TL;DR: The Quick Verdict
- Safety First: Eliminates the catastrophic "Killer Grid Heater Bolt" failure risk that can destroy engines.
- Real-World Test: Validated by YouTuber @Brandon24v in Indiana's extreme freezing winters and humid summers.
- Performance: Delivers 88% more airflow with a massive 3-3/8" inlet (2x OEM size).
- "Win-Win" Fitment: Unique design works on both Stock (EGR intact) and Deleted trucks.
- Winter Ready: Unlike standard deletes, it features optional heating element provisions for reliable cold starts.
If you own a 2007-2024 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500, you likely know the anxiety surrounding the notorious "Killer Grid Heater Bolt." It’s the nightmare scenario: a small bolt corrodes, snaps off, falls into cylinder #6, and grenades your engine.
But don't just take our word for it. Prominent diesel YouTuber @Brandon24v knows this pain firsthand. Based in Indiana—a state he describes as having "9 months of freezing cold miserable weather"—Brandon needs a truck that starts in the bitter cold but doesn't risk catastrophic failure.
After personally experiencing a blown motor, he turned to the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn to protect his new build. Let’s dive into his real-world review, tested in the harsh Midwestern climate, combined with technical data to see if this upgrade is the ultimate solution.
The "Killer Bolt" Horror Story: Why Brandon24v Made the Switch
Why is replacing the stock intake horn so critical? Brandon24v doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the factory design.
The factory grid heater is located directly in the airflow path. Over time, soot buildup and corrosion cause the nut on the bottom of the heater to snap and fall into the engine. To prevent history from repeating itself (and prevent heater bolt failure), the first thing Brandon did with his new motor was install the SPELAB Grid Heater Delete and 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn.
Tackling Indiana Winters: The Smart Heating Solution
One of the biggest hesitations owners have about upgrading their intake horn is losing the factory grid heater. "Will my truck start in the winter?" is the most common question, especially for drivers in freezing climates like Indiana.
This is where the SPELAB engineering stands out. Unlike other deletes that leave you stranded in the cold, the SPELAB manifold is specifically designed with heating element provisions.
- Flexible Adaptation: You can seal the ports in warm weather or install them in colder conditions.
- How it Works: In the summer, you plug the ports for maximum smooth airflow. In the winter, you can install the optional heating element coil.
- The Result: You get the safety of removing the "killer bolt," but you retain the ability to start your truck reliably in sub-zero temperatures.
88% More Airflow: Battling the Humidity
On the flip side, Brandon mentions the other extreme of Indiana weather: the "hot, disgusting, humid, sticky" summers where you sweat by 7:30 AM. In these conditions, air density drops, and your turbo has to work harder.
The SPELAB 3.5" Intake Manifold solves this with brute force engineering, featuring a massive 3-3/8 inch inlet and a smoother flow path, significantly improving overall engine performance.
Quick Comparison: OEM vs. SPELAB Intake Horn
| Feature | OEM Intake Horn | SPELAB Intake Horn |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow (typical) | Baseline / Restricted | ~+88% Airflow (advertised) — Larger 3-3/8" inlet |
| Grid Heater Risk | Fastener sits in airflow (risk of falling into engine) | Heater removed from airflow path; Eliminated risk |
| EGR & Sensors | Factory locations intact | Maintains factory sensor locations; EGR bolts can be retained |
| Cold Start | Factory grid heater present | Optional heating coil provisions for winter; Plug ports in summer |
The "Win-Win" Feature: Emissions Friendly or Full Delete?
Many truck owners hesitate to upgrade because they are worried about compatibility with their emissions systems (EGR). Brandon calls the SPELAB horn a "Win-Win for both ways."
- Stock Trucks: The kit retains all factory sensor locations and allows you to bolt the factory EGR valve and throttle body right on top.
- Deleted Trucks: If you are running a competition truck like Brandon’s builds, it pairs perfectly with the SPELAB EGR delete kits.
Pros & Cons (Practical Breakdown)
Pros
- ✅ Removes a single point of catastrophic failure (killer bolt).
- ✅ Major airflow gain — helps lower EGT and reduce turbo load.
- ✅ Heater-port design keeps winter reliability possible.
- ✅ Works on stock AND deleted trucks — versatile.
- ✅ Available in Black, Silver, and Red to match engine bay.
Cons / Trade-offs
- ⚠️ Requires optional heating element for extreme cold if removing OEM heater completely.
- ⚠️ Fitment requires handling fuel lines (plan for a few hours).
- ⚠️ May require minor monitoring (see our guide on troubleshooting airflow codes) on heavily modified engines to realize full benefit.
Installation Notes & Practical Tips
Before you jump into the installation video below, here are some practical tips gathered from real-world installs:
- Preparation: Verify model year fitment (2007–2024 Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins) and gather basic hand tools plus a torque wrench.
- Fuel Lines: You will need to remove the fuel rail and injection lines. Take your time and cap the lines to prevent debris from entering.
- Grid Heater Wiring: If you plan to keep winter heating using the SPELAB optional coil, route heater wiring safely and use a proper relay/fuse.
- Sealing: If you aren't using the heater element, ensure you plug the unused ports tightly to maximize airflow.
6.7 Dodge Ram intake manifold/Horn: 2007-2024 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Diesel
Intake manifold kit for chassis cab: 2013-2018 Dodge Ram 3500-5500 6.7L Chassis-Cab Only (Also Fits Dual-Alternator Engines)
Grid Heater Delete Plate: 2007-2024 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Dodge Ram Diesel
Watch the Full Installation & Review
See exactly how Brandon24v installs this on his truck and his reaction to the build quality:
Final Verdict
When a seasoned truck builder who operates in Indiana’s freezing winters and humid summers tells you that an intake manifold is "the first thing I did" to his new motor, it carries weight.
The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn reduces the single-point catastrophic risk (the killer bolt), increases airflow, and offers winter heating options so you don't sacrifice cold-start reliability. It is a sensible, technically sound upgrade for any 6.7L owner.
FAQ — Quick Answers
- Will my truck still start in winter if I remove the OEM grid heater?
- Yes — if you install the SPELAB optional heating coil in the manifold's ports. Without any heater, very cold starts may be harder depending on ambient temperature, but the SPELAB design gives you the option to keep it.
- Does the SPELAB intake horn keep EGR functionality?
- Yes. The design retains factory sensor locations and allows bolting the stock EGR valve and throttle body — so you can keep emissions hardware where required.
- How much airflow increase should I expect?
- SPELAB advertises an ~88% airflow increase versus the OEM horn due to a larger 3-3/8" inlet and smoother flow path. Actual gains depend on surrounding mods and tuning.
- Is this product suitable for daily drivers?
- Yes. For daily drivers who want the safety advantage and airflow gains, use the heating element in cold climates. For competition trucks, it pairs well with an EGR delete kit.
- Do I need a tune after installing the intake horn?
- Not always. Many users see improved performance without a tune. It is a mechanical upgrade that works with stock ECU mapping, though heavily modified engines will always benefit from a tune.
