BD Diesel GT37 retrofit turbo kit for 2011-2014 6.7 Powerstroke
Oct 26 2026

Why 2011-2014 6.7 Powerstroke Turbos Fail, and Is the 2015+ GT37 Swap Worth It?

The turbocharger on the first-generation 6.7L Powerstroke is one of the most discussed parts on the 2011-2014 Super Duty. Ford replaced it with a completely different design for 2015, and the aftermarket has since built several kits that put the newer-style turbo on early trucks. This post covers how the original turbo works, why it has a reputation for failing, the symptoms to watch for, and the retrofit options available.

The Original Turbo: Garrett’s DualBoost GT32 SST

How the design works

For the 2011 model year, Ford launched the 6.7L Powerstroke with a Garrett VNT DualBoost turbocharger. Garrett describes the design as combining the airflow of two compressor wheels within a single turbo. The two wheels are actually one piece with mirror-image blades, running in a compressor housing with two separate inlets and a single common outlet. The goal, according to Garrett, was near two-stage performance from a single unit that fit in a tight space.

The turbine side is variable geometry (VGT), so the turbo can respond quickly at low engine speed and still flow at higher rpm. The unit is commonly called the GT32 SST, which stands for single sequential turbocharger.

Not every early truck has the SST

BD Diesel’s installation instructions for its retrofit kit point out that the 2011-2014 6.7L used two different turbos:

  • Pickups used the SST, with a single turbine wheel paired with two compressor wheels built as one piece.
  • Cab and chassis trucks used a more traditional single-compressor GT32.

According to BD, the cab and chassis version continued through 2016. Know which one your truck has before you order parts.

Why the 2011-2014 Turbo Fails

Bearings: ceramic, then steel

Banks Power, which tore down a 2011 6.7L turbo on video, says turbo failures were common on 2011 and 2012 trucks because of weak ceramic ball bearings. Banks reports that a switch was made to steel ball bearings after that. The change did not keep the design in production, and Ford moved to a single-wheel compressor for 2015.

A small turbo working hard

BD Diesel describes the factory GT32 as a petite turbo. In BD’s words, “the moment you increase the engine output, restrict the turbo intake, or tow heavy loads, the factory GT32 turbocharger becomes consumable.”

The dual-wheel design also hangs a lot of mass out on the end of the shaft. Gale Banks compared it to “a popsicle on a stick” during his teardown. A small turbo that has to spin very fast to make the boost the engine wants is more exposed to overspeed. Overspeed is one of the failure causes Garrett lists for turbos in general.

General causes that apply to any turbo

Garrett says that most turbo failures are related to oil, through oil starvation or oil contamination, rather than to manufacturing defects. Garrett lists these contributing habits:

  • Hard acceleration from a cold start, before oil has circulated
  • Hot shutdowns, which can lead to carbon buildup in the bearing area
  • Prolonged idling
  • Over-revving, which can overspeed the turbo

Even on a turbo with a known design weakness, oil quality and how the truck is driven still matter.

Symptoms of a Failing Turbo

Garrett groups turbo trouble into a few warning signs:

  • Loss of power
  • Noisy operation, such as whining, screeching or a change in turbo sound
  • Excessive smoke
  • Increased oil consumption

Garrett also notes that when bearing surfaces wear and the oil can no longer control the shaft, there is usually a sharp increase in noise. Oil can then leak past the turbine-end seal.

Rule out other causes first

Garrett’s guidance is to diagnose before replacing, because turbo damage is often a symptom of another problem. Before you blame the turbo, check:

  • Air filters and intake piping for restrictions or leaks
  • The fuel injection system
  • The exhaust system, including the catalyst and DPF, for blockage
  • Oil supply and drain lines
  • Crankcase pressure and the breather system

If you replace a turbo without fixing the underlying cause, the new one can fail the same way.

The 2015+ GT37: What Changed

For 2015, Ford replaced the SST with a conventional single-compressor Garrett GT37-based VGT. According to BD, the retrofit design uses a 61mm single-sided compressor wheel. KC Turbos describes the 2017+ style turbo as a journal-bearing design known for overcoming most of the shortcomings of the stock 2011-2014 ball-bearing turbo.

Ford Performance describes its own 2015-2016 turbo kit as having “higher performance capability than pre-2015 turbos.”

GT37 Retrofit Kit Options for 2011-2014 Trucks

The newer turbo does not simply bolt in. The mounting pedestal, intake and exhaust connections changed. Each kit handles that differently.

Ford Performance M-TURBO-67

Ford Performance’s M-TURBO-67 is an all-Ford kit. Ford lists these contents:

  • Turbocharger assembly
  • Lower intake manifold
  • Exhaust heat shield
  • EGR inlet tube
  • Turbo outlet clamps
  • Right and left exhaust outlet tubes
  • Intake shields
  • Turbo oil line
  • All gaskets, fasteners, spacers and studs

There are two notes on Ford’s own listing:

  • Calibration is not included.
  • Use on model years other than 2015-2016 is not validated by Ford Performance.

Ford does not officially validate this kit for 2011-2014 trucks, even though it is widely used for that swap. Factor that in, along with the emissions notice Ford includes on the part.

BD Diesel GT37 Retrofit (1045824) and Screamer Retrofit (1045825)

BD Diesel designed its retrofit to put a GT37-based turbo from 2017+ trucks onto 2011-2014 pickups and 2011-2016 cab and chassis trucks. BD uses its own compressor housing, turbine housing and pedestal so the GT37 fits in the factory location. According to BD’s instructions, the factory intake, hot pipes, downpipe, exhaust manifold, heat shield and turbo outlet pipe are reused.

