General FAQ

Who owns KC Turbos?

KC Turbos is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing high-quality turbochargers, turbo kits, and performance parts for diesel trucks and other vehicles since 2014. One of the key advantages that KC Turbos has to offer is our commitment to provide our customers with the right parts for your application. Our products are designed to be fully customizable to fit your specific needs and performance goals. Whether you're looking for a direct replacement turbo or a complete turbo kit, KC Turbos can help you find the right solution for your vehicle.

Who makes KC Turbos?

KC Turbos are developed, tested, and manufactured at our warehouse located in Mesa, AZ.

Where is KC Turbos located?

Contrary to popular belief, we are not located in Kansas City. KC Turbos is currently located in Mesa, Arizona

Are KC Turbos good?

We may be a bit biased, but our 1,000+ Google reviews with a 4.9 out of 5 average speak for themselves.

KC Turbos reviews

We have 1,000+ reviews on Google, and products reviews on our website.

Discount codes KC Turbos

We rarely have active discount codes, but keep a eye on our socials. Otherwise check out our garage sale section.

Where are KC Turbos made

KC Turbos are manufactured in our facility located in Mesa, AZ

What time does KC Turbos open

KC Turbos is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm MST

Where to buy same-day replacement turbochargers and turbo repair parts for diesel trucks?

KC Turbos is located in Mesa, AZ and carries stock 6.0, 6.4, and 6.7 Powerstroke/Cummins turbos on hand

How do I find my stock gearing on my powerstroke?

In the driver side doorjamb, you will need to locate the certification sticker and find the box that says “AXLE”. This sticker will give you a code, not the gear ratio itself. Codes specified with “L” will always have a limited slip differential. After locating your code, you will need to find its respective “Axle Code Chart” online. This will tell you your gear ratio. Alternatively, if you no longer have your door sticker, you can call your local dealership with your VIN and they will be able to give you your gear ratio.

Should I prime my new turbo? / How do I prime my new turbo?

It is always recommended to prime your new turbo. You will need to locate the oil feed or drain port and pour a small amount of oil into the bearing housing through these ports. Spin the compressor wheel for about 10 seconds or until it feels lubricated. You are now ready to install.

What power numbers can I expect from my KC Turbo?

With our turbos, you can expect lower EGT's, increased efficiency, and a respectable jump in power with the correct accommodating modifications however a turbo by itself will not usually give you a significant increase in power. Fueling is a big part of where power is made. Give us a call and one of our representatives would be happy to build you a parts list to meet your goals.

How to find my PCM Strategy Code?

There are a few ways to locate your PCM Strategy Code. One of the most common ways is to check through your programmer. Most programmers will have a vehicle information section where your strategy code can be obtained. Alternatively, most early Powerstroke PCM's will have your code printed on a white or silver sticker on the PCM itself.

How do cores work? / What is a core?

Cores are associated with parts that are often rebuilt, remanufactured, or used for parts. Some of our parts will include a mandatory core charge for items like 6.4 High Pressure Turbos, HPOP's, and Injectors. There are different core charges depending on the part you are purchasing. Some items also have a Send-In-First option to avoid the initial core fee, however your new part will not ship until the core has been received. On Send-In-After cores, you will be charged upfront and once we receive the core component, we will issue a refund to your original payment method once it has been processed through inspection.

What are acceptable EGT's?

There is often speculation about what EGT's are acceptable and what is not. At idle, you should be seeing no more than 300-400 degrees. Driving around town with no trailer, it is expected to see around 700-900 degrees. Under light acceleration or a light load, you can see anywhere between 900-1100 degrees towing a trailer up a grade or under medium acceleration, 1100-1300 degrees is to be expected. Under WOT conditions for long periods of time, you can see between 1200-1600 degrees. There will never be a set number that EGT's should stay at as EGT's will constantly fluctuate depending on your driving style, weather conditions, tune, and weight but it is best to stay under 1300 degrees for extended periods of time. With larger injectors and other modifications, these numbers can change but this is a great baseline as to what EGT's to look out for.

Are journal bearing or ball bearing turbos better?

Journal bearings are the industry standard for turbos. Journal bearing turbos are very reliable and easy to repair. Ball bearing turbos spool very fast due to their bearing design. Journal bearings are much more forgiving to oil contaminants and exposure to heat whereas ball bearing turbos are less forgiving and can even show symptoms of a separate issue. Both are great options but will depend on your application and goals. Give us a call and one of our representatives will be happy to guide you to a turbo that's right for you.

