5 Tools That Everyone Working Is In The Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit Industry Should Be Using

· 6 min read
5 Tools That Everyone Working Is In The Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit Industry Should Be Using

Unlocking Peak Performance: The Ultimate Guide to Dodge Ram Air Intake Kits

The Dodge Ram, whether powered by the legendary 5.7 L Hemi V8 or the relentless 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is a vehicle developed for power, resilience, and utility. However, numerous owners discover that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be preferred. Developed mostly to decrease engine sound and fulfill stringent production costs, the stock air box typically serves as a bottleneck, limiting the engine's capability to breathe.

One of the most popular and cost-efficient modifications for any Dodge Ram owner is the installation of an aftermarket air intake package. This post checks out the mechanics, advantages, and considerations of upgrading a Ram's breathing device.


What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake set replaces the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system designed to provide cooler, denser air to the engine. In internal combustion engines, oxygen is the catalyst for power. By increasing the volume and decreasing the temperature level of the air going into the cylinders, the engine can burn fuel more efficiently, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.

Cold Air Intake (CAI) vs. Short Ram Intake

  • Cold Air Intake: Positioned specifically to draw air from outside the engine bay or from a cooler location (like the wheel well). These systems frequently include a heat shield to obstruct the glowing heat from the engine.
  • Short Ram Intake: These use shorter pipelines and are much easier to install however often sit closer to the engine, meaning they might draw in warmer air unless a robust heat guard is used.

Advantages of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram's Intake

Updating to a performance intake package supplies numerous concrete benefits that improve the driving experience, especially for those who use their trucks for towing or off-roading.

  1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By reducing air turbulence and restrictions, the engine does not need to work as tough to pull in air. Most Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horse power depending upon the engine type.
  2. Enhanced Fuel Economy: While the gains depend heavily on driving practices, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can result in a small boost in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
  3. Enhanced Engine Sound: Aftermarket consumptions supply a deeper, more aggressive roar during velocity. For Cummins owners, this typically results in hearing the turbocharger "spindle" more plainly.
  4. Much Better Throttle Response: The delay in between pressing the pedal and the truck moving is often reduced since the engine has a prepared supply of high-velocity air.
  5. Recyclable Filters: Most high-end packages featured washable filters that can last approximately 100,000 miles before requiring a deep tidy, saving money in the long run compared to non reusable paper filters.

Selecting the ideal kit includes balancing spending plan, filtration requirements, and performance goals. Below is a contrast of a few of the most popular choices offered for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Performance Comparison Table

Brand name & & Model FinestSuited ForFilter TypeEstimated HP GainInduction Style
S&B Filters (75-5064)5.7 L Hemi V8Oiled or Dry10-12 HPEnclosed Box
K&N 77-SeriesDaily DrivingOiled Cotton8-11 HPHeat Shield
AFE Momentum GTHeavy TowingPro 5R (Oiled)12-15 HPSealed Chamber
Banks Power Ram-Air6.7 L CumminsLarge-Surface Dry10-14 HPConfined/ Oversized
Rough Country IntakeBudget plan ConsciousDry5-8 HPMetal Tube/ Shield

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: Which is Better?

When buying a Dodge Ram air intake kit, owners must choose in between a dry filter and an oiled filter. Both have their merits depending on the environment in which the truck is driven.

Oiled Filters

  • Pros: They generally offer the greatest airflow and are outstanding at capturing very fine dust particles because the oil serves as a "tack" to catch particles.
  • Cons: If over-oiled throughout maintenance, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, resulting in examine engine lights or poor idling.

Dry Filters

  • Pros: Much easier to maintain (simply vacuum or wash with water/soap) and there is no risk of sensing unit contamination.
  • Cons: They may have slightly less air flow than a high-performance oiled filter, though the distinction is often minimal for everyday motorists.

Key Features to Look For

To guarantee a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners must search for the following features before making a purchase:

  • Heat Shielding: A top quality kit should include a shield or an enclosed box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will simply absorb hot air from the radiator, which can in fact decrease performance.
  • Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This process guarantees television keeps a consistent size even through curves, preventing air turbulence.
  • C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those living in California or states with strict emissions laws, guaranteeing the package has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is essential for passing inspections.
  • Silicon Couplers: High-quality sets use silicone couplers instead of rubber, as silicone resists heat and cracking in time.

Setup Overview

One of the factors air intake packages are so popular is the ease of setup. Most Dodge Ram owners can finish the process in 60 to 90 minutes with fundamental hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

  1. Preparation: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to guarantee the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to find out the new air-flow criteria.
  2. Removal: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and get rid of the sensing units (like the IAT or MAF sensor) thoroughly. Eliminate the factory air box.
  3. Assembly: Assemble the new heat shield or air box according to the producer's instructions.
  4. Sensor Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensing units into the brand-new intake tube.
  5. Installing: Install the new air box and intake tube, securing them with the offered brackets and silicone couplers.
  6. Filter Attachment: Slide the high-flow filter onto the end of the intake tube inside the box/shield and tighten the clamp.
  7. Last Check: Reconnect the battery and inspect all connections for air leaks.

Advantages and disadvantages of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

  • Sustainability: Washable filters decrease landfill waste.
  • Towing Efficiency: Denser air assists preserve combustion stability when the engine is under heavy load.
  • Aesthetic appeals: Most packages feature polished aluminum or high-density cross-linked polyethylene that looks far better than factory plastic.
  • Cost: One of the most inexpensive "bolt-on" power mods offered.

The Disadvantages (List)

  • Noise Levels: While numerous like the sound, some might find the increased cab noise "droning" during long highway journeys.
  • Cost: Quality kits can range from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
  • Maintenance: Owners need to remember to clean the filter routinely to keep efficiency.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will an air intake package space my Dodge Ram's guarantee?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can not void your entire service warranty just because an aftermarket part was set up. However, if the intake is proven to have actually caused a particular failure (e.g., dirt entering the engine due to an inadequately fitted filter), that specific repair may not be covered.

2. Do I need to "tune" my truck after installing an intake?

For a lot of modern-day Dodge Rams, a tune is not required. The truck's computer can adjust the fuel cut to account for the increased air. Nevertheless, a custom tune can help maximize the efficiency gains of the intake.

3. How typically should I clean the air filter?

In standard driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles is adequate. If the truck is utilized often on dirt roadways or for off-roading, the filter should be inspected every 10,000 miles.

4. Does it actually aid with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under constant stress and needs more air to keep exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) low-- especially in diesel models. A performance intake assists supply that air more efficiently.


Updating the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a rewarding job for any truck enthusiast. By replacing the restrictive factory parts with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can delight in a more responsive throttle, much better engine noise, and enhanced performance. Whether  Cold Air Intake For Truck  is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel travelling the highway, an efficiency intake set guarantees that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it needs to.