Moving your turbo to the top of the engine bay sounds like a lot of work for a truck that already runs fine. You are trading factory convenience for a massive gain in airflow and ease of access.
Finding the right parts for your Best 2nd Gen Swap Kit 6.7 Cumminses requires precision. Mixing high-flow manifolds with the correct oil lines keeps your engine healthy for years. Read on to see which components matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize stainless steel construction for all oil lines to prevent heat fatigue and potential leaks.
- Ensure your drain tube kits include aluminum AN adapters to provide a tight seal against high oil pressure.
- Look for intake systems that remove the factory grid heater restriction to promote smoother airflow into the cylinder head.
- Verify that your intercooler pipes are mandrel bent to maintain consistent diameter and flow velocity throughout the charge air path.
- Check that all coolant bypass components are rated for the high-vibration environment of a diesel engine bay.
| Essential Swap Foundation |  |
Universal Turbo Drain Tube Kit | Prevents turbo oil backup | Simplifies oil return routing | Durable construction for heat | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High Flow Upgrade |  |
Aluminum 10AN Turbo Drain Kit | Superior flow capacity | Leak-resistant AN fittings | Clean professional appearance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Airflow Powerhouse |  |
Banks Monster-Ram Intake Grid | Dramatically improved airflow | Removes intake restriction | High quality casting | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Boost Pressure Stability |  |
BST Stainless Intercooler Pipe Kit | Prevents pipe expansion | Durable stainless construction | Reinforced boot connections | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Emissions System Maintenance |  |
Cummins Crankcase Filter Kit | Direct factory replacement | Complete hardware set | Prevents engine pressure buildup | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Cooling System Insurance |  |
Fleece Coolant Bypass Kit | Reduces rear cylinder heat | Improves overall coolant flow | Prevents overheating issues | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Routine Service Essential |  |
Doc's Diesel Maintenance Kit | All-in-one filter solution | Matches factory specifications | Reliable filtration media | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quick Disconnect Delete |  |
10AN Heater Hose Upgrade | Eliminates plastic fitting failure | Secure threaded connection | Durable metal construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Performance Air Induction |  |
Banks Monster-Ram Intake System | Increases turbo spool speed | High boost tolerance | Smooth internal transitions | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Optimized Engine Breathing |  |
Banks Monster-Ram Intake Assembly | Reduces intake air restriction | Enhances power delivery | Precision engineered design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Universal Turbo Drain Tube Kit
When you perform a 2nd gen swap, the factory oil drain setup rarely plays nice with the new turbo location. This kit provides the necessary geometry to ensure proper oil drainage from your turbo back into the engine block. It acts as the backbone for your oiling system, preventing the dreaded smoke and seal failure caused by oil backup.
You will appreciate the flexibility this provides during the mounting process. Because swap kits can vary based on your specific turbo choice, having a dedicated drain solution is better than piecing together random fittings from a hardware store. Just ensure you measure your clearance before final tightening, as the proximity to the block can be tight.
- Component Type:Turbo drain line
- Compatibility:5.9L and 6.7L Cummins
- Connection Type:Flanged/barbed
- Additional Feature:Flexible hose construction
- Additional Feature:Direct fitment design
- Additional Feature:High heat resistance
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Aluminum 10AN Turbo Drain Kit
Upgrading to an S300 or S400 turbocharger requires a drain line that can handle the volume of oil these units move. This kit replaces restrictive factory lines with 10AN aluminum adapters and a stainless steel braided hose. It is an excellent choice for builders who want to avoid the weeping oil leaks that often plague stock-style rubber hoses.
The braided stainless steel looks much cleaner than standard rubber, but keep in mind that the braided exterior can be abrasive to nearby wiring harnesses. Secure the line properly using P-clamps to prevent it from rubbing against your frame or other engine components.
- Component Type:Oil drain line
- Material:Stainless steel and aluminum
- Compatibility:S300/S400 turbochargers
- Connection Type:10AN fittings
- Additional Feature:Braided steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Lightweight aluminum adapters
- Additional Feature:Improved thermal shielding
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Banks Monster-Ram Intake Grid
The stock grid heater is notorious for acting like a restrictive wall in the intake path of your 6.7L Cummins. Replacing it with this Monster-Ram unit significantly opens up the intake manifold, allowing for denser air charges and better throttle response. If you are pushing your engine beyond stock power levels, this is a necessary step to reduce backpressure.
You should note that removing the grid heater impacts your cold weather starting capability. If you live in a climate where temperatures frequently drop below freezing, consider how often you actually need that heater, as the airflow gains are substantial.
- Brand:Banks Power
- Component Type:Intake manifold upgrade
- Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Larger intake cross-section
- Additional Feature:Eliminates grid heater blockage
- Additional Feature:Optimized air path
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BST Stainless Intercooler Pipe Kit
Factory intercooler pipes are prone to ballooning or splitting once you start cranking up the boost on a 2nd gen swap setup. This stainless steel kit provides the structural rigidity needed to keep your boost levels consistent without the risk of a blown boot. It is a great way to ensure your hard-earned horsepower actually makes it into the cylinders.
The stainless construction is highly resistant to corrosion and heat fatigue. Just remember that installing hard piping requires careful alignment to ensure the boots seat perfectly, so do not rush the fitment process.
- Component Type:Intercooler piping
- Material:Stainless steel
- Compatibility:2013-2018 6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:High-pressure silicone boots
- Additional Feature:Precision mandrel bends
- Additional Feature:Bolt-on installation
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Cummins Crankcase Filter Kit
Maintaining your crankcase ventilation is vital for preventing excessive pressure buildup inside the engine. This kit replaces the filter, housing, and necessary hardware, ensuring your engine breathes correctly without oily residue fouling the intake. It is the perfect solution for those who want to keep the factory breather system functioning like new.
