Stinger 3.3T Turbo Upgrade: Choosing Between the Garrett GTX2860R and BorgWarner EFR 7670

The Stinger 3.3T turbo upgrade is one of the most impactful modifications you can make to unlock serious horsepower and improve throttle response. By swapping in a high-performance turbocharger like the Garrett GTX2860R or the BorgWarner EFR 7670, owners can transform the driving experience. Both options deliver a substantial power increase over the factory unit, but they differ in spool characteristics, peak power potential, and overall driving feel. This guide dives deep into each turbocharger, covering technical specs, performance benefits, installation considerations, supporting modifications, and real-world results to help you decide which upgrade is right for your build.

What Makes a Turbocharger Upgrade Worth It?

The factory turbocharger on the 3.3T engine is designed to meet many demands: reliability, emissions compliance, and acceptable fuel economy. That means it leaves performance on the table. A larger, more efficient turbocharger forces more air into the engine, allowing the fuel system to deliver higher energy per cycle. The result is a significant increase in horsepower and torque, often exceeding 100–150 wheel horsepower with proper tuning and supporting components. Importantly, modern turbo upgrades like the GTX2860R and EFR 7670 also improve transient response, meaning the engine builds boost faster and feels more lively throughout the rev range.

Garrett GTX2860R Turbocharger: Quick Spool and Daily-Drivable Power

Garrett Motion is a well-respected name in forced induction, and the GTX2860R sits in their GTX Gen II series. This turbo features a 52mm inducer compressor wheel and a 54mm turbine wheel, both designed with Garrett’s “aerodynamic flow” technology. The GTX2860R is known for its very fast spool-up, often reaching full boost by 3000–3500 RPM on a 3.3T engine. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers who want strong low- and mid-range punch without sacrificing drivability.

Key Features of the Garrett GTX2860R

  • GTX Gen II compressor wheel: High-flow design with extended tip technology for better efficiency at high pressure ratios.
  • Dual ball bearing center housing: Reduces friction and allows for faster spool and improved durability under high temperatures.
  • Cast stainless steel turbine housing: Standard T25 flange with multiple A/R options (typically .64 or .86) to tailor response vs. top-end flow.
  • Integrated wastegate actuator: Pre-calibrated for precise boost control (upgraded external actuator recommended for high boost).

Performance Gains with the GTX2860R

On a Stinger 3.3T with proper tuning and supporting mods (e.g., downpipes, intercooler, fuel system), the Garrett GTX2860R can produce 400–450+ wheel horsepower on pump gas and over 500 wheel horsepower on ethanol blends. The spool is incredibly aggressive, often reaching 20+ psi by 3200 RPM. This translates to strong pull from low RPM, making it feel like a larger displacement engine. However, the GTX2860R does tend to run out of steam around 6500–6800 RPM compared to larger turbos, making it best suited for street-focused builds or those who prioritize response over absolute top-end power.

Ideal Applications for the Garrett GTX2860R

  • Daily drivers who want a big power increase with minimal lag
  • Street-tuned cars aiming for 400–500 whp on ethanol
  • Owners who want to keep the stock turbo location and existing plumbing (bolt-on fitment on many 3.3T applications)

BorgWarner EFR 7670: Advanced Technology and High-Power Potential

The BorgWarner EFR (Engineered For Reliability) series is known for its advanced features and robust construction. The EFR 7670 uses a 67mm turbine wheel with a 70mm compressor wheel (hence the name). It incorporates a dual-plane ceramic ball bearing cartridge for low friction, a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel (exclusive to EFR units) for reduced rotating mass, and an integrated blow-off valve. The EFR 7670 also comes with a 5-axis CNC-machined billet compressor wheel for precise aerodynamics and high flow capacity.

Key Features of the BorgWarner EFR 7670

  • Titanium-aluminide turbine wheel: Extremely light (approximately 50% lighter than equivalent Inconel materials) allowing fast spool and high flow.
  • Dual ceramic ball bearings: Provide low friction, reduce oil cooling requirement, and improve transient response.
  • Integrated recirculating blow-off valve: Reduces the need for an external BOV and improves surge margin.
  • High-flow compressor housing: Available in .80, .92, 1.05 A/R to tune for response or top-end power.

Performance Gains with the EFR 7670

The BorgWarner EFR 7670 typically spools slightly later than the GTX2860R but offers a much larger power band. On a 3.3T engine with proper fueling and tuning, it can support 450–550+ wheel horsepower on pump gas and over 600 whp on race fuel or ethanol. Boost builds quickly from 3500–4000 RPM and pulls hard all the way to the rev limiter (7000+ RPM). The EFR 7670 also has excellent heat management, making it a favorite for high-speed track days or sustained high-load pulls.

Ideal Applications for the EFR 7670

  • Drag racing or roll racing where top-end power is critical
  • Owners targeting 500+ whp with strong mid-range and top-end
  • Builds that include extensive supporting modifications (big intercooler, port injection, etc.)

