Best 6.7 Cummins Billet Valve Cover: SPELAB Upgrade Guide

Updated on January 7 2026

TL;DR: Upgrade your 6.7L Cummins with a SPELAB billet aluminum valve cover. Replace crack-prone stock parts to improve heat dissipation, prevent leaks, and enhance engine bay aesthetics with superior cooling fins and dual-plate baffling.

Upgrade your Dodge 6.7L Cummins with SPELAB's premium aluminum valve cover. Enhance engine durability, eliminate messy oil leaks, and give your engine bay a custom look.

1. The Function and Importance of the Valve Cover

The valve cover plays a crucial role in your engine's ecosystem. It seals the valve mechanism, preventing oil leaks and shielding the engine's internal components from dust and debris. By ensuring oil stays circulating and lubricating the rocker arms, the cover reduces friction and wear, effectively extending the life of your engine.

In a 6.7 Cummins engine, the valve cover gasket ensures a watertight seal. Over time, factory gaskets may dry out and crack, leading to a valve cover gasket leak. This isn't just messy; it can lead to oil starvation and potential engine damage if left unchecked.

Upgrading to a high-quality unit, such as the SPELAB aluminum valve cover, provides superior structural integrity and heat resistance compared to stock plastic parts. This is particularly important in high-boost scenarios where extreme pressure and heat stress the engine.

Understanding the "why" is the first step. Next, let's look at the "what"—the specific advantages of choosing aluminum over plastic.

Close up of 6.7 Cummins engine valve train and gasket area

2. Key Features and Advantages of the SPELAB Aluminum Valve Cover

The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins aluminum valve cover offers several distinct advantages over traditional OEM stamped steel or plastic covers. Crafted from high-strength aluminum, it provides superior heat dissipation. This makes it an ideal choice for 6.7 Cummins owners who tow heavy loads or tune their engines for performance.

One of the standout features is its dual-plate baffle design. This internal structure effectively separates oil particles from blow-by gases, significantly lowering the oil content in your emissions system. For those who care about keeping their intake tract clean, this is a massive benefit.

The integrated cooling fins are not just for aesthetics. They increase the surface area of the cover, enhancing the engine's cooling capacity. This helps maintain optimal oil temperatures even under heavy stress, such as during dyno runs or steep hill climbs.

Customization is another perk. Available in multiple finishes including black, silver, and red, this upgrade offers a perfect blend of functionality and style. You’re not just replacing a part; you’re personalizing your rig.

SPELAB Aluminum Valve Cover featuring cooling fins and dual-plate design

3. Why Upgrade to the SPELAB Aluminum Valve Cover?

Among high-mileage 6.7 Cummins trucks, valve cover-related issues are far more common than many owners expect. After repeated heat cycles, factory plastic or thin stamped covers often begin to warp, allowing small oil leaks to develop long before a gasket failure becomes obvious.

In towing-heavy applications or tuned engines running higher boost pressure, these issues tend to appear even sooner. This is one of the main reasons experienced Cummins owners proactively upgrade their valve covers before leaks turn into reliability problems.

Why replace your factory cover if it isn't broken? Or if it is broken, why not just buy another cheap OEM one? The answer lies in materials and engineering.

Feature	Standard OEM Cover (Plastic)	SPELAB Aluminum Upgrade
Material	Plastic / Thin Stamped Steel	High-Strength Cast or Billet Aluminum
Durability	Prone to cracking & warping over time	Built for lifetime durability & high boost
Cooling	Insulates heat (bad for engine)	Cooling fins dissipate heat (good for engine)
Aesthetics	Dull black plastic	Custom colors (Red, Silver, Black)

Who Should Upgrade to an Aluminum Valve Cover?

While any 6.7 Cummins owner can benefit from an aluminum valve cover, this upgrade is especially worthwhile in the following situations:

High-mileage trucks (100,000+ miles): Aging plastic covers are more prone to warping and slow oil seepage.
Heavy towing or hauling: Sustained heat and load accelerate gasket fatigue and oil leaks.
Tuned or high-boost engines: Increased crankcase pressure places extra stress on factory valve covers.
Owners planning long-term ownership: Aluminum covers eliminate repeat replacements and reduce future maintenance costs.

For 6.7 Cummins engines, this upgrade ensures your engine remains protected even under the most demanding circumstances. The SPELAB cover is designed to withstand the extreme conditions associated with heavy-duty towing and racing.

Additionally, the dual-plate design improves sealing and reduces the likelihood of future leaks. By preventing valve cover gasket leaks and reducing oil consumption, this cover essentially pays for itself by extending the life of your engine.

