BorgWarner S472 vs S475: Which Turbo Is Right for You?

BorgWarner S472 Turbo Rebuild Service →  |  BorgWarner S475 Turbo Rebuild Service →

Quick Overview

The BorgWarner S472 and S475 are both large-frame performance diesel turbochargers built for serious horsepower builds. They share the same fundamental design family and are often cross-shopped by diesel owners looking to push their trucks well beyond stock power levels. The core difference comes down to size: the S475 is the larger of the two, which influences both how it spools and how much power it can ultimately support.

If you are choosing between these two, the decision largely hinges on your power goals and how you balance them against spool-up responsiveness. The S472 sits a step down in frame size, while the S475 is built for the most extreme power builds. Understanding that trade-off is the key to picking the right unit for your application.

Which Spools Faster?

Between these two, the S472 is the quicker-spooling option. Because the S475 is the larger turbo of the pair, it carries the slowest spool of the two. The added size that lets the S475 chase bigger power also means it takes more exhaust energy to get up and moving, so you can expect it to come on boost later in the RPM range than the S472.

For drivers who prioritize responsiveness and a more usable powerband at lower RPM, the smaller S472 has the advantage here. The S475 asks you to trade some of that low-end response in exchange for its higher top-end potential.

Which Supports More Power?

The S475 is the bigger turbo and is built for the most extreme power builds, so it is the clear choice when maximum horsepower is the goal. Its larger frame supports significantly more airflow than the S472, which is what makes it suited to the highest-output applications.

The S472 still belongs to the same large-frame performance category and is fully capable of supporting serious power, but it does not reach the same ceiling as its larger sibling. If your build is chasing the upper limits of what these turbos can do, the S475 is the one designed for that job.

Which Is Right for Your Application?

If your truck sees a mix of towing, daily driving, and street performance, the S472 is usually the more practical pick. Its faster spool translates to better low-end response, which is exactly what you want when you are pulling a load or driving in stop-and-go conditions where waiting on boost gets tiring.

If you are building a dedicated performance or racing setup where peak power matters more than street manners, the S475 makes more sense. It is built for the most extreme power builds, and in a high-RPM competition environment its slower spool is far less of a concern. Choose the S475 when you want the most airflow and the highest power ceiling, and choose the S472 when you want a stronger blend of spool and power for mixed-use driving.

Rebuild Considerations

Because the S472 and S475 come from the same BorgWarner large-frame family and share the same core design approach, they rebuild in a very similar way. The process, common wear points, and serviceable components line up closely between the two, so neither is dramatically harder or more expensive to rebuild than the other. Any cost differences typically come down to the specific parts your individual unit needs rather than one model being inherently more complex to service.

Quick Comparison

How to Tell Them Apart

The reliable way to tell a BorgWarner S472 from a S475 is the identification tag, not appearance alone. The housings on adjacent frame sizes within the same family can look similar at a glance, so confirm the model designation and assembly number stamped or plated on the unit before ordering rebuild parts. Exact configuration (wheel trim, housing A/R, calibration) varies by specific part and assembly number even within the same model name, so the assembly number is what actually determines which parts are correct for your unit.

For the full process, see our How to Identify a BorgWarner Turbo guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

PT Turbo Warranty

• 12-month, unlimited mileage warranty against defects in parts and workmanship
• Final quality inspection on every rebuild: leak test, visual inspection, actuator or wastegate function check
• In-house CIMAT VSR balancing with a balance report included
• Nationwide mail-in service — you don’t need to be local

Pricing

Most rebuilds require inspection before final pricing. Standard rebuild pricing depends on the turbo model, parts availability, wheel condition, shaft condition, housing damage, and whether upgrades are requested. PT Turbo inspects every turbo and sends a quote before any work begins — no surprise charges.