What is your hp goal for the truck?
My .02 after thinking and researching a lot. Most of us buy a Cummins for the reliability. VGT turbos are going to go bad at some point. Fixed geometry turbos have very little issues if going with a decent brand.
option 1- buy used stock VGT charger - they can be had for about $500-800. There are some posted in the sale section of this forum. This is the cheapest. Same issues will occur.
option 2- second gen swap- this is popular for the reasons mentioned before. Rays video is here 550hp setup from adding turbo and manifold on stock fuel- great info. This same setup he hit over 700 hp by adding fuel- head studs recommended but back pressure is consistently 1:1 so 30lbs + of boost can be ran without worrying like a VGT housing. Negative here- no exhaust brake
Youtube - 2017 DRD 2nd gen swap - this video he drives it on the road and discusses the benefits
kit on his truck here
https://www.xtremediesel.com/hs-moto...sx-e-turbo-kit
Clayton will hook you up with a kit like this that has all needed
option 3 compounds - Compounds are great if you are at high altitude or tow heavy frequently. Negative to these are you still have VGT charger and you now have another charger and other parts for failure . You also will need to tweak ac components to make room in the engine bay - VGT chargers don’t flow well so head studs should be installed due to added back pressure regardless
option 4- cheetah - you know already the deal with this - more performance relative to stock but head studs definitely needed and to watch EGTs. VGT will fail at some point. Pro for this is little more power and keep exhaust brake
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