S400SX4 S480 80mm Billet Turbocharger T4 Twin Scroll 1.10 A/R
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S480 S488 Turbochargers
New BorgWarner S400SX4 Performance Turbochargers With Billet Compressor Wheels
The BorgWarner S400SX4 is the go-to performance turbo frame for high-horsepower diesel builds. We stock the S480 (80mm billet compressor wheel) and S488 (88mm billet) in multiple turbine housing configurations — T4 twin scroll and T6 twin scroll with different A/R ratios to match the build. These turbos are used as large singles on 800-1200HP trucks or as the atmospheric charger in compound setups where a smaller S300 handles low-RPM spool and the S400 supplies top-end airflow. Common platforms include Detroit Series 60, Cummins ISX and 6BT, CAT C15 and 3406, and Powerstroke builds. Every unit ships with a billet compressor wheel, balanced, and ready to install. Shops, builders and distributors order from US stock.
- 100% Brand New
- Billet Compressor Wheel
- Multiple A/R and Flange Options
- US Stock, Fast Dispatch
- Race Cover Available
- 1-Year Warranty
- No Core Charge
Big-Frame Performance Turbos Sized for Serious Diesel Builds
Performance turbo selection is about matching the compressor size, turbine housing A/R and flange type to the build. Wrong A/R and the turbo either spools too slowly or chokes at the top end. Wrong flange and it does not mount. We stock five configurations across the S480 and S488 so your build gets the right combination without waiting on a custom order.
80mm and 88mm Billet Compressor Wheels
Both the S480 and S488 ship with forged billet compressor wheels — machined from solid aluminum for higher flow capacity and better blade geometry than cast wheels. The S480 runs an 80mm inducer for 550-1200HP builds; the S488 runs an 88mm inducer for 800-1500HP and competition applications.
T4 Twin Scroll and T6 Twin Scroll Options
We stock three A/R ratios across the S480 and S488. Lower A/R spools faster with more responsive low-end boost; higher A/R flows more at the top end but spools slower. Match the A/R to your engine's RPM range and fueling level — we can walk through the selection if needed.
A/R Selection: Response vs Top-End Flow
T4 twin scroll turbine housings fit the most common exhaust manifold flanges on Detroit Series 60 and Cummins builds. T6 twin scroll housings fit larger manifold flanges and flow more exhaust volume for the highest-power applications. Both use V-band outlets for clean downpipe connections.
Singles or Compound Atmospheric Duty
The S480 and S488 work as large singles on builds in the 800-1200HP range, or as the atmospheric (low-pressure) turbo in an S300/S400 compound setup where a smaller charger handles spool and the S400 supplies volume at higher RPM. In compound duty, the S488 shines on builds above 1000HP.
Balanced and Ready to Install
Every S480 and S488 ships dynamically balanced and ready to install. Turbine wheel, compressor wheel and shaft are balanced individually and again as an assembled cartridge. No additional balancing required at the shop.
Performance Shop and Builder Supply
One-year warranty on every unit, handled by our US team. Performance turbos run harder than stock replacements — we understand the duty cycle and warranty accordingly. See the warranty page.
80mm and 88mm Billet Compressor Wheels
Both the S480 and S488 ship with forged billet compressor wheels — machined from solid aluminum for higher flow capacity and better blade geometry than cast wheels. The S480 runs an 80mm inducer for 550-1200HP builds; the S488 runs an 88mm inducer for 800-1500HP and competition applications.
T4 Twin Scroll and T6 Twin Scroll Options
We stock three A/R ratios across the S480 and S488. Lower A/R spools faster with more responsive low-end boost; higher A/R flows more at the top end but spools slower. Match the A/R to your engine's RPM range and fueling level — we can walk through the selection if needed.
A/R Selection: Response vs Top-End Flow
T4 twin scroll turbine housings fit the most common exhaust manifold flanges on Detroit Series 60 and Cummins builds. T6 twin scroll housings fit larger manifold flanges and flow more exhaust volume for the highest-power applications. Both use V-band outlets for clean downpipe connections.
Singles or Compound Atmospheric Duty
The S480 and S488 work as large singles on builds in the 800-1200HP range, or as the atmospheric (low-pressure) turbo in an S300/S400 compound setup where a smaller charger handles spool and the S400 supplies volume at higher RPM. In compound duty, the S488 shines on builds above 1000HP.
Balanced and Ready to Install
Every S480 and S488 ships dynamically balanced and ready to install. Turbine wheel, compressor wheel and shaft are balanced individually and again as an assembled cartridge. No additional balancing required at the shop.
