When it comes to diesel engine upgrades, some modifications enhance performance and give your engine bay a distinctive look. Among these, a custom valve cover is an upgrade that delivers functional benefits and a personalized aesthetic. For Cummins engine owners—especially those with popular models like the 5.9L and 6.7L—investing in a high-quality, custom valve cover can protect critical engine components, improve heat dissipation, and transform your engine’s appearance. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of valve covers, the benefits of upgrading to custom options, and practical insights on installation, maintenance, and tuning to help you unlock the full potential of your Cummins engine.
Why Valve Covers Are Critical
Valve covers are more than just a cosmetic upgrade; they play an essential role in your engine’s overall health. Positioned atop the cylinder head, they protect the valvetrain—including camshafts, rocker arms, and valves—from contaminants like dust, moisture, and debris. Additionally, valve covers collect and direct oil back into the engine, ensuring that moving parts remain adequately lubricated. Proper sealing of the valve cover is crucial; any leakage can lead to reduced oil pressure, increased wear, and even potential engine damage.
Furthermore, valve covers help manage heat. In diesel engines, where high compression and heavy loads generate significant temperatures, a well-designed valve cover assists in dissipating heat away from sensitive components, contributing to engine longevity and performance stability.
The Case for a Cummins Valve Cover Upgrade
Limitations of Stock Valve Covers
Factory valve covers are designed to meet baseline performance and emission standards. While they serve their purpose in protecting the engine, stock covers often fall short in several areas:
- Material Quality: Many stock covers are constructed from low-cost materials that may warp or crack over time, especially under high heat and vibration.
- Sealing Efficiency: Aging gaskets and poor sealing can result in oil leaks, which compromise lubrication and increase engine wear.
- Aesthetic Appeal: For those who value a customized engine bay, the plain design of stock valve covers can detract from the overall look of a well-tuned Cummins engine.
Upgrading to a Custom Valve Cover
A custom valve cover addresses these shortcomings by incorporating superior materials, precise engineering, and customizable aesthetics. Here’s why upgrading your Cummins valve cover can be a game-changer:
Enhanced Durability
Custom valve covers are typically made from high-grade materials such as billet aluminum. This construction offers exceptional strength and resistance to high temperatures and minimizes the risk of warping and cracking, even in the harsh environments where Cummins engines often operate.
Superior Sealing
Advanced gasket technology in custom valve covers ensures a tight, leak-free seal. Maintaining proper oil pressure is essential for reducing friction between moving parts, thus extending the life of your engine’s internal components.
Improved Heat Dissipation
With better thermal conductivity, materials like billet aluminum can more effectively dissipate heat than standard covers. This keeps the engine cooler, particularly during prolonged heavy-duty use or performance tuning.
Customization and Style
Beyond functionality, a custom valve cover allows you to express your personality and make a statement. Options range from polished finishes and anodized coatings to engraved designs and integrated clear windows for monitoring oil levels. Customization can transform the engine bay into a showcase of craftsmanship and performance, reflecting the owner’s dedication to quality and style.
Optimized Performance
A high-quality valve cover ensures that the engine remains cool and well-lubricated, supporting overall engine efficiency. Improved thermal management and reduced oil leaks translate into consistent power delivery and better fuel economy, critical for daily driving and demanding commercial applications.
Innovation of SPELAB’s Valve Cover
Our valve cover products offer a dual solution, allowing you to connect waste oil to a collection tank and CCV Delete Kit, ensuring efficient waste oil management.
Are you looking to enhance the appearance of your 6.7 Cummins valve cover? If so, we’re here to assist you. Say goodbye to the cheap plastic valve cover/CCV filter and replace it with this stylishly designed aluminum valve cover. We offer customized custom valve cover services to make your truck reflect your personality.
These 6.7 Cummins valve covers look great and come with performance advantages. We replace the factory CCV filter with a maintenance-free CCV vent.
Removing the factory CCV filter means you’ll no longer need to purchase expensive filters when they get clogged. Another outstanding feature of the 6.7 Cummins valve cover is its ability to control crankcase pressure at higher RPMs, ensuring your truck performs at its best.
We designed our 6.7 Cummins valve cover to be installed at your garage’s convenience. If you have the right tools, know-how, and attitude, installation will be a breeze.
Real-World Benefits: Engine Performance and Longevity
Owners who upgrade to custom valve covers often report tangible improvements:
Consistent Engine Operation: Enhanced sealing and better heat management lead to a more stable operating environment for the engine. This results in smoother power delivery and reduced mechanical stress.
Lower Maintenance Costs: With fewer oil leaks and a more robust design, custom valve covers reduce the need for frequent maintenance and potential repairs, saving time and money in the long run.
Increased Resale Value: A well-maintained, upgraded engine bay can significantly boost your vehicle’s resale value. Prospective buyers often view custom modifications as a sign of quality maintenance and performance enhancement.
Enhanced Visual Appeal: A polished, custom-designed valve cover can be a focal point in your engine bay, adding a professional and personalized touch that sets your truck apart.
Installation: A Step Toward Perfection
Preparing for the Upgrade
Before installation, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools:
- Safety First: Always work on a cool engine and disconnect the battery to prevent accidental shorts.
- Tools and Materials: Ensure you have a complete socket set, torque wrench, gasket scraper, and clean cloths. High-quality gaskets and hardware are crucial for a successful installation.
- Documentation: Take photos or notes during removing the stock valve cover. This documentation will help ensure that you reassemble everything correctly.
The Installation Process
Remove the Stock Cover: Carefully unbolt the existing valve cover. Follow a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure is released from the gasket.
Clean the Mating Surface: Using a gasket scraper, remove any residue or old gasket material from the cylinder head. A clean surface is vital for a proper seal with the new custom cover.
Position the New Gasket: Carefully align the new high-quality gasket on the engine. Ensure it fits perfectly around all mounting points and sensor openings.
Install the Custom Valve Cover: Place the custom valve cover over the gasket and secure it using the recommended bolts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque values, following a crisscross pattern for an even fit.
Reconnect and Test: Reconnect any sensors and wiring harnesses, then reconnect the battery. Start the engine and inspect for leaks or misalignments, ensuring the installation succeeds.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a custom valve cover on your 6.7 Cummins engine is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in performance, reliability, and engine longevity. With high-quality materials, precision engineering, and thoughtful customization, your engine will look better, run more efficiently, and require less maintenance over time.
