4 Dirty Little Secrets About The Dodge Ram 1500 Engine Upgrades Industry

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 heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series, is a peak of American vehicle engineering. Understood for its towing capability and the legendary rumble of the Hemi or Cummins engines, the Ram is constructed for power. However, factory air intake systems are typically designed with sound decrease and cost-efficiency in mind, rather than maximum efficiency.

For many Ram owners, a cold air intake (CAI) is the very first adjustment on their list. By replacing the limiting factory airbox with a high-flow system, chauffeurs can open covert horsepower, enhance throttle response, and accomplish a more aggressive engine note. This review explores the premier cold air consumption on the market, assessing them based on efficiency, filtering quality, and worth.

Why Upgrade the Intake System on a Dodge Ram?

Before diving into specific item reviews, it is important to understand the mechanics of a cold air intake. The primary 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 sucked into the engine.

Secret Benefits Include:

• Increased Horsepower and Torque: Cooler air includes more oxygen molecules by volume. More oxygen permits a more robust combustion process, resulting in a quantifiable boost in power.
• Enhanced Fuel Economy: By decreasing the effort the engine should apply to "breathe," some owners report a slight enhancement in miles per gallon (MPG) throughout highway travelling.
• Sharper Throttle Response: High-flow consumptions reduce the lag in between pushing the gas pedal and the engine's response.
• Improved Sound: A CAI typically supplies a much deeper, throatier growl under acceleration, which lots of truck enthusiasts find desirable.

Top Cold Air Intake Reviews for Dodge Ram

1. S&B Filters Cold Air Intake

S&B has 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 compromising engine security.

Performance and Design:S&B consumptions often include a completely enclosed airbox that safeguards the filter from the heat of the engine bay. They utilize a clear polycarbonate cover, allowing owners to check the filter's condition without disassembling the system. Their sets are developed to work with the truck's factory computer settings, meaning no customized tuning is needed.

Pros:

• Excellent filtering effectiveness.
• The confined box style keeps "heat soak" to a minimum.
• OE-style fit and finish.

Cons:

• Slightly more complex setup due to the complete airbox real estate.

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

K&N is possibly the most identifiable name in the market. Their "High-Flow" technology is designed to provide as much as 50% more air flow than factory paper filters.

Performance and Design:K&N uses different series for the Dodge Ram. The 77 Series features polished aluminum tubes for a show-quality look, while the 63 Series utilizes polyethylene tubes that are frequently much better at withstanding heat transfer. K&N filters are popular for being washable and multiple-use, backed by a million-mile minimal guarantee.

Pros:

• Significant gains in engine sound/growl.
• Simple bolt-on installation (typically under 90 minutes).
• Washable filter saves cash over time.

Cons:

• Open-element styles (without a full box) can draw in warmer air if the heat guard isn't effectively 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 often the go-to option. Gale Banks and his team specialize in "air density" instead of just air flow volume.

Performance and Design:The Banks Ram-Air system is created to provide a structured path for air, reducing turbulence. The "Big Mind" filter used in these sets has an enormous surface area, which is crucial for the high-demand air requirements of a turbocharged diesel engine.

Pros:

• Engineered specifically for heavy towing and diesel performance.
• Includes a "Super-Scoop" compatibility for much more direct air flow.
• Highest air density rankings in its class.

Cons:

• Premium price point compared to entry-level brand names.

4. aFe Power (Advanced FLOW Engineering) Momentum GT

The aFe Momentum GT is a premium option that concentrates on a "Stage 2" design. It features a distinct, CAD-designed intake tube that is rotomolded to ensure the smoothest air transition possible.

Efficiency and Design:This system uses a huge 10-layer efficiency air filter and an integrated auxiliary air inlet. It is frequently cited as the best-looking intake under the hood due to its streamlined, matte-black surface and top 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 alternatives on the market.

Contrast Table: Top Dodge Ram Intakes at a Glance

Secret Considerations for Dodge Ram Owners

Oiled vs. Dry Filters

When selecting an intake, owners need to pick in between an oiled filter and a dry filter.

• Oiled Filters: Generally provide somewhat much better air flow and can be cleaned up and re-oiled sometimes. However, if over-oiled, they can potentially pollute the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.
• Dry Filters: Easier to maintain. They are usually cleaned by tapping off the dust or utilizing a vacuum. While they may provide a little less air flow than oiled variations, they are more secure for the truck's sensing units.

Heat Shields vs. Enclosed Airboxes

An open-element intake uses a heat shield to block the engine's radiant heat. These are normally louder and easier to install. An confined airbox is sealed from the engine bay completely, often drawing air from the fender or the front grille. Enclosed boxes are normally more reliable at preserving low intake temperatures in stop-and-go traffic.

Installation Process: What to Expect

Installing a cold air intake on a Dodge Ram is a fairly straightforward DIY project. Many kits need just basic hand tools, such as:

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

Basic 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 sensor) from the old tube to the brand-new one.
4. Set up the new airbox or heat guard.
5. Connect the new intake tube and filter.
6. Tighten all clamps and reconnect the battery.

Last Verdict

The "finest" cold air intake depends on the particular objectives of the Ram owner. For those seeking the finest balance of cost and performance, the K&N 63 Series is a timeless choice. If the truck is frequently used for pulling or runs in dusty environments, the S&B Filters or Banks Power systems use superior security and air density. For enthusiasts where spending plan is secondary to engineering perfection, the aFe Power Momentum GT stands alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  Dodge Truck Accessories ?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a producer can not void your service warranty just because an aftermarket part was set up. Nevertheless, if the dealership can show that the intake specifically triggered a failure, that specific repair work might not be covered.

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

Most contemporary Dodge Ram intake sets (like those from S&B and K&N) are created to work within the parameters of the factory Engine Control Module (ECM). While a custom tune will help you get the maximum possible gain from the intake, it is not required for the truck to run smoothly.

3. How often should I clean up the filter?

This depends on your driving conditions. For a street-driven truck, inspecting the filter every 25,000 to 30,000 miles is standard. If you regularly drive on dirt roadways or off-road routes, you ought to examine it every 10,000 miles.

4. Is the increase in MPG substantial?

While numerous owners see an enhancement of 1-- 2 MPG, it is seldom the main factor to purchase a CAI. Any gains in fuel effectiveness are often balanced out by the chauffeur's tendency to step on the gas more regularly to hear the new engine noise.

5. Does a cold air intake improve hauling performance?

Yes. By permitting the engine to breathe more easily under heavy loads, a CAI can assist maintain speeds on inclines and reduce Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) in diesel designs, which is crucial for engine longevity.