Back in the day, modifying a diesel engine required custom fabrication and endless trips to the local machine shop. These days, bolt-on solutions make the Best 2nd Gen Swap Kit 6.7 Cumminses far more accessible for the average owner.
You can now upgrade your performance with parts designed to fit right the first time. Keep reading to see which kits simplify your installation process.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize stainless steel construction for oil feed and drain lines to ensure long-term heat resistance.
- Verify that your selected drain tube kit includes the specific 10AN fittings required for your turbocharger model.
- Confirm compatibility between your new manifold flange and the existing turbocharger footprint before starting the job.
- Always check that your intake air heater replacement matches the specific electrical connector type on your engine harness.
- Select hardware kits that include high-quality gaskets and mounting studs to prevent exhaust leaks under high boost pressure.
| Best Overall Value |  |
Generic Stainless Turbo Drain Kit | Durable braided stainless steel | Flexible oil feed line | Includes essential mounting hardware | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Daily Setup |  |
Standard Fitment Turbo Drain Kit | Specifically designed for Ram | Fits 5.9L and 6.7L | Simplifies drain path | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Premium Engineering Choice |  |
Fleece Performance Turbo Drain Kit | High quality manufacturing | Resists extreme engine heat | Professional grade components | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Airflow Enhancement Upgrade |  |
Banks Monster Ram Intake Kit | Dramatically improved airflow | Removes restrictive grid heater | High quality casting | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precision Fluid Control |  |
Aluminum Adapter Turbo Drain Kit | Strong 10AN adapters | High flow capacity | Secure braided line | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Maintenance Component |  |
Cummins Crankcase Filter Kit | Complete replacement kit | Includes mounting bracket | Secure hose clamps | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Cooling System Reliability |  |
Heater Hose Fitting Upgrade | Eliminates plastic failure points | Durable metal construction | Secure -10AN conversion | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Electrical Connection Savior |  |
Cummins Tuner Harness Repair | Repairs factory harness | Restores signal integrity | Plugs into existing sensors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Exhaust Flow Specialist |  |
BD Diesel Exhaust Manifold | Improved exhaust flow | High durability casting | Better turbo spool | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| VGT Swap Essential |  |
Fleece VGT Turbo Install Kit | Complete installation hardware | Specifically for VGT turbos | Quality seals and gaskets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Generic Stainless Turbo Drain Kit
If you are moving through a 2nd gen swap, this kit serves as the foundation for your oil management. It uses a stainless steel braided line that resists heat far better than the factory rubber hose, which eventually turns brittle under the hood.
This is best for those who want a direct replacement without any unnecessary complication. Just be aware that because it is a universal-style fit, you might need to adjust the routing slightly to avoid contact with hot exhaust components.
- Component Type:Turbo Drain Kit
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Material:Stainless steel
- Kit Contents:Drain tube, feed line, hardware
- Additional Feature:Braided line construction
- Additional Feature:High heat resistance
- Additional Feature:Includes necessary connectors
-
Standard Fitment Turbo Drain Kit
This kit is tailored specifically for the 2003 to 2018 Dodge Ram platform. It makes the transition to a 2nd gen configuration much cleaner by providing a pre-measured drain tube that reaches the oil pan without needing excessive modification.
It is a solid choice for mechanics who prefer a no-nonsense installation. However, it lacks the extra heat-shielding sleeves found on more expensive kits, so keep an eye on your oil temperatures if you are towing heavy loads.
- Component Type:Turbo Drain Tube
- Engine Compatibility:5.9L and 6.7L Cummins
- Kit Contents:Tube and clamps
- Additional Feature:Factory-style connection points
- Additional Feature:Direct fit geometry
- Additional Feature:Sturdy metal construction
-
Fleece Performance Turbo Drain Kit
Fleece Performance is well-regarded for their meticulous attention to diesel hardware. This drain kit is designed to handle the vibrations and heat of a modified Cummins engine without leaking a single drop.
You should choose this if you want to ensure the oil return path is as smooth and unrestricted as possible. The primary limitation is that it is quite specific, so it may not play nicely if you have an unconventional turbo mounting angle.
- Brand:Fleece Performance
- Component Type:Turbo Drain Kit
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Engineered for performance builds
- Additional Feature:Optimized oil flow
- Additional Feature:Long term leak prevention
-
Banks Monster Ram Intake Kit
The Monster Ram is a serious piece of equipment for anyone looking to unclog their intake system. It replaces the restrictive factory grid heater and intake elbow, significantly improving throttle response and overall air density.
It is ideal for trucks that have already undergone a swap and need to maximize power output. Be prepared, as this is a more involved installation compared to a simple oil line swap.
- Brand:Banks Power
- Component Type:Intake system
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Increases intake volume
- Additional Feature:Improves turbo spool
- Additional Feature:Durable cast design
-
Aluminum Adapter Turbo Drain Kit
This kit stands out because it utilizes 10AN aluminum adapters to secure the connection points. It acts like a high-end fuel system for your turbo oiling, ensuring that leak-free performance remains a priority under high pressure.