Head-to-Head Comparison: GTX2860R vs. EFR 7670

Parameter Garrett GTX2860R BorgWarner EFR 7670
Spool Time (full boost) ~3000 RPM ~3500–3800 RPM
Maximum Horsepower (pump gas) ~450 whp ~550 whp
Maximum Horsepower (ethanol) ~500+ whp ~600+ whp
Weight ~12 lbs ~14 lbs
Included features Dual ball bearings, stainless housing Dual ceramic ball bearings, TiAl turbine, integrated BOV
Fitment difficulty Direct bolt-on for most 3.3T kits May require custom oil/coolant lines and intake pipes
Best use case Street/daily driver with quick response High-power street/track with focus on top-end

Installation Considerations for a Stinger 3.3T Turbo Upgrade

Installing a larger turbocharger is not a simple plug-and-play affair. Even with bolt-on kits, there are several factors to address for a reliable and safe install.

Fitment and Clearance

Both the GTX2860R and EFR 7670 are available with T25 flanges and can be mounted to aftermarket exhaust manifolds or turbo-specific up-pipes. However, the EFR 7670's integrated BOV and larger compressor housing may require modification of the intake plumbing or relocation of ancillary components (e.g., coolant reservoir). Always check the turbo kit manufacturer’s specifications to avoid clearance issues.

Supporting Modifications

To fully realize the potential of either turbo, you must upgrade the supporting systems. Minimum required modifications include:

  • Fuel system: High-flow fuel pumps (e.g., Walbro 450 or DW300c) and larger injectors (e.g., 750cc–1050cc). For ethanol blends, consider a port injection system to maintain proper fueling at high RPM.
  • Intercooler: Upgraded front-mount intercooler to reduce intake air temperatures and prevent heat soak.
  • Exhaust: Larger downpipes (3-inch recommended) and a high-flow catalytic converter or catless setup to reduce backpressure.
  • Engine management: A custom ECU tune (e.g., via ECUtek, HPTuners, or standalone) is mandatory. The stock ECU cannot compensate for the increased airflow and will run dangerously lean.

Oil and Coolant Lines

Most turbo upgrades use the factory oil supply and drain points, but it's wise to replace the oil lines with braided stainless steel units for durability. Some installations may require restrictors if the turbo’s oil pressure exceeds recommended values. The EFR 7670's ball bearing center cartridge is less demanding on oil volume but still requires a clean supply.

What About Tuning?

A proper tune is the most critical part of any turbo upgrade. Without it, you risk engine damage from detonation, excessive exhaust gas temperatures, or lean air/fuel ratios. Work with a reputable tuner who has experience with the Stinger 3.3T platform. The tuning strategy will differ between the GTX2860R and EFR 7670 due to their spool characteristics. The GTX2860R may allow more aggressive timing near peak torque, while the EFR 7670 requires careful boost ramping to avoid overshooting the target. Expect to pay $500–$1000 for a custom dyno tune or remote tuning service.

Cost Breakdown and Value

Turbocharger prices vary based on included options (actuator, flanges, etc.) and source. Typical street prices:

  • Garrett GTX2860R Gen II: $1,200–$1,500
  • BorgWarner EFR 7670: $1,800–$2,200

Additionally, budget $500–$1,000 for supporting modifications (fuel pump, injectors, intercooler) and another $500–$1,000 for installation labor (if not DIY). Overall cost for a complete upgrade ranges from $3,000–$5,000+, which is a fraction of the cost of a built motor or supercharger kit for similar horsepower levels. Both turbo options offer excellent value per horsepower when compared to other modifications.

Reliability and Longevity

Both the Garrett GTX2860R and BorgWarner EFR 7670 are built to extremely high standards. The GTX2860R uses dual ball bearings designed for 100,000+ miles of service under normal conditions. The EFR 7670's ceramic ball bearings and titanium wheel are even more resilient to heat cycling, but they require strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 5,000 miles with synthetic oil). Regardless of choice, always allow the turbo to cool down after a hard run (an aftermarket turbo timer is recommended) and use quality oil filtration.

Real-World Results and Feedback from Stinger 3.3T Owners

Community feedback consistently highlights a few points:

  • GTX2860R: Owners love the immediate surge of boost from low RPM. Many report drivetrain limitations (axles, clutch) become the weak link. The turbo easily makes 400+ whp on a conservative pump gas tune.
  • EFR 7670: Owners appreciate the smooth power delivery and ability to hold boost to redline. It’s often paired with a built block or strengthened internals because the power potential is high. Some note that spool can feel lazy below 3500 RPM, but above that it pulls like a freight train.

Making the Right Choice for Your Build

The decision between the Garrett GTX2860R and BorgWarner EFR 7670 ultimately comes down to your driving style and power goals. If you value instant response, strong mid-range, and a street-friendly powerband, the GTX2860R is a proven performer that will make your Stinger feel much quicker in everyday driving. If you’re chasing top-end horsepower and plan to push beyond 500 whp, the EFR 7670 offers the headroom and advanced engineering to deliver that power reliably. Both turbochargers represent a significant upgrade over stock and will transform your 3.3T experience.

For more technical specifications, visit the official Garrett Motion website and the BorgWarner Turbo Systems page. Additionally, check out dedicated Stinger tuning forums for build logs and dyno sheets from owners who have run both setups.