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.
Updated on January 7 2026 by John Lee
What is a Valve Cover? And Why Upgrade It?
The valve cover (also known as the rocker cover) is more than just a lid; it's a critical component of your diesel engine's armor. Attached to the top of the cylinder head, it encloses the rocker mechanism, playing a vital role in engine health.
In 6.7L Cummins engines, the valve cover ensures oil stays circulating internally while blocking dirt and debris from contaminating the system. The valve cover gasket works in tandem to seal the joint, preventing messy and dangerous oil leaks.
So, why upgrade? Moving from the stock plastic or stamped steel cover to a 6.7 Cummins billet valve cover isn't just about looks. It significantly improves heat dissipation, enhances durability under high boost, and yes—it makes your engine bay look incredible.
Top Pick: Aluminum Valve Cover (2003-2024 Dodge Cummins)
Fitment Compatibility:
- 2007-2024 6.7L Cummins Diesel (Dodge Ram 2500/3500)
- 2003-2007 5.9L Cummins Diesel (Dodge Ram 2500/3500)
Features: Integrated cooling fins, robust seal design, and available in custom finishes.
Check Price & AvailabilityWhat Makes a High-Quality 6.7 Cummins Valve Cover?
Not all aftermarket parts are created equal. When shopping for a valve cover, use this checklist to ensure you're investing in quality:
| Factor | High-Quality Valve Covers (The Goal) | Standard / OEM Options |
|---|---|---|
| Material Selection | Billet Aluminum (6061-T6): Superior strength, resists warping under heat, and looks premium. | Plastic or Cast Iron: Prone to cracking over time or retaining too much heat. |
| Thermal Performance | Features Cooling Fins and increased surface area to actively dissipate engine heat. | Smooth surfaces designed for basic protection, not heat management. |
| Customization | Available in anodized colors (Red, Black, Silver) with options for custom logos. | Standard black or raw metal; purely functional aesthetics. |
| CCV Integration | Often features Dual-plate baffles to reduce oil consumption and blow-by. | Standard baffling; may allow more oil vapor into the intake system. |
| Durability | Built for high boost and extreme duty cycles (towing, racing). | Designed for daily driving; may degrade under heavy load. |
Brand Showdown: SPELAB vs. The Competition
How does SPELAB compare to industry giants? We believe in transparency. While big retailers offer vast inventories, SPELAB focuses on specialized engineering for the Cummins platform.
| Brand | Key Strengths | Best For... | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPELAB | Specialized Cummins Focus: Billet construction with cooling fins, dual-plate baffle design, and extensive visual customization (colors/logos). Direct-to-consumer pricing. | Enthusiasts & Builders wanting high performance + custom looks without the "brand tax." | $349 - $699 |
| Summit Racing | Massive Inventory: Reliable logistics and a wide range of standard replacement parts. Good for one-stop shopping. | Budget Builders looking for standard OEM replacements or basic upgrades. | $100 - $390 |
| Holley | Racing Heritage: High-strength materials and classic designs. Extremely durable under track conditions. | Legacy Racers who prioritize brand history and extreme track durability. | $150 - $450 |
| Billet Specialties | Premium Finish: Known for mirror-polished aluminum and show-car aesthetics. High price point. | Show Trucks where budget is no issue and "bling" is the priority. | $300 - $600 |
| Moroso | Function Over Form: Industrial, race-proven designs. Not much focus on customization/color. | Pure Performance applications where looks are secondary to function. | $150 - $400 |
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing the right valve cover depends on your specific build goals:
- Choose SPELAB if: You want the best balance of cooling performance, custom style (colors/logos), and value. It's the modern choice for the 6.7L Cummins owner who wants their truck to stand out.
- Choose Summit/JEGS if: You need a quick, standard replacement part on a tight budget.
- Choose Holley/Moroso if: You are building a dedicated track-only race truck and need legacy-brand certification.
Ready to upgrade? Explore the SPELAB Valve Cover Collection to find the perfect match for your engine bay.
Valve Cover FAQs
Q1: Cast Aluminum vs. Billet Aluminum: What's the real difference?
A1: Cast aluminum is poured into a mold—it's cheaper but can have microscopic air pockets (porosity). Billet aluminum is CNC-machined from a solid block of metal. This makes Billet (like SPELAB's covers) significantly stronger, more precise, and visually sharper, ideal for high-pressure diesel applications.
Q2: Do cooling fins actually work?
A2: Yes. In a diesel engine, heat is the enemy. Cooling fins increase the surface area of the metal, acting like a heatsink to pull heat away from the cylinder head. This aids in maintaining optimal oil temperatures, especially when towing heavy loads.
Q3: Is it difficult to install a new valve cover on a 6.7 Cummins?
A3: It is generally considered a moderate DIY task. Most SPELAB kits come designed for a direct fit. You will need to remove the plastic engine cover and some CCV plumbing. We recommend checking if your kit includes a new gasket (most SPELAB kits do) to ensure a leak-free seal.
Q4: How does the dual-plate design help with emissions/oil consumption?
A4: Diesel engines generate "blow-by" gas. A dual-plate baffle system inside the valve cover creates a tortuous path for these gases, trapping oil droplets and returning them to the engine before the air is vented to the CCV system. This keeps your intake tract cleaner.
Q5: Can I get a custom color?
A5: Absolutely. Unlike standard OEM parts, SPELAB offers anodized finishes in Red, Silver, Black, and more, allowing you to color-match your engine bay accessories.
John Lee
Mechanical Engineer | 10+ Years Experience
John has spent the last decade engineering and testing high-performance automotive components. Specializing in drivetrain durability and thermal management across Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax applications, he bridges the gap between OEM limitations and aftermarket performance. His philosophy: "Factory parts are just a starting point."
