5 People You Should Meet In The Best Cold Air Intake For Dodge Ram 1500 Industry

5 People You Should Meet In The Best Cold Air Intake For Dodge Ram 1500 Industry

Optimizing Performance: The Ultimate Guide to Dodge Ram Air Intake Systems

Considering that its inception, the Dodge Ram (now just known as Ram) has developed a track record for power, toughness, and raw towing capacity. Whether it is the famous 5.7 L Hemi V8 or the torque-heavy 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, these engines are created to move heavy loads and dominate the roadway. Nevertheless, an engine is basically a large air pump; its performance is strictly limited by how much air it can pull in.

An aftermarket air intake system is one of the most popular and economical modifications for Dodge Ram owners. By changing the limiting factory air box with a high-flow system, owners can open concealed potential in horse power, torque, and fuel efficiency.

How the Air Intake System Functions

Every internal combustion engine needs three things to develop power: fuel, spark, and oxygen. The air intake system is accountable for providing that oxygen. Requirement factory systems are often created with sound decrease and cost-efficiency in mind instead of peak performance.  Dodge Ram 1500 Performance Mods  use narrow, convoluted plastic tubing and thick paper filters that develop "air turbulence" and limitation.

Performance air intake systems run on the principle of thermal dynamics. Cooler air is denser than warm air, meaning it includes more oxygen molecules per cubic inch. When the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects this denser air, it changes the fuel delivery to match, leading to a more powerful combustion cycle.

Secret Components of an Aftermarket System

To understand the value of an upgrade, one need to take a look at the specific parts that make up a performance intake:

  • High-Flow Air Filter: Usually made from pleated cotton or synthetic materials, these deal a larger surface area than stock paper filters.
  • Intake Tube: Designed with smooth, wide-diameter bends to reduce air turbulence and maintain high air velocity.
  • Heat Shield/Air Box: Isolates the air filter from the intense heat produced by the engine block, making sure just cool ambient air is attracted.
PartFunctionProduct Typically Used
Filter MediaTraps contaminants while permitting optimum air flow.Oiled Cotton Gauze or Synthetic Dry Media
Intake TubeTransportations air from the filter to the throttle body.Molded Plastic (HDPE) or Aluminum
Heat ShieldBlocks glowing engine heat from the filter.Powder-coated Steel or Heavy-duty Plastic
CouplersLinks tubing sections and provides flexibility.Enhanced Silicone or EPDM Rubber

Kinds Of Intake Systems for the Dodge Ram

Not all intake systems are developed equal. Depending upon the specific model of the Ram and the intended usage (pulling vs. street efficiency), different setups may be preferred.

1. Cold Air Intakes (CAI)

The most popular option for Ram owners, a true cold air intake, transfers the air filter outside the engine compartment or safeguards it with a sealed box. It draws air from the fender well or the front grille location, where temperature levels are substantially lower.

2. Ram Air Systems

Often seen on performance-oriented models or trucks with specialized hoods, "Ram Air" systems utilize forward-facing scoops to require air into the intake at high speeds. This produces a small pressurization impact, additional increasing oxygen density.

3. Short Ram Intakes

These systems utilize a much shorter intake tube, positioning the filter better to the engine. While they use slightly better throttle response due to the much shorter range the air travels, they are more prone to "heat soak," where the engine's heat warms the inbound air.


Advantages of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram Intake

Updating the intake system supplies a number of measurable advantages that boost the driving experience.

Increased Horsepower and Torque

By getting rid of the "bottleneck" of the factory air box, the engine can breathe more easily. For a Dodge Ram 1500 with a Hemi engine, an aftermarket intake can yield gains between 8 to 15 horse power. For Cummins diesel engines, where air volume is vital for turbo spooling, the gains can be even more considerable.

