In optimizing the intake system of the 6.7L Cummins engine, the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins intake horn plays a crucial role in enhancing airflow efficiency.
However, the OEM grid heater can negatively impact intake airflow and engine reliability over time, particularly due to airflow restriction, carbon buildup, and the dreaded grid heater bolt failure.
As a result, many truck owners wonder whether they need to delete the grid heater when installing the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins intake horn with heater.
This guide provides a detailed analysis of the SPELAB intake horn 6.7 Cummins, intake manifold, 6.7 Cummins grid heater delete, and heating bolt, explaining whether deleting the grid heater is necessary and how these components work together for optimal performance.
1. What Is a Grid Heater and How Does It Affect the Intake System?
1.1 The Purpose of the Grid Heater
The grid heater is installed inside the 6.7 Cummins intake manifold and is designed to heat incoming air in cold environments to improve cold starts and prevent incomplete diesel combustion at low temperatures.
While it can be beneficial in cold weather, the stock grid heater design has several major flaws, leading to the following issues.
1.2 Main Issues with the Grid Heater
1.2.1 Airflow Restriction Reduces Engine Performance
- The stock grid heater sits inside the 6.7 Cummins intake horn, creating a physical obstruction that restricts airflow, lowering intake pressure and reducing combustion efficiency and engine responsiveness.
1.2.2 Carbon Buildup and Oil Contamination Degrade Engine Performance
- Since the grid heater is constantly exposed to diesel mist, carbon buildup, oil deposits, and dirt gradually form on its surface.
- These contaminants cause:
- Reduced intake airflow, preventing the engine from achieving optimal combustion efficiency.
- Decreased heater performance, making it less effective for cold starts.
- Long-term buildup can impact the EGR valve and CCV system, increasing maintenance costs.
1.2.3 Dreaded Grid Heater Bolt Failure
- The stock grid heater bolts endure extreme heat cycles over time, leading to metal fatigue and eventual failure.
- If a bolt falls into the engine’s combustion chamber, it could:
- Damage the pistons, cylinder head, or combustion chamber, and in severe cases, cause complete engine failure.
- Due to the high cost of repairs, many truck owners choose to proactively delete the grid heater, and the SPELAB intake horn grid heater delete + grid heater delete 6.7 Cummins + removable heating bolt combination offers a complete solution to prevent this issue.
2. How the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn + Grid Heater Delete + Heating Bolt Work Together
2.1 SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Manifold: Optimized Airflow for Increased Efficiency
The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins intake horn is a high-performance upgrade designed specifically for the 6.7L Cummins. Compared to the stock manifold, it provides larger airflow passages and improved internal flow design.
✅ Larger Airflow Passages Reduce Restriction
- High-flow optimized intake runners allow air to flow more smoothly into the combustion chamber, increasing combustion efficiency.
✅ Optimized Intake Angle for Better Airflow
- The SPELAB intake horn 6.7 Cummins features a 45° intake design, directing air more efficiently into the engine, reducing turbulence, and improving turbo response.
✅ Supports Grid Heater Deletion or Heating Bolt Installation
- The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins intake horn with heater includes a dedicated mounting location for a heating bolt, allowing users to delete the grid heater while maintaining cold-start functionality.
✅ High-Strength Aluminum Construction for Durability
- Constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy, the manifold withstands extreme temperatures and pressures, preventing cracks or warping for long-term reliability.
2.2 SPELAB 6.7 Cummin+s Grid Heater Delete: Eliminating Airflow Restrictions for Maximum Performance
The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins grid heater delete is designed specifically for the 6.7L Cummins, replacing the stock grid heater while providing key advantages:
✅ Completely Removes the Grid Heater Restriction
- By eliminating the stock grid heater, this upgrade allows for maximum airflow to the engine, improving combustion efficiency.
✅ Eliminates Grid Heater Bolt Failure Risks
- Removing the grid heater entirely eliminates the risk of bolts breaking off and causing catastrophic engine damage.
2.3 SPELAB Removable Heating Bolt: Retaining Cold-Start Functionality in Cold Climates
✅ Mounts on the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins intake manifold Without Obstructing Airflow
- Unlike the stock grid heater, the heating bolt is placed away from the intake path, ensuring unobstructed airflow while retaining heating capabilities.
✅ Ideal for Cold-Weather Users
- In cold winter conditions, the heating bolt ensures reliable starting by providing additional intake air heating.
- Can be removed when not needed, preventing unnecessary airflow restrictions.
3. Do You Need to Delete the Grid Heater When Installing the SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn?
Based on the information above, whether you need to delete the grid heater depends on your specific usage scenario. Below is a summary of different situations:
3.1 Situations Where Grid Heater Deletion Is Recommended
✅ For Maximum Airflow and Engine Performance → SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Manifold + 6.7 Cummins Grid Heater Delete
✅ To Prevent Grid Heater Bolt Failure → SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn Grid Heater Delete
✅ For Warm Climates → SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn Grid Heater Delete
- If winter temperatures in your area rarely drop below 32°F (0°C), the grid heater is unnecessary and can be deleted for improved airflow.
✅ For Cold Climates While Retaining Heating Functionality → SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Manifold + Grid Heater Delete 6.7 Cummins + Heating Bolt
3.2 Situations Where You Can Keep the Grid Heater
❌ If You Prefer to Keep the stock Intake Setup
- The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Horn can be installed directly without removing the grid heater.
❌ If You Perform Regular Maintenance
- If you routinely inspect and maintain the grid heater bolts, you may choose to keep it instead of deleting it.
4. Conclusion
The SPELAB 6.7 Cummins Intake Manifold + 6.7 Cummins Grid Heater Delete + Heating Bolt may not be the most comprehensive recommendation for every scenario, but it is currently the best solution SPELAB offers. We are continuously working on product upgrades, but until then, we value input from users and automotive experts to further improve our designs. 🚀
5.FAQ
Q1: Why should I delete the grid heater in my 6.7 Cummins engine?
A1: Deleting the grid heater can improve airflow, enhance engine performance, and eliminate the risk of grid heater bolt failure. It also reduces carbon buildup and potential issues caused by oil contamination. If you live in warmer climates or have upgraded your intake system, it's often beneficial to remove the grid heater for better engine efficiency.
Q2: Will deleting the grid heater affect my engine’s cold-start performance?
A2: If you live in colder climates, deleting the grid heater can impact cold-start performance. However, by installing the SPELAB removable heating bolt on the intake manifold, you can maintain cold-start functionality without the risks associated with the stock grid heater. The heating bolt ensures the engine still starts reliably in winter conditions.
Q3: Can I install the SPELAB intake manifold without deleting the grid heater?
A3: Yes, you can install the SPELAB intake manifold without deleting the grid heater if you prefer to retain the stock setup. However, for better airflow and engine performance, especially in warmer climates, deleting the grid heater is recommended.
Q4: How do I know if I need the SPELAB heating bolt?
A4: If you live in a region where winter temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), the SPELAB heating bolt is a good option to ensure reliable cold-start functionality. It's ideal for those who delete the grid heater but still need a heating solution in colder climates. The heating bolt is removable, so you can remove it when not needed to avoid restricting airflow.
Q5: What are the benefits of using the SPELAB grid heater delete plate?
A5: The SPELAB grid heater delete plate completely removes the factory grid heater, allowing for improved airflow to the engine, better combustion efficiency, and higher engine performance. It also eliminates the risk of grid heater bolt failure, preventing potential engine damage and costly repairs.
