Best 6.7 Cummins Upgrades: The First Mods Worth Doing
Updated October 2026
The 6.7L Cummins is one of the toughest diesels Ram has ever put in a truck, but it leaves the factory with a few weak spots and a lot of room to improve. These are the best 6.7 Cummins upgrades to do first, in the order we do them in our Knoxville shop: protect the engine, add power, then make the transmission live with it.
Parts differ between 2007.5 to 2018 trucks and 2019 and newer trucks, so each section links to both.
Shop by year: 2007.5 to 2018 6.7 Cummins parts | 2019 and newer 6.7 Cummins parts
Quick Answer: The Best First Mods for a 6.7 Cummins
- Monitor so you can see EGT, boost, fuel pressure and transmission temp
- Lift pump to protect the injection pump and injectors
- Cold air intake for airflow and lower EGT
- Exhaust for faster spool up and cooler EGT when towing
- Tuning matched to how you use the truck
- Turbo health first, then upgrades
- Transmission upgrades before big power, especially on the 68RFE
1. Monitor: See Problems Before They Get Expensive
A monitor is the cheapest insurance you can put on a 6.7 Cummins. The Edge CTS3, Edge Pulsar and Banks iDash show exhaust gas temperature, boost, fuel rail pressure, transmission temperature and regen status in real time. You will catch a weak lift pump, a stuck regen or a hot transmission long before it turns into a tow bill. Many monitors also work as the tuner when you are ready for that step.
Shop monitors and tuning: 2007.5 to 2018 | 2019 and newer
2. Lift Pump: Protect the Injection Pump and Injectors
Low fuel pressure, air in the fuel and dirty fuel are what kill injectors and injection pumps. An aftermarket lift pump from FASS or AirDog delivers steady pressure, pulls out air and vapor, and filters better than the factory setup.
This matters most on 2019 and 2020 trucks running the Bosch CP4.2. When a CP4 fails it sends metal through the whole fuel system, and a pump job turns into a $10,000 to $15,000 repair. The 2007.5 to 2018 trucks run the tougher CP3, but they still last longer on clean, well pressurized fuel, especially once you add power.
Planning injectors or a bigger pump later? Size them with our S&S fuel system planner. Not sure whether your symptoms point to injectors? Read 5 signs your diesel injectors are failing before you spend money on parts.
Shop fuel systems: 2007.5 to 2018 | 2019 and newer
Shop injectors: 2007.5 to 2018 | 2019 and newer
3. Cold Air Intake: More Air, Lower EGT
A quality intake from Banks, S&B or aFe gives the turbo more air with less restriction. On its own it sharpens throttle response and helps EGT under load. Its bigger job is supporting a tune later. Pick a closed box or a design with a solid heat shield so the turbo is not breathing hot underhood air.
Shop intakes and cooling: 2007.5 to 2018 | 2019 and newer
4. Exhaust: Faster Spool Up, Cooler EGT
A larger exhaust lets the turbo spool up faster and drops EGT, which matters most when you tow heavy or run a tune. With the factory emissions system in place, a DPF back system is the move. Most owners pick a 4 or 5 inch system based on sound and budget.
Shop turbos and exhaust: 2007.5 to 2018 | 2019 and newer
5. Tuning: The Biggest Gain for the Money
Tuning is where the 6.7 Cummins wakes up. A good tune sharpens throttle response, adds towing power and on automatic trucks can firm up shifts. Match the tune to the job: a towing tune and a daily driver tune are not the same. Keep the emissions system in place, buy from a tuner that supports your model year and check what is legal in your state.
6. Turbo: Fix the Actuator First, Then Upgrade
The factory Holset VGT turbo is strong, but its electronic actuator is a common failure. Lost communication with the actuator (code U010C), limp mode or a sudden loss of boost usually point there. Start with our 6.7 Cummins VGT actuator guide. Once the turbo is healthy, a billet compressor wheel or a drop in upgrade improves spool up and lowers EGT for towing. A bigger turbo makes sense once injectors and tuning are upgraded too.
7. Transmission: Upgrade Before You Add Big Power
The 68RFE is the known weak point behind the 6.7 Cummins. It handles stock power, but tuning and heavy towing wear out clutches and the torque converter fast. A built valve body, upgraded clutches and a billet converter are the fix. Trucks with the Aisin (AS68RC on some 2013 to 2018 3500 trucks, AS69RC on 2019 and newer) hold up much better, but still need regular fluid service. Manual G56 trucks need a stronger clutch once they are tuned.
Shop transmissions: 2007.5 to 2018 | 2019 and newer
Do Not Skip Maintenance
Every upgrade lasts longer on a well maintained engine. Run a quality diesel oil, change the fuel filters on schedule and keep the cooling system clean. Our Schaeffer's oil and additive guide covers which oil and additive fits each engine.
6.7 Cummins Upgrades FAQ
What is the best first upgrade for a 6.7 Cummins?
A monitor and a lift pump. They protect the engine and fuel system before you add power. After that, tuning gives the biggest gain for the money.
What are the best reliability upgrades for a 6.7 Cummins?
A lift pump, a monitor, a healthy VGT actuator and transmission upgrades on 68RFE trucks.
What is the best year for the 6.7 Cummins?
Many owners favor 2013 to 2018 trucks for the proven CP3 pump and the updated emissions system. 2019 and newer trucks have a stronger chassis, a better interior and the Aisin option, but 2019 and 2020 models run the CP4.2 pump, so a lift pump is a must.
Do I need a tune for an intake and exhaust?
No. Both bolt on and run on the stock tune. You get the most out of them once you add a tune.
Need Help Picking Parts?
Call us at 865.640.2097 or send your VIN, and tell us what the truck does for a living. Ten minutes on the phone beats buying the wrong part twice.
Powerhouse Diesel, Knoxville, TN. Diesel repair and performance parts, shipped nationwide. About us | More Diesel Truck Guides