BorgWarner turbo rebuild

Complete in-house rebuild service for the full BorgWarner turbocharger family. KKK K-series for European automotive. Schwitzer S-series for diesel performance. EFR ball bearing for racing. K03 through K31, S300 through S480, EFR6258 through EFR9180. In-house VSR balancing since 2008.

KKK / 3K
K03 K04 K06 K14 K16
KKK large
K24 K26 K27 K28 K31
VNT / variable
KP31 KP35 KP39 BV39
Schwitzer
S300 S400 SX SX-E SX3
EFR
EFR6258 to EFR9180
In shop since
2008, 17+ years

KKK. Schwitzer. EFR.

KKK / 3K

Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch, Founded 1952

German turbocharger manufacturer founded as a Schwitzer operation in Frankenthal, Germany. Known today as KKK, KK&K, 3K, or Triple-K. Makes the K-series turbos (K03, K04, K14, K16, K24, K26, K27, K31) that appear as OEM equipment on virtually every European performance and diesel vehicle. Acquired by BorgWarner in the 1990s. Models carry the K prefix and 8-digit part numbers beginning in 53.

Schwitzer

S-Series, Founded Indianapolis, 1918

Despite the German-sounding name, Schwitzer was an American company founded by Louis Schwitzer, the first winner of any race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Schwitzer pioneered heavy-duty and performance turbocharging and is the origin of the S-series models (S100 through S500) that dominate diesel performance builds. The S300 and S400 AirWerks line is the most widely used performance diesel turbo family in North America. Acquired by BorgWarner alongside KKK.

EFR

Engineered For Racing, BorgWarner Performance

The EFR (Engineered For Racing) line is BorgWarner's dedicated motorsport turbocharger series. Every EFR unit features a Gamma-Ti (titanium aluminide) turbine wheel, dual ceramic ball bearing assembly with metal cage, integrated compressor recirculation valve, boost control solenoid, and forged milled compressor wheel. Ranges from EFR6258 at 225-450 HP to EFR9180 at 800-1100 HP. The Gamma-Ti wheel is the EFR's greatest strength and its primary vulnerability: it is brittle when cold and must be warmed up before any boost demand. The first two EFR development vehicles were a Porsche 911 and a Mazda Miata.

BorgWarner part number decoded

BorgWarner uses an 8-digit part number format across the KKK lineup that tells you exactly what frame, whether it is a complete turbo or just the CHRA, and which specific variant. Understanding this prevents ordering the wrong unit when a nameplate number is partially obscured or only partial numbers are available.

5303-970-0029

5303
Turbo frame identifier. 5303 = K03 frame. The first four digits identify the turbo family (5304 = K04, 5314 = K14, 5326 = K26, 5327 = K27, etc.).
970
Component type. 970 = complete turbocharger assembly. 988 = CHRA / center section only. Other codes indicate specific subassemblies.
0029
Variant number. Identifies the specific compressor wheel, turbine wheel, and housing configuration within the frame family. Different variants are not interchangeable.

Frame identifier reference

S-series (Schwitzer) and EFR turbos use a different numbering system. S-series use 5-6 digit part numbers (177281, etc.) and EFR use 6-digit part numbers (179150, etc.).

Three families, one shop

BorgWarner turbos span three distinct product families with different internals, applications, and rebuild requirements. We handle all of them.

KKK / 3K: European OEM

K03 150 to 180 HP: VW / Audi 1.8T small frame

The most common KKK turbo in the VW/Audi ecosystem. OEM on the 1.8T engine in multiple configurations across Audi A4, A6, VW Passat, and Golf. Part numbers typically begin 5303-970-XXXX (complete) or 5303-988-XXXX (CHRA). Water-cooled journal bearing. The K03 is frequently brought in worn from extended oil intervals or contaminated oil on high-mileage 1.8T engines.

Applications: 1996-2005 Audi A4 1.8T / 1998-2005 Audi A6 1.8T / 1996-2005 VW Passat 1.8T / VW Golf 1.8T / VW Jetta 1.8T / Seat Ibiza / Skoda Octavia 1.8T

K04 200 to 280 HP: VW / Audi upgrade frame

The K04 is a step up from the K03 in the same family. OEM on the Audi TT 225HP, S3, and Golf R32. Also the most common VW/Audi 1.8T upgrade path, since many K03-equipped platforms use the K04 as a direct upgrade. Part numbers 5304-XXXX. Same water-cooled journal bearing design. The K04-015 (53049700015) is one of the most-rebuilt KKK units we see.