Performance Shop and Builder Supply
One-year warranty on every unit, handled by our US team. Performance turbos run harder than stock replacements — we understand the duty cycle and warranty accordingly. See the warranty page.
WHY CHOOSE US
The right S400 configuration, on the shelf and ready
We stock five S480/S488 configurations covering the most common A/R and flange combinations. No custom-order lead time, no waiting on builds — the turbo ships from US stock. More about our company and quality process.
FAQ
Compressor wheel size. The S480 uses an 80mm inducer billet wheel; the S488 uses an 88mm inducer. Larger wheel means more airflow capacity at higher RPM but slower spool at low RPM. The S480 suits builds in the 550-1200HP range and offers a good balance of response and top-end flow. The S488 is competition-leaning, best for builds above 800HP or as the atmospheric charger in a high-power compound setup.
A/R (area-to-radius) ratio determines how the turbine housing manages exhaust flow. Lower A/R (like one-ten) builds backpressure faster for quicker spool and stronger low-RPM response — good for daily-driven trucks and towing builds. Higher A/R (like one-thirty-two) flows more exhaust volume at the top end with less backpressure — better for high-RPM competition and sled pulling. Match the A/R to the RPM range where your engine makes peak power.
Flange type. T4 twin scroll fits the smaller, more common exhaust manifold bolt pattern found on most Detroit Series 60 and Cummins setups. T6 twin scroll is a larger bolt pattern that flows more exhaust volume and is used on the highest-power builds where the T4 becomes restrictive. Check your exhaust manifold flange before ordering.
Yes. The S480 is commonly used as a large single turbo on Detroit Series 60 builds in the 800-1000HP range. Pair with appropriate fueling (injectors, pump) and a supporting intercooler. For builds above 1000HP on the S60, the S488 or a compound setup is typically a better match.
No. The S480 and S488 are non-wastegated performance turbos. Boost control is managed through fuel tuning, engine timing and (in compound setups) the drive pressure ratio between the chargers. Builds that need boost control can add an external wastegate.
Yes. Performance shops and diesel builders order S400-frame turbos regularly. Consistent wholesale pricing from US stock. See the wholesale page.
BorgWarner S400SX4 Performance Turbo Guide
The S400SX4 is BorgWarner's large-frame performance turbo platform — the AirWerks series designed specifically for high-output diesel and gasoline builds. Understanding the sizing, housing options and application strategy helps builders select the right configuration.
S480/S488 Configuration Matrix
| Model | Compressor | Flange | A/R | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S480 | 80mm billet | T4 twin scroll | one-ten | Street/tow, responsive spool |
| S480 | 80mm billet | T4 twin scroll | one-twenty-five | Balanced street/strip |
| S480 | 80mm billet | T6 twin scroll | one-thirty-two | High-power singles, compound atmo |
| S488 | 88mm billet | T4 twin scroll | one-twenty-five | Competition singles |
| S488 | 88mm billet | T6 twin scroll | one-thirty-two | Max-effort compound atmospheric |
Single vs Compound: When to Use the S480/S488
As a single turbo, the S480 works well on builds in the 800-1000HP range where the engine has enough displacement and fueling to spool the 80mm wheel without excessive lag. The S488 as a single needs more displacement or higher RPM to spool — it suits competition builds where lag is acceptable in exchange for peak-power flow. In a compound setup, a smaller S300-family charger (S362, S366, S369) handles spool and low-RPM boost while the S480 or S488 sits as the atmospheric charger and supplies the air volume at higher RPM. This compound strategy gives both quick response and high-power capability without compromise.
A/R Selection for Diesel Builds
A/R selection on the turbine housing is the single most impactful configuration choice. A lower A/R creates more exhaust backpressure, which accelerates spool and improves low-end response but limits top-end flow and raises drive pressure at peak power. A higher A/R flows more freely at the top but delays spool. For street-driven trucks that tow and need responsive boost: choose the lower A/R option. For strip or sled trucks that run at peak RPM: choose the higher A/R. For balanced street-strip builds: the middle option is the starting point.
Billet vs Cast Compressor Wheels
All our S480 and S488 turbos ship with billet (forged and machined) compressor wheels. Billet wheels are lighter than cast wheels at the same size, which reduces rotational inertia and improves spool speed. The blade geometry can be optimized during machining in ways that casting does not allow — tapered tip technology, optimized leading edges, and tighter tolerances. On a high-power diesel build running elevated boost pressures, the billet wheel also resists surge better than a cast wheel at the same operating point.
