Hey guys, if you're rocking a 2019 6.7 Cummins and feeling like it's got more potential just waiting to burst out, you're definitely not alone. Many owners of these legendary trucks eventually start thinking about a turbo upgrade kit to unlock serious power and performance. Whether you're towing heavy loads, hitting the drag strip, or just want a more responsive and robust daily driver, a well-chosen turbo upgrade can truly transform your rig. We're talking about significant boosts in horsepower and torque, often accompanied by better fuel efficiency (believe it or not, when optimized correctly!), and a much more satisfying driving experience. Imagine smoother acceleration, reduced turbo lag, and the confidence to conquer any hill with ease. This isn't just about making bigger numbers on a dyno; it's about optimizing your truck's potential and making it work harder and smarter for you. A 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade is a popular modification for a reason: it directly addresses the heart of the engine's performance. The stock turbo is good, sure, but it's designed for a broad range of applications and emissions compliance, not necessarily peak performance. When you invest in a quality turbo upgrade kit, you're not just buying a part; you're investing in a whole new driving experience. It's about getting more out of every drop of fuel and every revolution of the engine. So, buckle up, because we're going to dive deep into everything you need to know about upgrading the turbo on your 2019 6.7 Cummins to truly unleash its maximum power and make it the beast it was always meant to be.

Why Upgrade Your 2019 6.7 Cummins Turbo?

So, you're probably asking, "Why should I even bother with a 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade? My truck runs fine!" And you're right, the stock 6.7 Cummins is a formidable engine. However, for many enthusiasts and hard-working truck owners, "fine" just isn't enough. The primary reason guys consider a turbo upgrade kit is to dramatically improve performance across the board. We're talking about a significant bump in horsepower and torque, which translates directly to more pulling power, quicker acceleration, and an overall more exhilarating driving experience. When you're towing a heavy trailer, that extra grunt from a performance turbo means less strain on the engine, easier merging onto highways, and the ability to maintain speed on inclines without constantly downshifting. It's not just about raw power, though. Many upgraded turbos are designed to spool faster, reducing that annoying turbo lag you sometimes feel with the factory setup. This means power is available almost instantly when you hit the throttle, making your truck feel much more responsive and nimble, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when passing. Furthermore, an optimized turbo upgrade can actually help with engine efficiency by allowing the engine to breathe better, potentially leading to lower exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs). Lower EGTs are crucial for engine longevity, especially when you're working the truck hard, as they reduce stress on internal components. For those who frequently tow, keeping EGTs in check is a huge benefit that can prevent premature wear and tear on your valuable 6.7 Cummins engine. Some 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade kits are even designed with improved aerodynamics and materials that can contribute to better fuel economy when driven conservatively, thanks to the engine operating more efficiently. Whether your goal is to have the baddest truck at the track, the most reliable tow rig, or simply a more enjoyable daily driver, a turbo upgrade addresses many common desires of Cummins owners. It’s about taking a great platform and making it truly exceptional, pushing the boundaries of what your 2019 6.7 Cummins can achieve with the right modifications. Investing in a turbo upgrade is essentially supercharging your supercharger, allowing your engine to inhale more air, leading to a more complete combustion and, ultimately, more power and better performance under all conditions.

