Step by Step Installation Guide-SPELAB Intake Manifold For 2013-2018 6.7L Cummins

SPELAB Intake Manifold Product Manual For 2013-2018 6.7L Cummins

Introduction

The SPELAB intake manifold is specifically designed to optimize the performance of 2013-2018 6.7L Cummins engines, delivering improved airflow efficiency, enhanced throttle response, and superior durability.

This installation guide provides step-by-step instructions, (OEM Harness & Sensor Removal, EGR Tube Removal, Intake Elbow Removal, Factory Heater Plate Removal, Installation of Air Intake) to help you Seamlessly install the SPELAB intake manifold to ensure optimal performance and reliability of your vehicle.

Before You Begin:

Ensure you have the correct kit and all necessary components (listed below).

Familiarize yourself with the installation process to avoid potential challenges during assembly.

Always follow safety precautions and use appropriate tools to complete the installation securely.

Installation Instructions

SPELAB 6.7 cummins intake manifold accessories

 

SPELAB intake horn for 2013-2018 6.7L Cummins accessories

  • Poper Pad (Square): 1
  • Dust Covers: 14
  • Paper Pod (Round): 1
  • External Hexagonal Wrench (S6*L151): 1
  • Gaskets: 2
  • Glue: 1
  • External Hexagon Flange Bolt (M8L20L12): 1
  • Aluminum Spacer (166.5L8): 1
  • External Hexagonal Plug (S14M221.5*L26): 1
  • Stainless Steel Gaskets (158L1): 4
  • O-ring (3025.22.4): 1
  • Inner Hexagon Stainless Steel Bolts: 4
  • Inner Hex Plug (M121.25L12): 1
  • Inner Hexagon Flange Bolts (M8L43L35): 2
  • M6 Hexagon Socket (M6*L16): 1
  • Grade 12.9 Plugs (1/8-27NPT*L8.2): 4
  • Bracket Assembly (with welding nut): 1
  • Cable Ties (White): 5
  • High Pressure Oil Pipe (φ8*Inner 4): 1
  • Coil (Short): 1
  • Coils (Long): 2

Pre-Installation Checklist

  1. Verify that you have received the correct kit and all parts listed above.
  2. Ensure all parts are in good condition and undamaged.
  3. Always practice safe working standards:
    • Allow the exhaust to cool completely before starting.
    • Use appropriate safety stands and tools.
  4. Disconnect the battery negative terminals to avoid accidental arcing during the installation process.

Installation Steps

OEM Harness & Sensor Removal

1. Disconnect Batteries

Place a rag around each of the negative battery cable ends; this will prevent them from touching the battery again and arcing during the install as you work.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Disconnect Batteries

2. Remove Engine Cover

Remove engine beauty cover. Use an 8mm deep socket to remove the four bolts holding the cover down.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Engine Cover

3. Remove Dipstick

The dipstick needs to be removed for the cover to come off.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Dipstick

4. Remove Engine cover, Reinsert Dipstick

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Engine cover, Reinsert Dipstick

5. Remove Cable Tie Downs

Use a panel popper tool or pliers.

Note: The 2 bolts with studs extending up past the head are to be located on the left rear of the cover.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Cable Tie Downs

6. Remove Cable Tie Downs

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Cable Tie Downs (1)

7. Remove Engine Cover Bolts

There are 8 bolts holding on the cover. A wobble extension and placing the socket on the bolts first helps.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Engine Cover Bolts

8. Remove Oil Fill Cap

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Oil Fill Cap

 

9. Place Rag Over Filler Neck

 

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Place Rag Over Filler Neck

10. Remove Bolts Holding Crossover Bracket

This bracket will not be reused.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Bolts Holding Crossover Bracket

11. Remove Rog, Set Down Cover

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Rog, Set Down Cover

12. Install Oil Filler Cap

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Install Oil Filler Cap

13. Remove Bolt Under Center of EGR Crossover Tube

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Bolt Under Center of EGR Crossover Tube