Applications: Audi TT 225HP / Audi S3 / Audi A3 1.8T / VW Golf GTI 1.8T / K03 platform upgrades

K14 / K16 small diesel OEM

K14 is used on smaller European diesel applications including VW Polo 1.4 TDI and related platforms. K16 covers a range of European diesel OEM applications across the Volkswagen Group and other European makes. Both are journal bearing units. Common failure is sludge from extended diesel oil intervals which restricts the small oil passages in the compact CHRA.

Applications: VW Polo 1.4 TDI / various European small displacement diesel OEM

K24 200 to 300 HP: Porsche / performance

The K24 was OEM on the Porsche 944 Turbo and 944 Turbo S, and has been used in various marine and industrial applications. Larger than the K03/K04 family. Journal bearing. The Porsche 944 Turbo K24 is a frequent rebuild unit given the age of these vehicles: coking and oil contamination from decades of service are the typical findings at teardown.

Applications: Porsche 944 Turbo (1985-1988) / Porsche 944 Turbo S / marine / industrial

K26 150 to 350 HP: Porsche / marine / industrial

The K26 covers a wide range of configurations across automotive, marine, and industrial applications. Porsche 911 Turbo (930 series), various MAN bus applications, Mercruiser and Yanmar marine engines. Multiple compressor and turbine wheel combinations within the K26 frame. Contact us with your specific part number (5326-XXX-XXXX) to confirm the configuration for your rebuild.

Applications: Porsche 911 Turbo 930 / MAN Bus D0824 / Mercruiser Marine / Yanmar Marine 4LH-DTE / industrial diesel

K27 250 to 550 HP: commercial diesel

The K27 is a heavy-duty commercial diesel unit used across Deutz, Cummins, and various truck platforms. The K27-3072 configuration covers 250-550 HP and is listed in the BorgWarner AirWerks catalog. The K27 has also served as a Holset HX35W replacement in some Cummins applications. Journal bearing. Used extensively in European commercial truck and bus platforms.

Applications: Deutz commercial truck / Cummins diesel applications / European bus and truck / industrial

K28 / K29 / K31 350 to 500+ HP: commercial / performance

K28 covers performance and larger diesel applications. K31 is the large-frame unit used on the Detroit Diesel 12.7L Series 60 in truck and bus applications; the K31 uses a Forged Milled Compressor Wheel (billet) as standard. K29 covers Caterpillar and various commercial applications. All journal bearing units in the traditional KKK architecture.

Applications: Detroit Diesel 12.7L Series 60 (K31) / Caterpillar diesel (K29) / performance and commercial diesel

KP31 / KP35 / KP39 / BV39 VNT variable geometry: European diesel

The KP-series and BV39 are variable geometry (VNT) turbos used extensively across VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, and Mercedes diesel platforms. KP31 for small engines, KP35 for medium, KP39 and BV39 for the popular 2.1D Mercedes Sprinter and various TDI applications. The variable nozzle vane system requires the same VGT service attention as Holset VGT units: vane carbon buildup is the dominant failure mode. Part numbers begin 5431, 5435, 5439.

Applications: VW Golf TDI / Polo TDI / Passat TDI / Audi A3 TDI / Seat / Skoda TDI / Mercedes Sprinter 2.1D / various European diesel OEM

K33 / K34 / K36 / K37 / K42 / K44 industrial / commercial

Larger KKK frames used in industrial, agricultural, and commercial applications. K33 and K34 cover mid-range industrial engines. K36 and K37 are used in heavier commercial applications. K42 and K44 cover large industrial and marine diesel applications. Contact us with your nameplate part number (format 53XX-970-XXXX) and we will confirm what the rebuild involves.

Applications: Industrial diesel / marine / agricultural / commercial truck platforms

Schwitzer: diesel performance

The Schwitzer S-series is the dominant performance diesel turbocharger family in North America. All S-series turbos use twin hydrodynamic journal bearings and adjustable housing orientation (both compressor and turbine housings can be repositioned independently). The aftermarket shorthand "S366" or "S480" indicates the frame size (S300 or S400) and the compressor wheel inducer diameter in mm. Full BorgWarner nomenclature includes turbine wheel size and A/R (e.g., S300SX3 66/80 .91).

