The 10 Scariest Things About Dodge Ram 1500 Engine Upgrades

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 pinnacle of American vehicle engineering. Known for its pulling capability and the legendary rumble of the Hemi or Cummins engines, the Ram is built for power. However, factory air intake systems are often developed with noise reduction and cost-efficiency in mind, instead of maximum efficiency.

For many Ram owners, a cold air intake (CAI) is the very first modification on their list. By changing the restrictive factory airbox with a high-flow system, drivers can unlock hidden horsepower, improve throttle response, and accomplish a more aggressive engine note. This review explores the premier cold air intakes on the marketplace, evaluating them based upon efficiency, filtration quality, and value.

Why Upgrade the Intake System on a Dodge Ram?

Before diving into particular item reviews, it is necessary to comprehend the mechanics of a cold air intake. The primary objective of a CAI is to move the air filter outside the engine compartment or guard 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 enables a more robust combustion procedure, leading to a measurable increase in power.
• Enhanced Fuel Economy: By minimizing the effort the engine must put in to "breathe," some owners report a small enhancement in miles per gallon (MPG) during highway cruising.
• Sharper Throttle Response: High-flow consumptions minimize the lag between pressing the gas pedal and the engine's reaction.
• Enhanced Sound: A CAI typically provides a much deeper, throatier grumble under acceleration, which lots of truck enthusiasts find desirable.

Leading Cold Air Intake Reviews for Dodge Ram

1. S&B Filters Cold Air Intake

S&B has developed a reputation for producing a few of the most well-engineered intake systems specifically for the Ram 1500 and 2500. Their focus is on high-efficiency airflow without jeopardizing engine safety.

Performance and Design:S&B intakes typically include a totally enclosed airbox that safeguards the filter from the heat of the engine bay. They make use of a clear polycarbonate cover, enabling owners to check the filter's condition without disassembling the system.  learn more  are designed to work with the truck's factory computer settings, indicating no custom-made tuning is required.

Pros:

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

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 recognizable name in the market. Their "High-Flow" technology is designed to provide as much as 50% more air flow than factory paper filters.

Efficiency and Design:K&N uses various series for the Dodge Ram.  click here  polished aluminum tubes for a show-quality look, while the 63 Series uses 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 limited service warranty.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Open-element designs (without a complete box) can draw in warmer air if the heat shield isn't correctly 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 frequently the go-to choice. Wind Banks and his group focus on "air density" instead of just air flow volume.

Efficiency and Design:The Banks Ram-Air system is designed to supply a structured path for air, reducing turbulence. The "Big Mind" filter used in these sets has a massive surface area, which is vital for the high-demand air requirements of a turbocharged diesel engine.

Pros:

• Engineered specifically for heavy towing and diesel efficiency.
• Consists of a "Super-Scoop" compatibility for even more direct airflow.
• Greatest 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 an unique, CAD-designed intake tube that is rotomolded to ensure the smoothest air shift possible.

Performance and Design:This system utilizes an enormous 10-layer performance air filter and a built-in auxiliary air inlet. It is typically cited as the best-looking intake under the hood due to its streamlined, matte-black finish and top quality hardware.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• One of the most expensive choices on the market.

Comparison 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 choose between an oiled filter and a dry filter.

• Oiled Filters: Generally supply somewhat much better airflow and can be cleaned up and re-oiled lot of times. Nevertheless, if over-oiled, they can potentially contaminate the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.
• Dry Filters: Easier to keep. They are usually cleaned by tapping off the dust or using a vacuum. While they may use a little less air flow than oiled variations, they are much safer for the truck's sensors.

Heat Shields vs. Enclosed Airboxes

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

Installation Process: What to Expect

Setting up a cold air intake on a Dodge Ram is a fairly straightforward DIY project. The majority of kits require just basic hand tools, such as:

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

Standard Steps:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Eliminate the factory air intake tube and airbox.
3. Transfer any sensing units (like the Intake Air Temperature sensor) from the old tube to the new one.
4. Install 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 "best" cold air intake depends on the particular objectives of the Ram owner. For those looking for the finest balance of price and efficiency, the K&N 63 Series is a classic choice. If the truck is regularly utilized for towing or operates in dusty environments, the S&B Filters or Banks Power systems use superior defense and air density. For enthusiasts where budget plan is secondary to engineering perfection, the aFe Power Momentum GT stands alone.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will a cold air intake void my Dodge Ram service warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can not void your service warranty just since an aftermarket part was installed. Nevertheless, if the dealer can show that the intake specifically triggered a failure, that specific repair might not be covered.

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

A lot of modern-day Dodge Ram intake sets (like those from S&B and K&N) are designed to work within the criteria of the factory Engine Control Module (ECM). While a customized tune will assist you get the optimum possible gain from the intake, it is not required for the truck to run efficiently.

3. How typically should I clean up the filter?

This depends on your driving conditions. For a street-driven truck, examining the filter every 25,000 to 30,000 miles is basic. If you often drive on dirt roadways or off-road trails, you ought to inspect it every 10,000 miles.

4. Is the increase in MPG substantial?

While numerous owners see an improvement of 1-- 2 MPG, it is seldom the primary reason to purchase a CAI. Any gains in fuel effectiveness are often offset by the motorist's tendency to step on the gas more frequently to hear the new engine sound.

5. Does a cold air intake enhance towing efficiency?

Yes. By allowing the engine to breathe more quickly under heavy loads, a CAI can assist keep speeds on inclines and decrease Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) in diesel designs, which is essential for engine longevity.