14. Remove and Dispose EGR Tube P-Clamp

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove and Dispose EGR Tube P-Clamp

15. Reinstall 8 Engine Cover Bolts

Studs in Rear Passenger Side

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Reinstall 8 Engine Cover Bolts-Studs in Rear Passenger Sid

16. Unlock Temp Sensor Plug From EGR Crossover 

Use a flat-blade screwdriver or pry tool to push the slide-lock.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Unlock Temp Sensor Plug From EGR Crossover

17. Remove Temp Sensor by Pinching lt

Unclip this wire clip for extra clearance.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove Temp Sensor by Pinching lt

 

18. Remove EGR Valve Plug

Press the locking tab, press the plug forward to release tension, then pull back to remove.

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove EGR Valve Plug

19. Remove EGR harness cable tie

SPELAB-OEM Harness & Sensor Removal-Remove EGR harness cable tie

EGR Tube Removal

20. Loosen EGR Clamp Driver's Side

Use a small flat blade to release the clip.

SPELAB-EGR Tube Removal-Loosen EGR Clamp Driver's Side

21. Flip EGR Clamp Upside Down

Do not remove the clamp yet.

SPELAB-EGR Tube Removal-Flip EGR Clamp Upside Down

22. Loosen EGR Clamp Passenger Side

Do not remove this clomp yet [A gasket will slip out and foll if you do)

SPELAB-EGR Tube Removal-Loosen EGR Clamp Passenger Side

23. Release Driver side EGR Clamp

Keep a hand under the clamp in case the gasket comes loose.

SPELAB-EGR Tube Removal-Release Driver side EGR Clamp

24. Release Clamp and Remove Gasket

Catch the gasket and put it aside for later, this will be used again.

SPELAB-EGR Tube Removal-Release Clamp and Remove Gasket

25. Release Passenger Side EGR Clamp

Apply pressure to keep the gasket in place and Keep your hand under the passenger side clamp to prevent the flat EGR gasket from falling into the engine bay.

SPELAB-EGR Tube Removal-Release Passenger Side EGR Clamp

26. Catch EGR Gasket From Falling

SPELAB-EGR Tube Removal-Catch EGR Gasket From Falling

Intake Elbow Removal

27. Remove Throttle Heat Shield

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove Throttle Heat Shield

28. Cut Dipstick Tube Zip Ties

Free up the thick 12V wire for the grid heater.

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Cut Dipstick Tube Zip Ties

29. Remove 12V Harness P-Clamp

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove 12V Harness P-Clamp

30. Remove Heater Cable from Terminal
Relocate the wire out of the way once it’s free.

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove Heater Cable from Terminal

31. Remove Dipstick Tube Bracket

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove Dipstick Tube Bracket

 

32. Bend Tube Up Slightly
The product is slightly taller than the factory Intake Elbow. You'll fine-tune this bend after the product is installed.

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Bend Tube Up Slightly

33. Loosen Boost Tube Clamp
This does not have to be fully removed, just release tension on the hose.

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Loosen Boost Tube Clamp

34. Pry Boost Tube Hose Off Throttle Body
The hose may feel stuck or glued to the throttle body; carefully walk a panel popper tool around the tube to loosen its grip on the throttle body. This will make removal later easier.

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Pry Boost Tube Hose Off Throttle Body

 

35. Remove Cable Tie Back of Elbow & Unplug MAP Sensor

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove Cable Tie Back of Elbow & Unplug MAP Sensor

36. Remove Forward PCV Hose

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove Forward PCV Hose

37. Remove 6 Bolts on Elbow

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove 6 Bolts on Elbow

 

38. Lean Elbow Toward You & Dislodge Boost Tube

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Lean Elbow Toward You & Dislodge Boost Tube

 

39. Remove Throttle Control Plug
Now that the elbow has been leaned forward, you can easily reach this plug. Slide the tab over and depress the end to remove the plug.

