Why is your EGT climbing when you need that extra boost? Moving to a top-mount turbo configuration requires precise plumbing and airflow management.
Getting the Best 2nd Gen Swap Kit 6.7 Cumminses sorted depends on choosing parts that fit your specific housing geometry. Avoid the leaks and frustration by checking these essential upgrades for your build.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize stainless steel braided lines for high-heat environments to prevent oil leaks.
- Ensure your intake manifold matches your specific year range to account for sensor placement.
- Verify that your drain tube kit includes high-quality gaskets to prevent premature oil seepage.
- Check that all coolant bypass components are compatible with your existing radiator hose diameter.
- Always upgrade head studs when increasing boost to maintain a proper cylinder seal under high pressure.
| Essential Swap Foundation |  |
Generic Stainless Steel Turbo Drain Kit | Braided stainless steel lines | Includes necessary connectors | High heat resistance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Wide Compatibility Standard |  |
Universal 2nd Gen Turbo Drain | Broad year coverage | Prevents oil line kinking | Sturdy construction | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High Flow Upgrade |  |
Banks Power Monster-Ram Intake | Improved airflow path | Includes grid heater upgrade | High quality casting | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Performance Airflow Logic |  |
Banks Monster-Ram Intake Kit | Optimal air flow design | Robust construction | Easy sensor integration | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Factory Maintenance Baseline |  |
Mopar Genuine OEM Filter Bundle | Guaranteed factory fit | Reliable filtration media | Complete kit bundle | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precision Intake Solution |  |
Banks Monster-Ram Intake Assembly | High volume capacity | Excellent throttle response | Professional aesthetic | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Cooling System Safety |  |
Fleece Performance Coolant Bypass | Prevents coolant pressure spikes | Bolt-on installation | Improved thermal regulation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quick Disconnect Delete |  |
Heater Hose Fitting Upgrade | Eliminates plastic failure points | Secure metal connection | Simple installation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High Flow Manifold |  |
BD Diesel Exhaust Manifold Kit | Improved exhaust flow | High thermal resistance | Reduced turbo lag | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ultimate Bottom End Security |  |
ARP Head Studs Gasket Kit | Extreme clamping force | Prevents blown gaskets | High strength hardware | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Generic Stainless Steel Turbo Drain Kit
When you perform a 2nd Gen swap, you need a reliable oil path that won't leak under pressure. This kit provides a stainless steel braided line that handles the heat better than standard rubber hoses. It is the go-to choice for builders who want a proven, durable connection without overcomplicating the setup.
The connectors are machined well, ensuring you get a secure seal on the first try. You might find the installation process tight in certain spots, so keep a good set of wrenches handy. It is a simple piece of insurance for your turbocharger.
- Part Type:Turbo Drain Kit
- Material Composition:Stainless steel
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Braided heat resistant line
- Additional Feature:Included mounting screws
- Additional Feature:Leak resistant connectors
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Universal 2nd Gen Turbo Drain
This kit covers a broad range of years, making it a versatile solution for almost any 6.7L Cummins swap project. You get a kit that fits the geometry of the engine bay perfectly, avoiding the kinks or bends that often plague cheaper aftermarket hoses.
It acts as the artery for your turbo, ensuring oil flow remains consistent during heavy load. While the build quality is sturdy, check your specific manifold clearance before you finalize the routing. It is a solid choice for those who value broad model support.
- Part Type:Turbo Drain Kit
- Compatibility Year:2003-2018
- Engine Fitment:5.9L and 6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Direct fitment design
- Additional Feature:High pressure tolerance
- Additional Feature:Reinforced housing
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Banks Power Monster-Ram Intake
If you want to remove the restrictive factory intake bottleneck, this is your primary path. It opens up the airflow significantly, which helps your engine breathe more freely under high boost levels. The engineering behind the internal flow path is clearly superior to the stock casting.
You also get the benefit of the killer grid heater upgrade to keep your intake temps managed. Be aware that the installation takes time because you are replacing a primary air component. It is a performance piece that rewards the effort.
- Brand Name:Banks Power
- Part Type:Intake Manifold
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Enhanced air distribution
- Additional Feature:Integrated heating element
- Additional Feature:Durable metallic finish
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Banks Monster-Ram Intake Kit
This kit is essentially a refined iteration of the intake upgrade, aimed at users who prioritize specific engine output goals. The Monster-Ram design minimizes turbulence, acting like a smooth bypass lane for air moving into your cylinders. It is a professional-grade component for a serious build.
The inclusion of the grid heater delete or upgrade options ensures you are not just adding power, but maintaining engine health. It is a heavy-duty unit that feels like it could outlast the truck itself. Ensure your other induction components match this level of quality.
- Brand Name:Banks Power
- Part Type:Intake Manifold
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Optimized intake plenum
- Additional Feature:Grid heater hardware
- Additional Feature:High flow internal geometry
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Mopar Genuine OEM Filter Bundle
Never underestimate the value of genuine filtration when your engine is running high boost and fuel pressure. This bundle keeps your 6.7L Cummins running exactly as the engineers intended by providing factory-spec filtering. You avoid the risks associated with generic, low-quality filters that might fail under stress.
