Garrett GT3782VA vs GT3794VA: Which Turbo Is Right for You?

Garrett GT3782VA Turbo Rebuild Service →  |  Garrett GT3794VA Turbo Rebuild Service →

Quick Overview

The Garrett GT3782VA and GT3794VA come from the same variable geometry turbo (VGT) family, which is why they look so similar at first glance. The key difference comes down to the platform each one was built for. The GT3782VA is the factory variable geometry turbo found on the Duramax LML from 2011 to 2016, while the GT3794VA is the variable geometry turbo used on the 6.7L Power Stroke.

Although they share a common design philosophy, each unit is calibrated and housed specifically for its respective application. That means the two are not interchangeable despite the visual resemblance. If you run a Duramax LML, the GT3782VA is your unit. If you run a 6.7L Power Stroke, the GT3794VA is the correct turbo for your engine.

Which Spools Faster?

Both turbochargers use the same general VGT design, which is engineered to deliver strong low end response by actively adjusting vane geometry to control exhaust energy. Because each unit is calibrated and housed for its own platform, spool characteristics are tuned to match the specific engine it was designed for rather than to outperform the other in a head to head sense.

In practical terms, neither turbo is universally “faster spooling” than the other, since they operate on different engines with different displacement, exhaust routing, and factory tuning. The GT3782VA is optimized for the Duramax LML, and the GT3794VA is optimized for the 6.7L Power Stroke. Each delivers the responsive variable geometry behavior its respective platform was designed around.

Which Supports More Power?

Both units belong to the same VGT family and are designed to support the airflow demands of their respective factory applications. Because they were calibrated and housed for different engines, comparing their power potential directly is not an apples to apples exercise. The right way to think about it is that each turbo is matched to deliver dependable airflow for the platform it ships on.

For an owner of either truck, the more meaningful question is how the turbo performs within its intended application rather than which one carries a higher number on paper. Each one supports the airflow its engine was built around, and staying within the design intent of your specific platform is the most defensible path to reliable power.

Which Is Right for Your Application?

The most important factor here is simply which truck you own. The GT3782VA is the correct choice for the Duramax LML, and the GT3794VA is the correct choice for the 6.7L Power Stroke. Because the two are not interchangeable, your platform decides which turbo is right for you before any other consideration comes into play.

For towing and daily driving, the factory variable geometry design on both platforms is well suited to delivering responsive low end behavior and controllable exhaust energy, which is exactly what loaded driving demands. For performance minded owners, the right approach is to work within the calibration and housing that match your engine rather than trying to cross parts between platforms. Choosing the unit designed for your application keeps fitment, calibration, and reliability aligned.

Rebuild Considerations

Because both turbochargers come from the same general VGT design family, they share a similar rebuild philosophy and service approach. The variable geometry mechanism on each requires careful attention during teardown and reassembly, but neither is dramatically harder or more expensive to rebuild than the other in a general sense. The main practical difference is that parts are specific to each calibration and housing, so it is important to source components for your exact unit rather than assuming cross compatibility.

Quick Comparison

How to Tell Them Apart

The reliable way to tell a Garrett GT3782VA from a GT3794VA 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 Garrett 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.