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove Throttle Control Plug (1)
SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Remove Throttle Control Plug

40. Place Rag & Clamp Over Boost Tube

SPELAB-Intake Elbow Removal-Place Rag & Clamp Over Boost Tube

Factory Heater Plate Removal

41. Locate First Passenger Side Plug

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Locate First Passenger Side Plug
  • 41a. Slide the pink locking tab over, then pull to release.
SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Slide the pink locking tab over, then pull to release

42. Locate Second Passenger Side Plug

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Locate Second Passenger Side Plug
  • Slide Lock In.
SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Slide Lock In

 

  • Depress button to release clip.
SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Depress button to release clip

 

43. Locate Third Passenger Side Plug

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Locate Third Passenger Side Plug
  • 43a. Disconnect Third Passenger Side Plug.
SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Disconnect Third Passenger Side Plug

 

44. Locate Flat Blue Driver Side Plug

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Locate Flat Blue Driver Side Plug

 

44a. Press in the clip with a flat tool, & pull up

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Press in the clip with a flat tool, & pull up


45. Disconnect Large Driver Side Engine Harness
Depress the clip and fully rotate the white lock, then pull to disengage. May need some force due to dust, grime, etc.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Disconnect Large Driver Side Engine Harness

 

Release cable tie

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Release cable tie

 

46. Remove Rear Driver Side Plug

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Rear Driver Side Plug


47. Remove Rear Driver Side Flat Blue Plug

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Rear Driver Side Flat Blue Plug


48. Remove Rear PCV Hose

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Rear PCV Hose


49. Remove Rubber Isolator

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Rubber Isolator


50. Remove Cable Ties from Driver Side Studs

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Cable Ties from Driver Side Studs

51. Remove Dipstick Tube Stud

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Dipstick Tube Stud

 

52. Bungee Cord Dipstick Tube

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Bungee Cord Dipstick Tube

53. Remove Manifold Temp Sensor Plug

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Manifold Temp Sensor Plug

54. Place Rag Over Intake

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Place Rag Over Intake

 

55. Paint Marker Line Across Threaded Insert & Cylinder Head
This will allow you to see if the threaded inserts into the head start to turn when loosening the fuel lines. You do not want the insert to spin loose, as this will cause a fuel leak.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Paint Marker Line Across Threaded Insert & Cylinder Head

56. Remove Fuel Lines
If the inserts in the head start to move, use an open-ended wrench to hold them in place.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Fuel Lines

 

57. Install Dust Covers
Insert the covers, open end facing out. The caps should fit (inside) each blocked port.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Install Dust Covers

 

58. Loosen Fuel Line, Rotate Out of Way
Do not fully remove the rear fuel rail. It is difficult to reach and only needs to be moved out of the way as shown.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Loosen Fuel Line, Rotate Out of Way

 

59. Loosen High Pressure Fuel Feed Line
Both the upper and lower ends.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Loosen High Pressure Fuel Feed Line

 

59a. Swivel Back High Pressure Fuel Feed Line

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Swivel Back High Pressure Fuel Feed Line

60. Remove Banjo Bolt
Take care not to lose the washer between the fuel rail & banjo bolt.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Banjo Bolt

 

61. Remove Fuel Rail Bolts

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Fuel Rail Bolts

 

61a. Place Rag At Rear of Fuel Rail
There will still be fuel in the rail, and it’ll leak out in the next step if you don’t do this.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Place Rag At Rear of Fuel Rail

 

62. Bungee Fuel Rail
Be sure that rag stays at the rear of the fuel rail, it will leak when you tilt it back.

(tu)

63. Remove Factory Grid Heater

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Remove Factory Grid Heater

64. Clean Manifold Surface
Take care not to scratch the surface, and vacuum out any debris that fall into the manifold. A rag with some solvent can clean up the finer material.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Clean Manifold Surface

65. Spray Adhesive to Gasket

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Spray Adhesive to Gasket
SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Spray Adhesive to Gasket (1)

 

66. Align Gasket & Stick On
Line up all of the bolt holes, and stick the gasket to the flat side of the plate.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Align Gasket & Stick On

67. Transfer Temp Sensor to The Plate
Take care when removing the sensor and give it a clean with some scotch brite.
Don’t over-tighten the sensor into the plate as the aluminum is softer than the steel threads on the sensor. It will bottom out so you’ll know when to stop.

