Turbo System Bundle are listed for 2020+ trucks; the bundle pairs the turbo with intake piping. Gaskets, clamps, turbo blankets and boost-test tools for this truck sit in the Accessories section of this turbo category. Browse all diesel turbos, or start at the Powerstroke hub for everything else on your engine.

Fitment notes

Year range is the first check. The 2020 turbo is a different part from the 2015-2019 GT3788V, so do not assume a turbo for an earlier truck fits yours unless the listing covers 2020-2022. Pickups and chassis cabs use different factory turbos (LC3Z versus LC4Z), so confirm which you have. Trucks from 2023 on with the High-Output engine route coolant to the turbo compressor cover and use a unique water-jacketed compressor housing; the 2020-2022 standard-output engine has neither, so HO turbos and plumbing are not a swap for your truck. The VGT solenoid is serviced separately from the cartridge, and some turbos ship without it, so check what is included. Use the fitment checker, and verify by VIN when in doubt.

Frequently asked questions

What is the compliant drop-in turbo for a 2020-2022 6.7L?

The stock-spec Ford LC3Z-6K682-A variable-geometry turbo for pickups, or the LC4Z-6K682-A for chassis cabs, with the VGT actuator calibrated per Ford's procedure. An aftermarket drop-in is only sold as compliant when it carries a CARB Executive Order for your exact truck and year, so look for that number on the listing.

How do I know my turbo is actually bad?

Rule out the easy causes first. Boost leaks and sensor faults can produce the same lazy boost, surging, weak exhaust brake and P0299 underboost that worn vanes do. If the system holds pressure and the sensors check out, sooted or worn VGT vanes are the likely culprit, especially on a truck that sees a lot of short trips.

Can I use a 2015-2019 aftermarket turbo on my 2021 F-350?

Only if the maker lists it for 2020-2022. The factory turbo changed for 2020 from the Garrett GT3788V to the Ford LC3Z-6K682-A, so a turbo made only for the earlier truck may not fit. The SPE Emperor turbos here list their own year ranges; match the listing to your model year.

Do I need a new VGT solenoid with a replacement turbo?

Check the listing. The VGT solenoid and actuator are serviced separately from the turbo cartridge, and some replacement turbos ship without the solenoid. If yours does not include one, plan to reuse your good solenoid or order one separately.

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.