If you’ve turned a wrench on a 6.7L Cummins, you already know the HE351VE vs HE300VG debate isn’t academic. These two Holset variable geometry turbos define two distinct generations of the Ram 2500 and 3500, and knowing which one bolts to your engine, how it fails, and what it costs to replace can save you a tow bill and a week of downtime. At PT Turbo, we’ve been rebuilding Holset units since 1978, and we see both of these turbos cross the bench every week. Here’s the straight breakdown.
The Quick Answer: Which Turbo Is on Your Truck?
Both are Holset variable geometry turbochargers built specifically for the 6.7L Cummins ISB. The difference comes down to model year. Dodge and Ram split these two turbos cleanly across the platform’s life:
- HE351VE – Found on 2007.5 to 2012 Ram 2500/3500 (6.7L Cummins). This is the first-generation VGT Cummins used after retiring the 5.9L.
- HE300VG – Found on 2013 to 2018 Ram 2500/3500, and the architecture carried forward into later 6.7L trucks. A lighter, more efficient redesign.
If you’re working on an older Cummins or trying to identify a 5.9L unit instead, our 5.9L Cummins turbocharger guide covering the HX35, HY35 and HE341VE covers those platforms in detail.
HE351VE vs HE300VG: Spec-for-Spec Comparison
The two turbos share a design philosophy, electronically actuated variable geometry to control exhaust flow across the RPM band, but the HE300VG is a genuine evolution, not just a part-number refresh. The compressor and turbine wheels were refined, the housing was lightened, and the actuator electronics were updated.
| Specification | HE351VE | HE300VG |
|---|---|---|
| Application years | 2007.5–2012 | 2013–2018+ |
| Engine | 6.7L Cummins ISB | 6.7L Cummins ISB |
| Compressor inducer | ~60 mm | ~58 mm (more efficient map) |
| VGT type | Electronic sliding nozzle | Electronic sliding nozzle (revised) |
| Actuator | Holset smart actuator (rotary) | Updated calibration/electronics |
| Weight | Heavier cast housing | Lighter, revised housing |
| Drive support of exhaust brake | Yes | Yes, improved response |
Practically speaking, the HE300VG spools a touch quicker and runs cooler EGTs at cruise, which matters if you tow heavy. The HE351VE is no slouch, but it’s the older calibration, and the actuator wiring and sliding-nozzle design have more years of wear behind them on the trucks still on the road.
How These Turbos Fail (And the Symptoms to Watch)
The variable geometry mechanism is the heart of both turbos and the most common point of failure. Soot loads up the sliding nozzle ring, the unison ring binds, and the actuator either stalls or throws a position code. On high-mileage trucks, the shaft and bearings wear and you get the classic oil-in-the-intake or whistle-then-smoke complaint. Here’s how to read the severity.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Sluggish spool, low boost | Sticking VGT vanes from soot buildup | Moderate |
| Limp mode, P003A / P2262 codes | Actuator or vane position fault | Moderate to high |
| High EGTs, poor exhaust brake function | Bound unison ring, stuck nozzle | High |
| Oil in intercooler piping | Worn seals/bearings | High |
| Bearing whine or grinding | Worn center cartridge, shaft play | Critical, stop driving |
One thing we tell every owner-operator: don’t replace an actuator without checking the vanes first. We see plenty of trucks where a new actuator gets bolted on, the soot-locked nozzle ring is still binding, and the code comes right back. A proper VGT cleaning or a remanufactured unit with a fresh cartridge solves the actual problem.
Replacement Cost: New vs Remanufactured
This is where most owners make their decision. A brand-new genuine Holset unit is the gold standard, but a properly remanufactured turbo restores the same OEM cartridge, nozzle ring, and actuator function for a fraction of the cost. Here’s the real-world spread we see.
| Option | HE351VE | HE300VG |
|---|---|---|
| New genuine Holset | $1,800–$2,600 | $2,000–$2,900 |
| Remanufactured (PT Turbo) | $900–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,600 |
| Actuator only | $400–$700 | $450–$750 |
| Install labor (shop) | $500–$900 | $500–$900 |
For most fleet and owner-operator budgets, a remanufactured turbocharger is the smart play. Every reman unit we ship is built on the original Holset casting with new bearings, a balanced shaft, a serviced or replaced nozzle ring, and a tested actuator. If you’ve already pulled your turbo and want to keep your numbers-matching casting, our turbocharger rebuild service turns your core around fast. You can also browse our full turbo inventory to confirm fitment before you order. For a deeper cost breakdown by year, our companion 6.7L Cummins turbocharger guide walks through replacement pricing in detail.
Don’t Forget the Install Hardware
Reusing old gaskets, V-band clamps, and oil feed lines is the fastest way to turn a good turbo into a comeback job. Exhaust gaskets that have been heat-cycled for 150,000 miles will leak, and a partially clogged oil feed line is exactly what kills a fresh cartridge. Spend the small money on a proper install kit. Here are the kits we stock and recommend depending on what your job needs:
- Ajusa Cummins Installation Kit (JTC11139) – A solid, budget-friendly gasket and seal set for Cummins turbo R&R. Available from PT Turbo for $34.03, view the Ajusa Cummins Installation Kit here.