Understanding Your Stock 2019 6.7 Cummins Turbo

Before we jump into all the exciting turbo upgrade kits available for your 2019 6.7 Cummins, it's super important to understand what you're working with right now. Your stock 2019 6.7 Cummins comes equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), which is a pretty sophisticated piece of engineering. This VGT design allows the turbo to effectively change its characteristics, mimicking a smaller turbo at low RPMs for quick spool-up and reduced lag, and then acting like a larger turbo at higher RPMs for maximum airflow and power. It achieves this by adjusting vanes around the turbine wheel, optimizing exhaust gas flow for various engine speeds and loads. Pretty clever, right? This flexibility is why the stock 6.7 Cummins performs so well across a wide range of driving conditions, offering a good balance of responsiveness for daily driving and enough power for moderate towing. However, like any factory component, it comes with its limitations. While the stock VGT is excellent for emissions compliance and providing a broad powerband for the average user, it often becomes a bottleneck when you start adding other performance modifications, like custom tuning, larger injectors, or aggressive fuel system upgrades. The stock turbo simply wasn't designed to support significantly higher boost pressures or airflow volumes beyond its original specifications. Push it too hard, and you might encounter issues like excessive exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs), which can lead to engine damage over time, or you'll simply hit a wall where the turbo can't compress any more air efficiently, limiting your potential horsepower gains. For serious towing, racing, or even just spirited driving, the factory 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo can often run out of breath, especially when trying to maintain higher speeds or climb steep grades with a heavy load. You might notice it working extremely hard, leading to higher EGTs and a feeling that the engine is struggling to get enough air. This is where the beauty of a turbo upgrade kit comes in. By understanding the capabilities and inherent limitations of your stock VGT turbo, you can make an informed decision about what kind of aftermarket turbo will best suit your specific goals and driving style, ensuring you pick a kit that truly complements your 2019 6.7 Cummins and helps you achieve the performance you're craving without compromising reliability.

Key Considerations Before Your 6.7 Cummins Turbo Upgrade

Alright, before you get all hyped up and start throwing money at the first 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade kit you see, let's hit the brakes for a second. There are some seriously important considerations you need to think through to ensure your turbo upgrade is a success and doesn't turn into a costly headache. First off, let's talk budget. Turbo upgrade kits can range from a few thousand dollars for a basic replacement to well over $10,000 for complex compound setups, not including installation and supporting mods. Be realistic about what you're willing to spend. Secondly, and perhaps most critically, consider your intended use for the truck. Are you building a dedicated sled puller or drag racer? Do you primarily tow heavy loads for work? Or are you just looking for a more responsive daily driver with a bit more oomph? The answer to this question will dictate the type of turbo upgrade you need. A huge, high-flow turbo might be amazing for peak horsepower, but it could introduce significant turbo lag for daily driving or light towing, making your truck less enjoyable in those scenarios. Conversely, a mild upgrade might not be enough for extreme performance demands. Next, and this is a big one, you absolutely must think about supporting modifications. Slapping a bigger turbo on your 2019 6.7 Cummins without addressing other components is like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops – it just won't work well, and you might break something! You'll almost certainly need custom tuning to properly manage the new turbo and fuel delivery. Beyond that, consider fuel system upgrades (injectors, CP3/CP4 pumps) to provide enough fuel for the increased airflow, an upgraded exhaust system (especially a larger downpipe and full exhaust) to allow exhaust gases to exit freely, and an improved intake system to ensure the turbo gets plenty of clean air. Don't forget intercooler upgrades to keep that boosted air cool and dense. Failing to upgrade these supporting components can lead to poor performance, high EGTs, and potential engine damage. Then there's the elephant in the room: emissions compliance. Depending on where you live, many aftermarket turbo kits might not be emissions-friendly. Be aware of your local laws and what you're willing to do to comply (or not comply). Finally, think about installation complexity. Some turbo upgrade kits are relatively straightforward bolt-ons for an experienced mechanic, while others, particularly compound setups, require extensive fabrication, custom plumbing, and significant downtime. Unless you're a seasoned diesel mechanic with all the right tools, professional installation is highly recommended for most 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrades. Taking a holistic approach and planning for all these factors ensures you get the most out of your turbo upgrade and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road, making your investment truly worthwhile for your 2019 6.7 Cummins.