S300 / SX3 300 to 700 HP

The S300SX3 (cast wheel) is the workhorse of the AirWerks lineup. Available in S360 (60mm), S362 (62mm), S363 (63mm), S364 (64mm), S366 (66mm), and S369 (69mm) compressor wheel configurations. T3 and T4 turbine housing options. The S366 is the single most popular diesel performance turbo in North America, capable of 500+ RWHP in the right application and widely used as both a single and the high-pressure charger in compound setups over an S400.

Applications: Cummins 5.9L / 6.7L / Powerstroke 7.3L / 6.0L / 6.4L upgrade / Duramax LB7-L5P upgrade / universal T3 and T4 flange applications

S300 SX-E 350 to 700 HP: forged Milled wheel

The SX-E (Super eXtended) line upgrades the S300SX3 with a Forged Milled Compressor Wheel (FMW), 360-degree thrust bearing, integrated speed sensor port, and extended tip technology. Same frame and housing options as SX3 but significantly improved efficiency and airflow capacity. The S300SX-E is BorgWarner's current production performance line for the S300 frame and the preferred choice for serious street and track diesel builds.

Applications: Same as S300SX3: universal T3/T4 flange diesel performance applications

S400 / SX3 500 to 1000 HP

The S400 frame is BorgWarner's large-frame diesel performance unit. T4 and T6 turbine housing options. Common configurations include S464 (64mm), S467 (67mm), S472 (72mm), S476 (76mm), and S480 (80mm). The S467.7 is one of the most popular large-frame units for Cummins and Powerstroke builds supporting 600-800 RWHP. S400 units are frequently used as the low-pressure (atmospheric) charger in compound S300/S400 setups.

Applications: Cummins 5.9L / 6.7L high-HP builds / Powerstroke 7.3L / 6.0L / 6.4L high-HP / Duramax high-HP / compound turbo setups (low-pressure)

S400 SX-E 600 to 1200 HP: forged Milled wheel

The S400SX-E applies the same FMW, 360-degree thrust bearing, and extended tip technology to the large S400 frame. T6 turbine housings are available for maximum exhaust flow on very high HP applications. The S488 SX-E (88mm compressor) is capable of supporting over 1,200 HP in extreme applications. Large-frame SX-E units are the choice for top-tier competition diesel builds.

Applications: Extreme HP diesel competition builds / Cummins / Powerstroke / Duramax large single or compound applications

S200 / S1 / S100 OEM diesel / commercial

The smaller Schwitzer frames used on OEM diesel applications in commercial and agricultural settings. S100 and S200 appear on Deutz, Volvo Penta, and various light-duty diesel platforms. While less common than S300/S400 in the performance market, these units are regularly rebuilt for commercial applications. Contact us with your specific part number and we will confirm rebuild availability.

Applications: Deutz diesel / Volvo Penta marine / agricultural and construction diesel / light commercial

EFR: ball bearing racing

Every EFR turbocharger uses a dual ceramic ball bearing assembly with metal cage, a Gamma-Ti (titanium aluminide) turbine wheel, an integrated compressor recirculation valve (CRV), a boost control solenoid valve (BCSV), and a Forged Milled Compressor Wheel (FMW). The Gamma-Ti turbine wheel is lighter and more heat-resistant than conventional Inconel, enabling higher shaft speeds and faster response than ball bearing turbos using conventional materials. However titanium aluminide is brittle when cold: this is the most common EFR failure we see. The wheel must be fully up to operating temperature before any boost demand. Cold hard revs on an EFR are the fastest way to crack the turbine wheel. All EFR units are VSR balanced in-house at rebuild, and the ceramic ball bearing cartridge is matched to the rebuilt assembly.

EFR6258 225 to 450 HP: small frame fast spool

The smallest and fastest-spooling EFR unit. 62mm compressor / 58mm turbine. The EFR6258 is the go-to upgrade for 4-cylinder applications where response is the priority: Mazda MX-5, Honda K-series, Subaru EJ, and smaller displacement builds. Part numbers 179140 (supercore) and 179150 (with 0.64 A/R housing). Integrated CRV and BCSV are standard on all EFR units.

Applications: Mazda MX-5 / Miata / Honda K20 / K24 / Subaru EJ20 / 4-cylinder builds 1.6L-2.0L up to 450 HP

EFR6758 300 to 550 HP

67mm compressor / 58mm turbine. Steps up from the 6258 in flow capacity while retaining the small turbine for fast response. Popular on 2.0L-2.5L 4-cylinder builds and smaller 6-cylinder applications where 300-550 HP is the target range. A balance of response and peak power that suits most aggressive street builds on 4-cylinder platforms.

