If you're tired of that laggy, "dead pedal" feeling when you mash the gas, a 2013 f350 turbo upgrade might be the single best thing you can do for your 6.7 Powerstroke. It's no secret that the early years of the 6.7 were a bit of a mixed bag. While the engine itself was a massive leap forward from the 6.4, Ford made some questionable choices with the turbocharger setup on the 2011 through 2014 models. If you own a 2013, you've likely realized that while it's a workhorse, it's not exactly breathing as efficiently as it could be.
The factory turbo on the 2013 F350 is what they call a Garrett GT32 SST (Single Sequential Turbo). It's a bit of a weird design with two compressor wheels, and while it was meant to provide quick spooling, it ended up being a bit of a bottleneck. Even worse, those early units were prone to bearing failures, especially if you were pushing high boost or towing heavy on the regular. Upgrading isn't just about getting more power—though that's a huge perk—it's also about fixing a factory weak point.
Why the factory 2013 turbo is a bottleneck
The main issue with the stock 2013 setup is the physical size and the bearing design. Ford switched to a more traditional (and larger) GT37 turbo in 2015 for a reason. The 2013 version uses ceramic bearings that just don't handle heat and high RPMs as well as the later journal-bearing designs. If you've ever heard a high-pitched siren noise coming from under your hood, that's usually the sound of those bearings telling you they're ready to retire.
Beyond reliability, the 2013 turbo just runs out of breath. If you've added a tuner or some larger injectors, you'll notice that your Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) climb incredibly fast. The stock turbo can't move enough air to keep things cool when you're asking for more fuel. By jumping into a 2013 f350 turbo upgrade, you're essentially opening up the lungs of the truck. You get more volume, more pressure, and much lower temperatures.
Choosing between a drop-in and a full retrofit
When you start looking at parts, you'll basically have two paths to take. You can go with a "drop-in" upgraded turbo or do a full 2015+ retrofit.
A drop-in upgrade is usually a modified version of your stock housing. Companies will take the GT32 platform and put in a larger, billet compressor wheel and beefier internals. The upside here is that it's a direct bolt-on. You don't have to change your oil lines, pedestal, or downpipe. It's the easier route if you're doing the work in your driveway on a Saturday.
The other option—and the one most "truck guys" recommend—is the 2015+ retrofit kit. This involves swapping out the entire turbo assembly, including the lower intake manifold and the oil lines, to accommodate the newer style GT37 turbo. It's more expensive and a bit more work, but the reliability and performance gains are on another level. It's a tried-and-true setup that Ford themselves moved to because it just works better.
How a new turbo changes the driving experience
It's hard to describe the difference until you actually feel it behind the wheel. With a 2013 f350 turbo upgrade, the truck feels lighter. I know that sounds weird for an 8,000-pound dually, but the way the power comes on makes the whole truck feel more responsive.
Instead of that split-second hesitation when you pull out into traffic, the boost comes on smoothly and stays there. If you use your F350 for towing a 15,000-pound fifth wheel, this is where you'll really see the value. You won't be constantly watching your EGT gauge as you climb a grade, worrying about melting something. The truck just pulls. It feels like it finally has the hardware to match the potential of the 6.7 engine.
The sound factor
Let's be honest, we all love a good turbo whistle. The stock 2013 turbo is surprisingly quiet, which is fine for some, but many owners want to hear that engine working. Most aftermarket upgrades, especially those with billet wheels, provide a much more pronounced whistle. It's not obnoxious, but it's definitely there, letting you know that the truck is moving a serious amount of air.
Better fuel economy?
You might hear people claim that a turbo upgrade will significantly boost your MPG. I'd take that with a grain of salt. While a more efficient turbo can improve fuel economy because the engine doesn't have to work as hard to move air, most people tend to use their right foot a little more once they have the extra power. If you drive like a sane person, you might see a 1-2 MPG bump, but don't buy it solely for the gas savings. Buy it for the performance and peace of mind.
Supporting mods you'll probably want
You can't just throw a big turbo on and call it a day—well, you can, but you won't get the most out of it. To really make a 2013 f350 turbo upgrade shine, you need a few supporting modifications.
1. Custom Tuning: This is mandatory. Your truck's computer needs to know it has a different turbo. If you go with a 2015 retrofit, the VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) vanes operate differently, and without the right tuning, the truck will likely go into limp mode or throw a bunch of codes.
2. Intake and Exhaust: If you're bringing more air in through the turbo, you need to make sure it can get into the engine easily. A high-flow cold air intake helps. Likewise, getting that air out is just as important.
3. Intercooler Piping: The stock plastic cold-side pipe on the 2013 is notorious for exploding under high boost. If you're upgrading the turbo, you're going to be seeing higher boost levels. Do yourself a favor and swap that plastic pipe for a metal one before it leaves you stranded on the side of the road.
Is it a DIY job?
If you're pretty handy with a wrench and have a decent set of tools, you can handle a turbo swap. However, I'll warn you now: the 6.7 Powerstroke is a "cab-on" friendly engine for most things, but the turbo is tucked way back there near the firewall. You're going to be leaning over the grille for a long time, and your back will probably hate you the next day.
Removing the cowl and the upper intake upper plenum makes things much easier to reach. If you're doing a full retrofit kit, expect it to take a full weekend if it's your first time. If you aren't comfortable dealing with oil lines and precise torque specs in tight spaces, it might be worth paying a shop to do it. Just make sure the shop knows Powerstrokes—this isn't something you want a general mechanic "learning" on.
The long-term value
Ultimately, a 2013 f350 turbo upgrade is an investment in the longevity of your truck. These 6.7 engines are capable of going 300,000 or 400,000 miles easily, but the peripheral parts—like the early turbos—often fail much sooner. By addressing the turbo now, you're essentially bulletproofing a major system of the truck.
Whether you're looking for more "oomph" when merging onto the highway or you just want to know your truck isn't going to leave you in a cloud of smoke while hauling your trailer, upgrading the turbo is the way to go. It transforms the 2013 F350 from a good truck into a great one. It's one of those mods where, once it's done, you'll probably wonder why you waited so long to do it.