Upgrade your 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins with a modern ATS CVNT (Cannon Vector Nozzle Turbo). Designed specifically for the Common Rail platform, the ATS CVNT Turbocharger Kit delivers instantaneous boost, lower EGTs, improved fuel efficiency, and a dynamic turbo-controlled exhaust brake—all without sacrificing classic Cummins reliability.
The 2003-2007 5.9L Common Rail Cummins is legendary for its bulletproof reliability, simple mechanics, and longevity. However, compared to newer diesel engines, the factory fixed-geometry turbochargers leave performance, efficiency, and drivability on the table. Fixed-geometry turbos are bound by a compromise: a housing sized for quick spooling chokes top-end airflow, while a large housing suffers from sluggish throttle response and excessive lag at lower RPMs.
ATS Diesel Performance solved this issue by spending over five years engineering and field-testing the CVNT turbocharger system specifically for the 5.9L platform. By applying modern Variable Geometry technology to this proven engine, the CVNT kit eliminates turbo lag, lowers exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs), drastically reduces unburnt black smoke, and adds an intelligent exhaust brake feature that completely redefines daily driving and heavy towing.
At the core of the ATS CVNT turbocharger is a custom 64mm 7x7 slim-hub splitter compressor wheel housed in a race-proven compressor cover. Paired with a mixed-flow Inconel turbine wheel, this turbo converts heat and exhaust gas expansion directly into kinetic energy with minimal loss. The precision vane pack tightens low in the RPM range to build boost immediately, then sweeps open at higher RPMs to allow maximum flow and maintain low exhaust backpressure across the entire powerband.
Unlike factory VGT turbos found on 6.7L models that rely on failure-prone electronic motor actuators bolted directly to heat-blasted turbine housings, the CVNT system utilizes engine oil pressure for variable control. A bulletproof hydraulic spool valve solenoid regulates oil flow to position the internal vane cylinder. Because all moving components are constantly bathed and cooled by engine oil, the actuation system operates under similar conditions to your engine's valvetrain, ensuring unmatched heat tolerance and long-term durability.
The included ATS Intelli-Boost module serves as the central brain for the CVNT system. Paired with high-precision 100 PSI boost and exhaust backpressure sensors, the module continuously evaluates engine load, throttle position, boost pressure, and exhaust backpressure. This real-time telemetry allows the turbo to chase a near 1:1 boost-to-backpressure ratio up to 35 PSI. Dropping exhaust backpressure directly leads to increased engine efficiency, cooler intake temperatures, and significant fuel economy gains when cruising and towing.
By making full use of the variable turbine section, the CVNT functions as a full-featured, dynamic exhaust brake. When engaged, the Intelli-Boost controller modulates the vane position to maintain maximum safe backpressure (roughly 78-80 PSI on 24-valve 5.9L models) from high RPMs down to a slow idle without risking exhaust valve float. Furthermore, two optional ECM pins plug directly into your factory Dodge wiring to activate the automatic engine warmup sequence during cold weather starts, bringing internal engine parts to operating temperature faster to reduce cold-start wear.
Because the CVNT turbocharger moves a massive volume of exhaust gas, ATS found that standard factory T3 exhaust manifolds created a severe bottleneck. To resolve this, every CVNT kit includes a heavy-duty two-piece ATS Pulse Flow T4 Exhaust Manifold. The expanded T4 turbine inlet allows exhaust gases to flow freely into the turbo without choking the engine.
The kit is delivered complete with zero wire-splicing required. Everything needed for a direct installation is included in the box:
If you are replacing a failed or worn-out factory turbocharger on your 5.9L Cummins, installing the ATS CVNT kit resolves common check engine lights and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) associated with failing wastegates and boost leaks.
The ATS CVNT Turbocharger Kit directly replaces and upgrades factory turbochargers corresponding to the following original equipment part numbers:
The Intelli-Boost system interfaces with the ATS Gateway Software via PC, giving truck owners complete control and real-time diagnostic capability. The software functions as a live scan tool and data logger, permitting custom calibration offsets, throttle resistance adjustments, and turbine logic mapping based on your truck's specific setups.
The ATS Gateway software provides a clear interface for configuring, calibrating, tuning logic maps, and monitoring your Intelli-Boost turbo controller. Below is a detailed breakdown of how each screen operates and fine-tunes your CVNT system:
The Controller Settings tab allows users to select the turbo simulation mode, VGT/VNT model profile, and calibrate individual input sensors. By matching sensor ranges (such as selecting 60 PSIg or 100 PSIg boost and exhaust sensors) and configuring universal or vehicle-specific Throttle Position (TPS) and Engine Speed (RPM) profiles, the Intelli-Boost controller reads engine parameters accurately. Sub-menus allow fine-tuning of off-throttle and full-throttle voltages or pulse-per-revolution counts to tailor the system to any custom setup.