Applications: 2.0L-2.5L 4-cylinder builds / Subaru STI EJ257 / EVO 4G63 / Honda / Toyota / 300-550 HP target

EFR7163 400 to 650 HP

71mm compressor / 63mm turbine. One of the most popular EFR units for medium-frame 4-cylinder and small 6-cylinder applications. Capable of 400-650 HP depending on application. The 7163 is frequently used on 2.0L-3.0L 6-cylinder builds where the 6758 has been outgrown. Available in multiple A/R turbine housing configurations. Part number reference: 11711013004 (compressor cover).

Applications: 2.0L-3.0L 4-6 cylinder / Subaru EJ / EVO / Supra 2JZ / RB25 / SR20 builds at 400-650 HP

EFR7670 500 to 750 HP

76mm compressor / 70mm turbine. Steps into the mid-large frame range. Used on 2.5L-4.0L engines targeting 500-750 HP. Suitable for single-turbo 2JZ builds that have outgrown the factory twin setup, larger 4G63 builds, and RB26 upgrades. The 7670 is where the EFR line transitions from 4-cylinder-focused to genuinely capable on 6-cylinder platforms. Part number reference: 12761013034.

Applications: 2JZ-GTE single builds / RB26DETT / 4G63 / 4B11 / 2.5L-4.0L 6-cylinder 500-750 HP

EFR8374 500 to 900 HP

83mm compressor / 74mm turbine. One of the largest practical single-turbo EFR units for gasoline performance applications. 500-900 HP capable. Popular for large-displacement single-turbo builds on 3.0L-5.0L engines. The 8374 pushes the limits of what can be achieved with a gasoline-fueled single turbocharger while maintaining ball bearing response characteristics. Part number reference: 12831013012.

Applications: Large displacement 6-8 cylinder / 2JZ / LS / Barra / Supra / single turbo builds at 500-900 HP

EFR9174 / EFR9180 700 to 1100 HP: largest EFR

The largest EFR units. 91mm compressor with 74mm (9174) or 80mm (9180) turbine. 700-1100 HP capable on gasoline. The EFR9174 and EFR9180 are serious race units: at this size the ball bearing advantage in spool time is most apparent versus comparably-sized journal bearing turbos. Contact us before shipping, since large-frame EFR rebuilds are assessed individually based on configuration and ball bearing cartridge condition. Part numbers shared: 12911013005.

Applications: Extreme HP circuit race / large displacement single or compound / 700-1100 HP gasoline applications

Find your part number

Search by BorgWarner part number, KKK model, Schwitzer number, EFR model, or application. BorgWarner uses multiple part numbers for the same turbo across complete assemblies (970) and CHRA-only units (988). Vehicle OEM part numbers are also cross-referenced where known.

Why they fail

K03 / K04 oil coking (VW / Audi 1.8T)

The VW/Audi 1.8T K03 and K04 are compact water-cooled units that are highly sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. Extended intervals with conventional oil allow deposits to build up in the compact CHRA passages. The result is bearing starvation on startup and progressive wear. VW/Audi 1.8T engines are also known for oil consumption issues that accelerate CHRA contamination. Every K03 and K04 rebuild includes full passage cleaning and inspection before new bearings go in.

KP39 / BV39 VNT vane sticking

The variable geometry KP39 and BV39 units found on Mercedes Sprinter, VW TDI, and Audi diesel platforms develop the same vane carbon buildup seen in all VNT turbos. Soot from the EGR system accumulates on the nozzle ring and vane pivots. Power loss, boost lag, P0299 under-boost codes, and limp mode follow. Vane assembly disassembly, cleaning, and inspection are part of every KP39 and BV39 rebuild. Damaged or seized vane pivots are replaced before reassembly.

S300 / S400 bearing wear from oil contamination

Performance diesel builds running the S300 and S400 often push oil temperatures and change intervals further than the journal bearings prefer. Contaminated oil from extended intervals, biodiesel blends that degrade oil faster, or coolant intrusion from failing head gaskets (common on 5.9L and 7.3L platforms) all accelerate bearing wear. The adjustable housing orientation on S-series turbos also means installation errors, such as improper drain angle causing pooling, are a frequent root cause that gets overlooked when only the CHRA is replaced.

