Custom Diesel Turbo Upgrades with the Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger.
The Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger is a compact, high-performance solution for diesel engines that demand exceptional boost and reliability.
Trusted by professionals and performance enthusiasts, it’s widely used in Cummins 4BT builds, industrial machinery, and marine applications.
And the HX30W super turbo with a 6cm² turbine is a top choice for Custom Performance Diesel Turbo Upgrade applications, offering a fine balance of spool-up speed, peak power, and versatility.
The 6cm² turbine in particular plays a significant role in shaping the turbo’s characteristics, allowing for quicker spool times without sacrificing too much top-end power.
Whilst the larger 46mm Compressor Wheel Inducer (being larger than the standard 40mm to 44mm HX30 inducer), gives greater air flow for increased power.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using the Cummins Holset HX30W “Super” with a 6cm² turbine, and 46mm Compressor in custom applications, and how you can optimize this setup for your performance goals.
Overview of the Holset HX30W with 6cm² Turbine:
The Holset HX30W turbo is renowned for its durability, efficiency, and ability to handle moderate to high exhaust flow.
When paired with the 6cm² turbine, it strikes a perfect balance between fast spool time and high-flow performance.
This specific turbine size is popular in setups where:
Quick response at low to mid-RPMs is essential, and maintaining a balance between boost response and power output.
The 6cm² turbine refers to the turbine housing’s A/R (Area/Radius) ratio, which directly impacts exhaust gas flow and spool characteristics.
In practical terms, the 6cm² turbine offers an optimal flow, providing enough power for high-performance Custom Diesel Turbo Upgrade builds while also delivering quicker spool times than larger turbine sizes.
Benefits of the 6cm² Turbine in Custom Applications:
The 6cm² turbine housing in the Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger brings several benefits to custom builds, making it ideal for a range of applications, including:
Faster Spool Time & Versatility for Various Applications.
One of the key advantages of a smaller turbine housing like the 6cm² is that it allows for faster spool times.
In practical terms, this means your engine can build boost more quickly, providing better throttle response and reduced turbo lag, especially in applications where off-the-line performance matters.
The 6cm² turbine offers a versatile middle ground.
While it doesn’t sacrifice top-end power entirely, it allows for better all-around performance in custom applications such as:
Street driving:
For reliable daily drivers or street-friendly custom build cars, the 6cm² turbine ensures quick throttle response, acceleration with minimal turbo spool lag for more immediate power.
And without being oversized (in vehicles for example, powered by the 3.0L Isuzu 4JJ1) thus preventing the engine from being overwhelmed by too much airflow and overspeeding.
Motorsports:
In racing or drifting applications, where quick responses and consistent power delivery are essential, the 6cm² turbine keeps the engine in the optimal powerband.
Improved Low-to-Mid Range Power.
A smaller turbine housing like the 6cm² excels in delivering more power at lower RPMs, which is ideal for situations where you need strong low-end torque for quick launches or rapid acceleration.
Off-road vehicles:
If you’re building a small to mid-range custom off-road rig or custom performance diesel build such as a Nissan-powered TD42 4.2L, or Toyota-powered 1HZ or 1HD 4.2L, the fast spool time and increased low-end torque at lower RPMs is beneficial.
The Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger is great for applications where navigating challenging terrain, climbing steep grades or towing is required, whilst still retaining top-end power for overtaking on the highway.
High Efficiency.
The Holset HX30W Super with a 6cm² turbine offers high efficiency at both low and high boost pressures.
This means you can run higher boost levels without sacrificing performance or reliability.
Reliability is especially relevant in builds where you are removing the reliability issues associated with an electronically-actuated VNT Turbocharger, such as the 3.0L 1KD-FTV.
When tuned correctly and with the correct supporting mods, this setup can achieve greater overall power output with minimal risk of engine knock or heat issues, and improving reliability.
Supporting Mods.
As with any custom turbo setup, supporting modifications are necessary to maximize performance.
Here are some essential components:
Upgraded intercooler: To keep intake air temperatures lower and ensure consistent performance.
Larger injectors, injector pump and upgraded fuel system: To handle the increased fuel demand at higher boost levels.
Boost controller: To regulate the boost pressure and prevent over-boost situations, especially with the quick spool provided by the 6cm² turbine.
Upgraded exhaust system: A high-flow exhaust ensures that exhaust gases are expelled efficiently, helping to maintain optimal spool time and prevent turbo lag.
For the Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger with the 6cm² turbine to perform optimally, you’ll need a custom exhaust manifold that reduces back-pressure and optimizes the flow of exhaust gases into the turbine.
And a well-designed manifold (T3 Flange) will help the turbo spool more quickly and improve overall performance.
Tuning for Performance.
After installation, the final step is tuning. A proper tune ensures that the Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger with a 6cm² turbine delivers peak performance without pushing the engine too far.
A dyno tune or custom ECU remap (where applicable) is recommended to ensure the air-fuel ratio is optimized, and boost pressures are adjusted correctly.
Applications of the Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger with a 6cm² Turbine:
The Holset HX30W Super with a 6cm² turbine can be used across a variety of custom applications such as:
3.0L: 4JJ1 Isuzu / 1KDFTV Toyota / OM606 Mercedes and more.
4.0L / 4.2L: TD42 Nissan / 1HZ & 1HD & 2H Toyota / MWM Ford and more.
With Output: 150kW – 240kW (Depending on Engine, Fueling such as Injection Pump and Injectors and Exhaust etc).
Specifications: Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger.
Compressor Wheel:
Inducer: 46 mm.
(> than standard 40mm-44mm HX30).
Exducer: 78 mm.
Compressor Housing:
Inlet Diameter: ~102 mm.
(same as most HX35/HE351 & > than 76mm on standard HX30).
Outlet Diameter: 74 mm.
(same as most HX35/HE351 & > than 64mm on standard HX30).
Turbine Wheel:
Inducer: 65 mm.
Exducer: 52 mm.
Turbine Housing: 6 cm² (A/R), Single scroll, designed for fast spooling.
Exhaust Inlet Flange: 4 Bolt T3 Universal.
Exhaust Outlet(dump) Flange: V-Band & 5 Bolts (with V-Band removed).
V-Band Diameters: Inside: ~65mm / Outside: ~80mm.
Cooling: Oil-cooled only.
Wastegate: Internal.
Max Boost Pressure: 25-35 psi (approx. & depends on engine and mods in application).
Conclusion: Optimizing the Holset HX30W with a 6cm² Turbine for Custom Builds.
The Holset HX30W Super with a 6cm² turbine provides an ideal solution for those seeking an efficient and responsive turbocharger for a variety of custom applications.
Whether you’re building a street car, race car, off-road vehicle, or diesel-powered custom performance rig, this turbo offers a great balance between fast spool time, low-end torque, and high-end power.
By selecting the right engine, optimizing exhaust flow, and ensuring proper tuning, you can harness the full potential of the HX30W Super with a 6cm² turbine, transforming your custom build into a high-performance machine.
We stock a limited quantity of the OEM Cummins Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger for Factory and Custom Performance Diesel Turbo Upgrades.
Covered by our exclusive 3 Year Warranty (excluding race applications).
If you have any other queries on the Holset HX30 Super Turbocharger for Custom Performance Diesel Turbo Upgrades for your vehicle, please feel free to contact our sales support on: 0490 059 316.
*Above vehicle & machinery brands and vehicle & machinery models are for use to determine correct or possible fitment, and does not imply that the part is manufactured by such original vehicle & machinery manufacturers.
