Upgrade Your LB7 Turbo Wheel for Faster Spool Up and More Horsepower

Upgrading Your LB7 Turbo Wheel for Improved Performance

If you own a 2001-2004 GM Duramax LB7 diesel truck, upgrading your turbo wheel can provide noticeable improvements in boost response and power output. The factory lb7 turbo wheel suffers from poor airflow characteristics that limit performance. An aftermarket upgraded wheel can flow more air for bigger power gains.

LB7 Turbo Wheel Design Flaws

The lb7 Duramax engine utilized a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to optimize boost pressure throughout the powerband. VGT turbochargers use movable vanes inside the turbo to direct exhaust gas flow onto the turbine wheel. While this helps reduce turbo lag, the lb7's turbine wheel itself was prone to flow inefficiencies.

The OEM lb7 turbo wheel uses a 15-blade design with thick, squared-off blades. This creates turbulence in the airflow as exhaust gases hit the wheel blades. The resulting turbulence causes heat and pressure loss, limiting the turbo's ability to quickly spool up and generate boost. An aftermarket upgraded wheel can improve flow characteristics for faster spool times and higher peak boost pressure.

Benefits of an Aftermarket LB7 Turbo Wheel

Installing an aftermarket lb7 turbo wheel provides several benefits over the factory part:

• Increased exhaust flow for faster turbo spool up and better throttle response.
• Higher peak boost levels for more power output.
• Improved durability over stock for longer turbo lifespan.
• Various fin blade options for optimizing flow - 11, 12 or 14 fins are common.
• Better fitment inside the variable geometry (VGT) housing.

Because of the flow enhancements, most lb7 owners see gains of 50-100 horsepower after upgrading to an aftermarket turbo wheel. This extra power comes on quickly thanks to the improved spool up from the new wheel design.

Top LB7 Turbo Wheel Upgrade Options

Several aftermarket companies offer direct replacement lb7 turbo wheels that outflow the factory part. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Banks LB7 Turbo Wheel

The Banks lb7 turbo wheel is cast from high-quality 356 aluminum alloy and CNC-machined to tight tolerances. It uses a 12-blade design with precision shaping for smooth, optimized airflow. The wheel can support over 500 horsepower on modified engines.

Fleece Performance LB7 Turbo Wheel

Fleece Performance's lb7 turbo wheel is an affordable upgrade option. It utilizes a 11-blade design and drops directly into the VGT housing for easy installation. Improved flow characteristics boost response and power compared to stock.

HSP Diesel LB7 VGT Turbo Wheel

For high horsepower lb7 builds, the HSP Diesel vgt turbo wheel fits up to 570 horsepower applications. The 11-blade wheel is CNC-machined from heat-treated PH-15-5 stainless steel for durability under high temps and boost pressures.

Stealth 64 Turbo Wheel for LB7

Stealth's 64 turbo wheel has an aggressive 11-blade design optimized for high flow lb7 turbocharger applications. The wheel is capable of supporting over 700 horsepower in extreme engine builds.

Installing an Aftermarket LB7 Turbo Wheel

Replacing your stock lb7 turbo wheel with an aftermarket upgrade is not a complex job, but does require some mechanical ability. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Remove your lb7 turbocharger from the truck.
2. Disassemble the turbo and separate the center cartridge from the variable vanes.
3. Remove the turbo wheel snap ring and slide off the stock wheel.
4. Install the new aftermarket wheel and snap ring.
5. Reassemble the turbocharger.
6. Reinstall the turbo on the truck.

Be sure to check all turbocharger seals during reassembly and replace any worn parts. Most installers recommend upgrading the pedestal bushings in the turbohousing when swapping the wheel. A turbo rebuild kit can provide all the necessary gaskets and seals.

Once installed, most lb7 owners perform some ECM tuning to optimize boost levels and fueling for the new turbo wheel airflow. This helps maximize the power gains from the upgrade.

Avoid Cheap Chinese LB7 Turbo Wheel Knockoffs

When shopping for an aftermarket lb7 turbo wheel, avoid the cheap direct replacements found on some overseas websites. These wheels often copy the designs of reputable brands but lack the quality materials and tolerances. The potential cost savings are not worth the risk of a failed wheel damaging your turbocharger and engine.

Maximize the Power of Your LB7 with a Turbo Wheel Upgrade

Replacing the inefficient factory turbo wheel in your 2001-2004 GM lb7 Duramax diesel is one of the best power-per-dollar upgrades available. With an aftermarket wheel designed for higher airflow, you can realize big improvements in turbo response and horsepower output.

When paired with supporting modifications like intake, exhaust, and ECM tuning, a high-quality lb7 turbo wheel can help your truck put down some serious power. Just be sure to choose a proven design from a reputable manufacturer.

FAQs

What are the benefits of upgrading my LB7 turbo wheel?

An aftermarket LB7 turbo wheel improves airflow for faster spool up, better throttle response, and higher peak boost and power levels. Most see gains of 50-100HP. It also enhances durability over the factory turbo wheel.

What design changes make aftermarket wheels better?

Aftermarket LB7 wheels use newer blade profiles with 11-14 fins versus 15 on stock. This reduces turbulence for smoother airflow. Precision CNC machining further optimizes the shape.

Will I need to upgrade my turbo pedestal bushings?

It's highly recommended to upgrade the turbo pedestal bushings when installing an aftermarket LB7 wheel, as the increased airflow can be too much for the factory bushings to handle.

Do I need tuning with a new turbo wheel?

Proper ECM tuning is highly recommended after upgrading your LB7 turbo wheel. This allows optimizing boost levels, fueling, and transmission tuning to take full advantage of the new wheel's airflow.

What turbo wheel brands do you recommend?

Top options for LB7 turbo wheels include Banks, Fleece Performance, HSP Diesel, and Stealth 64. Stick with a proven brand, avoid cheap knockoffs.