The snap ring that holds the...
The snap ring that holds the Aurora's compressor housing to the backing plate uses a universal bolt-up design and allows for clocking in any direction. Loosen the bolt to rotate the turbo and align it with the air-intake tube that leads to the intercooler.
Installing The AuroraReplacing the factory turbo is a simple swap. Installation of the ATS unit was fairly quick (just a couple of hours) thanks to some friendly help from mechanic Rob Hancock and Betty Sutherland, who runs Sutherland Diesel Performance, an ATS dealership in Palmdale, California.
The Dodge Ram we worked on already has several other mods on it, such as a K&N air filter, a #8 fuel plate, an ATS exhaust manifold, and a Banks exhaust, so providing before-and-after numbers would be somewhat exaggerated by the other upgrades.
Instead, we'll share a brief anecdote to illustrate the improved output. On the way back to Los Angeles from Palmdale, while we were cruising in the left lane on the freeway enjoying the high-tech hum of the new Aurora, we encountered a poser driving one of those goofy tuner cars (they're as common as taco stands in Southern California). Seems this guy felt he shouldn't have to follow a 1-ton diesel dualie in the fast lane, so he passed us on the right, waving a single-finger salute.
While we had no desire to get mixed up in some sort of road-rage incident, we also just couldn't let things be and decided to spool up the ATS Aurora turbo even higher and show Mr. Tuner Guy what he was messing with. We had no trouble staying right on the bumper of his pimped-out performance car for several miles. Judging from the way the car darted from lane to lane, he probably thought we were going roll right over him. We eventually got bored with this little game, but next time, he'll know better than to tangle with a diesel pickup with a performance turbo.
 The differences in the stock...  The differences in the stock turbo and Aurora turbine blade angles and shapes are obvious. You can see how the factory turbine can be too restrictive for the exhaust flow that higher power levels require. |  The Aurora simply drops into...  The Aurora simply drops into place in the stock location, with no fabrication or special fittings needed. |  The stock turbo has a wastegate,...  The stock turbo has a wastegate, so there was a set screw in a T-fitting for adjusting boost pressure, but it was removed for the Aurora unit, which has no wastegate. |
 Important: Be sure to squirt...  Important: Be sure to squirt a little lubrication into the centersection before firing up the engine. |  Next, reattach the oil supply...  Next, reattach the oil supply and return lines. The new Aurora 2000 looks so good, it's a shame we have to cover it up with an air-filter intake hose. | |