The VFR Calibration interface monitors live sensor voltage, physical feedback position, and output current. Users can set open and closed voltage endpoints for the vane position sensor under operating oil pressure. The manual command buttons (0% open through 100% closed) allow real-time testing of the hydraulic actuator and internal vane sweep across its full mechanical range.
The VFR Data dashboard acts as a live digital gauge panel for your turbo system. It displays real-time values for commanded position vs. actual feedback position, boost pressure, exhaust backpressure, calculated actual drive ratio vs. target drive ratio, TPS percentage, engine RPM, and system voltage. One-click data logging allows users to record dynamic runs to evaluate drive ratios and turbo response.
The Turbo Logic interface controls dynamic vane position via interactive 10x10 lookup tables and 3D surface graphs. Users can set the desired vane opening percentage across customizable Engine Speed (RPM) and Throttle Position (TPS%) axes. Selecting input dropdowns allows switching axis sources between TPS, Engine Speed, Boost Pressure, Exhaust Pressure, or Holset VGT Commands.
The Turbine RPM Logic screen maps calculated shaft speeds based on Boost Pressure (PSIg) versus Engine Speed (RPM). It includes a dropdown to set the output RPM signal waveform (such as 5V Square Wave 0-5V) to emulate turbine speed signals for secondary controllers or standalone telemetry.
The Exhaust Brake menu sets activation thresholds and target retarding pressures. Users can select the activation trigger, specify off-throttle TPS limits (e.g., at or below 1.0%), set minimum engine RPM requirements (e.g., at or above 1000 RPM), and set desired exhaust backpressure targets (such as 30 PSIg up to 80 PSIg). The software dynamically modulates the vane angle to maintain retarding force without over-pressurizing the valvetrain.
The J1939 OBD tab gives the controller built-in diagnostic capability. Users can read and clear J1939 engine diagnostic trouble codes directly through the Gateway interface without needing a separate standalone OBD scanner.
The Firmware Update panel ensures your Intelli-Boost controller stays up-to-date with the latest ATS feature updates and tuning logic. The embedded Intelli-Boost Help Manual provides step-by-step setup instructions, sensor wiring guides, and mapping tutorials directly inside the software interface.
ATS Transmission packages carry a standard THREE YEAR Warranty. There are several exceptions, so refer to the Warranty’s specific terms and conditions . All labor, shipping, or any other charges associated with the product and the product’s failure are not covered under Warranty. Labor and/or shipping charges will not be refunded under any circumstance. After the one-year anniversary date of the original purchase, there is a limited parts replacement Warranty only. Transmissions that are purchased separately outside of a transmission package / stage and are installed without an ATS torque converter carry a 1 year parts only warranty and there is no labor or shipping allowance for transmission only purchases.
In the event of a product failure, the consumer must return the defective product to ATS for inspection before a replacement is sent to the consumer. After ATS inspects the product and completes the failure analysis, the inspection officer at ATS will provide written documentation stating the condition of the product and determine, to the best of his or her ability, what caused the malfunction or complaint. Based on the findings of the inspection report, ATS will determine whether there is a valid Warranty claim. Should a consumer require immediate service, and chooses not to wait for their product to be returned to ATS for inspection, service, and potential repair or replacement, the consumer can purchase a replacement product from ATS. The consumer must pay the full current MSRP, the applicable core charge, and shipping to and from ATS’ shop. When the defective product arrives, ATS will refund the core charge and inspect the product. During inspection, ATS will assess the product for warrantable damage. If the original product has indeed failed under the terms of the original Warranty, ATS will refund the full purchase price for the replacement product only. If the product has failed due to any issue not covered under the original Warranty, ATS will assess charges to the consumer based on any parts necessary to return the product to nominal ATS standards. ATS will deduct the total cost of required parts from the replacement product’s purchase price, and the consumer will be refunded the difference (if any) between the purchase price paid for the replacement product and the cost of parts.
If the consumer can wait for their product to be returned to ATS for inspection, service, and potential repair or replacement, the consumer pays shipping to and from ATS’ shop. When the defective product arrives in Colorado, ATS will inspect the product. ATS will then assess the product for warrantable damage. If the product has failed under the terms of the original Warranty contract, ATS will repair or replace the product – at ATS’s discretion. If the product has failed due to any issue not covered under the original Warranty, ATS will assess charges to the consumer based on any parts necessary to return the product to nominal ATS standards. ATS will bill the consumer for the total cost of parts required for repair of the product, and shipping to and from Colorado, prior to the repaired/replaced product being sent to the consumer.
This section incorporates Section 2, entitled “In the Event of a Failure.” ATS manual transmissions carry a 1-year/12,000 mile Warranty. ATS will not pay for any fluids replaced in the event of a transmission failure. There is no labor or freight warranty coverage on standard transmissions. Manual transmission shafts and gears are not covered by this Warranty on any transmission due to the capability of certain situations to cause stress-loads beyond the structural ability of the shaft or gear.
