Dodge Ram 1500 Engine Upgrades: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Enhancing Performance: A Comprehensive Review of the very best Cold Air Intakes for Dodge Ram Trucks

The Dodge Ram, whether it is the light-duty 1500 or the sturdy 2500 and 3500 series, is a peak of American vehicle engineering. Understood for its towing capacity and the famous rumble of the Hemi or Cummins engines, the Ram is constructed for power. Nevertheless, factory air intake systems are often created with sound reduction and cost-efficiency in mind, instead of maximum efficiency.

For lots of Ram owners, a cold air intake (CAI) is the first modification on their list. By changing the limiting factory airbox with a high-flow system, motorists can unlock surprise horsepower, improve throttle reaction, and achieve a more aggressive engine note. This review explores the premier cold air intakes on the market, examining them based on performance, purification quality, and worth.

Why Upgrade the Intake System on a Dodge Ram?

Before diving into specific product evaluations, it is necessary to understand the mechanics of a cold air intake. The main goal of a CAI is to move the air filter outside the engine compartment or shield it from engine heat so that cooler, denier air can be drawn into the engine.

Secret Benefits Include:

• Increased Horsepower and Torque: Cooler air contains more oxygen particles by volume. More oxygen enables for a more robust combustion process, leading to a quantifiable increase in power.
• Improved Fuel Economy: By minimizing the effort the engine need to apply to "breathe," some owners report a minor improvement in miles per gallon (MPG) during highway cruising.
• Sharper Throttle Response: High-flow consumptions lower the lag in between pressing the gas pedal and the engine's reaction.
• Boosted Sound: A CAI typically offers a deeper, throatier grumble under acceleration, which many truck lovers find desirable.

Top Cold Air Intake Reviews for Dodge Ram

1. S&B Filters Cold Air Intake

S&B has actually established a credibility for producing some of the most well-engineered intake systems specifically for the Ram 1500 and 2500. Their focus is on high-efficiency airflow without jeopardizing engine security.

Performance and Design:S&B consumptions frequently include a fully enclosed airbox that secures the filter from the heat of the engine bay.  Dodge Ram 1500 Performance Air Intake  use a clear polycarbonate lid, allowing owners to examine the filter's condition without dismantling the system. Their packages are developed to deal with the truck's factory computer settings, implying no customized tuning is required.

Pros:

• Excellent filtration effectiveness.
• The enclosed box design keeps "heat soak" to a minimum.
• OE-style fit and finish.

Cons:

• Slightly more complicated installation due to the full airbox housing.

2. K&N Performance Air Intake System (77 Series/ 63 Series)

K&N is perhaps the most identifiable name in the market. Their "High-Flow" innovation is designed to offer approximately 50% more airflow than factory paper filters.

Performance and Design:K&N offers different series for the Dodge Ram. The 77 Series functions polished aluminum tubes for a show-quality look, while the 63 Series makes use of polyethylene tubes that are typically much better at withstanding heat transfer. K&N filters are well-known for being washable and recyclable, backed by a million-mile minimal service warranty.

Pros:

• Significant gains in engine sound/growl.
• Basic bolt-on setup (normally under 90 minutes).
• Washable filter conserves money with time.

Cons:

• Open-element designs (without a complete box) can pull in warmer air if the heat guard isn't properly sealed.

3. Banks Power Ram-Air Intake System

For those who own a Ram with the 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, Banks Power is typically the go-to option. Wind Banks and his group concentrate on "air density" instead of just air flow volume.

Performance and Design:The Banks Ram-Air system is created to supply a streamlined course for air, minimizing turbulence. The "Big Mind" filter utilized in these packages has an enormous area, which is crucial for the high-demand air requirements of a turbocharged diesel engine.

Pros:

• Engineered particularly for heavy towing and diesel performance.
• Consists of a "Super-Scoop" compatibility for much more direct airflow.
• Greatest air density rankings in its class.