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Transfer Temp Sensor to The Plate

 

Installation of Air Intake

68. Remove EGR Valve & Throttle

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Remove EGR Valve & Throttle

69. Remove Throttle Body
The throttle will be stuck onto the gasket, so use a rubber mallet to help tap it free from the elbow.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Remove Throttle Body

 

70. Remove & Transfer MAP Sensor

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Remove & Transfer MAP Sensor

 

71. Remove & Transfer Elbow Stud

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Remove & Transfer Elbow Stud

72. Clean EGR Gasket Surface
Take care not to nick the surface. Do the same for the throttle body gasket mating surface.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Clean EGR Gasket Surface

 

73. Place New EGR Gasket

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Place New EGR Gasket

 

74. Fasten EGR Bolts
Apply a small amount of medium strength thread locker.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Fasten EGR Bolts

 

75. Align Throttle Body Gasket

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Align Throttle Body Gasket

 

76. Fasten Throttle Body to the product

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Fasten Throttle Body to the product

77. Install Sensor Plugs
Inspect the threaded holes, and be sure there is no powder coat in the holes.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Fasten Throttle Body to the product

78. Install Rear Thermocouple Plug

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Install Rear Thermocouple Plug

79. Install MAP Sensor
Now is a good time to clean the sensor with some MAF/MAP cleaner spray.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Install MAP Sensor

80. Spray Gasket With Adhesive

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Spray Gasket With Adhesive

81. Place Washers On Hex Cap Crews

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Place Washers On Hex Cap Crews
SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Place Washers On Hex Cap Crews (1)

 

82. Hold Plate In Place w/ Stock Bolt

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Hold Plate In Place w Stock Bolt

83. Place Fuel Rail Standoffs

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Place Fuel Rail Standoffs

84. Release Bungee Cord.

Place Fuel Rail & Studs in Place

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Release Bungee Cord. Place Fuel Rail & Studs in Place

85. Install Banjo Bolt & Washer

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Install Banjo Bolt & Washer

86. Tighten Fuel Rail

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten Fuel Rail


Torque Bolts to 18-20 ft/lbs.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Torque Bolts to 18-20 ft lbs.

87. Tighten Fuel Lines to 41 ft/lb

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten Fuel Lines to 41 ft lb
SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten Fuel Lines to 41 ft lb (1)

88. Tighten Fuel Supply Line Banjo Bolt Hand Tight
Tighten Fuel Feed Line to 41 ft/lbs.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten Fuel Supply Line Banjo Bolt Hand Tight

89. Connect Temp Sensor Extension Harness
Be sure to lock the plug once connected.

Connect Temp Sensor Extension Harness

90. Remove Middle Right Stud For Dipstick-Tube

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Remove Middle Right Stud For Dipstick-Tube


Slide Dipstick Bracket Over & Reinstall Stud.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Slide Dipstick Bracket Over & Reinstall Stud.

91. Push Engine Harness Cable Ties Back Onto Studs

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Push Engine Harness Cable Ties Back Onto Studs

92. Put Rubber Isolator Back Into Place

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Put Rubber Isolator Back Into Place

93. Run Rear RCV Hose Under Dipstick Tube

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Run Rear RCV Hose Under Dipstick Tube

94. Connect Rear PCV Hose Back To Valve Cover

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Connect Rear PCV Hose Back To Valve Cover

95. Connect Rear Flat Blue Injector Plug

onnect Rear Flat Blue Injector Plug

96. Connect Rear White Plug
Be sure to slide the pink lock back into position.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Connect Rear White Plug