It works great with common turbo models like the S300 and S400. You might find the aluminum fittings require a bit more care during installation to prevent cross-threading, so proceed with patience.
- Component Type:Turbo Drain Tube
- Engine Compatibility:5.9L and 6.7L
- Material:Aluminum and stainless steel
- Adapter Size:10AN
- Additional Feature:Compatible with S300 turbos
- Additional Feature:Compatible with S400 turbos
- Additional Feature:Leak-resistant design
-
Cummins Crankcase Filter Kit
Your crankcase ventilation system is vital for keeping your engine internals clean and pressurized correctly. This kit provides a complete replacement for the 6.7L Cummins filter, including all the necessary brackets and hose hardware.
This is best for those who notice oil residue around their filter housing or who are due for a routine service. Note that the included hose requires firm positioning to ensure it does not vibrate against the engine block.
- Brand:Cummins
- Component Type:Crankcase filter
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Reduces crankcase pressure
- Additional Feature:Prevents oil seepage
- Additional Feature:Factory replacement specs
-
Heater Hose Fitting Upgrade
The factory quick-disconnect fittings on the 6.7L Cummins are notorious for brittle failures over time. This upgrade kit replaces those plastic components with a -10AN conversion to provide a permanent, metal-to-metal connection.
It is a smart proactive move for anyone planning to run their truck hard. Just remember that you will need to drain part of your cooling system before swapping these out, so plan your schedule accordingly.
- Component Type:Heater fitting
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Adapter Size:-10AN
- Additional Feature:Quick disconnect delete
- Additional Feature:High temperature resilience
- Additional Feature:Secure elbow fitting
-
Cummins Tuner Harness Repair
If you are modifying your truck's electronic brain, the tuner harness is a frequent point of failure. This kit provides the necessary plugs to fix faulty connections that can cause intermittent tuning or sensor errors.
It is a lifesaver for those who have damaged pins or corroded connectors from years of engine bay exposure. It is a very specific fix, so confirm your harness year range before starting the project.
- Component Type:Harness connector
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Kit Contents:Repair plugs
- Additional Feature:Fixes tuning errors
- Additional Feature:Weatherproof housing
- Additional Feature:Simple pin-out installation
-
BD Diesel Exhaust Manifold
The stock manifold is often a bottleneck for exhaust gas exit on a 2nd gen swap. The BD Diesel manifold uses an improved design to help reduce drive pressure and help your turbo spool faster.
It is a foundational piece for anyone building a high-horsepower engine. Be aware that because it is a heavy-duty casting, it is quite bulky, so you will want an extra set of hands during the bolt-up process.
- Brand:BD Diesel Performance
- Component Type:Exhaust manifold
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Reduces manifold cracking
- Additional Feature:Optimized runner geometry
- Additional Feature:Bolt-on installation
-
Fleece VGT Turbo Install Kit
If you are sticking with a VGT turbocharger during your swap, this kit provides everything you need to mount it correctly. It ensures that your oil and coolant lines are properly plumbed for the specific geometry of the 6.7L engine.
This is the cleanest route to a professional-looking installation. It is not intended for standard turbo swaps, so double-check your turbo type before purchasing this specific hardware package.
- Brand:Fleece Performance
- Component Type:Installation kit
- Engine Compatibility:6.7L Cummins
- Additional Feature:Optimized for VGT geometry
- Additional Feature:Includes all necessary gaskets
- Additional Feature:Simplifies turbo mounting
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this swap kit cause my check engine light to turn on?
Yes, moving the turbocharger changes the airflow characteristics and the position of your sensors. You will almost certainly need custom ECM tuning to account for the new hardware and keep the truck running within safe parameters. Without a proper tune, the computer will detect strange readings and trigger a trouble code.
Do I need to replace my injectors when installing a 2nd gen swap?
You do not strictly need to replace them, but your stock injectors might not provide enough fuel to spool a larger, performance-oriented turbo. If you are upgrading to a significantly larger turbocharger, your stock fueling system may feel sluggish at low RPMs. Many owners choose to upgrade to larger nozzles at the same time to match the new airflow potential.
Is it possible to keep my factory exhaust brake?
Most 2nd Gen swap kits are designed for aftermarket performance turbos that do not include the integrated factory exhaust brake assembly. If you live in a hilly area or tow heavy loads, you should consider adding an inline exhaust brake further down the exhaust system. This is a common trade-off for the improved reliability and sound of a manifold-mounted turbo.
How much time should I set aside for this installation?
If you have a well-stocked garage, expect to spend at least two full days on the installation. Removing the factory VGT turbo and the complex emissions equipment is a labor-intensive process that should not be rushed. Having a second set of hands available is vital when lifting the heavy turbo and manifold assembly into place.
Will this swap change the sound of my truck?
You will notice a dramatic difference in how your truck sounds. Because the turbo is no longer buried deep in the engine valley, you will hear a much louder and more aggressive turbo whistle. It sounds like a jet engine spooling up, which is a favorite feature for many diesel enthusiasts.