Top 2019 6.7 Cummins Turbo Upgrade Kit Options

Alright, now for the fun part, guys – diving into the actual 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade kit options that can truly transform your truck! There's a fantastic variety out there, each with its own benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right one for your 2019 6.7 Cummins really depends on your specific goals and budget. Let's break down some of the most popular categories. First up, you have stock-replacement or upgraded VGT turbos. These kits, like those from Fleece Performance (Cheetah series) or BD Diesel (Super B series), are designed to bolt into the factory location, making installation relatively straightforward. They often feature larger compressor and turbine wheels, improved bearing systems, and sometimes even redesigned housings to flow more air and spool faster than the OEM unit. These are excellent choices for guys who want a significant boost in power and better response without going too extreme, maintaining some of the VGT's drivability benefits, and often being a great option for heavy towing where maintaining a broad powerband is key for your 2019 6.7 Cummins. Next, we move into larger, fixed-geometry aftermarket turbos. Brands like BorgWarner (think S300/S400 frames) or Garrett offer robust, non-VGT turbos that are known for their raw power potential and durability. These often require a conversion kit to adapt them to your 2019 6.7 Cummins, which includes new manifolds, piping, and wastegate setups. While they typically offer much higher peak horsepower and excellent reliability under extreme conditions, they might introduce more turbo lag at lower RPMs compared to a VGT, so they're often favored by those looking for maximum performance over ultimate daily drivability. However, with the right tuning and supporting modifications, the lag can be minimized. For the truly power-hungry, compound turbo systems (also known as twin turbos) are the ultimate upgrade. Companies like ATS Diesel and Fleece Performance offer comprehensive compound kits for the 2019 6.7 Cummins. This setup uses two turbos – a smaller one to spool quickly at low RPMs, feeding into a larger one for massive airflow at higher RPMs. The result is incredible power throughout the entire RPM range, virtually eliminating turbo lag while providing insane top-end performance and often lower EGTs under heavy load. The downside? These kits are significantly more expensive, more complex to install, and usually require extensive supporting modifications to handle the immense power. Finally, there are newer performance VGT options that aim to bridge the gap, offering enhanced performance while retaining the factory VGT functionality, often with stronger internals and improved wheel designs for more flow. When considering any of these turbo upgrade kits for your 2019 6.7 Cummins, always research specific brand reputations, look at dyno charts, read reviews, and talk to other owners or trusted diesel shops to ensure you pick a kit that aligns perfectly with your truck's purpose and your performance expectations, giving your 2019 6.7 Cummins the ultimate boost.

Installation Tips and Post-Upgrade Care for Your 6.7 Cummins

Alright, fellas, you've chosen your killer 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade kit, and now it's time to get it installed! This isn't a job to take lightly, and while some mechanically inclined guys might tackle it themselves, for most 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrades, especially anything beyond a direct stock replacement, we highly recommend professional installation. A reputable diesel performance shop will have the specialized tools, experience, and knowledge to ensure everything is installed correctly, torqued to spec, and all connections are leak-free. An improper installation can lead to boost leaks, oil leaks, damaged components, or even catastrophic engine failure, which nobody wants after investing in a premium turbo kit. Seriously, don't skimp here; the peace of mind is worth it. Beyond just bolting on the new turbo, remember those supporting modifications we talked about? They are absolutely crucial to getting the most out of your 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade. The first and most critical is custom tuning. Your truck's engine control module (ECM) needs to be reprogrammed to correctly manage the new turbo, adjust fuel delivery, optimize timing, and handle the increased airflow and boost pressures. Without proper tuning, your new turbo won't perform efficiently, and you risk damaging your engine. Next, consider exhaust upgrades. A less restrictive exhaust system, especially a larger diameter downpipe, will allow the engine to exhale more freely, reducing back pressure and improving turbo spool. An upgraded intake system will ensure your new turbo has an ample supply of clean, unrestricted air. Don't forget the intercooler; with more boost comes more heat, and a more efficient aftermarket intercooler will keep intake air temperatures down, resulting in denser air and more power. Depending on the level of your turbo upgrade, you might also need to look into fuel system enhancements, like larger injectors or an upgraded high-pressure fuel pump (CP3/CP4), to supply enough diesel to match the increased airflow. Once everything is installed, the work isn't over. Post-upgrade care is vital for the longevity of your 2019 6.7 Cummins and its new turbo. Pay close attention to break-in procedures if recommended by the turbo manufacturer. Always let the engine warm up properly before getting on the throttle, and equally important, let it cool down before shutting it off, especially after hard driving or towing. This allows the turbo's bearings to cool properly and prevents oil coking. Regularly check for any leaks (oil, coolant, boost), monitor your gauges (especially EGTs, boost, and fuel pressure), and perform diligent oil changes with high-quality diesel-specific oil. By following these installation tips and practicing diligent post-upgrade care, you'll ensure that your 2019 6.7 Cummins turbo upgrade delivers reliable, powerful performance for years to come, truly unleashing the beast within your truck!