97. Route Engine Harness Under Dipstick & Around Valve Cover

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Route Engine Harness Under Dipstick & Around Valve Cover

97a. Plug In 3 Remaining Plugs

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Plug In 3 Remaining Plugs
SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Plug In 3 Remaining Plugs (1)
SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Plug In 3 Remaining Plugs (2)

98. Push Cable Ties Onto Studs
Use the supplied extension to reconnect the EGR pipe and tube sensor.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Push Cable Ties Onto Studs

99. Reconnect Engine Harness Connector

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Reconnect Engine Harness Connector

100. Do Not Connect Front Blue Injector Plug Yet

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Do Not Connect Front Blue Injector Plug Yet

101. Remove Rag From Boost Tube, Put Clamp Back On

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Remove Rag From Boost Tube, Put Clamp Back On

102. Insert The Product Into Boost Tube

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Insert The Product Into Boost Tube

103. Put Long Bolt Into Front Corner by Hand
Then do the same for the long bolt on the backside. Followed by the two smaller bolts.

Put Long Bolt Into Front Corner by Hand

104. Use Telescoping Magnet to Start Bolts

SPELAB-Factory Heater Plate Removal-Use Telescoping Magnet to Start Bolts


Use Hex Key Extension to Tighten Bolt.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Use Hex Key Extension to Tighten Bolt.


Tighten All Bolts to 18-20 ft/lbs.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten All Bolts to 18-20 ft lbs.

105. Place The Supplied Plug In The Designated Position And Tighten It

Place The Supplied Plug In The Designated Position And Tighten It

106. Install Dipstick Tube Bracket

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Install Dipstick Tube Bracket

107. Now Install Forward Flat Blue Injector Plug
Be sure it clicks.

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Now Install Forward Flat Blue Injector Plug

108. Connect Forward PCV Hose to Valve Cover
This is a tight fit, but doable. Wiggle the rubber hose on the nipple a quarter inch, then use a pry tool as a lever to help slide it on.

Connect Forward PCV Hose to Valve Cover

109. Plug In MAP Sensor
Secure the slide lock back into position.

Plug In MAP Sensor

110. Plug In Throttle Plug

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Plug In Throttle Plug

111. Tighten Boost Tubes Clamp

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten Boost Tubes Clamp

112. Flat Washer Goes on Passenger Side of EGR Tube

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Flat Washer Goes on Passenger Side of EGR Tube

113. Put Clamp Over Union & Hand Tighten

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Put Clamp Over Union & Hand Tighten

114. Conical Gasket Goes On Driver Side of EGR Tube

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Conical Gasket Goes On Driver Side of EGR Tube

115. Tighten Driver Side Clamp

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten Driver Side Clamp

116. Tighten Passenger Side Clamp

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Tighten Passenger Side Clamp

117. Install Throttle Heat Shield Bolt & Nuts

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Install Throttle Heat Shield Bolt & Nuts

118. Connect EGR Temp Sensor

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Connect EGR Temp Sensor

119. Connect EGR Extension & Harness

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Connect EGR Extension & Harness

120. Reconnect Batteries

SPELAB-Installation of Air Intake-Reconnect Batteries

121. First Start May Take 1-2 Min Of Engine Turnover
This is normal. The fuel system, rail, and lines need to re-pressurize.

First Start May Take 1-2 Min Of Engine Turnover

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The 1/8" NPT ports shall only be used for installing sensors for measuring air temperature, pressure, or flow.

Sensors installed to these ports shall have a fitting of 1/8" NPT and shall not be connected to the vehicle's electronic control units. In addition, factory sensors that come equipped on the vehicle shall not be disconnected and shall not be relocated to the ports.

The ports, when not used, shall be closed off with the supplied plugs.

This guide is structured into clear sections, from pre-installation preparations to detailed removal and replacement steps, making it accessible for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. If assistance is required, our technical support team is ready to help at service@spelabautoparts.com.

Let’s get started!