1. Why Should 6.7 Cummins Owners Upgrade or Delete the Grid Heater?
What is the 6.7 Cummins Air Grid Heater (Intake Heater/Heater Plate)?
Before comparing different solutions, we need to understand what the 6.7 Cummins Grid Heater is and its role in the 6.7L Cummins variable pump ignition heating system. The Grid Heater is installed in the intake path, between the 6.7 Cummins intake horn and cylinder head, where it heats the incoming air during cold starts using electrical heating elements.
Why do owners need to upgrade or delete the 6.7 Cummins Air Grid Heater?
While the OEM design includes a heating function, it has several issues that cause many 6.7 Cummins owners to either upgrade or remove it:
- Loose Heater Bolts Hazard: The OEM Grid Heater is bolted inside the intake, and if the bolts loosen or break, they could fall into the cylinders, potentially causing engine damage or contamination.
- Restricted Airflow: The grid structure of the heater can obstruct the airflow, reducing the speed of air entering the cylinders, impacting combustion efficiency and engine performance, especially for vehicles with turbo upgrades or ECU tuning.
- Carbon Build-up: The Grid Heater can increase carbon build-up inside the intake manifold, further obstructing airflow and raising maintenance costs.
Therefore, for those looking to improve performance or protect their engine, upgrading or removing the Grid Heater is a reasonable option.
2. Comparison of 6.7 Cummins Air Grid Heater Solutions (Installation Locations & Functions)
Currently, there are several different Grid Heater solutions on the market, each varying in installation location, function, and suitability.
🔹 Solution 1: BD Diesel Killer Grid Heater Upgrade Kit
Installation Location: Inside the OEM intake manifold (between the intake manifold and cylinder head)
How It Helps: Reinforces the OEM intake manifold to strengthen the bolt attachment, reducing the risk of bolts falling off.
Best For: Owners who still need heating functionality but want to reduce the risk of the bolts falling off in the OEM design.
🔹 Solution 2: Black Market Performance Intake Air Heater Relocation Kit
Installation Location: External intake pipe (near the throttle body) + modification to the OEM intake manifold
How It Helps: Completely removes the OEM Grid Heater and relocates the heating function to the front section of the intake pipe, eliminating the risk of falling bolts.
Best For: Owners living in colder regions who still require heating but want to optimize airflow.
🔹 Solution 3: Geno’s Garage Air Intake Grid Heater Kit
Installation Location: Inside the intake manifold (between the intake manifold and cylinder head)
How It Helps: Replaces the OEM Grid Heater with a stronger structure to reduce the risk of bolt fallout while retaining the original grid-style heating structure.
Best For: Owners who want to improve durability but don’t intend to remove the Grid Heater.
🔹 Solution 4: SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Grid Heater Delete Kit
Installation Location: Inside the intake manifold (between the intake manifold and cylinder head)
How It Helps: Completely removes the Grid Heater and replaces it with a sealed aluminum plate, increasing airflow and improving combustion efficiency.
Best For: Owners seeking maximum airflow efficiency and performance gains, including those with ECU tuning, turbo upgrades, and performance modifications, especially in warmer climates (e.g., Texas, California, Florida).
3. Comparison of 6.7 Cummins Grid Heater Solutions: Pros & Cons
| Solution | Installation Location | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BD Diesel Killer Grid Heater Upgrade | Inside the intake manifold (between intake manifold and cylinder head) | Reasonable price, easy installation | Restricted airflow, still some carbon build-up | Budget-conscious owners who want to reduce the risk of bolt fallout but retain heating |
| Black Market Performance Relocation Kit | External intake pipe + OEM intake manifold modification | Eliminates the risk of bolt fallout, retains heating functionality | Complex installation, affects engine bay layout | Owners in cold climates who still need heating |
| Geno’s Garage Grid Heater Kit | Inside the intake manifold (between intake manifold and cylinder head) | Stronger structure reduces bolt fallout risk | Restricted airflow, carbon build-up still an issue | Owners who want to improve durability but don't want to optimize airflow |
| SPELAB Grid Heater Delete Kit | Inside the intake manifold (between intake manifold and cylinder head) | Completely eliminates bolt fallout risk, increases airflow, reduces carbon build-up | Requires preheating for cold climates, may need additional modifications for winter | Performance-focused owners, ECU tuned, turbo-upgraded, or high-performance modified vehicles |
4. Why Choose the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Air Grid Heater Delete Kit?
The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Grid Heater Delete Kit is the most thorough solution for the Grid Heater problem on the market. Not only does it improve engine intake efficiency, but it also reduces carbon build-up, lowers maintenance costs, and completely eliminates the defects of the OEM design.
