16cm Turbine Housing

TST does not recommend turbocharger parts changes for most mild power upgrades. TST Power Kits make sufficient power in Dodge Ram TurboDiesels that both automatic transmission and manual clutch limits are reached such that automatic and manual clutches will slip without the need for any additional power increases. TST currently offers automatic transmission upgrades and a manual clutch which transmit even higher power levels. When pushing for much higher power ratings a turbine housing or complete turbocharger change may be required. The stock engine turbine housing is usually quite adequate for power ratings up to 270 horsepower with 675 pound feet on the 6BT; and 450 horsepower with 1100 pound feet on the C8.3.

Exception to the rule is 1989 through 1993 Dodge Ram Turbo Diesel which had too large a turbine housing. 1989-1993 Dodge® Diesels were factory equipped with non-wastegated 18 or 21 square centimeter (cm2) turbine housings. These vehicles benefit greatly from the smaller 16 cm2 non-wastegated turbine housing. This smaller housing spools up the turbo quicker for better acceleration and raises maximum boost pressure 5 to 10 psi. This extra boost allows the fuel flow rate to be elevated either by fuel pump or injector changes for extra horsepower. See our VE Pump Adjustment section.

1994 and later 6BT engines were factory equipped with a 12 cm2 wastegated turbine housing. The 12 cm2 housing typically spools up very rapidly and the maximum boost was easily adjustable to handle power ratings up to 270 horsepower and 675 pound feet of torque. Some 215 horsepower '96-'98 manual Rams run extremely high exhaust gas temperatures due to their poor breathing at 2500 plus rpm at 280 horsepower and higher. The 12 cm2 housing is so small at this power and engine speed that it creates excessive back pressure in the exhaust manifold causing poor airflow. The restriction is in the turbine housing thus changing exhaust pipes and mufflers do very little to help. By changing to the 16 cm2 non-wastegated turbine housing on these engines, breathing is improved permitting higher power and lower exhaust temperatures.