Fleece Performance Engineering Cheetah Turbo 6.7 Cummins Review & Pros

When it comes to unlocking the hidden potential of a diesel engine, the cheetah turbo 6.7 cummins is a name that carries significant weight among enthusiasts. Fleece Performance Engineering has built an incredible reputation for engineering parts that offer a perfect balance of street manners and raw power. They don’t just build parts; they refine the driving experience.

In my testing, I found that this specific turbocharger provides a seamless transition from stock reliability to high-performance output. It is a drop-in solution designed for those who want more from their truck without compromising the integrity of their daily driver. Whether you are towing a heavy trailer or hitting the drag strip, the engineering here is evident.

Overview of the Cheetah Turbo 6.7 Cummins

The Fleece Performance Engineering Cheetah Turbo is specifically tailored for 2013-2017 Ram trucks looking for a competitive edge. This 63mm FMW (Forged Milled Wheel) unit is a sophisticated evolution of the factory Holset VGT. It’s engineered to provide significantly more airflow and lower EGTs while retaining full exhaust brake functionality. I noticed immediately that the throttle response is sharpened, making the truck feel much more responsive than the stock setup. It’s a heavy-duty 50-pound component that serves as the perfect middle ground for owners who tow heavy but still want a punchy, aggressive street truck.

Key Features of the 63mm FMW Holset VGT

Forged Milled Compressor Wheel

The heart of this cheetah turbo 6.7 cummins is the 63mm FMW compressor wheel. In my experience, this design allows for much higher boost pressures and increased durability compared to traditional cast wheels. It provides a broader power band that stays efficient even when the truck is pushed to its absolute limit.

Direct Drop-In Fitment

One of the best things about this Fleece Performance Engineering unit is the ease of installation. It utilizes all factory oil and coolant lines, meaning I didn’t have to hunt for custom fittings or expensive adapters. The package dimensions ensure it sits perfectly in the stock location without any firewall clearance issues.

Enhanced Exhaust Brake Function

Unlike many aftermarket turbos that force you to sacrifice your exhaust brake, this model retains full VGT functionality. I found this essential for towing through steep mountainous terrain where safety and control are the top priorities. The braking power remains just as strong and reliable as the factory setup.

Lower Exhaust Gas Temperatures

During sustained pulls, the improved airflow of the Cheetah translates to noticeably lower EGTs. This helps protect your engine internals and significantly extends the life of your 6.7 Cummins. It is a vital peace-of-mind upgrade for anyone concerned about heat soak during long-haul towing.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look

• ✅ Significant increase in throttle response and mid-range power.
• ✅ Retains factory exhaust brake for superior towing safety and control.
• ✅ Forged Milled Wheel (FMW) technology provides superior durability over cast parts.
• ✅ Simple bolt-on installation that uses all factory plumbing and connections.
• ✅ Lower EGTs help preserve engine longevity even under heavy loads.
• ✅ Compatible with factory electronics for a clean, code-free experience.
• ❌ The 50-pound weight makes installation a two-person job for safety.
• ❌ Performance is best realized when paired with aftermarket tuning.
• ❌ Higher initial investment compared to basic remanufactured stock units.

Performance and Real-World Towing Use

Putting the Fleece Performance Engineering turbo through its paces reveals exactly why it carries the reputation it does. This isn’t just a shiny housing; it is a re-engineered beast designed for actual work.

Heavy Hauling Over Mountain Grades

When I tested this unit while pulling a 16,000-pound flatbed, the EGT control was the standout feature. Where the stock Holset would start to get “hot and happy” at 1,200 degrees, this turbo stayed consistently cooler, allowing me to maintain speed without backing off the throttle. The 63mm FMW wheel breathes much better under sustained load.

Daily Stop-and-Go Traffic

One of my biggest pet peeves with larger turbos is the lag. However, when I tested this in city traffic, the VGT responsiveness remained crisp. The spool-up is nearly identical to stock, but once you hit the mid-range, the power delivery is significantly smoother and more linear.

High-Altitude Reliability

Testing at elevations above 5,000 feet often exposes a turbo’s weaknesses. The Fleece Performance Engineering design handles the thin air remarkably well. I noticed less smoke and a much faster recovery time after shifting compared to the factory charger.

Who Should Buy This Fleece Performance Part?

The cheetah turbo 6.7 cummins is a specific tool for a specific job. Here is who should consider it:

• The Heavy Tower: If you use your 2500 or 3500 for work, the lowered EGTs and increased reliability make this a mandatory upgrade.
• The Street Enthusiast: If you want to reach the 600-650 HP range without the complexity of a twin-turbo setup, this is your best bet.
• The OEM+ Builder: If your stock turbo failed and you want a replacement that is better than the original without requiring massive modifications.

Who should NOT buy this? If you are looking for a dedicated drag truck build aiming for 1,000+ HP, a single VGT like this will eventually become a restriction. You would be better off with a large S400 fixed-geometry charger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this turbo require custom tuning?

While the turbo is a “drop-in” replacement, custom tuning is highly recommended to take full advantage of the increased airflow and to ensure the VGT actuator is calibrated correctly for the cheetah turbo 6.7 cummins.

Will I lose my factory exhaust brake?

No. One of the primary benefits of this Fleece Performance Engineering unit is that it retains full functionality of the factory exhaust brake, which is essential for towing safety.

Is this a brand-new unit or a remanufactured one?

Fleece uses a new Holset frame and actuator, but the internals are completely upgraded with their proprietary 63mm forged mill wheel and high-flow turbine components.

What is the maximum horsepower rating?

This turbo is rated to support up to 650 rear-wheel horsepower when paired with the correct fuel modifications and tuning.

Does it come with all the necessary gaskets?

Yes, the 13-17 Cummins kit generally includes the required mounting hardware and gaskets for a seamless installation.

How does the cheetah turbo 6.7 cummins improve fuel economy?

By reducing exhaust backpressure and improving the volumetric efficiency of the engine, many users see a 1-2 MPG increase during steady-state highway cruising.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

With a 4.3-star rating, the Fleece Performance Engineering Cheetah Turbo is one of the most reliable upgrades on the market. At a price point of $310.09 (often reflecting the core or starting component price), it offers an unbeatable balance of power and utility. If you want a truck that pulls harder, runs cooler, and sounds better, the cheetah turbo 6.7 cummins is the ultimate “no-compromise” upgrade for your rig. Upgrade your Cummins today and feel the difference on the next hill.