Enhanced Fuel Economy

Due to the fact that the engine does not have to work as hard to pull in air, it runs more efficiently. While heavy-footed driving will negate this, numerous Ram owners report a boost of 1-- 2 miles per gallon (MPG) throughout highway cruising after installing a performance intake.

Boosted Engine Sound

Stock intakes are designed to be silent. Efficiency systems, however, enable the sound of the engine's "induction" to be heard. This leads to a much deeper, more aggressive roar under acceleration, which lots of truck enthusiasts find extremely preferable.

Much Better Throttle Response

The reduction in air constraint suggests that when the chauffeur presses the gas pedal, the engine gets the needed air nearly instantly. This eliminates the "lag" frequently felt in heavy pickup trucks.


Brand nameTargeted StrengthFilter Type OptionsFinest Fit
S&B FiltersOptimum ProtectionOiled or DryCummins Diesel Owners
K&N PerformanceHigh AirflowOiled CottonStreet/Sport Ram 1500
AFE PowerCustomization/PowerPro 5R or Pro Dry SHigh-Performance Builds
Banks PowerRequired Air EfficiencyLarge-Surface DryHeavy Duty Towing (2500/3500)
Mopar (OEM+)Warranty CompatibilityOiledOwners desiring factory-spec parts

Setup and Maintenance

Among the reasons air intake systems are a "go-to" adjustment is the ease of setup.

Installation Process

A lot of systems are developed as "bolt-on" upgrades, needing no drilling or permanent adjustment to the automobile. The basic procedure consists of:

  1. Disconnecting the unfavorable battery terminal.
  2. Removing the factory air box and intake tube.
  3. Transferring the Mass Air Flow (MAF) or Temperature sensing unit to the new intake tube.
  4. Setting up the new heat guard or air box.
  5. Protecting the new intake tube and filter with offered clamps.

Tools Required:

  • Screwdriver (Flat-head and Phillips)
  • Socket Set (usually 8mm, 10mm, and 13mm)
  • Ratchet and extensions
  • Pliers

Maintenance of High-Flow Filters

Unlike factory paper filters that need to be discarded when filthy, many efficiency filters are washable and reusable.

  • Oiled Filters: These require cleaning every 30,000 to 50,000 miles using a specialized cleansing kit. After drying, a light coat of oil is reapplied to trap fine dust.
  • Dry Filters: These can be cleaned up with compressed air or a light vacuuming and usually do not require oiling, making them much easier to maintain in dusty environments.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will an aftermarket air intake space my Dodge Ram's service warranty?

The short response is no. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can not void an automobile's warranty just since an aftermarket part was installed. The manufacturer must show that the aftermarket part particularly caused a failure to deny a guarantee claim.

2. Is a "Dry" filter much better than an "Oiled" filter?

It depends upon the environment. Oiled filters normally offer somewhat much better air flow and are outstanding for street usage. However, for Ram owners who regularly drive in exceptionally dirty conditions or off-road, a dry filter is frequently preferred since it does not draw in as much fine silt and is much easier to clean on the go.

3. Do I require to "tune" my engine after setting up an intake?

Most modern Dodge Rams have ECUs that can immediately change to the increased airflow supplied by a standard cold air intake. Nevertheless, to see the maximum possible gains, a custom-made tune can enhance the fuel maps to completely match the new air volume.

In the United States, some states (like California) have rigorous emissions guidelines. An intake system must be CARB (California Air Resources Board) exempt to be legal in these states. Always try to find a "CARB EO" number when acquiring if you live in a regulated location.


The Dodge Ram is an automobile developed for efficiency, but it is often restrained by factory elements created for the least expensive common measure of chauffeurs. By installing a top quality air intake system, owners can offer their engines with the cool, oxygen-rich air essential for peak performance. Whether the objective is to gain a few additional ponies for the drag strip, enhance fuel economy throughout a cross-country haul, or merely take pleasure in the roar of a Hemi V8, an air intake system stays among the most intelligent financial investments a Ram owner can make.