- D&W Cummins Installation Kit (172-784-0426) – A clean basic kit covering the core gaskets at $43.61, view the D&W kit 172-784-0426 here.
- D&W Cummins Installation Kit (172-784-0474) – A more complete hardware set for $69.12, view the D&W kit 172-784-0474 here.
- D&W Cummins Installation Kit (172-784-0427) – Our most comprehensive Cummins install kit at $87.53, view the D&W kit 172-784-0427 here.
- D&W Holset Cummins Installation Kit (172-784-0150) – A low-cost essentials kit for $13.78, view the D&W Holset kit 172-784-0150 here.
Whichever turbo you run, replace the oil feed and drain gaskets, the V-band and mounting gaskets, and inspect the oil feed line for restriction before you button it up. That habit alone prevents the majority of premature failures we see come back across the bench.
Which Turbo Should You Choose?
You don’t really get to “choose” between the HE351VE and HE300VG, your model year decides that for you. What you do get to choose is how you replace it. The decision tree is simple:
- Stock truck, daily driver or work rig: A remanufactured OEM-spec unit gives you factory performance at a far lower cost.
- Code-only failure, vanes still clean: An actuator replacement or VGT cleaning may get you back on the road cheaply.
- High mileage with shaft play or oil consumption:
Cross-Reference & Superseded Part Numbers
The turbochargers covered in this article match or supersede the following OEM and manufacturer part numbers. If you are searching by part number, these are the units stocked by PT Turbo for this application:
172-784-0454 • 172-784-0463 • 172-784-0470 • 2881708RX-RMN • 3771658-RMN • 3786220H • 3786220HX • 3786222H • 3786222HX • 3786224H • 3786225H • 3786226H • 3786226HX • 3786227H • 3786227HX • 3786228H • 3786228HX • 3786775H • 3786775HX • 3786778H • 3786778HX • 3786893H • 3787185H • 3789635H • 3789643H • 3791740H • 3791740HX • 3791741H • 3791741HX • 3791742H • 3791742HX • 3791743H • 3791743HX • 3791744H • 3791744HX • 3791745H • 3791745HX • 3791863H • 3791863HX • 3791864HX • 3791865H • 3791865HX • 3791866H • 3791866HX • 3792413H • 3792417H • 3792421H • 3793726H • 3793727H • 3793749H • 3793771H • 3793785H • 3794576H • 3794576HX • 3794578H • 3796671H • 3796671HX • 3796672H • 3796673H • 3796673HX • 3796674H • 3796674HX • 3796676H • 3796676HX • 3796679H • 3796681H • 3796682H • 3796682HX • 3798354H • 3798354HX • 3798361HX • 3798366H • 3798366HX • 3798369H • 3798369HX • 3798378H • 3798378HX • 3798382H • 3798382HX • 3798383H • 3798385H • 3798385HX • 3798389H • 3798389HX • 3798390H • 3798390HX • 3798391H • 3798391HX • 3798402H • 3798402HX • 3799859H • 3799859HX • 4032553H • 4309355RX-RMN • 4352330H • 5324126H • 5324126HX • 5324129H • 5324129HX • 5325950-RMN • 5325950H • 5325950HX • 5326057H • 5326057HX • 5326058-RMN • 5326058-RMN-1 • 5326058H • 5326058HX • 5326677H • 5326677HX • 5326685HX • 5327154H • 5327154HX • 5327347-RMN • 5327350H • 5327351H • 5327352H • 5327354H • 5327357H • 5327357HX • 5327358H • 5327358HX • 5327358HX-RMN • 5327370H • 5327377H • 5327551H • 5327566H • 5328079H • 5328083H • 5328105H • 5328144H • 5328144HX • 5328707H • 5328707HX • 5359076H • 5501181H • 5554227H • 5554227HX • 5579127HX • 5604741H • 5604742H • 5607168H • 6324265HX • 6324587H • 6324587HX • 6377361H • 6377361HX • 6377366HX • 6382091HX • 6395254H • 6395595H • 6395599H • 6411490RX • 6411500RX • 6419627H • H30-RBL-KIT-201 • H30-RBL-KIT-UP • RMN-5326058
Can’t find your number above? Contact PT Turbo — our team has been matching part numbers since 1978.
Further reading: Learn more about turbocharger technology.
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PT Turbo has rebuilt and sold turbochargers since 1978. We stock remanufactured units for Cummins, Duramax, Power Stroke, Detroit Diesel, and more — backed by a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and same-week shipping from San Bernardino, CA.
📞 (909) 824-1020 · 346 S I St. #3, San Bernardino, CA 92410 · [email protected]
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