Red SPELAB Billet Valve Cover installed on a Dodge Ram engine bay

4. How to Install the SPELAB Aluminum Valve Cover

Installing the SPELAB valve cover is a straightforward process that you can complete with basic hand tools. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or a beginner, this guide will help you get the job done.

4.1 Preparation and Tools Required

Gather your tools: a socket set (typically 10mm), a torque wrench, a gasket scraper, and shop rags. Ensure you have the new valve cover gasket ready (often included in SPELAB kits).

4.2 Step-by-Step Installation Process

Remove the Old Valve Cover: Disconnect wiring harnesses and CCV hoses. Remove the bolts securing the old cover and lift it off.
Clean the Surface: Use a scraper and rag to remove old gasket material and oil from the cylinder head. A clean surface is critical for a leak-free seal.
Install the New Gasket: Place the new gasket into the groove of the SPELAB cover or directly onto the head, ensuring alignment.
Mount the SPELAB Cover: Position the new aluminum cover. Hand-tighten the bolts, then use a torque wrench to tighten them in a crisscross pattern to the manufacturer's spec (do not overtighten!).
Reconnect Components: Reattach wiring, injector harnesses, and hoses.
Final Check: Start the engine and inspect for leaks. Listen for any unusual sounds.

Need a visual guide? Watch this installation video below:

5. Common Valve Cover Issues and How to Resolve Them

Even with the best parts, maintenance is key. Here is what to look out for.

5.1 Identifying a Valve Cover Gasket Leak

Symptoms include oil stains on the driveway, a burning oil smell (oil hitting the exhaust manifold), or visible grime around the valve cover perimeter. Addressing a leak early prevents mess and potential fire hazards.

5.2 Causes of Failure

Gaskets fail due to heat cycles, age, or improper installation (pinched gasket). Over-tightening bolts is a common mistake that warps the gasket.

5.3 Can You Drive with a Leak?

It is not advisable. While a minor weep allows you to limp home, a significant leak can cause low oil pressure or engine fires. Fix it promptly.

Mechanic inspecting a valve cover gasket for leaks

6. Long-Term Benefits and Cost Savings

Investing in a SPELAB cover is a smart financial decision for the long run.

6.1 Durability and Reduced Maintenance

Cast Aluminum ($299.99): Excellent value, offering strength and corrosion resistance far superior to plastic.

Billet Aluminum ($599.00): The ultimate upgrade. CNC-machined from solid blocks for maximum precision and strength. Ideal for high-horsepower builds.

By eliminating the risk of plastic cracking, you save money on future replacement parts and labor.

6.2 Aesthetic and Resale Value

A clean, custom engine bay suggests a well-maintained truck. Whether you choose Red, Silver, or Black, the visual impact is immediate and can boost resale value.

Valve Cover Aluminum 2003-2024 Dodge 6.7L/5.9L Cummins SPELAB

Dodge Ram 2500/3500

$299.99-$599.99

Buy Now

7. Complementary Products for the SPELAB Upgrade

Maximize your engine's efficiency by pairing the valve cover with these upgrades:

7.1 CCV Delete Kit

The CCV Delete Kit eliminates the factory crankcase filter, which is prone to clogging. This vents gases more effectively and keeps your turbo compressor wheel clean.

7.2 Oil Catch Can

An oil catch can captures oil vapors before they re-enter the intake. Paired with the SPELAB valve cover, this ensures your engine breathes only clean air, reducing carbon buildup.

Conclusion: Invest in Superior Engine Performance

Upgrading to the SPELAB aluminum valve cover is more than just an aesthetic improvement—it's a crucial investment in your Dodge Ram's reliability. With high-strength construction, innovative dual-plate baffling, and enhanced cooling, it outclasses the OEM plastic cover in every way.

Ready to upgrade? Visit Spelab auto parts today to find the perfect fit for your build.

FAQs

Q1: What are the main benefits of upgrading to the SPELAB aluminum valve cover?

A1: It offers superior durability (won't crack like plastic), better heat dissipation via cooling fins, and a dual-plate baffle design that reduces oil consumption.

Q2: Is this compatible with my truck?

A2: Yes, it fits all 2003-2024 Dodge 6.7L and 5.9L Cummins Diesel Ram 2500/3500 models.

Q3: How does the dual-plate design help?

A3: It acts as an oil separator, preventing oil droplets from entering the ventilation system, which keeps your intake tract cleaner.

Q4: Can I install this myself?

A4: Absolutely. It is a bolt-on upgrade suitable for DIY enthusiasts. Basic hand tools are all that is required.

Q5: Does this affect my warranty?

A5: Generally, no. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, aftermarket parts do not void warranties unless they specifically cause a failure. However, always check with your dealer.