Core Advantages of the SPELAB Grid Heater Delete Kit:
- Increased Airflow (+30%): Compared to the OEM Grid Heater, the SPELAB Delete Kit eliminates the grid structure obstruction, allowing for smoother airflow and improving combustion efficiency.
- Complete Elimination of Bolt Fallout Risk: By completely removing the OEM Grid Heater, the risk of bolts falling into the cylinder is entirely eliminated, protecting the engine from potential damage.
- Reduced Carbon Build-up, Extended Engine Life: Without the Grid Heater structure, the intake system no longer suffers from carbon build-up, lowering maintenance costs and enhancing long-term reliability.
- CNC Machined Aluminum Alloy Material: High-strength aerospace-grade aluminum ensures durability, even in extreme conditions, maintaining stable performance.
- Wide Compatibility: Fits 2007.5-2024 Dodge Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 and all 6.7 Cummins models, including OEM and modified ECU versions.
- Easy Installation: The SPELAB design adheres to OEM standards, requiring no additional modifications. Installation is straightforward, allowing owners to do it themselves.
Best For:
- Owners seeking maximum airflow efficiency and performance gains
- ECU tuned, turbo upgraded, or performance modified vehicles
- Owners in warmer climates who don’t need heating
- Owners who want to completely eliminate OEM Grid Heater defects
Intake Horn + Grid Heater for 6.7 Cummins 2007-2024 Dodge Ram 2500/3500
Fit 2007-2012, 2013-2018, 2019+ Dodge Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins Diesel
$667
Buy Now
💡 Order the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Grid Heater Delete Kit today to boost your engine performance and say goodbye to OEM design flaws!
5. Recommended Upgrade: SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Air Intake Manifold + Heating Bolts
If you've already installed the SPELAB Grid Heater Delete Kit and want to optimize intake and cold-start performance in cold weather, we recommend pairing it with the SPELAB Intake Manifold + Heating Bolts!
- Enhanced Airflow: The SPELAB intake manifold features a larger internal design, improving airflow efficiency and further enhancing engine performance.
- Better Fuel Atomization: The 45° sensor port angle optimizes sensor installation, ensuring accurate intake data and improving combustion efficiency.
- Aerodynamic Optimization: The small-angle bend and nearly 180° parallel design reduce airflow turbulence and minimize intake resistance.
- Durability: CNC full aluminum alloy construction prevents OEM plastic components from aging or cracking, providing a longer lifespan.
- Perfect Compatibility: Designed to perfectly complement the SPELAB Grid Heater Delete Kit, ensuring optimal intake performance and cold-start behavior.
Installation Location:
Intake manifold (Intake Plenum) + front section of the intake (install heating bolts)
6. Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Solution for You?
- For maximum intake efficiency + performance gains 👉 SPELAB Grid Heater Delete Kit
- For optimized intake but retaining heating functionality 👉 SPELAB Intake Manifold + Heating Bolts (recommended for cold climates)
- For a simple safety upgrade 👉 BD Diesel Upgrade Kit
- For preventing bolt fallout while retaining heating 👉 Black Market Performance Relocation Kit
7. FAQ
- Q1. Will removing the Grid Heater affect cold-start performance?
- Not much in warmer climates, but in cold regions, it is recommended to pair with the SPELAB intake manifold and heating bolts for optimized cold-start performance.
- Q2. Do I need to recalibrate the ECU when installing the SPELAB Grid Heater Delete Kit?
- No, it can be installed without ECU recalibration, but ECU tuning can further optimize intake efficiency.
- Q3. What improvements does the SPELAB intake manifold offer over the OEM design?
- It provides a larger internal space, improves airflow efficiency, reduces air resistance, and increases engine power.
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Q4. Which models are compatible with the SPELAB Grid Heater Delete Kit?
- It fits all 2007.5-2024 Dodge Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500, and all 6.7 Cummins models, including OEM and modified ECU versions.
- Q5. Will this modification affect the vehicle’s emission system?
- The Grid Heater Delete Kit itself does not affect emissions, but some regions may have regulations, so please check local laws before installing.
