7 Crucial Reasons Why The Phillips Fab 2G Swap Kit Dominates The Cummins Performance Market
As of December 24, 2025, the "2nd Gen Swap" remains the single most popular and effective performance modification for 2003 and newer Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins diesel engines. This modification involves replacing the restrictive factory Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) with a larger, more efficient, and often more durable non-VGT turbo, typically an S400 frame unit, mirroring the setup of the legendary 2nd generation (1994-2002) Cummins trucks. The market is competitive, but Phillips Fab LLC has quickly established itself as a premier provider, with their signature Phillips Fab 2G Swap kits becoming a gold standard for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance and impeccable quality.
The decision to perform a 2G Swap is a major investment, and choosing the right kit is paramount to success. Phillips Fab is renowned in the diesel community for their commitment to precision and craftsmanship, specifically their hand-tig welded piping, which provides superior fitment, flow, and durability compared to many mass-produced alternatives. This deep-dive explores exactly what the Phillips Fab 2G Swap is, the specific components that make it stand out, and why it is consistently chosen by those looking to unlock the true potential of their Cummins engine.
The Essential Performance Entities: Why the 2nd Gen Swap is Necessary
The "2G Swap" is not just an arbitrary modification; it addresses a fundamental limitation in the design of the 2003+ Cummins engines. Understanding the core entities involved is key to appreciating the value of the Phillips Fab solution.
- The Cummins Engine: Specifically the 5.9L and 6.7L engines found in the third and fourth-generation Ram HD trucks (2003-2018+). These are the primary candidates for the swap.
- Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT): The factory turbo on these trucks. While excellent for emissions and quick spooling at low RPMs, the VGT is a major restriction at high horsepower levels, prone to sticking issues, and expensive to replace.
- S400 Turbocharger: The large-frame, non-VGT turbo often used in the swap. It offers significantly higher airflow, better longevity, and is much more cost-effective to upgrade or replace than the VGT.
- Exhaust Manifold: A key component of the swap. The VGT requires a restrictive manifold, while the 2G swap uses a higher-flowing, T4-flanged manifold (like a SteedSpeed or similar) to accommodate the S400 turbo.
- Boost and EGTs: The swap directly impacts these. The S400 reduces Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) and allows for higher, more sustained boost levels, crucial for towing and high-performance applications.
The intention behind the 2G swap is to eliminate the VGT's inherent restrictions, improve EGT management, and simplify the engine bay for better maintenance and future upgrades. The Phillips Fab kit provides the necessary high-quality plumbing to make this complex conversion seamless.
7 Advantages of Choosing the Phillips Fab 2G Swap Kit
While many companies offer 2nd Gen Swap kits (including competitors like Evil Fab and WCFab), Phillips Fab has carved out a reputation based on specific, high-end features that appeal to the discerning performance enthusiast. The following seven points highlight the key advantages of their kits, such as the 6.7 S400 2G Swap Full High Mount Kit.
- Precision Hand-TIG Welded Piping: This is the cornerstone of the Phillips Fab brand. Their pipes, including the crucial Charge Pipe and Down Pipe, are hand-welded with precision and care, ensuring perfect fitment and maximum flow with minimal turbulence. This level of craftsmanship often surpasses automated or lower-quality fabrication.
- Superior Performance and Flow: The meticulous fabrication of the piping kits ensures optimal routing and flow, directly translating to less turbo lag, quicker spooling of the S400, and higher peak horsepower and torque figures.
- Multiple Configuration Options: Phillips Fab offers kits for various setups, including the popular High Mount configuration (which places the turbo higher for a cleaner look and easier access) and Low Mount options (which may be preferred for specific compound turbo setups or hood stack applications).
- Comprehensive Component Integration: Their kits are designed to integrate seamlessly with other performance parts. They offer not just the piping but also related components like the Phillips Fab Valve Cover and the King Speed Catch Can, ensuring a complete, professional installation.
- Enhanced Engine Bay Aesthetics: The quality of the fabrication and the clean routing of the pipes significantly improves the look of the engine bay, a major plus for show trucks or enthusiasts who take pride in their vehicle's appearance.
- Durability and Longevity: Hand-tig welding provides a stronger, more reliable weld joint than many other methods, meaning the piping is less likely to crack or fail under the high heat and vibration of a high-performance diesel engine.
- Support for Large-Frame Turbos: The Phillips Fab kits are explicitly designed to accommodate large S400 frame turbos (e.g., S467, S475, S480), providing a solid foundation for any power goal, from daily driving to competitive sled pulling or racing.
Key Components and Installation Considerations
A full Phillips Fab 2G Swap Piping Kit is a comprehensive solution, but it is important to remember that it is a *kit* of components designed to facilitate the swap, not the entire swap itself. A successful 2G swap requires several major parts, with the Phillips Fab kit providing the crucial connections.
What the Phillips Fab Kit Typically Includes:
- T4 Turbo Pedestal/Mount: To physically mount the S400 turbo in the new position (High or Low).
- Intercooler Charge Pipe: Connects the compressor outlet of the S400 turbo to the engine's intake.
- Turbo Down Pipe: Connects the turbo exhaust outlet to the rest of the truck's exhaust system.
- Oil Feed and Drain Lines: Custom-fitted lines to ensure proper lubrication for the new turbocharger.
- Coolant Reroute Components: Necessary to clear the space for the larger turbo and new manifold (often a crucial part of the swap).
- Necessary Hardware: Gaskets, clamps, and bolts for a complete installation.
What You Need to Complete the Swap (Separate Purchases):
- S400 Series Turbocharger: The turbo itself (e.g., Borg Warner S467.7, S475).
- T4 SteedSpeed or Aftermarket Exhaust Manifold: Necessary to replace the factory VGT manifold and provide the T4 flange for the S400.
- Custom Engine Tuning/ECM Calibration: Crucial for deleting the VGT function, adjusting fueling, and ensuring the engine runs efficiently with the new turbo. This is a non-negotiable step.
- Supporting Modifications: For high-horsepower builds, ARP Head Studs, a high-flow FASS or AirDog 165 GPH Lift Pump, and upgraded injectors are highly recommended to prevent engine failure and maximize performance.
The installation is considered advanced and typically requires 8-12 hours for an experienced mechanic. The complexity comes from removing the factory VGT, rerouting coolant lines, and ensuring all new piping and connections are leak-free. The superior fitment of the hand-tig welded Phillips Fab components significantly eases this process, minimizing the need for custom fabrication or fitment adjustments that are common with lower-quality kits.
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