Using the original oil and fuel filters is a cheap form of insurance for your fuel injectors and bearings. It is a convenient way to refresh your entire system in one go. You will appreciate the consistency of these parts during your routine service intervals.
- Brand Name:Mopar
- Part Type:Filter Kit
- Compatibility Year:2013-2019
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Includes oil filter
- Additional Feature:Includes fuel separator
- Additional Feature:OEM quality specifications
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Banks Monster-Ram Intake Assembly
This version of the intake upgrade focuses on structural rigidity while maximizing the volume of air delivered to the engine. It is a well-balanced piece that provides enough flow for high-horsepower builds without causing issues with daily driving manners. The build quality is exceptional.
You will notice a difference in throttle response immediately after the installation. It is a clean, effective way to reclaim power lost in the stock intake system. Just be prepared to spend a few hours getting the hardware torqued correctly.
- Brand Name:Banks Power
- Part Type:Intake Manifold
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Precision machined ports
- Additional Feature:Enhanced intake flow
- Additional Feature:Grid heater hardware included
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Fleece Performance Coolant Bypass
Engine overheating is the silent killer of high-performance diesels. This coolant bypass kit helps regulate internal temperatures by preventing cylinder pressure spikes and coolant backup. It is a clever, simple way to maintain thermal stability in your 6.7L Cummins.
The kit is engineered to be a bolt-on application, which saves you from custom fabrication. It works like a pressure relief valve for your cooling system. You should install this if you plan on pushing your truck to the limit.
- Brand Name:Fleece Performance
- Part Type:Coolant Bypass
- Compatibility Year:2013-2018
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Integrated thermostat
- Additional Feature:High flow bypass port
- Additional Feature:Direct replacement design
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Heater Hose Fitting Upgrade
The factory quick-disconnect fittings are a notorious weak point that can leave you stranded with a coolant leak. This adapter kit replaces those fragile plastic parts with a solid metal connection. It acts as a permanent fix that you will never have to worry about again.
Switching to a -10AN conversion provides a much more secure attachment for your heater lines. It is a small but critical upgrade for anyone who values reliability over stock components. Installation is straightforward if you have basic hand tools.
- Part Type:Heater Fitting
- Compatibility Year:2007.5+
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:-10AN conversion
- Additional Feature:Durable elbow fitting
- Additional Feature:Secure clamp included
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BD Diesel Exhaust Manifold Kit
Your engine is only as good as its ability to expel exhaust gases. This manifold kit is designed to improve flow and reduce backpressure, which helps your turbo spool much faster. It is a massive upgrade over the restrictive factory unit that often cracks under high heat.
The construction is thick and heavy, designed to withstand the extreme thermal cycling of a performance diesel. It fits well and provides a solid base for your turbo upgrade. This is a must-have for anyone serious about power.
- Brand Name:BD Diesel
- Part Type:Exhaust Manifold
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Casting resists cracking
- Additional Feature:Performance optimized ports
- Additional Feature:Direct bolt-on design
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ARP Head Studs Gasket Kit
When you increase your boost levels, you put immense strain on the head bolts. These ARP studs provide the clamping force necessary to keep your head gasket sealed under extreme pressure. It is the gold standard for preventing blown gaskets in a modified diesel.
You are essentially bolting the top of your engine down with an unbreakable grip. This is not a quick weekend project, as it requires pulling the head, but it is the single most important reliability modification for your build. Do not skip this if you are chasing big numbers.
- Brand Name:ARP / DK
- Part Type:Head Studs
- Compatibility Year:2007-2018
- Engine Fitment:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:High performance studs
- Additional Feature:Reinforced head gasket
- Additional Feature:High pressure resistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 2nd Gen swap increase my turbo lag?
Moving the turbo to the top mount often requires longer intake piping, which can slightly increase the volume of air the turbo must pressurize. While this might add a split second of lag, the improved exhaust flow from a better manifold usually compensates for it. Most drivers find the throttle response feels sharper once the turbo is tuned correctly. The trade-off is almost always worth the gain in top-end power.
Do I need to replace my head studs to run this swap?
You do not strictly need new head studs just to mount a 2nd Gen manifold. However, these swaps often encourage you to run a larger turbo and higher boost levels than stock. If you plan to push past 40 PSI of boost, you should install heavy-duty studs to keep the head gasket from lifting. Think of them as an insurance policy against the pressure you are creating.
Can I keep my stock air intake box?
Unfortunately, no. The new position of the turbo puts the intake inlet in a different spot, making the stock air box incompatible with the new plumbing. You will need to run a cold air intake or a custom filter setup that pulls from the fender well. This is usually necessary to get enough air to your new turbo setup anyway.
Is it difficult to install a 2nd Gen swap kit?
This is a moderate project that requires standard hand tools and some patience. You will be working in tight spaces near the exhaust manifold, which is notoriously difficult to access on a Cummins. Plan for a full weekend of work. If you have never pulled a turbo before, having a second pair of hands to help lift the heavy manifold into place makes the job much easier.
Will this swap cause issues with my emissions equipment?
Yes, this swap is intended for off-road or competition use only. It removes or bypasses the factory exhaust configuration, which will prevent your truck from passing a standard emissions test. Check your local laws before you start this conversion. Once the factory piping is gone, returning the truck to a stock configuration is a complicated and expensive process.