Do I need a basic or extreme rebuild kit?

Our rebuild kits will come standard with an upgraded 360 thrust bearing and all other components needed to rebuild your turbo. On 6.0 Powerstroke turbos, our basic rebuild kit will come included with all necessary components for your rebuild. Our Extreme 360 kits will include all of the components from the basic rebuild kit and will also include parts needed to reseal VGT related areas and will also include extra hardware.

Will your balanced assembly fit my Powermax turbo?

No, our balanced assemblies are built to fit stock sized turbos

What is datalogging?

Datalogging is the act of recording values and data while your vehicle is operating and dissecting those values later to better understand where an issue could be originating from. Oftentimes, we ask our customers to provide datalogs to ensure we can solve their issue accordingly and accurately. This can be done by using datalog features in some tuning/diagnostics softwares or by setting specific PIDS on your programmer and recording your findings. This can help tremendously while diagnosing problems that can have multiple origins.

Are KC Turbos VGT?

KC Turbos manufactures high performance, replacement turbochargers for stock and street applications. If your vehicle was equipped with a VGT turbocharger from factory, our turbo will also be VGT equipped.

What is the best additive for diesel engines?

We recommend a stiction modifier. Stiction modifiers can help dissolve varnish in the injectors, reduce friction, and improve cold oil flow.

What is the expected lifespan of this turbo?

The average life expectancy of any turbo will reflect from the maintenance that is done to your vehicle. Consistent oil changes, watching EGT's, and being sure that all sensors are functional are key factors in helping your turbo last.

What is the difference between VGT and Non-VGT?

VGT is a Variable Geometry Turbocharger that use vanes internal to the turbine housing to change efficiency and flow based on multiple factors. A VGT will help utilize closed vanes for making boost faster at lower RPM's and will open the vanes continuously as you accelerate to help with top end power. A Non-VGT or Fixed Geometry Turbo does not utilize vanes and is usually sized to be efficient at a specific RPM range

How many ounces of anti gel in diesel per gallon?

Typical ratio is 1oz per 5 gallons

How do compound turbos work on a diesel?

Compound turbo configurations utilize two turbos, a high pressure and low pressure, to accomplish a fast spooling set up that will make great torque in low RPM and significant power in higher RPM

Where can I find a replacement garrett CHRA?

Replacement CHRA's can be found on our website at kcturbos.com

Can i put a bigger turbo on my diesel?

Yes, if you plan to make more power or have upgraded your injectors, a larger turbo can lower EGT's and gain power and efficiency. Give us a call to size out the right turbo for you! 480-688-7160

What should i consider when choosing a turbocharger for my truck?

Pairing a correctly sized turbocharger for your modifications is crucial when planning upgrades. Give us a call and talk to a technician to see the best fit for your build at 480-688-7160

How to find a boost leak on a diesel?

The best and most consistent way to check for boost leaks on a diesel is by using a Boost Leak Detector tool. This will put the system under pressure to find any boost leaks you may have. These tools can be found at kcturbos.com

Can you put a turbo in any car?

Any internal combustion engine can be equipped with a turbocharger with the correct parts and tuning

Can you put a turbo on a diesel engine?

Yes, you can equip a diesel engine with a turbocharger. Most modern consumer and commercial diesel engines are equipped with a fixed geometry or variable geometry turbos from the factory.

Can i use my SCT tuner on another car?

Yes, you can use the SCT on multiple vehicles however the device will be VIN locked to the original vehicle that was tuned until the PCM has been flashed back to stock.

Is it illegal to turbo your car in california?

Tampering with emissions devices on vehicles in California is illegal. Check your local laws and regulations for more information.

How to test a turbo on a diesel?

Tests can vary depending on what issue you are experiencing with your turbo. Give us a call for help with turbo diagnostics at 480-688-7160

What is a turbo on a diesel engine?

A turbo or turbocharger is essentially an air pump fueled by exhaust gasses to force compressed air into your engine to create more power. The turbo has two main housings, the compressor housing and the turbine housing. The turbine housing is responsible for spooling the turbine wheel with exhaust gasses and expelling those exhaust gasses through the exhaust. The compressor side will intake fresh air, compress the air, and force it into the engine. This is known as forced induction.