Best HE300VG Drop-In Turbo Upgrades for the 6.7L Cummins
A drop-in turbo is the sweet spot for most 6.7L Cummins owners: more airflow and reliability, no fabrication, and it keeps the factory manners.
Quick answer: The best HE300VG drop-in upgrade adds airflow and towing headroom while keeping the factory VGT behaviour, exhaust brake, and emissions equipment. The True North Turbos HE300VG 63mm drop-in fits 2007.5–2018 6.7L Cummins trucks and installs in the factory location with no fabrication.
What "drop-in" means
A drop-in replaces the stock turbo in the factory location using stock mounting, so you keep the variable-geometry function and exhaust brake without cutting or fabricating. It's the lowest-hassle way to move past the stock turbo's limits.
What to look for
- Correct fitment for your year (the TNT HE300VG 63mm covers 2007.5–2018).
- Retained VGT function and exhaust brake — important for towing and drivability.
- Emissions-legal operation if the truck is road-driven (see Emissions-Legal Turbo Upgrades in Canada).
- A billet compressor wheel option for extra airflow and durability (see Billet Wheel & Rebuild Upgrades).
The True North Turbos HE300VG 63mm drop-in
True North Turbos (built in-house by Black Sheep Industries) makes an HE300VG 63mm drop-in for 2007.5–2018 6.7L Cummins trucks. It fits the factory location, retains the VGT behaviour and exhaust brake, and is offered with a standard or billet configuration. It's the upgrade that turns a tired or maxed-out stock turbo into a reliable, higher-airflow setup in a single job. Browse it in the TNT Cummins turbo collection.
Drop-in vs rebuild vs stock reman
- Stock reman: restores factory performance and factory limits.
- Rebuild + billet: refreshes your core and adds some airflow (see Billet Wheel & Rebuild Upgrades).
- Drop-in upgrade: resets reliability and raises the ceiling — the best all-round value for high-mileage or towing-focused trucks.
For how much power the stock unit can take before you need a drop-in, see HE300VG Power Limits.
Frequently asked questions
Does the TNT HE300VG drop-in fit my truck?
It's built for 2007.5–2018 6.7L Cummins trucks. Confirm your exact year/configuration before ordering.
Will I keep my exhaust brake?
Yes — the drop-in retains the variable-geometry function, so the exhaust brake still works.
Do I need a tune for a drop-in turbo?
A supporting tune helps you realize the airflow gains and manage EGTs; see supporting mods. Keep any tuning emissions-legal for road use.
Is it hard to install?
It's a drop-in in the factory location — no fabrication — but it's still a turbo R&R; many owners have a shop handle it.