BD lists the two kits this way:

  • 1045824: Ford OEM-based 17+ turbo, 61mm compressor, up to 66 lb/min of airflow
  • 1045825: BD Screamer turbo, 64mm compressor, up to 81 lb/min, for trucks targeting more power

Both kits have the same requirements and restrictions, per BD:

  • An emissions-compliant engine calibration is required. BD warns that an incorrect calibration will put the truck into a de-rated fuel mode.
  • The kits are not for sale on licensed California vehicles.

KC Turbos Warlock Retrofit Kit

KC Turbos’ Warlock retrofit fits a 2017+ style turbo to 2011-2014 trucks. KC says it needs less modification than the Ford Performance kit. KC offers it with its own upgraded turbos or a Garrett replacement turbo. KC states that updated tuning is required and that the kit is not available for sale in California.

No Limit Fabrication 67RFK

No Limit Fabrication makes a retrofit kit for running a 2015+ style turbo on early trucks. Check the kit contents and tuning requirements with the manufacturer before you buy.

Is the GT37 Swap Worth It?

The answer depends on how you use the truck and what condition the original turbo is in.

A retrofit makes the most sense if:

  • Your original turbo has failed or is showing symptoms, and you are paying for turbo labor anyway.
  • You tow heavy often. BD calls this the exact condition where the factory turbo becomes consumable.
  • You plan to keep the truck long term.
  • Your truck is already tuned, or you are comfortable adding the emissions-compliant calibration these kits require.

Things to weigh before you commit:

  • Every kit covered here requires a calibration change.
  • California-licensed trucks are excluded by the kit makers.
  • The Ford Performance kit is not validated by Ford for 2011-2014.
  • A stock replacement turbo is still an option if you want to keep the truck as close to factory as possible.

Protect Any Turbo You Run

Whatever turbo you choose, Garrett’s basics apply:

  • Use the engine oil Ford specifies and change it on schedule.
  • Replace the air filter when needed.
  • Let the engine warm before working it hard, and let it idle briefly before shutdown after a hard pull.
  • Fix oil leaks, boost leaks and breather problems.

Garrett also recommends new air, oil and fuel filters and clean oil when you install a replacement turbo. Prime the new turbo with oil before first start-up.

FAQ

Which 6.7 Powerstroke years have the GT32 SST turbo?

The SST was used on 2011-2014 pickups. BD notes that cab and chassis trucks used a traditional single-compressor GT32 through 2016. Ford moved pickups to a GT37-based turbo for 2015.

Were all 2011-2014 turbos built with ceramic bearings?

According to Banks Power, ceramic ball bearings were the problem on 2011 and 2012 trucks, and a switch to steel ball bearings followed.

Do I need a tune for a GT37 retrofit?

Yes, for the kits covered here. Ford Performance says calibration is not included with M-TURBO-67. BD requires an emissions-compliant calibration, and KC requires updated tuning.

Can I install a GT37 retrofit kit in California?

BD and KC both say their retrofit kits are not for sale for California vehicles. Check the emissions status of any kit before you buy.

How do I know if my turbo is failing or something else is wrong?

Garrett recommends checking the air intake, fuel injection, exhaust and DPF, oil supply and crankcase pressure before you replace a turbo. Loss of power, noise, smoke and oil use can all come from other problems.

Shop 6.7 Powerstroke Turbo Upgrades

Full Force Diesel carries retrofit options for early 6.7L trucks:

Not sure which turbo your truck has or which kit fits? Send our team your VIN and we will help you sort it out.

Sources

  • Garrett Motion, VNT DualBoost Technology: https://www.garrettmotion.com/news/newsroom/article/garrett-vnt-dualboost-technology/
  • Garrett Motion, Why do turbochargers fail?: https://www.garrettmotion.com/knowledge-center-category/turbo-replacement/why-do-turbochargers-fail/
  • Garrett Motion, Turbocharger System Diagnostics Guide: https://www.garrettmotion.com/turbo-replacement/turbo-diagnostics/
  • Garrett Motion, Turbocharger installation guide, part 1: https://www.garrettmotion.com/knowledge-center-category/turbo-replacement/part-1-garrett-turbocharger-installation-guide/
  • Ford Performance, M-TURBO-67: https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-TURBO-67
  • BD Diesel, Screamer Stage 1 GT37 Retrofit Turbo Kit: https://us.bddiesel.com/products/screamer-stage-1-gt37-retrofit-turbo-kit-ford-6-7l-power-stroke-f250-350-2011-14-f450-550-2011-16
  • BD Diesel, Ford Turbo Retrofit installation instructions (1045824/1045825): https://www.fullforcediesel.com/installation-instructions/BD%20Diesel%201045824%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf
  • KC Turbos, Warlock Retrofit Kit: https://kcturbos.com/products/kc-warlock-retrofit-kit-6-7-powerstroke-2011-2015
  • KC Turbos, Ford Performance 2015+ Turbo Retrofit Kit: https://kcturbos.com/products/oem-2015-6-7-turbo-retro-fit-kit-fits-2011-2014
  • Banks Power, Ford 6.7L Turbo Failure: https://official.bankspower.com/insider_news/fords-turbo-failure/