Detroit Diesel Turbocharger Overview
The Detroit Diesel turbocharger is a precision-engineered component designed to increase the power and efficiency of two-stroke Detroit Diesel engines by forcing more air into the cylinders. In simple terms, it uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that compresses incoming air, allowing the engine to burn more fuel more efficiently — which means higher horsepower, better throttle response, and cleaner exhaust.
The video showing the turbo rotating gives customers a complete view of the unit’s craftsmanship — from the turbine housing to the compressor blades — allowing them to see the quality of machining and the balance of design that make Detroit Diesel turbochargers both reliable and performance-oriented.
Why the Turbo Is Important

On Detroit Diesel two-stroke engines, air handling is critical. Unlike four-stroke engines, a two-stroke engine depends on forced induction (from blowers and turbos) to both scavenge exhaust gases and bring in fresh air. Without proper air movement, the cylinders can’t clear out exhaust fully or bring in enough oxygen for combustion.
The turbocharger assists the blower in pushing fresh air into the cylinder, improving combustion efficiency and horsepower, while reducing smoke and exhaust temperature. It also helps maintain consistent boost pressure under varying loads — essential for marine, industrial, and heavy-duty applications.
Turbo for Detroit Diesel 6-71
-
Engine Type: Inline six-cylinder, two-stroke diesel
-
Why It Needs a Turbo: The 6-71 is a workhorse used in trucks, boats, and industrial equipment. Adding a turbocharger improves power output and fuel economy while reducing exhaust smoke — particularly valuable in marine and generator applications where consistent load demands exist.
-
Performance Impact: Turbocharging increases airflow to the blower, resulting in cleaner combustion, cooler operation, and higher sustained horsepower.
Turbo for Detroit Diesel 12V71
-
Engine Type: 12-cylinder, V-configuration, two-stroke diesel
-
Why It Needs a Turbo: With 12 cylinders drawing air simultaneously, the 12V71 requires massive airflow to maintain balanced scavenging. The turbocharger helps maintain boost at higher RPMs and load conditions, allowing the engine to sustain heavy torque levels without overfueling or overheating.
-
Performance Impact: Improved acceleration under load, better fuel efficiency for marine propulsion, and reduced smoke during high-load operation — especially in vessels or large industrial machines.
Turbo for Detroit Diesel 6V92
-
Engine Type: 6-cylinder, V-configuration, two-stroke diesel
-
Why It Needs a Turbo: The 6V92 powers buses, construction machinery, and boats. The turbocharger compensates for its smaller displacement compared to older 71-series engines by dramatically improving volumetric efficiency.
-
Performance Impact: Turbocharging allows the 6V92 to produce high horsepower from a compact block, offering strong torque with cleaner combustion. The turbo also enhances throttle response and high-altitude performance.
Turbo for Detroit Diesel 8V92
-
Engine Type: 8-cylinder, V-configuration, two-stroke diesel
-
Why It Needs a Turbo: The 8V92 is commonly found in larger buses, marine vessels, and off-road machinery. Turbocharging keeps the engine breathing efficiently under high load and extended operation.
-
Performance Impact: More efficient air delivery allows higher power ratings and improved reliability under continuous-duty cycles — vital for marine and generator applications.
Turbo for Detroit Diesel 12V92
-
Engine Type: 12-cylinder, V-configuration, two-stroke diesel
-
Why It Needs a Turbo: With twelve cylinders firing in quick succession, this engine depends on substantial airflow to maintain clean exhaust and efficient combustion. The turbocharger’s ability to boost air volume reduces backpressure and enhances scavenging.
-
Performance Impact: Turbocharging allows the 12V92 to produce high power density while maintaining acceptable exhaust temperatures and emissions — critical for propulsion engines on large vessels.
Turbo for Detroit Diesel 16V92
-
Engine Type: 16-cylinder, V-configuration, two-stroke diesel
-
Why It Needs a Turbo: The 16V92 is one of Detroit Diesel’s most powerful legacy engines, used in heavy marine and industrial power systems. Its size demands massive airflow to keep cylinder pressures even and exhaust clear.
-
Performance Impact: The turbocharger enables the 16V92 to reach its maximum rated horsepower while maintaining efficiency and reliability. It also helps control smoke and temperature under continuous, high-load operation — a must in marine propulsion and generator systems.
Why the Turbo Matters Across All Models
For all these Detroit Diesel two-stroke engines — from the 6-71 to the 16V92 — the turbocharger is not just about more power; it’s about efficiency, reliability, and longevity.
-
It improves combustion efficiency by ensuring more complete burning of fuel.
-
It reduces fuel consumption and exhaust smoke.
-
It helps maintain cooler exhaust temperatures, extending the life of exhaust valves and manifolds.
-
It supports consistent boost pressure, critical for marine engines operating at steady high loads.
Why Buy From Diesel Pro Power
-
Expertise in Detroit Diesel Components: Diesel Pro Power specializes in legacy Detroit Diesel engines and understands the differences in turbo specifications across the 71 and 92 series.
-
Precision Quality: Turbos are built to OEM or better standards with balanced turbine wheels and precision-machined housings for smooth operation.
-
Fast, Global Shipping: Diesel Pro Power ships to over 180 countries with fast order turnaround and safe packaging for marine and industrial customers.
-
Customer Confidence: With over 40,000 satisfied customers, Diesel Pro Power has earned its reputation as the trusted source for Detroit Diesel parts worldwid
Why Mechanics, Fleet Managers, and Fleet Owners Choose Diesel Pro Power for Detroit Diesel 92 Series Turbos
1. Deep Understanding of 92 Series Turbo Configurations
Detroit Diesel 92 Series engines use application-specific turbochargers depending on horsepower rating, aftercooling setup, rotation, and marine vs industrial use. Diesel Pro Power understands these differences and helps ensure the correct turbo is supplied for each 92 Series configuration.
2. Premium Aftermarket Turbos Built for Two-Stroke Duty
92 Series engines operate at high RPM and rely heavily on proper airflow. Diesel Pro Power supplies premium aftermarket turbochargers engineered to handle the heat, exhaust energy, and sustained boost demands unique to two-stroke Detroit Diesel engines.
3. Correct A/R Ratios and Housing Match
Turbo performance depends on matching compressor and turbine housing A/R ratios to the engine’s airflow requirements. Diesel Pro Power focuses on supplying turbos with the correct housing specifications to support proper boost, throttle response, and exhaust flow—reducing the risk of overboost or poor performance.
4. Reduced Downtime Through Accurate Fitment
Incorrect turbo selection can lead to installation delays, performance issues, or engine damage. Diesel Pro Power helps eliminate guesswork by verifying turbo fitment, mounting style, and exhaust connections before shipment.
5. Trusted by 40,000+ Customers Worldwide
With more than 40,000 customers across 180+ countries, Diesel Pro Power is a trusted supplier of Detroit Diesel 92 Series components relied upon by professionals worldwide.
6. 4.9-Star Google Rating Backed by Technical Support
A 4.9 Google rating reflects Diesel Pro Power’s commitment to quality products, accurate fulfillment, and knowledgeable support—critical when replacing a turbo on a high-output two-stroke engine.



Free US Calls: 1-888-433-4735
International: 305-545-5588