The kit includes all the brackets and clamps you need for a tidy installation. Be mindful of the filter service interval, as a clogged filter can cause oil leaks at the valve cover and rear main seal.
- Component Type:Crankcase breather filter
- Compatibility:2007.5-2018 6.7L Cummins
- Included Hardware:Hose, brackets, clamps
- Additional Feature:Factory-style filtration
- Additional Feature:Simple bracket mounting
- Additional Feature:Complete service kit
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Fleece Coolant Bypass Kit
The 6.7L Cummins can suffer from high cylinder pressure and coolant temperature spikes in the rear cylinders. This bypass kit promotes better circulation, which helps keep the engine running cooler and prevents hot spots that lead to head gasket issues. It is a smart proactive move for anyone towing heavy or running high performance tunes.
Installing this requires tapping into the cooling system, so plan for a thorough system flush afterward. It is a bit more involved than a simple bolt-on, but the long-term health benefits for your engine are worth the extra effort.
- Brand:Fleece Performance
- Component Type:Coolant bypass
- Compatibility:2013-2018 6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:High-flow bypass valve
- Additional Feature:Custom coolant hoses
- Additional Feature:Engine longevity focus
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Doc's Diesel Maintenance Kit
Keeping your fuel and oil systems clean is the easiest way to avoid costly repairs on a high-mileage 6.7L Cummins. This comprehensive kit bundles your primary filters into one box, ensuring you have the right parts for your scheduled maintenance. It eliminates the guesswork of sourcing individual parts from different suppliers.
You get high-quality filters that meet or exceed factory specifications. It is a straightforward purchase for the owner who prefers to handle their own service in the driveway rather than heading to the shop.
- Brand:Doc's Diesel
- Component Type:Maintenance filters
- Compatibility:2019-2024 6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Multiple filter types
- Additional Feature:OEM-matched fit
- Additional Feature:Convenient service bundle
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10AN Heater Hose Upgrade
The factory plastic quick-connect heater hose fittings are notorious for brittling and snapping as the truck ages. Replacing them with this -10AN conversion adapter gives you a much more secure connection that won't leave you stranded with a blown coolant line. It is a small part that solves a massive headache.
This kit turns a failure-prone snap-on fitting into a robust, threaded connection. You will need to ensure your hoses are trimmed correctly to account for the new elbow fitting geometry, but once set, it is essentially a permanent fix.
- Component Type:Heater hose adapter
- Material:Aluminum
- Compatibility:2007.5+ 6.7L Cummins
- Connection Type:-10AN
- Additional Feature:Quick-disconnect delete
- Additional Feature:High-temp elbow
- Additional Feature:Heavy-duty clamp included
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Banks Monster-Ram Intake System
If you are looking for a comprehensive way to improve your truck's volumetric efficiency, this intake system is a standout. It refines the path of incoming air, removing the turbulence typically found at the intake inlet. By smoothing out these transitions, you get a noticeable improvement in turbo spool and throttle response.
The unit is built to withstand high boost levels that would likely crack the factory manifold. Just make sure you are prepared for the increased intake noise, which is a common side effect of removing the restrictive factory baffling.
- Brand:Banks Power
- Component Type:Intake manifold
- Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Optimized air inlet
- Additional Feature:Rugged housing construction
- Additional Feature:Improved throttle response
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Banks Monster-Ram Intake Assembly
This assembly focuses on the final stage of your intake path, ensuring that your 6.7L Cummins has the unrestricted airflow it needs to make consistent power. It is perfect for builds where you have already upgraded your turbo and exhaust but still feel like the engine is choking at high RPM. The design is both functional and aesthetically refined.
Because this is a high-performance component, it is designed to work in tandem with other engine modifications. While you can use it on a stock truck, you will see the biggest performance gains when you pair it with a custom tune and increased fueling.
- Brand:Banks Power
- Component Type:Intake assembly
- Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:High-flow manifold design
- Additional Feature:Superior air velocity
- Additional Feature:Robust mounting points
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I switch from the stock VGT turbo to a second gen style kit?
The stock variable geometry turbo is prone to carbon buildup and can restrict exhaust flow when you add more fuel. A second gen swap uses a fixed geometry turbo that is much simpler and more reliable under high boost. It also gives your truck that distinct, aggressive turbo whistle that everyone wants.
Do I need to upgrade my tuning when I install this kit?
Yes, your engine computer expects the stock VGT turbo to be there. Without a custom tune, your truck will likely throw engine codes and limp around because the computer cannot control the air-to-fuel ratio correctly. You must update your calibration to match the new airflow characteristics.
Will this swap increase my exhaust gas temperatures?
Actually, it usually does the opposite if you choose the right turbo size. By moving to a more efficient turbocharger and a high-flow manifold, you lower backpressure significantly. This keeps your EGTs lower during heavy towing or racing compared to the stock setup.
How much time should I set aside for the installation?
Plan on spending at least one full weekend on this project. You are removing the entire intake and exhaust system, which involves stubborn, rusted bolts that take time to break loose. Having a friend help you lift the new turbo into place makes the process much safer.
Can I still use my stock intake piping with this kit?
Almost never, because the turbo inlet location moves to a different spot entirely. Most kits come with a custom intake tube or require you to buy an aftermarket cold air intake built for the swap. Verify if your chosen kit includes this piping, or you will be stuck with a truck that cannot breathe.
