2007.5-2009 Dodge 6.7L Cummins Compound Turbo Kits

Compound turbos on the 2007.5-2009 RAM 6.7L Cummins

The factory turbo on this engine is a Holset HE351VE, a sliding-nozzle variable-geometry unit with an electronic actuator, feeding an air-to-air charge air cooler. It does more than make boost. The ECM uses its nozzle ring to drive EGR flow, raise exhaust heat and backpressure for DPF regeneration, and act as the exhaust brake. That matters for compound kits. Because the factory VGT carries the exhaust brake and regen control, compound setups that keep the VGT as the high-pressure charger are the ones that keep the factory functions. A compound kit is also a bigger job than a drop-in: a second charger, more plumbing, and more oil and air connections.

Before you build: check the factory turbo

If the truck is down on power, rule out the known factory problems first. The big one on 2007-2009 trucks is a sticking VGT: soot, oil and ash coat the nozzle ring and vanes until they stop moving freely, which brings turbo lag, poor top end, surging and a weak or stuck exhaust brake. Actuators also fail on their own, leaving actuator codes, no exhaust brake or a turbo stuck in one position. And early 6.7L turbos have hard failures too, from leaking oil seals to worn bearings. A compound kit is a performance project. It is not the fix for a sick factory turbo, and if the kit keeps the VGT, that turbo needs to be healthy going in.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Here is how the options line up for this engine. The repair path is a stock replacement Holset VGT with a pre-calibrated actuator. The compliant bolt-in upgrade is the Fleece Cheetah 63mm (FPE-351-0712), a true drop-in with CARB EO D-834-6 for 2007.5-2012 trucks. The compound path adds a second turbo for more airflow and is the most involved of the three. Compliance for compound kits is checked kit by kit, so read the product page for an EO number before one goes on a street-driven truck. The stock replacements and the Cheetah are in this truck's Drop In Turbos collection.

What we carry

This collection holds the ATS Diesel Performance Aurora Plus Compound Turbo System, listed for 2007.5-2012 6.7L Cummins trucks. ATS builds its Aurora turbos with investment-cast housings and heavy-duty bearing packs. Before you order, read the product page for how the kit is laid out, what it includes and its emissions status. The oil lines, clamps, gaskets and blankets you may need around a turbo install are in this truck's Turbo Accessories collection.

Fitment notes

The ATS kit is listed 2007.5-2012, which covers the 2007.5-2009 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. These trucks were sold as Dodge Ram; the RAM brand began in 2010. The factory turbo is water-cooled, so any turbo work means reconnecting coolant lines. If yours is a 3500, 4500 or 5500 chassis cab, verify by VIN: the 4500/5500 rides on a different chassis and most pickup parts do not interchange. Confirm the kit's EO status for your state before installing it on a street truck.

Frequently asked questions

Does a compound kit keep the factory exhaust brake on a 6.7L?

It depends on the kit. The exhaust brake and regen control come from the factory VGT, so compound setups that keep the VGT as the high-pressure turbo are the ones that keep those functions. Check the ATS product page for how the Aurora Plus is laid out, or call the shop and we will go through it with you.

Is the ATS Aurora Plus emissions-legal for a street truck?

Check the product page for a CARB EO number before you install it on a truck that sees the street. Compliance on compound kits is verified kit by kit, and any turbo change has to keep the VGT, exhaust brake and emissions functions working to stay compliant. If you want a documented EO, the Fleece Cheetah drop-in carries CARB EO D-834-6.

Will a compound kit cure turbo lag on my 2008?

Not if the lag comes from a sticking VGT. Lag, surging and a weak exhaust brake on 2007-2009 trucks point first to soot and ash keeping the nozzle ring from moving. Fix that, or replace the turbo, before you plan a compound build. On a 2009, the turbine housing has an access port that makes cleaning the mechanism easier.

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.