Cons:

• Premium cost point compared to entry-level brands.

4. aFe Power (Advanced FLOW Engineering) Momentum GT

The aFe Momentum GT is a premium choice that focuses on a "Stage 2" style.  Dodge Truck Accessories  includes a special, CAD-designed intake tube that is rotomolded to make sure the smoothest air shift possible.

Efficiency and Design:This system uses an enormous 10-layer efficiency air filter and an integrated auxiliary air inlet. It is typically cited as the best-looking intake under the hood due to its sleek, matte-black finish and high-quality hardware.

Pros:

• Noticeable torque gains in the mid-range RPM.
• Top-tier production quality.
• Readily available with both oiled and dry filter choices.

Cons:

• One of the most expensive options on the marketplace.

Comparison Table: Top Dodge Ram Intakes at a Glance

Key Considerations for Dodge Ram Owners

Oiled vs. Dry Filters

When choosing an intake, owners must pick in between an oiled filter and a dry filter.

• Oiled Filters: Generally supply somewhat better airflow and can be cleaned and re-oiled numerous times. However, if over-oiled, they can possibly infect the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit.
• Dry Filters: Easier to preserve. They are normally cleaned up by tapping off the dust or utilizing a vacuum. While they may use slightly less air flow than oiled versions, they are much safer for the truck's sensors.

Heat Shields vs. Enclosed Airboxes

An open-element intake utilizes a heat guard to block the engine's convected heat. These are usually louder and easier to install. An confined airbox is sealed from the engine bay totally, often drawing air from the fender or the front grille. Enclosed boxes are typically more effective at preserving low intake temperature levels in stop-and-go traffic.

Setup Process: What to Expect

Installing a cold air intake on a Dodge Ram is a fairly simple DIY task. A lot of packages require only fundamental hand tools, such as:

1. A socket set (10mm, 8mm, and 13mm are common).
2. Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.
3. Allen wrenches (often included in the set).

Fundamental Steps:

1. Disconnect the unfavorable battery terminal.
2. Get rid of the factory air intake tube and airbox.
3. Transfer any sensing units (like the Intake Air Temperature sensing unit) from the old tube to the brand-new one.
4. Set up the new airbox or heat shield.
5. Connect the brand-new intake tube and filter.
6. Tighten up all clamps and reconnect the battery.

Final Verdict

The "best" cold air intake depends upon the particular objectives of the Ram owner. For those seeking the very best balance of cost and efficiency, the K&N 63 Series is a traditional option. If the truck is often utilized for hauling or operates in dirty environments, the S&B Filters or Banks Power systems provide remarkable protection and air density. For lovers where budget plan is secondary to engineering excellence, the aFe Power Momentum GT stands alone.

Often Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will a cold air intake space my Dodge Ram guarantee?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a maker can not void your guarantee just since an aftermarket part was set up. Nevertheless, if the dealership can prove that the intake specifically triggered a failure, that particular repair may not be covered.

2. Do I need to "tune" my engine after setting up an intake?

Most modern-day Dodge Ram intake packages (like those from S&B and K&N) are developed to work within the parameters of the factory Engine Control Module (ECM). While a custom-made tune will help you get the optimum possible gain from the intake, it is not needed for the truck to run efficiently.

3. How typically should I clean the filter?

This depends on your driving conditions. For a street-driven truck, checking the filter every 25,000 to 30,000 miles is standard. If you frequently drive on dirt roads or off-road trails, you need to inspect it every 10,000 miles.

4. Is the boost in MPG significant?

While lots of owners see an improvement of 1-- 2 MPG, it is seldom the primary factor to purchase a CAI. Any gains in fuel effectiveness are typically offset by the motorist's tendency to step on the gas more regularly to hear the brand-new engine noise.

5. Does a cold air intake improve pulling performance?

Yes. By permitting the engine to breathe more easily under heavy loads, a CAI can assist preserve speeds on slopes and lower Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) in diesel models, which is essential for engine longevity.