Five Tools That Everyone Within The Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit Industry Should Be Making Use Of

· 6 min read
Five Tools That Everyone Within The Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit Industry Should Be Making Use Of

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

The Dodge Ram, whether powered by the famous 5.7 L Hemi V8 or the unrelenting 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is an automobile built for power, toughness, and energy. Nevertheless, many owners discover that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be wanted. Developed mainly to decrease engine sound and meet rigorous production expenses, the stock air box frequently acts as a traffic jam, limiting the engine's ability to breathe.

Among the most popular and cost-efficient modifications for any Dodge Ram owner is the setup of an aftermarket air intake set. This blog post explores the mechanics, benefits, and factors to consider of updating a Ram's breathing apparatus.


What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake set changes the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system designed 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 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 location (like the wheel well).  Dodge Ram 1500 Performance Accessories  include a heat shield to obstruct the radiant heat from the engine.
  • Short Ram Intake: These use shorter pipelines and are easier to install however often sit closer to the engine, indicating they may attract warmer air unless a robust heat guard is used.

Advantages of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram's Intake

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

  1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By lowering air turbulence and limitations, the engine does not have to work as hard to pull 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 practices, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can lead to a slight increase in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
  3. Improved Engine Sound: Aftermarket intakes provide a much deeper, more aggressive growl throughout velocity. For Cummins owners, this frequently results in hearing the turbocharger "spindle" more plainly.
  4. Better Throttle Response: The delay between pressing the pedal and the truck moving is often reduced since the engine has a prepared supply of high-velocity air.
  5. Reusable Filters: Most high-end kits included washable filters that can last as much as 100,000 miles before needing a deep clean, saving cash in the long run compared to disposable paper filters.

Picking the ideal set includes stabilizing spending plan, filtration requirements, and efficiency objectives. Below is a comparison of a few of the most popular choices available for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Efficiency Comparison Table

Brand & & Model BestSuited 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 IntakeSpending plan ConsciousDry5-8 HPMetal Tube/ Shield

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: Which is Better?

When acquiring a Dodge Ram air intake kit, owners need to 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 typically offer the highest airflow and are outstanding at capturing extremely fine dust particles due to the fact that the oil serves as a "tack" to capture debris.
  • Cons: If over-oiled during maintenance, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, causing examine engine lights or poor idling.

Dry Filters

  • Pros: Much easier to preserve (merely vacuum or wash with water/soap) and there is no danger of sensor contamination.
  • Cons: They might have a little less airflow than a high-performance oiled filter, though the distinction is often negligible for day-to-day chauffeurs.

Secret Features to Look For

To make sure a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners need to look for the following functions before making a purchase:

  • Heat Shielding: A premium set need to include a guard or an enclosed box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will just absorb hot air from the radiator, which can in fact reduce performance.
  • Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This process makes sure television keeps a consistent diameter even through curves, avoiding air turbulence.
  • C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those residing in California or states with rigorous emissions laws, ensuring the set has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is essential for passing examinations.
  • Silicon Couplers: High-quality packages utilize silicone couplers instead of rubber, as silicone withstands heat and cracking gradually.

Setup Overview

Among the reasons air intake packages are so popular is the ease of setup. Many Dodge Ram owners can complete the procedure in 60 to 90 minutes with basic hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

  1. Preparation: Disconnect the unfavorable battery terminal to guarantee the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to discover the brand-new air-flow parameters.
  2. Elimination: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and remove the sensors (like the IAT or MAF sensing unit) thoroughly. Remove the factory air box.
  3. Assembly: Assemble the brand-new heat guard or air box according to the producer's instructions.
  4. Sensing unit Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensors into the brand-new intake tube.
  5. Installing: Install the brand-new air box and intake tube, protecting 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 inspect all connections for air leakages.

Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

  • Sustainability: Washable filters reduce garbage dump waste.
  • Towing Efficiency: Denser air assists preserve combustion stability when the engine is under heavy load.
  • Aesthetics: Most sets include polished aluminum or high-density cross-linked polyethylene that looks much better than factory plastic.
  • Cost: One of the least expensive "bolt-on" power mods available.

The Disadvantages (List)

  • Noise Levels: While numerous like the noise, some may find the increased taxi noise "droning" during long highway trips.
  • Expense: Quality sets can vary from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
  • Maintenance: Owners should keep in mind to clean up the filter routinely to keep performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will an air intake set void my Dodge Ram's warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a maker can not void your whole warranty simply due to the fact that an aftermarket part was installed. However, if the intake is shown to have triggered a specific failure (e.g., dirt entering the engine due to a poorly fitted filter), that particular repair work might not be covered.

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

For the majority of modern Dodge Rams, a tune is not needed. The truck's computer can adjust the fuel cut to account for the increased air. Nevertheless, a customized tune can assist make the most of the efficiency gains of the intake.

3. How frequently should I clean up the air filter?

In basic driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles is adequate. If the truck is used regularly on dirt roads or for off-roading, the filter ought to be inspected every 10,000 miles.

4. Does it really help with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under consistent tension and needs more air to keep exhaust gas temperature levels (EGTs) low-- especially in diesel designs. A performance intake assists provide that air more efficiently.


Upgrading the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a satisfying project for any truck lover. By replacing the limiting factory components with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can take pleasure in a more responsive throttle, better engine sound, and enhanced effectiveness. Whether it is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel cruising the highway, an efficiency intake package ensures that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it needs to.