The Most Effective Reasons For People To Succeed At The Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit Industry

The Most Effective Reasons For People To Succeed At The Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit Industry

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 unrelenting 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is an automobile built for power, toughness, and utility. Nevertheless, many owners discover that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be wanted. Designed mostly to minimize engine noise and fulfill stringent production costs, the stock air box frequently functions as a traffic jam, limiting the engine's ability to breathe.

One of the most popular and affordable modifications for any Dodge Ram owner is the installation of an aftermarket air intake kit. This article checks out the mechanics, advantages, and factors to consider of updating a Ram's breathing apparatus.


What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake set replaces the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system developed to deliver cooler, denser air to the engine. In internal combustion engines, oxygen is the driver for power. By increasing the volume and decreasing the temperature level of the air entering the cylinders, the engine can burn fuel more effectively, resulting in increased horse power and torque.

Cold Air Intake (CAI) vs. Short Ram Intake

  • Cold Air Intake: Positioned particularly to draw air from outside the engine bay or from a cooler area (like the wheel well). These systems typically consist of a heat guard to obstruct the radiant heat from the engine.
  • Brief Ram Intake: These utilize shorter pipelines and are easier to install but frequently sit closer to the engine, meaning they may draw in warmer air unless a robust heat guard is utilized.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram's Intake

Upgrading to a performance intake set supplies numerous tangible benefits that improve the driving experience, particularly for those who use their trucks for towing or off-roading.

  1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By lowering air turbulence and constraints, the engine doesn't have to work as hard to draw in air. A lot of Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horsepower depending upon the engine type.
  2. Enhanced Fuel Economy: While the gains depend greatly on driving routines, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can lead to a small boost in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
  3. Boosted Engine Sound: Aftermarket consumptions supply a deeper, more aggressive growl during acceleration. For Cummins owners, this typically results in hearing the turbocharger "spindle" more clearly.
  4. Better Throttle Response: The delay in between pushing the pedal and the truck moving is frequently minimized due to the fact that the engine has an all set supply of high-velocity air.
  5. Reusable Filters: Most high-end kits come with washable filters that can last as much as 100,000 miles before requiring a deep tidy, conserving money in the long run compared to disposable paper filters.

Selecting the right package involves stabilizing spending plan, filtering requirements, and performance objectives. Below is a comparison of some of the most popular alternatives readily available for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Efficiency Comparison Table

Brand name & & Model FinestSuited ForFilter TypeApproximated HP GainInduction Style
S&B Filters (75-5064)5.7 L Hemi V8Oiled or Dry10-12 HPConfined 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 ConsciousDry5-8 HPMetal Tube/ Shield

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: Which is Better?

When acquiring a Dodge Ram air intake set, owners should choose in between a dry filter and an oiled filter. Both have their benefits depending on the environment in which the truck is driven.

Oiled Filters

  • Pros: They normally offer the highest airflow and are excellent at catching very great dust particles because the oil serves as a "tack" to catch particles.
  • Cons: If over-oiled during maintenance, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, resulting in check engine lights or bad 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 somewhat less air flow than a high-performance oiled filter, though the distinction is typically minimal for daily chauffeurs.

Secret Features to Look For

To ensure a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners should try to find the following functions before making a purchase:

  • Heat Shielding: A top quality kit should include a guard or an enclosed box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will simply draw in hot air from the radiator, which can in fact reduce efficiency.
  • Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This procedure makes sure television keeps a continuous size even through curves, avoiding air turbulence.
  • C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those living in California or states with rigorous emissions laws, guaranteeing the set has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is important for passing examinations.
  • Silicon Couplers: High-quality sets utilize silicone couplers rather than rubber, as silicone withstands heat and splitting with time.

Installation Overview

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

General Installation Steps:

  1. Preparation: Disconnect the unfavorable battery terminal to make sure the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to learn 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 sensing unit) carefully. Eliminate the factory air box.
  3. Assembly: Assemble the new heat guard or air box according to the maker's guidelines.
  4. Sensor Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensing units into the 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 up the clamp.
  7. Final Check: Reconnect the battery and check all connections for air leakages.

Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

  • Sustainability: Washable filters decrease garbage dump waste.
  • Towing Efficiency: Denser air helps keep combustion stability when the engine is under heavy load.
  • Aesthetics: Most kits include polished aluminum or high-density cross-linked polyethylene that looks better than factory plastic.
  • Affordability: One of the cheapest "bolt-on" power mods offered.

The Disadvantages (List)

  • Noise Levels: While lots of like the sound, some might discover the increased cab sound "droning" throughout long highway trips.
  • Cost: Quality kits can range from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
  • Maintenance: Owners should remember to clean up the filter regularly to maintain efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  Dodge Ram Upgrades  set space my Dodge Ram's guarantee?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a maker can not void your whole warranty just since an aftermarket part was installed. However, if the intake is shown to have triggered a particular failure (e.g., dirt getting in the engine due to an inadequately fitted filter), that particular repair work may not be covered.

2. Do I require to "tune" my truck after setting up an intake?

For most modern Dodge Rams, a tune is not needed. The truck's computer system can change the fuel cut to account for the increased air. Nevertheless, a custom tune can help make the most of the performance gains of the intake.

3. How typically should I clean the air filter?

In basic driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles suffices. If the truck is utilized regularly on dirt roadways or for off-roading, the filter needs to be examined every 10,000 miles.

4. Does it really assist with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under consistent tension and requires more air to keep exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) low-- particularly in diesel models. An efficiency intake helps provide that air more effectively.


Upgrading the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a fulfilling task for any truck lover. By changing the limiting factory elements with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can enjoy a more responsive throttle, better engine noise, and enhanced effectiveness. Whether it is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel cruising the highway, an efficiency intake kit ensures that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it requires to.