EFR Gamma-Ti turbine wheel fracture

The most common EFR failure we see in the shop. BorgWarner uses a Gamma-Ti (titanium aluminide) turbine wheel in every EFR unit. Titanium aluminide is exceptionally light and heat-resistant at operating temperature, which is why it enables the fast spool and high shaft speeds the EFR is known for. The problem is cold brittleness: on a cold start, especially in cold climates, the turbine wheel is at its most vulnerable. Revving hard before the turbo has reached operating temperature puts stress on a wheel that has not yet warmed into its ductile range. The wheel cracks or fractures and fragments can be ingested into the engine. This is the single most preventable EFR failure. Let the engine warm up fully before any boost demand, every time.

K26 / K24 age-related wear

The Porsche 944 Turbo K24 and Porsche 911 Turbo 930 K26 are increasingly coming in simply due to age: these are 30 to 40 year old turbos with decades of heat cycling and varying maintenance histories. Oil coking from years of accumulated deposits, dried and cracked seals, and shaft play from long-term bearing wear are typical findings. The good news is that the KKK journal bearing design on these units is robust and most can be rebuilt to full specification with new components.

Compressor surge on K-series small frame

K03 and K04 units on modified VW/Audi 1.8T engines are commonly pushed beyond their compressor maps with aggressive boost targets and poorly tuned maps. Compressor surge on a small-frame KKK turbo is audible and damaging: the reverse airflow loads the thrust bearing with reverse axial force. Thrust bearing and washer wear is a diagnostic indicator at teardown. Boost maps that stay within the compressor map boundary and a properly sized blow-off valve prevent this.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 970 and 988 part number?

In BorgWarner's KKK part number system the three digits after the frame identifier tell you what the part is. 970 means it is a complete turbocharger assembly including the housings. 988 means it is a CHRA only: the center rotating assembly without the compressor or turbine housings. For a rebuild where your housings are in good condition, a 988 CHRA number is the reference. For a full replacement, 970 is the complete unit. The variant number at the end (0029, 0022, etc.) is the same regardless of whether it is a 970 or 988.

Is an S366 the same as an S300SX3?

S366 is shorthand that only tells you the frame is S300 and the compressor wheel inducer is 66mm. It tells you nothing about the turbine wheel size, turbine housing A/R, whether it is an SX3 or SX-E, or what turbine flange is on it. The full BorgWarner nomenclature for the most common "S366" is S300SX3 66/80 .91 or S300SX3 66/74 .88, where 66 is the compressor inducer, 80 or 74 is the turbine inducer, and .91 or .88 is the A/R. When shipping a Schwitzer unit for rebuild, the 6-digit part number on the tag (like 177281) tells us exactly what you have. If that tag is missing, measuring both wheel inducers and the turbine housing gives us the same information.

Can you rebuild the EFR ball bearing cartridge or does it always need replacement?

The EFR uses a dual ceramic ball bearing assembly with metal cage. The cartridge itself is not individually rebuilt: if the ceramic balls or races show wear the cartridge is replaced as a unit. In many EFR rebuilds where the failure cause is oil contamination or heat soak and the balls are caught early, the cartridge can sometimes be retained. We inspect the ball surfaces and races at teardown and quote replacement only when needed. The turbo is then VSR balanced after assembly regardless of whether the cartridge was replaced.

My K04 is making noise but still building boost. Should I rebuild it now or wait?

Rebuild it now. Noise on a K03 or K04 while still building boost almost always means bearing wear that has progressed enough to allow shaft movement. The shaft movement causes the compressor and turbine wheels to run closer to their housings than they should. At some point one of them contacts. When that happens on a running engine the turbo fails suddenly and debris can be ingested into the intake and exhaust. Catching it at the noise stage costs you a bearing replacement and VSR balance. Catching it after contact costs you housing replacement or a new turbo and potentially engine damage. Come in now.

How do I ship my turbo?

Drain any residual oil from the inlet and outlet ports. Plug all ports to prevent contamination. Double-box with foam or bubble wrap padding on all sides. Submit your rebuild request at repair.theboostlab.com, then ship via UPS or FedEx to 37833 Pineapple Ave, Unit A, Dade City, FL 33523, and we will send a receiving confirmation. For S300 and S400 units please note if the compressor or turbine housings have been repositioned from factory orientation so we can return it in the same configuration.

Ready to rebuild?

Start your rebuild request in our repair system. K-series, S-series, or EFR: every job is documented from intake through return shipment with in-house VSR balancing.